Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has announced Kingscote will host one of 10 new Regional University Study Hubs; part of a $66.9 million initiative intended to remove barriers to accessing high-quality tertiary education.

Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island (RDA AHFKI), which led development of a business case for the hub, has hailed the decision.

“It represents a significant milestone for the education landscape on the island. 

“It is equally rewarding for the broader community who participated in the community consultation that informed the business case, including Kangaroo Island Community Education, students, industry, business groups, community groups, Kangaroo Island Council, and individuals who believed in the need for improved access to tertiary education. 

Scheduled to open in July 2025, the hub will provide 24/7 study spaces with high-speed internet, on-site support in business hours, and opportunity for students to spend time with their peers – all at no charge. 

RDA expects the hub to deliver many positive outcomes for the island, including increased participation, retention and completion in tertiary education, enhanced community engagement including between industry and students, and strengthened workforce development. 

A locally based staff member will support students who use the hub.

Steve Shotton, Director of RDA AHFKI, says the study hubs at Victor Harbor and now at Kingscote, deliver on key economic development priorities that also align with a commitment to regional leadership capacity, outlined in the organisation’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025

“By helping students attain highly sought skills and qualifications, we can impact on labour and skills shortages, meet the evolving needs of our workforce, and drive economic growth and prosperity across our region,” he says. 

“By design Regional University Study Hubs are community-led and Kangaroo Island has again shown how strong its community is. 

“Not only have a group of residents been working together for several year on options for better access to tertiary education, when we consulted with the broader community, the message was clear they knew how important a Study Hub was to lifting tertiary education access and completion rates. 

“RDA Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island has worked hard to make the most of this excellent program and as a result we will now have two Regional University Study Hubs in the region.”