Home - JCU Indigenous Education and Research Centre

We empower students to be independent, critical and analytical thinkers, and assist them to plan, set and achieve their goals.

At JCU, students have access to a wealth of professional development opportunities, mentor and peer-support programs, and learning support, as well as free learning, reading, writing and maths study sessions.

Students can also take advantage of our dedicated meeting spaces and computer labs to commune and provide and receive peer support.

JCU student group outside The Science Place

Thinking about uni?

Discover pathways and options for enrolling in a course at JCU

Current Students

JCU students have free access to academic, personal and financial support services and advice

JCU Inaugural Indigenous Student Awards Night

Community

We give voice to Indigenous students, their families and communities, and celebrate our collective achievements

Research

We engage in and support innovative research that benefits Indigenous communities

Teaching and Learning

Our students gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of culture to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and other Indigenous peoples living in the Tropics

Our Staff

Meet our dynamic team of academic and teaching staff, professional staff, academic support advisors, student support officers and researchers

Site Map Download our brochure (PDF, 711 KB)

We pay our respects to our ancestors and Elders past, present and future

We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands on which our campuses are located and where we conduct our business.

JCU is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to JCU and society.

How doctors can help close the gap

First year Medicine student Joanne Kaczmarek talks about how doctors can help close the gap in Indigenous health

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Hear from graduates and current students

Liam White

Liam is enrolled in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree

"I was born in Mossman, but moved around many Aboriginal communities when I was young before finally settling in Rockhampton, where I finished high school. I always had an interest in dentistry, but never actually considered pursuing it until halfway through Year 12 as I thought I wouldn’t be able to get a high enough OP. I ended up doing better than I expected with my grades, which made it possible for me to consider Dentistry, however, I did need to do a bridging course in Chemistry to meet all the prerequisites. So I had to sacrifice [...] my Year 12 formal and all my friends celebrating at Schoolies, but it was all worth it in the end as I am very happy with my decision and where I am today."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Assan Sam

Assan is studying in the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science degree

"I'm of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and my home community is Palm Island. I visit the Indigenous Education and Research Centre regularly. They are like my family. I head in to have a yarn most of the time and I occasionally use the other services provided. I like the space and the environment of the Centre.

My advice to others is to not hesitate to study. If this is something you really want to do, just dive straight into it. You'll have all the support you need and probably more. Making friends will help you get through the degree and will come in handy when you need to study and do assessment. When you come to university, try to participate as much as you can."

Explore JCU's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science degree