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Northern Study Hub opens giving greater access to students

La Trobe University

Tertiary students in Melbourne’s outer north now have greater access to education support with the opening of the Northern Study Hub, an initiative led by La Trobe University.

With learning sites in Broadmeadows and Epping, the Hub will play a crucial role in building readiness and aspiration for tertiary-level study as well as helping to meet critical skills needs in the region.

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the Hub reinforced the University’s commitment to driving economic and social impact through transformative education, pioneering research and industry partnerships.

“As a leader of education in Melbourne’s north, La Trobe is committed to working with the Broadmeadows and Epping communities to ensure they have the skills and training required,” Professor Farrell said.

"The Northern Study Hub will play a vital role in helping achieve the goal of doubling higher education participation and attainment by 2050, as outlined in the Universities Accord.”

The two Hub sites are located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, with Melbourne’s outer north projected to accommodate an additional 102,000 homes or about 318,000 people by 2060.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said nearly half of young Australians in their 20s and 30s have a degree, but not in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. In Broadmeadows and Epping, only around 19 and 18 per cent of young people respectively have a degree.

“Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs. I know growing up in Western Sydney, a lot of my friends felt like university was somewhere else for someone else,” Minister Clare said.

“I want this to change and that means bringing university closer to where people live, such as in Broadmeadows and Epping.”

Director of the Northern Study Hub Samantha Sterling said the campus-style study spaces offered in-person administrative, academic skills and wellbeing support for students undertaking tertiary education through any Australian institution.

“Evidence shows that where study hubs are located, university participation rates increase,” Samantha said.

“Whether students are studying fully online, are in the area for a placement or visiting family and friends, they'll be welcomed through the doors of the Northern Study Hub.”

La Trobe University student Tori Foster said she was “stoked” when she learned a study hub had opened within walking distance from her home in Jacana. 

The second-year Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts student plans to use the hub three to four times a week, in addition to twice weekly trips to the Bundoora campus. 

“The dedicated space for university students is the biggest drawcard for me as I’ve struggled in the past to focus on study while at home or in the library, which is open to the public,” Tori said. 

“The Broadmeadows site is around the corner from my home, saving up to an hours’ drive to the campus.” 

Atena Kashani is a passionate youth advocate in the Hume area and studies an Advanced Diploma of Legal Studies at Victoria University.

While still required to attend in-person classes as part of her qualification, Atena said the Hub offered a convenient “safe and well-resourced environment” for online aspects of her course. It also enables more flexibility for students, such as herself, juggling work and other responsibilities close to home.

“Education opens doors, not just for careers but for confidence, opportunity and long-term community growth,” Atena said.

“When you remove the barriers, such as travel, lack of resources and isolation, you are giving students a chance to thrive.

“The Northern Study Hub creates a sense of belonging and shows young people that their goals matter and their adversity doesn't define them.”

The Northern Study Hubs are led by La Trobe, with the support of the Australian Government and local partners including Hume City Council, Melbourne Polytechnic, City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Community Connections, Broadmeadows Kangan Institute and NORTH Link.

“The number of residents in Hume City earning a formal qualification is well below that in other areas of Melbourne, with access to further education close to home a significant barrier for locals,” Hume City Mayor, Councillor Jarrod Bell, said.

“Increased education outcomes have a proven positive effect on local economies and on general wellbeing. The new student will produce huge benefits, not just for high school students but for all in our community.”

Students must register to access the Hub sites, either in person or online.

• Broadmeadows Hub site is located at Hume City Council.
• Epping Hub site is located within Melbourne Polytechnic Library.

Jess Whitty – [email protected], 0481 383 817

Photos available on request.