The Australian Government has announced the location of nine new Regional University Centres that will support students to remain in regional Australia while they study for a tertiary qualification.

The government is providing $15 million to establish the centres across regional Australia, including $6 million to fund student places in Albany in Western Australia; Kadina in South Australia; Roma, and St George and Dirranbandi in Queensland; Wonthaggi in Victoria; and Ulladulla, Kempsey, Parkes and Taree in NSW.

Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan said "every Australian, no matter where they live, should be able to attend university".

"If you live in regional Australia you are half as likely to attend a tertiary institution as someone who lives in a capital city," Minister Tehan said. 

"Our government is putting regional and rural students at the centre of our focus by advancing the recommendations made by Denis Napthine in the National Regional, Rural and Remote Education Strategy.

Federal Minister for Regional Education Andrew Gee said the new centres will provide opportunities for students in country Australia to gain a tertiary qualification without leaving their community and support networks.

"This is another opportunity for our regional areas to share in the social, economic and cultural benefits of tertiary education and help them get back on their feet," Minister Gee said.

"This is about equality of opportunity for country people, and giving them the same access to education as their city cousins.

More information is available via the website