“A university education is one of the greatest opportunities you can have in life, opening up more opportunities and career options,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“University-educated workers earn higher wages and enjoy greater job security, and right now we need more of them to deliver national priorities while driving our economic growth and prosperity.

“The opportunity to attend university must be available to all Australians, regardless of where they live.

“Importantly, these hubs will provide better support for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, first in family students and people with disability, which we have long advocated for.

“More than half of new jobs in the future will require a university degree. This is just one reason for making sure we are widening participation in higher education.

“We welcome the steps government has taken in responding to the Australian Universities Accord interim report, but we must not waste the opportunity in front of us.

“We need the full support of government, the right funding and policy settings, to continue the education and research that will set the nation up to thrive.”

More information on the application process is available on the Department of Education’s website.