Indigenous Support in Accommodation

Discover how living on-campus can be the highlight of your university experience. With resources, support and activities designed specifically to enhance the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, you'll see that there's a place for you at JCU.

Our accommodation team can support you in embracing life at JCU. From scholarship applications and ABSTUDY through to creating a welcoming and supportive living environment on-campus, you'll see why our on-campus experience has no substitute.

See how the benefits to living on-campus at JCU can meet your individual needs.

Financial assistance

Budget for on-campus living more easily with an Indigenous Student On-Campus Accommodation Scholarship. You'll receive housing support to live on-campus at JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus. Explore JCU's full range of scholarships available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for additional financial support. You'll find funding is available based on chosen study area, postgraduate research, Commonwealth scholarships and more. Learn more about available scholarships here.

The Commonwealth Government also provides ABSTUDY payments to eligible students, which can cover some or most of your residential fees. Contact our Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) to access support with your finances, including applying for scholarships and contacting Services Australia.

Study support

When you live on-campus at JCU, you'll have access to support to learn the way that suits you best. One-on-one Academic Support Advisors can empower you to develop effective study strategies that align with your strengths. See how academic coaching, study plans and advice on maintaining your academic process can boost your achievement and enable you to meet your goals.

Embrace group-study and collaboration opportunities with your new friends. Communal study rooms and 24/7 access to JCU's Information Commons means you'll have space to study when, where and how you want. Connect with fellow residents studying the same course as you, and get insider study tips from those nearing graduation.

Social and cultural activities

University living provides a fantastic forum for sharing  your cultural background and expanding your horizons through learning from others.

JCU has a long-standing commitment to enhancing awareness of the people and places within the Tropics. We encourage all on-campus students to increase their knowledge and appreciation of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and achievements through cultural learning and skill-sharing..

Experience and contribute to the social and cultural activities that make up our Residential Life program. You'll discover a safe and supportive environment within which you can express your identity and share your heritage with others.

Popular initiatives have included:

• ‘Traditional Tuesday’
• Community kitchen
• Bush tucker walk
• Yarning circle
• Residential BBQ “Babakiueria”
• and so much more.

What are my accommodation options?

Explore the variety of on-campus housing options at JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus and JCU Cairns, Nguma-bada campus today. Experience the freedom, independence and culturally-appropriate support that will empower you to succeed in your university journey.