An extra 3300 locals will be able to get a university education under a Shorten-Labor Government.

Illawarra Labor MPs have today highlighted their commitment to an increase in the number of students who could study locally, with parts of the region well below the national average for university graduates.

The Illawarra, Southern Highlands and South Coast have not been immune to the Liberals cap on the number of student places when they cut $2.2 billion from universities in 2017.

The Coalitions capped University places mean a less skilled and diverse workforce for the region, but also that a generation of young Australians in the Electorate will miss out on education opportunities once afforded to their parents.

The number of Australians getting a uni education will soar by around 200,000 thanks to Labors plan to abolish the Coalitions unfair cap on student places.

Its projected more than 3300 locals will be able to get a university education under a Shorten-Labor Government.

This is particularly important in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions, where only 18.2% of people aged 25-34 have a bachelor degree or higher.

This is well below the national average of 35%.

Even the Illawarra, in close proximity to the University of Wollongong, is under the national average at 30.1%.

A Shorten Labor Government will invest an extra $174 million to help ensure all Australians get the chance to study at university.

Labors commitment will go towards mentoring, support and other specialised programs designed to boost opportunities for university study in communities where graduation rates are low.

Labor believes it should be your ability, not you bank balance that determines whether you get the chance to study at University.