2026 Scholarship guide now available for local secondary school students

For the third consecutive year, Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast, in partnership with the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network, has launched the 2026 Scholarship Guide. Designed specifically for local secondary school students considering higher education, the guide is now available for download via the QR code provided.  

Centre Manager Sarah Bourke said, “With 57% of our students being the first in their family to study in higher education, this scholarship guide is an invaluable tool for secondary students to discover the financial support available to them.” 

This initiative is supported by the Regional Partnerships Program Pool (RPPPP), which enables CUC to expand its outreach and impact across the community. Through this funding, CUC runs aspiration-building programs in local secondary schools to encourage students to consider further study pathways. 

CUC Bass Coast recently celebrated a major milestone—welcoming its highest-ever enrolment of 200 students, with 39% aged under 25. Located in Wonthaggi and part of the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hub program, the Centre continues to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for local learners. 

“Not only have we seen record enrolments since opening in March 2021,” said Sarah Bourke, “but we’re also witnessing firsthand the impact of having a welcoming and well-supported space where students feel confident accessing help tailored to their academic journey.” 

Learning Skills Advisor (LSA) sessions provide academic support to assist students in building essential study skills such as academic writing, time management, critical thinking, referencing, exam preparation, and research strategies. These sessions are delivered by the CUC team and align with the student’s coursework or assessment schedule to help students develop and strengthen the core skills needed for successful independent learning at university. 

CUC is a dedicated local learning hub that collaborates with schools, tertiary partners, and other educational organisations to expand opportunities for students throughout the region. 

Students have access to the Centre seven days a week, providing high speed technology, academic mentoring and a network of like-minded students to create a community learning environment. 

For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au