Central Queensland University Mackay, Ooralea Campus

CQUniversity Australia has been on a phenomenal trajectory in recent years and its remarkable growth in student numbers, new courses, new campuses, infrastructure and reputation has seen it emerge as one of Australia’s truly great universities.

Originally founded in Rockhampton in 1967, as the Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) Capricornia, it was granted full University status in 1992 and was named the University of Central Queensland. The University rebranded to CQUniversity in 2009 and now has more than 30 000 students. It has firmly established itself as one of the largest universities based in regional Australia, with campuses in Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Noosa, Perth, Rockhampton, Sydney and Townsville. Along with these campuses, the University also operates study centres in Biloela, Broome, Busselton, Karratha and Yeppoon, and delivers programs in Cooma, Geraldton and Port Pirie, thanks to partnerships with the respective university centres in those communities.

In 2014, CQUniversity merged with CQ TAFE bringing together more than 175 years of combined experience in the delivery of education and training and establishing Queensland’s first comprehensive, dual sector university. As a result, CQUniversity now delivers more than 300 education and training offerings, from short courses and certificates, through to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. Study areas include apprenticeships, trades and training, business, accounting and law, creative, performing and visual arts, education and humanities, engineering and built environment, health, information technology and digital media, psychology, social work and community services, science and environment, and work and study preparation. As a pioneer in the delivery of distance education, CQUniversity also continues to be a leader in this area with almost half of the current student cohort made up of students studying off-campus, many of whom are based in rural and remote areas.

After more than half a century working with stakeholders in regional Australia, CQUniversity is now a renowned research institution in several key disciplines and the benchmark leader for how universities should engage and collaborate with communities and industry. Its applied research focus is oriented towards real-world outcomes, with the purpose of providing solutions to challenges and identifying new opportunities for advancement in our regions and beyond.

In 2018, this research focus saw CQUniversity achieve Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) results of ‘above’ or ‘well above’ world standard in 13 categories of research including Mathematical Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Horticultural Production, Engineering, Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, Agriculture and Vet Sciences, Agricultural, Land and Farm Management, Public Health and Health Services and Nursing.

CQUniversity is proud to be recognised as Australia’s most inclusive university with some of the highest ratios of students from disadvantaged, mature age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and first-in-family backgrounds. This inclusive approach and commitment to access and participation mean the University defines itself by who it embraces, rather than who it excludes.

Graduates from CQUniversity also have some of the best employment outcomes in Australia, with recent data released by the Graduate Outcomes Survey indicating that 79.9 per cent of domestic undergraduate students find full-time employment within four months of graduation, compared to the national average of 71.9 per cent. Data released by the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) also shows that CQUniversity outperforms the majority of Australian universities when it comes to the overall student experience and graduate salary outcomes.

CQUniversity places a strong emphasis on social innovation and global outreach and fosters a number of key partnerships with communities, industry and government, both in Australia and overseas. This commitment to engagement and social advancement has led to CQUniversity being recognised as Australia’s first and only Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U, an exclusive global social innovation group made up of only 40 education institutions across the world.

CQUniversity’s unique vision for diversity, outreach, engagement, research, learning and teaching, and inclusiveness, combined with its growth aspirations and continued expansion of student success, research excellence, social innovation and community engagement, has led to it being recognised within the top 600 universities in the world by the prestigious Times Higher Education World Rankings, and among the world’s best ‘young universities’ by both the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.

Mackay Ooralea
The CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus was initially established in 1992. Since merging with CQ TAFE on 1 July 2014, CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea, has grown significantly in size and now includes a purpose-built $46 million Trades Training Centre.

The CQUniversity's Mackay Ooralea Campus serves as a base for hundreds of students and staff within the Mackay community. It boasts a wide range of facilities, including lecture theatres and performance theatres, trade training workshops, computer and nursing laboratories, video-conference rooms, recording studios, student accommodation, a bookshop, a refectory, a library, and much more.

With modern classrooms, computer labs, lecture halls, and dedicated study spaces, the campus is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive and practical education that prepares them for the workforce. It provides students with an excellent learning environment along with various recreational amenities such as a fitness centre, sports fields, and common areas where students can relax and socialize.

The campus also provides a range of support services, including academic support, career guidance, and health and wellbeing services. Additionally, the university offers various clubs and societies for students to enjoy extracurricular activities and foster a sense of community.

Mackay Ooralea Campus is actively involved in the local community, providing students with opportunities to engage in volunteer work, internships, and other community-based projects. This commitment to community engagement enables students to develop valuable skills and establish connections with local businesses and organizations.

Central Queensland University's Mackay Ooralea Campus offers a variety of accommodation options for students, both on-campus and off-campus. These options cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring students can find a suitable living arrangement while studying at the university.

On-campus Accommodation: CQUniversity Village Mackay is an on-campus residential facility located within walking distance from the Ooralea Campus. The village offers a range of fully-furnished, self-contained apartments that cater to students' needs. These apartments typically come with private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, communal kitchens, and living spaces. The village also features communal recreational areas, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security. Living on-campus is a great way to immerse yourself in university life and build connections with fellow students.

Off-campus Accommodation: For students who prefer to live off-campus, there are various rental options available in the Mackay region. These options include shared houses, apartments, and private rentals. Off-campus accommodation provides students with greater flexibility and independence, allowing them to choose their living arrangements based on their preferences and budget. To find suitable off-campus housing, students can utilize online platforms, local newspapers, and real estate agents that specialize in rental properties.

Homestay: Another accommodation option for students at the Mackay Ooralea Campus is the homestay program. This program matches students with local families who provide a private room, meals, and a supportive living environment. Homestay is a popular choice for international students, as it offers an opportunity to experience Australian culture firsthand and improve English language skills through daily interaction with the host family.