School Outreach and Widening Participation Access and Support

Access and Support

Reducing barriers. Supporting access. Enabling participation.

JCU Outreach is committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to explore, access and succeed in higher education and obtain a sufficient level of tertiary conversation and knowledge to make informed decisions that champion student voice and choice.

Our Support & Access Programs focus on removing financial, geographic and social barriers to participation, and supporting students to navigate key transition points from school to university.

These initiatives are delivered as part of JCU’s broader commitment to widening participation, the Australian Universities Accord (Accord), and the Department of Education, Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA).

Widening Participation Initiatives

JCU’s widening participation initiatives are designed to support students who are traditionally under-represented in higher education to see university as achievable, relevant and within reach.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Reducing and or removing barriers to accessing higher education (i.e. through the provision of financial assistance).
  • Informing participants about the benefits of higher education.
  • Informing participants about the potential pathways to higher education and/or available supports that may be accessible to them (including careers advice).
  • Supporting participants to navigate the higher education system, including the application process.
  • Providing support to prepare for higher education studies through academic tutoring or guidance

Initiatives prioritise students from regional and remote areas, low socioeconomic backgrounds and other priority equity cohorts, with programs delivered in partnership with schools and communities across Queensland.

QTAC Voucher Program

To reduce financial barriers associated with applying to university, JCU Outreach offers pre-paid QTAC vouchers for eligible Year 12 students.

QTAC vouchers:

  • Cover the cost of submitting a QTAC application
  • Support students who may otherwise face financial barriers to applying
  • Are available to students who meet widening participation eligibility criteria

Vouchers are limited and allocated through an application process.

Apply for a QTAC voucher

Travel Subsidy Support

Geographic distance can be a significant barrier to participation in campus-based programs and experiences.

Travel subsidy support may be available to assist schools and students from disadvantaged or remote regions to attend:

  • On-campus outreach programs
  • Campus visits and engagement events
  • Widening participation initiatives

Support is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is subject to eligibility and availability.

Schools are encouraged to contact the outreach team early to discuss support options when planning participation.

Contact us to discuss travel support

Academic & Study Support

Studiosity is an online, 24/7 academic support service used by universities and schools to provide students with on-demand help. It offers "Writing Feedback" (critical thinking, grammar, structure) and "Connect Live" (real-time chat with specialists) to improve academic performance and confidence.

Students will gain access to Student Connect, an online student-to-student service facilitating personal mentoring provided by dedicated JCU Students. Through this platform, students can seek assistance with their current course content and assessments, while also engaging with current students to gain valuable insights into university life.

Register for free Access

Existing student login

Support students to take the next step

If you’re a school, educator or community partner supporting students from priority equity groups, we’re here to help.

Contact the outreach team
Apply for a QTAC voucher