Andrew Leigh

The Gillard Government continues to invest in quality teaching and learning in the ACT. Today I joined Senator Chris Evans and Chief Minister Katy Gallagher to announce Structural Adjustment Funding for the University of Canberra. The new programs will give students greater options for pathways into university. Senator Evans also announced a national partnership between the University of Canberra and the Aurora Project to open up access and improve the university experience for Indigenous students.

SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research

Leader of the Government in the Senate

DR ANDREW LEIGH

Federal Member for Fraser

MEDIA RELEASE

20 November 2012

$26 million boost for the University of Canberra



A significant investment by the Gillard Government will ensure the University of Canberra can offer better access to a quality education experience.

Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher and Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh, today visited UC to announce the $26 million transformation of the University of Canberra to help it offer more courses, new entry pathways and the latest learning technologies.



“The Gillard Government is committed to removing the barriers to quality higher education and giving more students the opportunity to attend university,” Senator Evans said.

“Students with lower entry qualifications will be supported to achieve their potential with specialised pathways to bachelor degrees, as well as enabling programs offered through study hubs to be created in regional New South Wales.

“Working with the Canberra Institute of Technology, the University will develop pathways to university and develop new qualifications to give students more options for a rewarding career.

“The funding will also help UC redesign its programs and incorporate the latest learning technologies to support flexible learning.”

Dr Leigh said the Gillard Government’s investment is a benefit for the Canberra region.

“This sort of investment will help attract more students from around the region, and overseas, to study at UC’s outstanding facilities,” Dr Leigh said.

“UC is a key contributor to Canberra’s economy and it’s great to see the Gillard Government investment continuing in Fraser.”

Senator Evans said the Gillard Government is giving more students across the country access to first class facilities.

“Labor’s investment is transforming the higher education landscape – we have opened the doors of our universities and changed the lives of students from all walks of life,” Senator Evans said.

“The Gillard Government is ensuring that every Australian who is capable of achieving success at university has the opportunity to do so by creating a more accessible and affordable higher education system of the highest possible quality.”

The funding is part of the $377 million Structural Adjustment Fund, allocated to higher education institutions in regional and outer metropolitan areas to transform and modernise the learning environments of the nation’s students.