ACESS to higher education in Brisbane’s south-west has taken a major step forward with the official launch of the Inala University Study Hub, a new community-based facility aimed at removing everyday barriers to post-secondary study.
Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare officially opened the hub, describing it as part of a national push to bring university and skills training closer to where people live.
Delivered by University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and funded through the Australian Government’s Suburban University Study Hub Program, the Inala facility provides free access to study spaces, high-speed internet, computers, video-conferencing facilities, and both academic and wellbeing support.
Importantly, the hub is open to students enrolled at any Australian publicly funded tertiary education provider, including universities, TAFE and VET institutions.
Located in the heart of Inala, the hub directly responds to long-standing educational disadvantage in the area, where residents are around 15 per cent less likely to hold a university degree than the national average.
UniSQ Bachelor of Biomedical Science student Rayan Abdelgadir said the hub had already made a meaningful difference to her studies.
“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 while almost one in two Australians in their 20s and 30s now have a university degree, participation remains uneven across the country.
“That’s why we’re doubling the number of University Study Hubs,” he said.
“We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni in areas where they are established.
“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.”
Centre Manager Dr Su-Ann Tan said the focus was on building confidence and momentum, not just providing desks and computers.
“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.”
The Inala University Study Hub is now open, welcoming students from across Brisbane’s south-west who are enrolled in any publicly funded tertiary course and looking for a local place to study, connect and succeed.
