Our Story
Who we are
We are driving change in regional education by empowering the Snowy Monaro community to fulfil their potential through higher education. We are increasing access by providing a highly connected learning community in Cooma 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 to provide regional people with the space and tools they need to create a vibrant and more prosperous future for themselves and their wider community.
What we do
We have created a dedicated learning and study space in Cooma 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 Snowy Monaro. Our students have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded fellow students and can take advantage of being part of a state-wide learning community.
Who we are here for
All people in the Snowy Monaro region who are studying higher education from any Australian 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
In 2013, Snowy Hydro Ltd and Cooma Monaro Shire Council (as it was then known as) along with key community members, jointly funded the establishment of the Cooma Universities Centre. In 2014, Snowy Hydro gifted the Centre to the Cooma community, and the Cooma Universities Centre became a charitable, incorporated, not-for-profit organisation run by a community Board of Directors. The Centre operated for five years without any government funding with Snowy Hydro Ltd and the Snowy Monaro Shire Council continuing their support. In 2017, we changed our name to “CUC Snowy Monaro” to become the first affiliate of the Country Universities Centre. In late 2018 we were successful in obtaining Federal funding to deepen our operations and engagement under the Regional University Centres program. Since opening, we have supported more than 300 Snowy Monaro students in their learning journeys, and we look forward to being part of the future of higher education for the region.
Click here for more information about the Country Universities Centre network.
