James Cook University is placed in the top 2% of universities in the world and ranks among the top 30 modern universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (50 under 50, 2018). The institution is research led and a pioneer in its focus on the tropics. The institution places an emphasis on developing students who will become graduates that make a positive impact on society in a wide range of spheres.

JCU campuses are designed to facilitate world leading teaching, learning and research, with students having access to cutting-edge and innovative facilities. In keeping with the research outlook of the university, JCU has 124 research partners globally and the university’s research has been acknowledged as world class or higher in 38 areas.

Spread over three campuses in Queensland, with the two main locations in Cairns and Townsville, the university is home to 21, 000 students from more than 100 countries. Students can choose from a wide variety of subjects and courses that include environmental management, health studies, medicine, law and social sciences, to name a few. Students can be assured of high-quality teaching and personalised attention from faculty, with an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. Pathway programs are also available to students who need to develop their English language proficiency prior to enrolling for a degree course.

Students at JCU can be assured of a supportive and safe environment, where they are well looked after. Everything from social activities to counselling and medical assistance to career guidance, is provided. International students have a dedicated team to assist with orientation and integration into life at JCU.

JCU enjoys an outstanding reputation with employers and graduates of the university are highly prized across industries. This is illustrated by the fact that JCU received a five-star rating from the Good Universities Guide for seven years in a row when rating graduate job success.

JCU is placed in the top 300 of universities in the world and ranks among the top 30 young universities in the Times Higher Education Best Young Universities in the World rankings. The institution is research intensive and produces research of high impact, particularly on issues of importance to the tropics.

JCU is ranked as world-class or better in 38 areas of research (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2019), including number one globally for Marine Biology and number two worldwide for Biodiversity Conservation Research (Centre for World University Rankings).

JCU campuses are designed to facilitate world leading teaching, learning and research, with students having access to cutting-edge and innovative facilities. In keeping with the research outlook of the university, JCU has 124 research partners globally and the university's research has been acknowledged as world class or higher in 38 areas.

With two main locations in Cairns and Townsville, and metropolitan campuses in Brisbane and Singapore, JCU is home to more than 21,500 students and 4,400 staff.

Students can choose from a wide variety of subjects and courses in disciplines including arts and humanities business and commerce education engineering health sciences and IT. Students can be assured of high-quality teaching and personalised attention from faculty, with an excellent student-to-teacher ratio.

Students at JCU can be assured of a supportive and safe environment. Everything from social activities to counselling and medical assistance to career guidance, is provided. International students have a dedicated team to assist with orientation and integration into life at JCU.

JCU enjoys an outstanding reputation with employers and graduates of the university are highly prized across industries. This is illustrated by the fact that JCU received a five-star rating from the Good Universities Guide for seven years in a row when rating graduate job success.

New accommodation at the James Cook University campus in Cairns officially opened recently. The building with rooms for 300 students has been named the John Grey Hall of Residence. It offers residents a choice of studio apartments, shared apartments with en suite bathrooms, and six-bedroom apartments.

JCU graduates topped the list in the Australian Government’s Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching 2017 Employer Satisfaction Survey (QILT ESS). JCU graduates received the highest percentage of favourable ratings from employers. They outranked graduates from all other universities across Australia.

James Cook University is experiencing strong growth in its undergraduate science courses. The Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Professor Marcus Lane said it’s a great result, and an endorsement of the quality of JCU’s teaching and research. “We have invested in world-class research and teaching facilities at The Science Building and elsewhere, and this renewed interest is an acknowledgement of the quality of our science, which is recognised internationally.”

View more recent news listings of JCU here…

James Cook University is regarded as the world’s best university in its dedication to the goal of the United Nations’ to reduce inequality.

The Times Higher Education University Impact Ratings, which were recently published, ranked how universities were ‘walking the talk’, and judged them against the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.

James Cook University is found to be the world’s first in working towards UN SDG 10 (reducing inequalities), which aims to end economic imbalances.

Professor Sandra Harding, Vice Chancellor of James Cook University, said that JCU being top-ranked makes it the first university in Australia to commit formally to the principles of SDGs.

“The ranking is an assessment of how universities are putting into practice their own commitments to SDGs, as reflected by internal policy and practices and outreach. The ranking means JCU is ‘walking the talk’,” she said.

