Disadvantaged, regional students to get uni funds boost

More Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds will be given the opportunity to study at university.

There will be no limits on the number of students from regional areas or low socio-economic backgrounds, as part of legislation to be introduced to the federal parliament on Thursday.

Universities will receive more funding for the extra students they enroll from poorer backgrounds, as well as those studying at regional campuses under a needs-based model.

The Commonwealth will pay universities $1,535 per eligible equity student and $1,398 for each regional student, as well as helping cover tutoring, mentoring and academic assistance.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the payments were more than double what universities had previously received under similar schemes.

“Talent is everywhere. It’s an opportunity that doesn’t exist. These reforms will mean more young people from poor families, regions and people succeeding at university,” he said.

“If you get the grades or have the skills, you’ve got what it takes. You’ll get a place. We also make sure you get the support you need when you get there.”

“The evidence tells us that not only are students from low SES backgrounds and students from regional and rural areas less likely to start a university degree, they are also less likely to finish.”

The legislation will unlock an extra $3.6 billion in funding for government-backed places at universities over the next 10 years.

An extra 230,000 students will start university education in the next decade.

“The Universities Agreement sets a target that 80 per cent of the workforce will have a TAFE qualification or university degree by 2050,” Mr Clare said.

“The only way we can do this is if we break down the barriers that prevent so many young people from going to college.”