CUC Bass Coast supporting students to live and study locally

For many regional Australians, access to higher education has come with a difficult choice: leave home to pursue study or stay and miss out.

But this trade-off is now shifting, with the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast changing the way local students engage in higher education.

Located in Wonthaggi, CUC Bass Coast offers a free study and learning space for individuals pursuing degrees, diplomas or tertiary pathway qualifications through any Australian university or higher education institution.

Research shows that people living in regional and rural parts of Australia are 50 per cent less likely to engage in higher education.

Country Universities Centres were established to address this gap by bringing higher education support closer to home.

Having recently celebrated five years of operations in March, the Centre is approaching another significant milestone, supporting 600 local students.

Centre Manager Sarah Bourke said: "CUC makes it possible to study locally while continuing to work and live in our region, which is incredibly important for both students and the broader community."

Local students

Local student Kasey, who is studying Marine Science (Oceanography) at Deakin University, recently completed a placement on Phillip Island, working on conservation and sustainability projects.

"Being close to home and having a local place that offers everything a Uni could is really helpful, especially with the cost of living," Kasey said.

Students have access to the Centre seven days a week, with high-speed technology, academic mentoring and a network of like-minded students.

Anyone considering higher education, or interested in hosting graduate students, is encouraged to contact Sarah on 0439 001 573 and visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au