Sustainable development

James Cook University is regarded as the world's best university in its commitment to sustainable development through global partnerships.

The Times Higher Education University Impact Ratings, which were published in April 2020, ranked how universities were ‘walking the talk', and judged them against the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.

James Cook University is found to be the world's number one in working towards UN SDG 17, which relates to partnerships.

JCU Provost, Professor Chris Cocklin shared how sustainable development is at the center of its role as a university for the tropics and forms the basis of much of JCU's teaching and research. He noted, ''It's important to understand the interconnectedness of these goals. Achieving good health might seem the obvious focus for nurses and doctors, but it also requires attention to the social determinants of health, such as education and poverty. Those intersections make goal 17, working in partnerships, critical to the success of 2030 Agenda.''

Professor Cocklin pointed out that the ranking was testament to JCU's students, graduates, staff, communities, organisations and the individuals that the university collaborates with.

JCU Covid-19 updates

• JCU offers the EAP program and the diploma pathway programs in engineering, health (nursing pathway), technology and science in 2021.
• JCU continues to offer the International Excellence Scholarship and International Student Merit Stipend in 2021, as well as a range of other scholarships including Pathways Scholarships and Destination Australia Scholarships.

JCU equips students with work-ready skills, giving the opportunity for field trips, work integrated learning (WIL) and practical placements with key industry partners. In many courses, emphasis is placed on significant hours of practical experience and as a result, its graduates are in high demand. Students will graduate with the knowledge, confidence and work-ready skills needed to succeed.

JCU’s career-focused courses will teach students how to have a clear vision into their future profession, with practical, hands-on learning. Some subjects offered require weekly attendance at a lecture followed by participation in a small-group tutorial providing students with a high level of study support and interaction with academics and other students.

Yet another advantage of attending JCU is the opportunity to complete part of the Australian degree at one of over 60 partner universities from over 20 countries.

Here are a few more reasons to choose JCU:

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.

Career-focused courses

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

James Cook University is also a prominent leader in research excellence and addresses the critical challenges which the tropics face, worldwide. The university collaborates with several of the most well-respected local, national and global research organisations as well as industry groups, so that students can be assured that what they learn at JCU reflects both the current trends and innovations.

There are a number of reasons to choose JCU including:

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 ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, 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 (Good Universities Guide) and offers a range of support services. Its international student support team comprises experienced and dedicated staff who can assist international students prior to arrival, during orientation, and through to transitioning to student life 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. Students may also have the chance to study some of their degrees at JCU's Singapore campus.

Some of the subject areas covered by JCU include…

Arts, Social Sciences and Social Work

Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, problem solving, communication and research skills for successful study and have the opportunity to sample from a wide range subjects. Students will also be given opportunities to study abroad or undertake placements and research in the Asia Pacific region.

Business & IT

Whether it’s a first degree or a way to progress to a Master’s – a JCU Business or IT degree will equip students with skills to succeed in and out of the business world.

Creative Arts and Media

James Cook University (JCU) offers courses in new media arts, innovation, music, sound and moving image, photo media, media design, and the visual arts. Its courses combine creative thinking and studio work, individual and group projects, lectures, seminars, and fieldwork.

Engineering and Planning

A James Cook University Engineering or Planning degree gives students the skills needed to solve real-world problems and design and develop innovative solutions.

Science

Whether students already have a clear picture of what they want to do with their scientific knowledge and skills, or they are open to many possibilities, JCU’s Science programs will both inspire and inform them. The Science Place is a unique and advanced facility designed for collaborative experiences.

Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy

JCU’s Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy courses are designed by experienced, professional staff. The College delivers courses and research relevant to people and communities in the tropics, with a strong focus on social justice and humanitarian issues.

Veterinary and Medical Science

Veterinary and Medical Science students at James Cook University (JCU) benefit from extensive research expertise in tropical animal and veterinary science. Some facilities available include teaching laboratories and access to JCU’s own cattle station at nearby Charters Towers, Fletcherview.

Visit the University website to view all subject areas covered…

Whatever the students’ passion or career aspirations are, James Cook University has the course to inspire them to excel in their chosen fields. Its career-focused courses give students a clear vision into their future profession, along with practical and hands-on learning.

