SOUTHERN Cross University (SCU) will receive $15 million over four years, including $9.2 million in 2021 to deliver short courses and national priority places with a focus on delivery to Australian students.

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The funding boost comes at a time when the university sector has been hit hard by COVID-19 and is feeling the economic impact from the downturn in international students.

Like all universities, SCU was affected by the COVID-19 travel restrictions that began with travellers from mainland China on 1 February 2020, then for all foreign nationals, except Australian permanent residents, from 20 March 2020

Universities Australia has estimated the knock on effect will be $16 billion in revenue lost between June 2020 and 2023, and widespread job losses have already been reported across institutions.

This includes SCU which is undergoing a major staff restructure.

Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews, said the announcement of the investment in SCU will help Australians gain the skills and qualifications needed to drive our economic recovery.

“Our Government is providing more university places for Australians to study in areas of national priority like teaching, engineering, health, languages and agriculture, and we are also making it cheaper to study those subjects,” Mrs Andrews said.

“We have created up to 30,000 additional university places for Australian students through our Budget funding and Job-ready Graduates package.

“This is delivering on our plan to support more Australians to study degrees that lead to jobs.”

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the funding would help deliver courses in health, psychology, teaching, information technology, business, regenerative agriculture and engineering.

“Southern Cross has a strong track record of providing high-quality courses for excellent students and this funding is a welcome addition to that momentum,” Professor Carlin said.

“With this funding boost we can encourage even more students to the region, which is terrific for Southern Cross, as well as local jobs and businesses.”

By Sandra MOON