Inala University Study Hub expands access to higher education

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare today officially launched the Inala University Study Hub, a new community-based facility designed to remove practical barriers to post-secondary study for people in Brisbane’s south-west.

The Study Hub provides free access to study spaces, high-speed internet, computers, video-conferencing facilities and academic and wellbeing support for students enrolled at any Australian publicly funded tertiary education provider.

The initiative is delivered by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and funded through the Australian Government’s Suburban University Study Hub Program.

Located in the heart of Inala, the Study Hub responds to persistently low rates of tertiary participation and attainment in the local community, where residents are around 15 per cent less likely to hold a degree than the national average.

UniSQ Bachelor of Biomedical Science student Rayan Abdelgadir said the Study Hub had already made a significant difference to her life.

Ms Abdelgadir said that as well as university work, she was preparing to sit exams to enter medical school and had struggled to find a suitable local place to study.

“Having somewhere quiet and dedicated has helped me focus better, stay organised, and feel more confident about what I’m working towards,” she said.

“I know there are many other students like me – students with big goals but not always the right space or support.

“To me, this hub represents opportunity and hope. It’s helping me work towards my future, and I truly believe it will do the same for many other students in this community.”

Minister Clare said almost one in two young people in their 20s and 30s have a university degree, but not everywhere, which is why the Government is doubling the number of University Hubs across the country.

“We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni in areas where they are established,” Minister Clare said.

“I know growing up in Western Sydney, a lot of my friends felt like university was somewhere else for someone else.

“I want this to change, and that means bringing university closer to where a lot of people live – like Inala.”

UniSQ Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Glen Coleman said the Study Hub was a practical investment in access, equity, and student success.

“The Inala University Study Hub removes the everyday barriers – distance, cost, digital access and isolation – that too often stand between people and completing further education,” Professor Coleman said.

Inala University Study Hub Centre Manager Dr Su-Ann Tan said the focus was on providing support that builds confidence, capability and momentum.

“For many people, the challenge isn’t motivation – it’s access,” Dr Tan said.

“This hub provides a supportive environment where students can study locally, connect with others, and get help when they need it.

“By supporting both university and TAFE students, the hub strengthens pathways into and through higher education and skills training.”

The initiative aligns with the Australian Universities Accord, supporting national efforts to improve access for underrepresented students and strengthen pathways into higher education and training.

The Study Hub is now open to students enrolled at any Australian publicly funded tertiary education provider, including universities, VET, and TAFE.

Learn more.