The Turnbull Government is offering $3.5 million worth of grants to help universities engage more rural and regional students.

Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley said that across the border region both Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University have opportunities to apply for a share of the $3.5 million, creating stronger pathways to higher education for disadvantaged local students.

Ms Ley said the Turnbull Government’s investment in the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme National Priority Pool was an opportunity for local universities to explore new approaches to supporting people from rural and regional areas.

“The Turnbull Government wants all students – regardless of their financial status or location – to be able to access higher education. Unfortunately students from low socio-economic backgrounds, or those who live in rural and remote locations, do often face extra barriers getting into and staying at university,” Ms Ley said.

“The projects and research that can be initiated through the National Priorities Pool will help more regional and rural students to make the transition from high school to university.

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the National Priorities Pool funding is one way the Turnbull Government wants to help boost education outcomes for those students who need it most.

“We know that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and regional and rural areas are under-represented at university,” Minister Birmingham said.

“The National Priorities Pool grants ensure that Australians who have the ability to study at university have the opportunity to do so, no matter where they live.”

For more information visit: https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-participation-and-partnerships-programme-heppp

Applications can be submitted at http://submissions.education.gov.au.