Study assistance
At JCU we give you every opportunity to succeed in your studies
There are course options available for everyone, whether you are leaving high school, returning to study, or starting university as a mature-age student. You will find a degree that suits you and can be delivered at your own pace (part-time, full-time or external mode, online or on-campus).
JCU Courses and Degrees
Explore JCU's course and study options by area of interest, course level, or campus. You may not meet the academic requirements for entry into a Bachelor degree course, but might consider the Diploma of Higher Education, a one-year course designed to help students develop the necessary skills to be successful university students. For a taste of university, single subject short courses are also available.
Pathways to University
You may have the skills, maturity and commitment needed for tertiary study, but not the formal academic qualifications. Maybe you didn’t achieve the OP or ATAR score you had hoped for. All is not lost. We offer alternate pathways to help you get into university.
Visit the JCU Pathways to University website, or call us on Freecall 1800 246 446 to find out how higher education at JCU may be accessible and achievable for you.
Not sure if you're ready for university? Try the Readiness Assessment, a pre-enrolment online tool that helps you gauge your readiness for tertiary study.
Tutoring assistance service
The JCU Indigenous Education and Research Centre coordinates tutorial assistance for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students based at JCU in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Mount Isa and Thursday Island, and for those studying externally around Australia. This Australian Government initiative aims to improve academic outcomes for Indigenous students, by providing supplementary tuition by qualified, suitable tutors.
Tutors work with our Indigenous Academic Support Advisors to accelerate learning for Indigenous students, and tuition is provided in addition to the usual teaching and learning conducted as part of each JCU subject.
To receive Indigenous Tutorial Assistance, a student must be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, and currently enrolled in an award course at JCU. To apply, students should contact an Indigenous Academic Support Advisor for initial assessment.
Successful applicants are then matched with a suitable tutor who has the skills and knowledge of the chosen discipline in which tutoring is required. A face-to-face meeting between the student and tutor is arranged. When a face-to-face meeting is not possible, students will be contacted by phone or email. In the first meeting, the Indigenous Academic Support Advisor will develop a Student Learning Plan, based on the learning needs of the student. The Indigenous Academic Support Advisor will maintain constant contact with both the tutor and student to monitor their progress and feedback.
Our Indigenous Academic Support Advisors are here to help you succeed in your studies and progress through your degree.
They have an in-depth understanding of the challenges students usually face during their higher education studies, especially students from Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. They will also help with:
- Academic coaching, such as tutoring
- Helping you develop strategies to identify areas of improvement in your studies
- Staying on track with your studies
- Supporting you to create an effective study plan, and
- Suggesting alternative ways to improve your academic progress.
Indigenous Academic Support Advisors are available for all our students, whether you are studying in Cairns or Townsville, at a regional study centre, or as an off-campus (external) student.
Applications are welcome from suitably qualified students or members of the public. Contact an Indigenous Academic Support Advisor for further information.
Academic and career support services
The award winning JCU Learning Centre offers all JCU students online and face-to-face access to academic learning support. Access free workshops and short courses, download learning resources and get help with assignments, maths and statistics, exams and more through the website.
More than just a library - services include borrowing, study rooms, copying, binding, research support, information skills training, free workshops, access to journal articles and other databases, subject LibGuides, special collections and more. Visit the JCU Library website to find out what is on offer.
The Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library Liaison Officer develops, promotes and delivers library services and resources to JCU's Australian Aboriginial and Torres Strait Islander students and is a key contact for all students engaged in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander study and research. Students can call or email to book an appointment.
The JCU Careers and Employment Service is for all JCU students, offering career advice, action plans, job search strategies, resume checking and Linkedin profile development. Download resources and access online programs to help improve your graduate employment prospects. Search lists for part-time, casual, volunteer, vacation and graduate work opportunities.