- Posted on 22 May 2026
- 3-minute read
A national community-led approach to widening participation in tertiary education is growing, with 10 regional study hubs in four states and the Northern Territory joining a national partnership.
Co-facilitated by Study Hubs Australia, a not-for-profit charity, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the Study Hubs In Place (SHIP) program will now support 21 Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) in developing community-led outreach programs that nurture the aspirations of underrepresented Australians and strengthen pathways into tertiary education.
Sonal Singh, Head of Equity Pathways at UTS, said the expansion marks an important step in building a stronger national practice base for widening participation through study hubs.
“SHIP, which is funded by the Australian Government through the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program, is grounded in partnership, reciprocity and respect for local knowledge,” Ms Singh said.
“It recognises that widening participation cannot be designed from a distance. It needs to be shaped by communities.
“Because it’s a community-led model RUSH has played a pivotal role in bridging universities and communities, building trust and local capacity in ways that traditional university-led outreach has not been able to achieve.
“The community-led model has already reached around 9,300 students across 149 schools, alongside 1,700 parents and carers, 153 mentors, and 221 community organisations.
“Of the participating schools 64% had 10% or more First Nations enrolments and 78% were below the national median for socio-educational advantage, confirming the program was reaching those who most needed it.
“Survey data has shown a 6–21% increase in students' confidence and belief in their ability to access higher education. Community partners reported increased awareness that university is a realistic option for local young people.”
RUSH has played a pivotal role in bridging universities and communities, building trust and local capacity in ways that traditional university-led outreach has not been able to achieve.
Study Hubs Australia co-CEO Danielle Keenan said the expansion reflects the strength of the community-led study hub model and the growing role of regional communities in shaping tertiary education access
“Regional communities understand their own strengths, challenges and opportunities. SHIP gives them the support, resources and partnerships to design outreach programs that make sense in their community.
“This work deliberately shifts the traditional outreach model. It is about communities leading local solutions in partnership with universities, TAFE and other tertiary education providers.
“Each participating hub will design an approach that reflects its community, whether that is working with schools, nurturing aspiration among young people, or strengthening knowledge of education possibilities for all in the community.”
“With 21 RUSH in the program, it creates a powerful national learning network,” Ms Singh said. “Hubs will be able to share what is working, adapt ideas to their own contexts and build stronger partnerships for community led widening participation .”
UTS will support all 21 participating RUSH to come together at the end of July. The in-person gathering will be a significant milestone for the program, bringing hub leaders, practitioners and partners together to share practice and build collective momentum.
The 10 hubs joining the program are:
- Wuyagiba Bush Uni, NT
- Pilbara Kimberley Universities Centre, WA
- Tablelands University Centre, QLD
- Barossa Regional University Campus, SA
- CUC Eastern Tasmania, TAS
- Cassowary Coast University Centre, QLD
- Pilbara Universities Centre, WA
- CUC Western Downs, QLD
- UniHub Spencer Gulf, SA
- CUC Mount Isa, QLD