Focus
Welcome!
Hey there! We’re so excited you’ve come to study in Australia.
University is a great time to meet new people and ask deep questions. ‘Why am I here?’ ‘Why is there suffering in the world?’ You don’t have to ask these questions alone.
AFES Christian student groups give you a place to connect with others and explore the meaning of life together.
Most AFES groups around Australia have communities specifically for international students, called “FOCUS” – short for the Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students. Whatever your country, culture, religion or language, all are welcome, and we’d love to meet you.
FOCUS runs Bible study sessions on Fridays throughout the trimester schedule. We meet 6PM off campus to learn from the Bible together, ask questions, enjoy international food and make friends!
If you’d like to be involved or want to know more contact Tai on 0434866353
Get Connected
Heading to uni?
New doors open when you start uni – new experiences, new challenges, new friends, and even a new country! Whether you’re a committed Christian or just curious, AFES groups are communities where you will be known, supported, and invited to belong. You don’t have to do uni, or faith, alone.
What Is A Uni GROUP?
Church is a great place to learn about Jesus. It’s a critical part of spiritual growth for all Christians, whatever their life stage. So what’s the point of a Christian uni group?
AFES groups equip students to know Jesus and make him known on campus.
For those who don’t know Jesus, they’re a space to explore the meaning of life and ask hard questions. And for Christians, they’re an amazing training ground for learning and discipleship. You’ll explore the Bible carefully, pray for each other, and gain confidence to tell people about Jesus.
Throughout the year we have weekly Bible studies, weekly talks, camps, social activities and plenty of time to hang out together.
Some students choose just to attend occasionally. Others join several events per week, and some serve in leadership positions. Whatever your capacity, you’re welcome to come along.
Here are
some Qs we get
asked a lot.
Yes! FOCUS is part of Christian Students JCU, and is affiliated with the Student Guild as an official group.
You’re very welcome to come – regardless of your experience of church (or if you have no experience of church!). Christian Students JCU is a place to make friends and discover more about Jesus.
Christian Students JCU complements – not replaces – church. We’re a community to walk alongside you in your faith during your uni years. They’re a great place to invite classmates who might not feel comfortable entering a church service to explore Christianity. AFES groups will grow your love for God, biblical understanding and missional heart in a unique and unmissable way whole you’re at uni!
AFES stands for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students. We’re a movement of student groups from across the country, associated with IFES (the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students).
We understand the pressures on uni students – exams, assignments, work, and more. It can be hard. We don’t want to overload your schedule, but we really do want to encourage you to prioritise making time to invest in faith. Most groups run several events a week, on different days and times – some in the day, some in the evening. Just start off small and see if there is 1 event that you can make it to.
There are also opportunities to connect outside of semesters, including NTE (our National Training Event), and local mid-year camps and conferences. If our structured events are still difficult to attend, we’d encourage you to meet with a small group of students at a time that suits you 🙂
Totally valid question. There’s an increased awareness of questionable sects operating on university campuses. At AFES, we’re never okay with manipulating or coercing people. Our groups strive for transparency: we openly name our beliefs, affiliations and leaders, and clubs are usually affiliated with the Student Associations.
ANYTHING