Our Story
28
Community-owned Centres
41
Communities supported
5
States and territories
Who we are
Country Universities Centre (CUC) is a not-for-profit organisation working with 28 locally owned, CUC affiliated Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) across 41 regional, rural and remote Australian communities.
Our growing network of Centres, create welcoming, connected learning spaces. By providing the facilities, services and programs to support people who are learning, reskilling or upskilling, the CUC reduces the barriers faced by regional, rural and remote students to aspire, access and thrive in tertiary study without leaving their communities.
By helping students develop the skills, qualifications and networks they need to succeed, CUC supports workforce development, strengthens local leadership and contributes to thriving regional communities. Our model not only improves educational participation but also helps retain talent, build regional capability and drive long-term economic and social prosperity across regional Australia.
CUC Central works to amplify, enable, protect and connect Centres so they continue to drive value in their communities. Central provides guidance, systems and support that is not practical or achievable for an individual Centre to resource alone.
Why we are here
Regional Australians deserve the opportunity to pursue tertiary education without having to leave their community. We exist to remove barriers, create local study pathways and support students to succeed, wherever they choose to study.
What we do
Through our network of community-led Centres, students have access to dedicated study spaces, high-speed internet, technology, academic support and a local learning community. Each Centre is designed to meet the needs of its region while connecting students to a broader national network.
Who we are here for
Students of any age, studying any course with any tertiary education provider, can register with their local CUC Centre. Whether they are completing a university degree, TAFE qualification, apprenticeship training or other tertiary study, students have access to dedicated study spaces, high-speed internet, technology, exam invigilation, academic and wellbeing support, and a local learning community.
Each Centre responds to the unique needs of its region, providing practical support that helps students stay connected, remain motivated and succeed in their studies. Students also benefit from social, professional and wellbeing activities, scholarship opportunities, study support, and a welcoming environment that fosters confidence, belonging and connection.
Centres offer more than study space. They create opportunities for students to build networks, explore career pathways, celebrate milestones and connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of studying in regional Australia. Everyday amenities such as kitchen facilities, refreshments and comfortable study areas help make learning accessible and sustainable.
Importantly, Centres do not duplicate or compete with the services provided by universities, TAFEs or other education providers. Instead, they complement the institution a student has chosen by providing the physical, social and pastoral support that can be difficult to deliver into regional and remote communities.
This means a nursing student studying through Federation University, a student completing an online TAFE qualification, and a Master of Engineering student at the University of Wollongong can all study from the same Centre, on the same day, accessing the same local support while remaining enrolled with their chosen provider.
While every Centre is locally governed and community-led, each is strengthened by being part of a national network that shares knowledge, resources and expertise to improve outcomes for students across Australia.
Read more about the work of CUC Centres in the The Country Advantage.
Where it all began
Country Universities Centre began with a simple idea: that regional students should not have to leave their communities to access the support they need to succeed in higher education. Since then, CUC has grown into a national network of community-led Centres, supporting thousands of students across regional Australia.
Want to Know More?
Find answers to common questions about studying with CUC, accessing our Centres and the support available to students.
Contact us today
We continue to look towards providing access to higher education for rural and regional Australia. If your community is interested in finding out more about the benefits a local CUC could bring to your area, please contact us.
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