James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond.

Ranked in the top 2 percent of universities in the world (2024 ShanghaiRanking Academic Ranking of World Universities as a percentage of higher education providers in the International Association of Universities (IAU) database), JCU provides career-focused courses and leading research excellence. Since 1961 JCU has grown into a research-intensive university with more than 20,000 students from 111 countries, and 4,116 staff. Located in the Northern Queensland cities of Cairns and Townsville, plus campuses in Singapore and Brisbane, JCU offers state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding student support.

JCU students and researchers have opportunities to work and learn in spectacular locations, including the Australian Outback and the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest. JCU is globally recognized for research excellence, with 38 areas of research rated "world-class" or better (Excellence in Research for Australia 2018). These strengths are particularly evident in areas relevant to the Tropics, as reflected in recent global subject rankings.

JCU is ranked No. 5 in the world and No. 1 in Australia for Ecology by the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects for 2024 and No. 31 globally in the same field by the US News Best Global Universities Rankings for 2024. The University is also ranked No. 4 in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology (2024 US News Best Global Universities Rankings) and is placed among the top 100 globally for Mining and Mineral Engineering (2024 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects).

JCU's research centres, including the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, TropWATER, and the Cairns Institute, conduct internationally recognised research in areas like ecology and environment, plant and animal science, geosciences, coral reef science, tropical health and medicine, and tourism.

World-class facilities

With an excellent global reputation, as well as impressive, world-class facilities and committed academic staff, students can be certain that pursuing their education at James Cook University will offer a new direction, or the ideal start to their careers.

Courses designed for success

The university's career-focused courses are developed to give students the kind of education which employers rate highly. Students will receive practical and hands-on training, as well as learn from real-life scenarios which take them beyond the university's campuses.

Leader in research excellence

JCU is known for its research excellence and impact on issues such as those that are of importance to the tropics. JCU is rated world-class in 38 research areas (Excellence in Research Australia 2018). Its research centres, including the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, TropWATER and the Cairns Institute, perform research that is internationally recognised in fields such as plant and animal science, ecology and environment, coral reef science, geosciences, tropical health and medicine, and tourism.

Excellence in student support

JCU was awarded five stars for student support (2025 Good Universities Guide, PG study area) and offers a range of support services. Experienced and dedicated staff assist international students prior to arrival, during orientation, and throughout their time at JCU.

Opportunities for practical experience

The university's courses are developed to provide students with several opportunities for practical experience.

Advantages and opportunities

Students get the chance to complete part of their Australian degree at one of the 60 plus partner universities of JCU, in more than 20 countries.

International applicants to JCU must meet both academic and English language entry requirements. Students whose first language is not English need to demonstrate proficiency through accepted English language tests, such as Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or Pearson PTE Academic.

Other tests or evidence of prior study in English may also be considered. Academic entry requirements depend on the student's country of previous study and the specific course applied for.

Scholarships and funding

International students at JCU have access to a range of scholarships and funding options. This includes the JCU International Excellence Scholarship, awarded to high-achieving international students commencing eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs. This scholarship is based on academic merit and provides a significant reduction in tuition fees.

JCU is dedicated to research that has an impact on life in the tropics. To realise this outcome, JCU has invested significantly in facilities and structures to support research and development activity. These initiatives are leveraged, wherever possible, to acquire additional external investment, as well as facility development with the best-value outcomes.

The university's researchers explore different ways to enhance the health of remote and regional communities, increase the management and knowledge of critical ecosystems, as well as discover various ways to build compassionate communities and cities.

JCU research hubs and campuses are located close to several of the most spectacular environments in the world. This includes the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the savannahs of Cape York Peninsula. These living laboratories offer both staff and students of JCU with unique opportunities for research, teaching and learning.

Many local, national and global research organisations as well as industry groups partner with JCU. These connections help to ensure that the courses offered at the university are research-rich and reflect the latest innovations. Most of the university's staff and students are located jointly with researchers from partner institutions.

JCU is a multi-campus university with campuses in the tropical cities of Cairns and Townsville in Australia, a campus in Singapore, and smaller branch campuses in a number if Australian cities and regional centres, including Brisbane.

Cairns Campus

Approximately 3,000 students (16 per cent international) study at JCU Cairns.

Cairns is a tropical, clean, modern and safe city with a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying close proximity to the World Heritage-listed rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. JCU Cairns offers modern teaching and research facilities, including an impressive information technology building, library, science laboratories, cafes, and student refectory.

The AUD 30 million Cairns Ideas Lab opened in 2020 and is home to JCU's innovative ‘Internet of Things' discipline. It aims to nurture young graduates and a new generation of students by engaging with industry through work-integrated learning. The new John Grey Hall of Residence student accommodation complex is on campus.

Townsville Campus

Around 13,000 students (16 per cent international) study at JCU Townsville.

Townsville is northern Australia's largest city and among Australia's fastest-growing regional centres, enjoying a diverse and strong economic base. JCU Townsville houses various teaching and research facilities, cafes and fitness facilities, the main JCU library, and many student societies and clubs. Nearly 1,400 students live on-campus, offering a true community atmosphere.

James Cook University (Singapore Campus)

James Cook University (Singapore Campus) was established in 2003, as JCU's first international campus with 3,700 students. It offers superb facilities, collaborative study spaces, and world-renowned lecturers to ensure students have every opportunity for success. Singapore is a frontrunner in world health, technology and economic development and students here benefit from the city's rich multicultural community.

JCU's courses are designed to help students succeed in the global workforce and will prepare them for a career with adventure, skills and impact. A JCU qualification will equip students with the expert knowledge and job-ready skills needed to stand out in their chosen career path.

JCU is ranked #1 in Queensland for full-time employment at both postgraduate and undergraduate study levels (2025 Good Universities Guide) #1 in Australia for median graduate salary for international student graduates according to the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2020-2022.

JCU Careers and Employability services offer comprehensive career support to both current students and recent graduates, including personalised career advice, job search and application guidance, and interview preparation assistance.

Through the online platform JCU CareerHub, students and graduates have access to exclusive job listings, career resources, and can book career consultations and register for workshops and events. The careers and employability service regularly coordinates career planning workshops, job application seminars, and networking opportunities, including annual careers fairs that connect students with major employers and industry representatives.

JCU opens AUD 100M Engineering and Innovation Place at Townsville Campus

In February 2024, JCU opened the new four-storey, 9,400m² Engineering and Innovation Place — the centrepiece of its Townsville innovation precinct. This dynamic hub brings together engineering and IT students, researchers, and industry partners to collaborate, create, and solve real-world challenges.

The purpose-built facility features modern teaching spaces, high-tech labs, and industry-grade equipment. It's designed to meet LEED Gold Environmental and Sustainability Standards and is registered to target a WELL Building Standard rating.

This major investment reflects James Cook University's commitment to providing world-class learning environments, cutting-edge research opportunities, and facilities that inspire innovation and impact.