Alex Forner is the product of a unique program bringing higher education to students in rural areas where poor internet and a lack of access to expertise are major impediments to learning.

From the Country Universities Centre at Broken Hill, she has completed her honours degree and is beginning a post-graduate certificate to become the only locally-based psychologist in training.

The "campus-feel" facilities were launched five years ago, providing supervised technology facilities, including computers, video-conferencing lecture and tutorial rooms, and workshops delivered by local instructors. More than 430 students have had access to 135 degrees through 35 participating universities.

Now the state government says it will invest $8 million to open five new centres and expand the existing sites at Cooma, Broken Hill, Goulburn, Moree, Grafton and Griffith.