The Hon. Jason Clare, Minister for Education; The Hon. Kristy Mcbain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Joint Media Release, 15 April 2026
A new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) officially opened today in Tumut, bringing university closer for local residents.
Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. In Tumut, less than one in four young people have a degree.
The evidence shows that university participation goes up where there are Regional University Study Hubs.
The new Country Universities Centre (CUC) Snowy Valleys is located at 79-81 Capper Street, Tumut, and will offer support services and study facilities for local students enrolled at any university or vocational education and training provider, without them having to leave the community.
The new location is part of the Australian Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country.
For more information: Regional University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like Tumut.
“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills.
“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.
“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.
“The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number.”
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Kristy McBain MP:
“The opening of the CUC Snowy Valleys is a great opportunity for students in our region to pursue a tertiary education while remaining connected to family, friends and local businesses and employers.
“Study hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without them having to leave their community.”
