The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the Federal Government's support for regional university students.

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, told the Universities Australia conference last week that the number of Commonwealth-supported places at regional universities would rise to about 76,500 this year, up from 62,600 in 2007.

The Minister further outlined the important contribution made by regional universities.

The Chair of RUN, Professor David Battersby, said that RUN welcomed the announcement by the Minister.

"The Government clearly recognises the importance of regional universities," Professor Battersby said.

"The Minister noted that young people who study in the regions tend to stay in the regions. Regional universities play a key role in the social and economic development of regional Australia.

"Five years after completing their course, 66 per cent of graduates from regional higher education institutions remain in regional areas for employment.

"Regional universities enrich the social, cultural and environmental quality of life in regional communities.

"They are significant contributors to closing the gap for indigenous Australians. They conduct research that matters, play a lead role in regional innovation, business development and the new economy, and build regional capacity and regional development."