FROM 2014, Ballarat students hoping to have a career in physiotherapy and podiatry will be able to study in their home town.Yesterday, Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall announced $1.2 million funding for the University of Ballarat and the Australian Catholic University to train 400 students in physiotherapy and podiatry. The partnership will create a direct pathway for students studying a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at the University of Ballarat to gain credit for new degree programs in physiotherapy and podiatry at the Australian Catholic University from 2014. Mr Hall said the program would help lessen the gap between regional and metropolitan students by addressing lower rates of participation and attainment in regional Victoria. “This funding is great news for the Ballarat community as it will mean local students are able to access higher education courses delivered locally,” Mr Hall said. “The $1.2 million in funding will mean that the Australian Catholic University and the University of Ballarat will work directly with Ballarat Health Services and Newington Physiotherapy Clinic to deliver new higher education qualifications.” Australian Catholic University student Simon Williams said the partership would provide regional students with new opportunties.“I am from Geelong but I moved up here to come to university,” Mr Williams said.“I totally understand the disparity in regional Victoria and the increased cost required to go to university.“But this partnership is really great and will provide regional students with more opportunities.”Australian Catholic University Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean Professor Michelle Campbell said the program would also provide another pathway to tertiary education for students who may not have achieved a high ENTER score.She said the program would be in place to serve the needs of an increasingly ageing population.