Attracting more students to regional Australia

Regional Australia will benefit from an influx of students with the Coalition Government offering almost 1,200 scholarships worth $19.5 million to study at a regional university or vocational education provider next year. 

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said international and domestic students could apply for one of 1,180 scholarships through the Destination Australia program. 

Destination Australia provides scholarships worth $15,000 a year to students who study at a regional university or vocational education provider. 

“International education made a $35 billion contribution to the economy last year and we want regional communities to share the benefits,” Mr Tehan said. 

“Increasing student numbers at regional education providers will give local economies a kickstart and also help share the social, economic and cultural benefits of higher education. 

“Regional Australia has a lot to offer as a study destination, including smaller class sizes, a cheaper cost of living as well as the people and the lifestyle. 

“Of the 690,000 international students in Australia, just three per cent were enrolled in regional Australia last year and our Government’s $93.7 million Destination Australia program will help to change that.” 

Students can apply directly to institutions. Successful tertiary education providers can be found at www.education.gov.au/destination-australia.