CQU Connect Program

The CQU Connect program operates with support, guidance, and collaboration from:

The Australian Government Department of Education

At CQUniversity, we are dedicated to creating a better future for all Australians through quality education. We actively use the recommendations and performance targets set by the Australian Universities Accord to enhance the quality, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of higher education. The Accords objective is to ensure long-term security and prosperity for both the sector and the nation.

Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) 

Curtin University established ACSES, which the Australian Government Department of Education funds, to provide national leadership in student equity in higher education. CQU collaborates with ACSES to address student equity needs and enhance university accessibility.

Queensland Widening Participation Consortium (QWPC) 

At CQUniversity, we are proud to be part of Queensland’s Widening Tertiary Participation Consortium, the largest and longest-running consortium of universities in Australia. We strategically focus on improving tertiary education participation for people from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds as well as individuals from regional, rural, and remote (RRR) locations.

The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) 

CQU leverages HEPPP funding to deliver the CQU Connect program, targeting increased participation for remote and regional students. We also use this funding to support programs that engage key communities, improve student retention, and prepare future students for successful careers.

North Coast and Central Queensland

• Bundaberg North State High School
• Bundaberg State High School
• Isis District State High School
• Kepnock State High School
• Mount Morgan State High School
• North Rockhampton State High School
• Rockhampton State High School
• Yeppoon State High School
• Burnett State College
• Gin Gin State High School
• Moura State High School
• Biggenden State School
• Miriam Vale State School
• Mundubbera State College
• Eidsvold State School
• Rosedale State School

Far North Queensland

CQUniversity collaborates with James Cook University in Far North Queensland to engage with the following schools via the CQU Connect program.

• Babinda State School
• Bentley Park College
• Djarragun College
• Gordonvale State High School
• Innisfail State College
• Malanda State High School
• Pormpuraaw State School
• Woree State High School
• Yarrabah State School

School Engagement

If you are interested in engaging with the program, as a student or school please reach out to our Future Students team. 

Year 7

Independant Learning Activity: Knowing Yourself*

Classroom module: We deliver interactive classroom modules in partnership with teachers. We aim to help students identify their strengths and dreams. 

Learning Objective: Students will understand the importance of personal management, build a positive self-concept, and practice positive interactions with others.

Year 8

Independant Learning Activity: Personal Growth*

Campus Event: We host a Community Festival event for Year 8 students. They will participate in activities hosted by our staff, academics, researchers and community stakeholders. We aim to inspire them to consider their role in the world and how university can help them prepare for the future. 

Year 9

Independant Learning Activity: Navigating Pathways*

Classroom module: Students are supported to explore lifelong learning strategies. We focus on how they can locate and use career information effectively. 

Learning Objective: Students will explore strategies for creating and maintaining work, develop skills for career success, and make informed career-enhancing decisions.

Year 10

Independant Learning Activity: Life Career Development*

Campus Event: For Year 10, students will attend a CQU Career Experience Day in advance of preparing for Year 11 and 12 subject selections. The event aims to provide them with consideration for careers they might not have thought of before, provide key information about career pathways, highlight the future of careers and ensure students know that they can navigate change in order to achieve their dreams.

Year 11

Independant Learning Activity: Future Ready*

Classroom module: We engage with Year 11 students to explore how they can create and maintain work, explore skills that support career success and support them in identifying how they can make informed, career-enhancing decisions.

Learning Objective: Students will explore lifelong learning strategies supportive of career goals and learn how to locate and use career information effectively.

Year 12

Independant Learning Activity: The Next Step*

Campus Event: We host a tailored Year 12 Uni Experience Event. You can learn more about this event via our Uni Experience Events page.

*Independant Learning Activities are available via our Be Different platform. These are made available to schools participating in the program for students to complete.