The Australian Government has announced today that up to 4,720 students over four years could be awarded Destination Australia scholarships of up to $15,000 a year to study at campuses in regional Australia.

Under the plan, international students who get their degree at a regional campus and continue to live in regional Australia could also be granted an extra year of post-study work rights in Australia.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the additional incentives could add to the already strong appeal of pursuing a university degree in regional Australia.

“Australia’s regions are a great place to study, work and live – offering a highly attractive combination of a world-class university education and an enviable lifestyle,” she said.

“All of Australia’s outstanding university campuses want to ensure they can make their best pitch to attract talented international students weighing up options to study anywhere in the world.”

Under the plan, universities and vocational education providers with campuses in regional Australia would be eligible to apply for scholarships to award to international and domestic students.

These scholarships would be evenly shared between Australian and international students.

Ms Jackson said universities would also look carefully at the detail to understand how the program was being funded.

“Money to support regional campuses is welcome, but we also need to ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of other vital programs across the sector,” she said.