The Regional Higher Education Forum in Narrabri on Thursday is one of 15 being conducted across Australia.

They aim to give families and communities the chance to tell the federal government how better to support students in the regions to gain university degrees.

The forums were prompted by an investigation by the Department of Education and Department of Social Services.

It found regional and remote students encountered more obstacles to university study including "costs, socioeconomic status, distance, school experiences, preparedness and aspiration".

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, whose electorate covers a third of rural and regional NSW, is hosting the Narrabri forum.

He said participants would help shape a report for Minister for Education Christopher Pyne and Minister for Social Services Scott Morrison.

"The recommendations in the final report will become a catalyst for change," he said.

Chairwoman of the Senate Standing Committee on Education and Employment, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and representatives of the two departments will be at the forum.

Senator McKenzie said the "added cost burden" was one of the biggest barriers to securing a degree.

"Students who have to relocate to study face costs of between $15,000 and $20,000 a year before they have even purchased a book or paid for their tuition," she said.

"These significant cost burdens are not faced by city students who can remain at home while they study.

"While there are some support programs available such as Youth Allowance and relocation grants, many families who earn above the threshold don't qualify and are left to foot the bill."

Mr Coulton said young people from regional and remote communities made up 27 per cent of Australia's population, yet they only represented 21 per cent of Australia's university population.

"A postcode should not determine whether a young person can secure a university degree but sadly it does," he said.

The forum will start at 3.30pm at the Narrabri Bowling Club.

To register interest in attending the forum call 6751 1251 or send an email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au.