UNSW Sydney secures funding for Suburban University Study Hub in Liverpool

The Study Hub is part of the government’s goal to significantly increase the number of university students from underrepresented groups.

UNSW Sydney has secured federal funding to establish a Suburban University Study Hub (SUSH) in Liverpool - a region experiencing significant growth in health, education, and innovation. The new Hub will build on the University’s long-standing presence in South West Sydney, strengthening partnerships with universities, TAFE, and local institutions to expand access to higher education and support the region’s thriving workforce.

The successful application is one of five new study hubs announced today by Minister for Education, Jason Clare. The initiative reflects the University’s dedication to supporting pathways to tertiary education, particularly for migrant groups, First Nations people, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those with disability.

The Albanese government is investing $66.9 million to establish more Study Hubs in the regions and in the outer suburbs of the major cities. There are currently 15 SUSHs and another 56 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the announcement underscores the University’s commitment to providing inclusive spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in education, lifelong learning and social inclusion. 

"We are absolutely delighted that the federal government is supporting UNSW efforts to establish a Suburban University Study Hub in Liverpool," Prof. Brungs said.

"UNSW Sydney has had a 35-year presence in the Liverpool region, and we are excited to expand education and research offerings to local communities. The Study Hub will play a critical role in addressing barriers to education, fostering equitable access, and improving academic outcomes for the growing and diverse populations in the communities of South West Sydney."

Expanding access to education in South West Sydney

The new Liverpool Suburban University Study Hub will serve as a vital space for students from underrepresented groups. Strategically located in the heart of Liverpool's Central Business District (CBD), a key area within the Liverpool Local Government Area (LGA), the facility’s proximity to public transport options ensures it will be easily accessible to students across the region.

According to the 2021 SEIFA Index of socio-economic disadvantage, Liverpool falls within the top 5 most disadvantaged LGAs in Sydney while being the leading growth area in health and education across the Western Sydney region.

The Suburban University Study Hubs are a key part of the Universities Accord, supporting the Australian government’s goal to address future skills challenges and increase higher education participation among underrepresented groups. The four other Study Hubs announced will be located in Fairfield, Mt Druitt and Emerton, Inala, QLD and Beenleigh, QLD.

"We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni and finishing a uni degree," Minister Clare said. "Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs."

The establishment of the UNSW Study Hub builds on the University’s 35-year history in the Liverpool LGA, which includes operating clinical campuses and partnering with local organizations such as the Liverpool City Council. It also complements UNSW’s recent Health Tech Entrepreneurship Program, which was launched in 2024 as part of the broader Liverpool Innovation Precinct.

"Securing funding for the Liverpool Suburban University Study Hub is an exciting milestone for UNSW and the communities of South West Sydney," said Professor Verity Firth, UNSW Vice-President, Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement. "We are deeply invested in the region’s growth and development and this new Hub will build on that strong foundation, offering students from all backgrounds the chance to access quality education and support. We’re thrilled to be part of such a transformative project that will continue to shape the future of these vibrant communities for years to come."

A Hub for local partnerships and pathways

The Liverpool Hub will benefit from existing strong partnerships between key educational institutions, including UNSW, TAFE NSW, and other universities, which are already connected through the Liverpool Innovation Precinct. This collaborative, vertically integrated education model will provide students with clear pathways to various career opportunities, from vocational education and training (VET) through to higher education and beyond.

The Liverpool Suburban University Study Hub is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025, in line with the government’s grant conditions.