Ready Set Uni 2026 Wraps Up Across Griffith and Leeton

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina is proudly celebrating the successful completion of the 2026 Ready Set Uni program, with 60 Year 12 students from both Griffith and Leeton taking part.

Delivered over five weeks, the program equips senior students and their families with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to navigate the transition from school to higher education – whether that be university, TAFE or apprenticeship pathways.

The program began with a dedicated Parents and Carers Information Night, recognising the important role families play in supporting students through major life decisions. The sessions covered key stages that may be feel overwhelming without guidance an included topics on course selection, university entry pathways, scholarship opportunities and the application process.

“Ready Set Uni is about breaking down barriers and building confidence,” said CUC Western Riverina’s Centre & Outreach Coordinator, Maddi Ramponi.

 

“We want every student to feel that higher education is accessible to them, and just as importantly, that they have the tools and support to make informed decisions about their future.”

On completing the program 100 per cent of students said they felt somewhat or very confident about post school study and career options, up from 52 per cent pre-program. An enormous 79 per cent said the session on accessing financial support they found the most useful, which was followed by sessions on understanding pathways and university and TAFE applications with 68 per cent.

A key program feature is the resources and ongoing support available to students after the sessions. Each participant receives access to an online resource platform, allowing them to revisit materials as they progress through important post-school steps such as completing their UAC application and applying for scholarships later in the year.

This year’s Ready Set Uni cohort is particularly significant as 49 per cent of students identified as the first in their family to engage with higher education. For many students from regional, rural and remote communities, this represents an important step not only for themselves but for their families and broader communities.

The success of Ready Set Uni is made possible through strong partnerships with Charles Sturt University, the Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, and RDA Grow Our Own who all share the goal of educational equity in regional Australia.