Liberals to break down barriers for rural students

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has announced that an elected Liberal Government will invest in a brighter future for regional students with a new program to help those who have to relocate in order to take up tertiary study.

“For many young regional Victorians the daunting challenge of moving away from family and friends for tertiary education is a reality they have to face alone.

The Liberals will provide $600,000 over four years to create the Rural Tertiary Network, a program to link students who have moved to one of Victoria’s regional cities or Melbourne for study with other students who have faced the challenge of settling into university or TAFE away from home.

“We’ll also establish a pop-up hub as a base for rural students and their families as they start their tertiary education,” Ms McLeish said.

A lack of transitional support for regional students who relocate for study was one of the key challenges identified in a 2013 report from the Regional Policy Advisory Committee.

Other challenges included isolation from friends and family, experiencing independent living for the first time, culture shock and adjusting to an environment where they are one of many high-achieving students.

“Young people from country Victoria deserve the same opportunities as city kids. Our Rural Tertiary Network will give them the support they need to tackle a tertiary education,” Ms McLeish concluded.