Our Story
Who we are
We are driving change in regional education by empowering the Bass Coast and South Gippsland community to fulfil their potential through higher education. We are increasing access by providing a highly connected learning community to overcome the barriers to success.
Why we are here
Regional and rural communities deserve quality opportunities to pursue their dreams without the need to relocate. Our mission is provide our people with access to university education.
What we do
We have created a dedicated learning and study space in Wonthaggi that has been designed for regional people by regional people. Our students have free access to high-speed Internet, modern technology, and general academic support all delivered here at CUC Bass Coast. Our students have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a country -wide learning community.
Who we are here for
All people in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland region who are studying higher education from any university or non-university higher education provider. If you’re a local business or service provider interested in engaging locally trained university graduates and students, or hosting student placements and work-based learning, we are here for you too.
How it all began
The Country Universities Centre’s origins were in the establishment of the Cooma Universities Centre in 2013, designed to provide improved supported higher educational opportunities in that town of approximately 7,000 people. A decade on, the expanded and rebranded Country Universities Centre is a government-funded network of Centres in communities across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The Country Universities Centre Bass Coast began as a grassroots community-led project. It was first conceptualised by the Bass Coast Higher Education Steering Committee, formed in 2017, and was a priority in Bass Coast Shire Council Plan 2017-21. In December 2019, an application for a Regional Universities Centres Grant was submitted, and in June 2020, it was announced that the application was successful. The country Universities Centre Bass Coast opened in March 2021.
