Country Education Foundation (CEF) reveals that in 2025, almost four-in-five (79%) of CEF-supported students would have been unable to pursue their studies or training without CEF support. Over four-in-five (82%) of their supported students needed to leave home to pursue further education or training, creating barriers for rural Australian students hoping to access higher education.
To raise funds to support rural students pursue tertiary education, CEF’s annual Boot Bash will be held on March 11th supporting CEF students committed to pursuing further education and training. Australians can support rural and regional students by donning their favourite boots, hosting a Boot Bash activity, donating or sharing on social media using #CEFBootBash.
Educational inequity between students in rural and metropolitan areas in Australia continues to widen, with rising living costs, relocation expenses, and mandatory unpaid work placements placing an even greater financial burden on rural students.
Half (50%) of CEF-supported students in 2025 needed to undertake compulsory, unpaid work placements, with three-in-four (73%) needing to complete four weeks or more.
As cost-of-living challenges continue to soar, CEF’s goal to give rural and regional students a ‘fair go’ in accessing further education increases in urgency.
Funds raised will provide direct student financial support to CEF students to give them a fair go at further education. To find out more information, register an event or donate to the campaign, visit www.cefbootbash.org.au
Media Release: Country Education Foundation (CEF)
