Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said local students are set to benefit from a new Coalition Government grant to Southern Cross University.
Mr Hogan said SCU will receive $3.5 million this year and about $3 million next year to run programs that support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We’re delivering extra funding for Southern Cross University to implement strategies that will help make university a realistic goal for students from low SES backgrounds and that staff can support these students to achieve their best at university,” he said.
“This funding will help SCU undertake vital research to build evidence, pilot innovative approaches and improve program delivery to better support students’ access to tertiary education.
“These grants support people from a range of backgrounds from people with disability to Indigenous Australians, people from rural and remote areas, non-English speakers and women looking to go into traditionally male-dominated areas of study.”
The amount of funding allocated to each university through the Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) is proportionate to the number of low SES students they enrol.
The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring students are able to access higher education regardless of their background or where they might live.
“I’m delighted that SCU will use these funds to bring their courses to low SES students in the Northern Rivers,” Mr Hogan said.
