The Hills Shire Council has worked with local business leaders to investigate the potential demand for a higher education institute in the area.

Residents are asked to complete an online survey to determine the need and capacity for the new institution and the degree qualifications it should offer.

Hills mayor Greg Burnett said an educational centre in Norwest would be a coup for the area, which expects to welcome another 100,000 residents in the next 20 years.

"It would be a welcome learning and development opportunity for our people to undertake postgraduate studies close to home and work," he said.

"This could boost the growth and development of skills across our region and contribute to the economic prosperity of the Hills."

The survey may be accessed at https://www.research.net/s/norwes tuniversity.