Focus
Welcome!
Hey there! We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen 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.
Find my group
What is 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. For Christians, they’re an amazing training ground for learning and discipleship.
You’ll dive deep into the Bible, pray for each other, and gain confidence to tell people about Jesus. Wherever you’re at, AFES groups are a community to walk alongside you at university.
What are Christian uni groups like?
Wondering what to expect if you visit an AFES group? Every campus is unique and runs different activities, though we’re all centred around the same vision and mission. This often looks like weekly Bible studies, mid-semester camps, 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.
Find my group
starting uni well
New doors open when you start uni – new experiences, new challenges, new friends, and even a new country!
Looking for tips and tricks on how to start uni well? Whether you’re a committed Christian or just curious, our top advice is to meet your local AFES group! That way, you can make friends and be welcomed into a warm community. You don’t have to do uni, or faith, alone.
Check out our content library for more ideas and inspiration on faith, study, and more.
Check out our resource library
I found out about Campus Bible Study at a BBQ at Orientation Week. It took me a while to start regularly coming along to the Bible studies and Bible talks, but after some encouragement, I joined a Bible study with other first year students in my faculty. It really helped me make friends when I didn’t know anyone from Sydney after moving here from Newcastle.
Anna
Third year landscape architecture student at UNSW
Being regularly involved with Port Macquarie Christian Students (PCS) has been a huuuuuge encouragement to my spiritual walk with Jesus. It has enabled me to make great friends that have been able to support and encourage me through uni and day to day life. It has also let me receive suuuuper solid bible teaching each week that has expanded my knowledge of God and deepened my relationship with him, and given me tools and strategies to talk to friends at uni about Jesus.
Danny
Second year physiotherapist student at Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie
Uni is a completely different environment to what most people are used to but being part of the Evangelical Union on campus certainly made the transition easier, as everyone is extremely welcoming and willing to help you out, directing you to classes and more. It has certainly helped me to grow in my faith and challenged me consider the bigger picture of how I might be serving Jesus as Lord in my life.
Winnie
Student at Sydney University
After Year 12, I went on a camp for highschool leavers where we were strongly encouraged to get involved in uni ministry – if not now, when? I was really convicted of how important connecting with Christians is at uni.
Abby
Second year Education and Arts student at Australian Catholic University
Here are
some Qs we get
asked a lot.
Mostly, yes! Each group has its own way of doing things, but AFES groups are generally affiliated with their campus Student Union or 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!). AFES groups are a place to make friends and discover more about Jesus.
AFES groups compliment – not replace – church. They’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).
That’s okay! We understand the pressures on uni students – exams, assignments, work, and more – but making time to invest in your faith is also important. Most groups run several events a week, on different days and times – some in the day, some in the evening.
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
