More uni student places a boon for Hervey Bay

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt MP said Morrison Government funding to increase the number of students at the University of the Sunshine Coast would be a major boost for local students and the Hervey Bay economy.

Mr Pitt said the Morrison Government was providing an additional $30.2 million over four years to increase the number of bachelor students at the Fraser Coast and Caboolture campuses of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The University of the Sunshine Coast will receive funding for an additional 150 bachelor places at Fraser Coast in 2019, increasing to 210 from 2020 ongoing. USC will also get an additional 468 bachelor places at Caboolture in 2019 ongoing.

“This is a great opportunity for the University of the Sunshine Coast to grow and expand its educational services, which is wonderful news for students, families and businesses in Hervey Bay,” Mr Pitt said.

“By offering more higher education opportunities locally we can retain our smart young people and also attract more students to the region to study.

“If students can study locally, it will greatly reduce their cost of attaining a higher education, while hosting more students will boost local businesses and the economy right here in Hervey Bay.”

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Australian Government was committing an additional $92.5 million to support student growth in universities that had a regional growth focus.

“Funding for additional student places at regional universities was part of the Morrison Government’s additional $134.8 million commitment to regional and rural higher education, bringing the total additional new funding for regional higher education to almost $400 million over five years,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our funding commitment will ensure that every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to Australia’s world-leading higher education system.”