MORE Australians will have the chance to study at university, with 9500 extra spots for domestic students announced last week.
The move comes as new figures reveal the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has experienced one of the steepest declines in domestic enrolments over the past decade.
A study by Claire Field and Associates, conducted in 2024, found that while domestic commencing students in Australian higher education grew by just 2 per cent over 10 years, international enrolments surged by 67 per cent.
UniSQ recorded the second largest drop in commencing domestic students during this period, down 26 per cent.
Despite the results, a UniSQ spokesperson said the university was forecasting great rates of students for 2026.
“We’re seeing strong growth in UniSQ applications for 2026, with domestic applications up 5 percent on this time last year,” the spokesperson said.
“Our industry-focused programs, trimester calendar, and flexible study options provide the balance students need while working and managing other commitments.
“UniSQ offers multiple entry pathways and combines the personalised support of a regional university with the quality of a national leader in online flexible education.”
The new places, to be allocated for 2026 by the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, represent a 4.1 per cent increase on 2025 numbers.
Under the Federal Government’s Universities Accord, a long-term target for 80 per cent of the workforce to hold a tertiary qualification by 2050 has been set – up from the current 60 per cent.
To help achieve this, the Government is investing $66.9 million to more than double the number of university study hubs across the country.
The hubs aim to make higher education more accessible for students living in outer suburbs and regional areas by providing internet, computers, study spaces and in-person academic support.
Education Minister Jason Clare said the expansion was vital to meet future workforce needs.
“Opening the doors of our universities wider to more people from the suburbs and the regions isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s what we have to do,” he said.
“Otherwise, we won’t have the workforce we need and the economy will be stuck in second gear.”
The Government is also backing vocational pathways, committing to at least 100,000 free TAFE places every year from 2027.
Over the next decade, nine out of 10 new jobs are expected to require post-secondary qualifications.
Mr Clare said university participation had been shown to increase in areas with study hubs.
“Nearly half of young people in their 20s and 30s in Australia have a degree – but not in the outer suburbs and not in the regions.” he said.
