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A merger between two educational institutions in Queensland has resulted in the state’s first ever dual-sector university, which is now open and promises to boost higher education opportunities for locals.
Minister for Education Christopher Pyne joined Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek in opening the university, made up of Central Queensland University (CQU) and the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQ TAFE), on July 1. The merger – which was finalised in September last year – means that the combined institution will provide a more expansive range of study options than ever before.
Prospective students will be able to enrol in an array of courses, ranging from from Certificate 1 to doctorate, depending on their specific skill levels and needs.
“A dual sector university will provide smoother pathways between vocational training and higher education programs, giving students more flexibility, more credit for prior learning and faster course completion times,” explained Mr Langbroek.
Mr Pyne added that the merger is an important higher education milestone in Queensland, and will go some way in offering “opportunities for all Queenslanders to develop skills that deliver real job outcomes”.
Furthermore, the higher education reforms outlined in this year’s federal budget will be a major boost for the new university and its students, according to Mr Pyne. Under the budget changes, the government will provide support for all higher education students – regardless of whether they are in a university, college or TAFE.
Education was certainly a winner in the budget, with the government also investing $64.5 billion in schools over the next four years.
“I look forward to speaking about how the government’s policies can help young people create brighter futures for themselves and their communities,” Mr Pyne concluded.
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