2026 CQUniCares Appeal

Lainey Wilson smiling and standing in front of greenery

The 2026 CQUniCares Appeal is taking place between Monday 11 and Friday 15 May 2026, and it's all about breaking down barriers so students can succeed.

CQUniversity is one of Australia’s most inclusive universities. In 2025:

43% of domestic students came from low socio-economic backgrounds
72.3% resided in regional or remote areas
7.6% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
9.3% (more than 2,500 students) identified as living with disability

In total, 89% of our students identify with one or more equity groups.

Access to education changes lives. However, for many of our students, financial hardship, disability-related costs, and regional isolation remain significant barriers.

The current global economic uncertainty is hitting many of us hard, but students are often among those most affected. CQUniversity is committed to providing practical and financial support, but we need your help!

This year, the CQUniCares Appeal focuses on removing barriers at three important stages throughout the student journey, from starting university through to finishing their degree.

Video thumbnail image — CQUniCares 2026 Appeal: Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp

Everyone who donates before the end of Appeal Week will go into the draw to boost their donation? One winner, chosen at random, will nominate which cause receives an additional $750 from UniSuper.

Support one deserving cause (or all three)

Financial stress is one of the top four reasons why university students don’t complete their studies. By supporting one of these three initiatives, you can help our students to realise their aspirations.

Donations over $2 are tax deductible and 100% of your gift goes directly to students.

Be Ready Equity Packs

Many students begin the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) Program without even the most basic study materials. To address this challenge, we have created the Be Ready Equity Packs initiative.

CQUniCares Student Success Scholarships

CQUniCares Student Success Scholarships help provide equal access to education for students who may otherwise miss out on the life-changing opportunity.

Inclusive Placement Assistance

Students with a disability face additional costs to participate in study placements. Donations will provide discretionary funding to assist these students to complete their placements.

Donate to the CQUniCares Appeal

Donate today to remove the barriers that stand between a student and their education.

Donate Now

Help Spread the Word

You can also help by signing up as an Appeal Ambassador to help us share information about these causes and promote fundraising messages widely in our communities.