Recent figures released by the Regional Universities Network show that between 2009 and 2012, offered places rose 19.2 per cent, 3.1 per cent above the national average.

 

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, attributed the boom to the Federal Government’s introduction of demand driven offerings and removal of placement caps.

 

"Our reforms have given record numbers of regional and rural Australians the opportunity of a university education,” Senator Evans said.

"Until now benefits associated with higher education have eluded many Australians, particularly regional and rural students.”

 

"Australia needs more skilled workers with graduate degrees and we cannot afford not to tap into the talent of regional students and quality regional universities.

 

"Expanding the number of graduates in Australia is an economic imperative. An elitist model of university education will consign Australia to second rate economic growth."