Information for families
Welcome families!
For many families, university life is completely new - and that’s okay. Whether your loved one is the first in your family to go to uni or heading far from home, we want you to know we’re here to walk alongside you. Through funding from the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP), we are able to provide a range of support, resources, and programs to help your student feel confident, connected, and fully supported throughout their university journey.
There’s no such thing as a silly question, and we encourage you to reach out at any time. This is a big step, and we want you to feel supported and confident.
We understand what you might be thinking
Starting university can bring up lots of questions and concerns. It's very common for their worries to fall under these four areas:
- Money
- Moving to a new place
- Coping with study
- Feeling the distance
If you don’t know where to start, keep reading for helpful answers to common questions, or just reach out - we’ll make sure you’re connected to someone who can help.
Take a look at the IERC at Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) and Nguma-bada (Cairns) campuses!
We know that sending a loved one to university - especially far from home - can feel a little daunting. That’s why we’ve created virtual tours of our Centres so you can see the spaces where your family member will bring their own strengths, build connections, and be supported throughout their journey.
Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) IERC Tour
Nguma-bada (Cairns) IERC Tour
Hear from families and students just like yours
Seeing other students thrive often brings peace of mind. That’s why we invite you to visit our Student Success Stories at the IERC. You’ll see real journeys from students who started just like your loved one - and where they are now.
University isn’t like school - it’s flexible and full of opportunities. Whether your loved one wants to learn on campus or from afar, there’s a path forward, and there’s support at every turn.
Useful resources for parents
Have a question? Want to find out more?
We are here to help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why go to uni and how long does it take?
Education is the process of developing ourselves. It allows us to understand the world around us and our place in it. It gives us the ability to reason and make our own judgements, to empathise and socialise with others. Everyone has the right to quality education and it is key in improving health and financial outcomes. It equips us to seize control of our careers and create social change, which we can take back to our communities.
We have summarised some benefits of going to uni:
- To build communication skills in reading and writing, as well as effective listening and the ability to articulate what we want to say
- It develops critical thinking which boosts creativity, time management and decision-making skills
- Graduates have a competitive edge when searching for a job; this increases employment opportunities and the likelihood of securing a high-paying job
- It shows employers our ability to work hard and successfully complete goals making us responsible and knowledgeable employees
- With increased employment rates and high paying jobs, graduate incomes contribute to economy growth which decreases society’s poverty rates
- It provides financial resources for stable lives so people can afford safe housing and good health
- Graduates tend to take part in projects that improve their neighbourhoods and communities
- Education equips us to better understand laws and regulations, so we can shape the society we live in
“These individuals, having benefited from the university's empowering environment, are now better equipped to drive self-determination plans and seize control of their own futures” – Professor Martin Nakata (2023).
Courses at JCU are typically between 3 and 4 years full-time; however, this is dependent on the course they have chosen. View our course finder page. Students can return home during semester/trimester breaks if they don't have any study commitments during this time. You can check the academic calendars at any time to see when the breaks are.
Keeping in contact with your family member
You’ll always be able to reach your loved one. Just make sure you have the best contact number for them. Most students stay in touch through regular calls, messages, or video chats.
You can always contact us if you have any concerns. We will listen and help however we can. You can email us at ierc@jcu.edu.au or explore the JCU contact directory.
Safety and support - Our priority
Our support services don’t just look after your loved one’s academic progress; we are here to make sure they are safe. JCU also has security on campus and information on safety and wellbeing. This covers physical and mental health supports including the general health facilities on / near the Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) and Nguma-bada (Cairns) and campuses that students have access to.
The IERC is a safe environment for students to go to if they need guidance or resources. We have a centre in both Bebegu Yumba Townsville campus (Building 301) and Nguma-bada Cairns campus (Building A21). Our staff regularly check in by phone and email to support students with study, finances, and general wellbeing.
Our students also have access to various professional development opportunities, mentor and peer-support programs, and learning support. We have information to assist our students with finances and scholarship opportunities. JCU also has a variety of support services for all their students.
We’re all about making uni life feel like students' home away from home! Each study period kicks off with a Welcome Day and we'd love to see you there! It’s a great way to meet the team, explore the campus and feel part of the journey.
Throughout the trimester, our centres fire up the BBQs regularly (because nothing brings people together like good food and a yarn). It’s the perfect chance for students to make new mates, have a feed, and feel connected.
We’ve also put together a dedicated webpage to help students grow their social circles. It’s packed with info about fun events and support networks. Your student can also join the Townsville Indigenous Student Association to meet weekly for group study sessions, social hangouts, and cultural activities.
We promote all our events through our Facebook and Instagram pages so our students can easily keep up to date with upcoming social activities. The JCU Student Association is also open to any JCU students who are interested in meeting people and building supports through various memberships, clubs, sports and events.
Getting started with applying/enrolling and deferring
Your family member will likely be applying for a pathway into uni or an undergraduate degree. If anything feels confusing, please get in touch.
The link for the JCU application page can look overwhelming but we will walk you through it step by step.
Once your family member has been accepted into JCU, they need to click here to go through the step by step process of enrolling into JCU and activating their student account. There is also information on JCU’s enrolment page on upcoming enrolments. If you get stuck, please contact us and we will help you. It’s ok if you’re feeling unsure; this is what we’re here for!
If an enrolment needs to be adjusted, please contact us so we can help you through this process.
Yes! We offer QTAC application vouchers - updatd each year in August - through JCU's Widening Participation page. There is also information about outreach activities and travel subsidies on that page. Reach out and let us know if you need any help with the form.
Campus, accommodation and transport
Information about our campuses can be found here.
Take a virtual tour of the IERC and meet some of our Indigenous Student Ambassadors on the Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) campus and the Nguma-bada (Cairns) campus!
We have accommodation support for our Indigenous students which includes information about financial assistance and study support. We are currently putting together a video of accommodation options so you can see where your loved one could be living their uni life!
JCU has a range of transport and parking options including student discounts for public transport.
Finances and study resources
We are happy to help you with any questions you might have about financial support. In fact, we check in with our students often to make sure they are doing ok financially, so if they’re not sure how to ask for help, we’ll ask those questions for you.
Many of these supports are made possible through funding from the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP), which helps provide resources, scholarships, and programs designed to support students throughout their studies.
The IERC is opened 24/7 to our Indigenous students for meeting spaces and computer labs on both the Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) and Nguma-bada (Cairns) campuses. JCU also has computer labs available 24/7 to all students.
Yes, they can connect to JCU's wireless network using their laptop. For instructions on how to do this, go to our Getting Connected to Wireless self-help guide.
We’re Here for You
We know this is a big decision - for your loved one and your whole family. Whether you're looking for practical help or just want to talk it through, we're only a phone call or email away. Your family belongs here and you and your loved one won't do this alone.