Opportunities for practical experience

The university’s courses are developed to provide students with several opportunities for practical experience. Normally, students would study four subjects in a semester during their bachelor’s or master’s courses. This may vary according to the program or course students choose to undertake.

Students are required to attend lectures on a weekly basis and participate in a tutorial consisting of small groups, providing them with a great level of study support as well as interaction with other students and academics.

Advantages and opportunities

Students also have another advantage when they attend James Cook University - they get the chance to complete part of their Australian degree at one among the 60 plus partner universities of JCU from more than 20 countries. Students may also have the chance to study some of their degrees at JCU’s Singapore campus.

International students, for whom English is not a first language, are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English by undertaking a test like TOEFL, Academic IELTS, or Pearson (PTE Academic). The university may also accept other English language tests.

If a students' test score for English does not meet the entry requirements of their chosen course, then they can explore other options. Many students who cannot meet the necessary English language entry requirements, but can satisfy the academic entry requirements to pursue James Cook University degrees, receive a ‘packaged offer' comprised of a duration of academic English language studies, as well as an offer into a course at the university.

International pathways to JCU

The university provides various international pathway programs for students who cannot satisfy either the academic or English language requirements. Diploma pathway programs are available in science, engineering, health (nursing pathway), and technology and allows students to progress to year two of an undergraduate JCU degree.

Scholarships and funding

International students at JCU are offered various scholarships and grants. This includes the research scholarships which are awarded to those students who commence their research degrees at master's or doctoral levels.

Undergraduate application

Step 1: Choose your degree.

Step 2: First, check if you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree and check:

• Entry requirements
• Fees and costs
• Scholarships and financial aid
• Credit for previous studies
• Pathways to JCU

Step 3: Submit your application by:

• Completing an application online
• Finding a JCU overseas representative/agent to assist you
• Completing a paper application form

Postgraduate application

Step 1: Choose your degree.

Step 2: Register as a first time applicant on the Online Application Portal.

Step 3: Then, upload copies of required documentation.

Step 4: Submit the application.

More application details…

Some of the subject areas covered at JCU include:

• Arts and social sciences

The university’s arts and social sciences is a significant leader in empowering students’ critical thinking. Graduates of JCU have strong analytical skills as well as a solution-based approach so that they are career-ready when they graduate.

• Biomedical sciences

Students who pursue biomedical sciences at the university will develop their skills with an education that is world-class in the fields of microbiome, genome, and metabiome – associated to the cell as well as health of a living organism. JCU graduates are highly valued by employers.

• Business

JCU Business is at the forefront in building both practical, and professional skills and knowledge. With a strong focus on both professional development as well as multidisciplinary education, JCU graduates will be endowed with the skills to excel. They will be enabled to succeed in enterprise over a diverse range of government, commercial, and civil society endeavours.

• Law

JCU Law provides students a skills-based as well as multidisciplinary legal education. With an emphasis on both independent thinking as well as innovative problem-solving, JCU ensures that graduates will become skilled in contemporary legal practice.

Scholarships & funding

International students at JCU are offered various scholarships and grants. This includes the research scholarships which are awarded to those students who commence their research degrees at master’s or doctoral levels.

The university offers various facilities including computer labs which are accessible throughout the day, and a comprehensive collection of books and other resources which students can benefit from in the library.

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 savannas 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.

Research scholarships

JCU offers highly competitive scholarships to students commencing research degrees at master or doctoral level. Students must be accepted for a place in a research degree program to be considered for scholarship support.

Other scholarships may be available for application during studies, but these may be awarded on academic merit.

More on scholarships…

International students, for whom English is not a first language, are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English by undertaking a test like TOEFL, Academic IELTS, or Pearson (PTE Academic). The university may also accept other English language tests.

If the students’ test score for English language proficiency does not meet the entry requirements of their chosen course, then they can explore other options. Many students who cannot meet the necessary English language entry requirements, but can satisfy the academic entry requirements to pursue James Cook University degrees, receive a ‘packaged offer’ comprised of a duration of academic English language studies, as well as an offer into a course at the university.

International pathways to JCU

The university provides various international pathway programs for students who cannot satisfy either the academic or English language requirements. The programs include English for Academic Purposes, Foundation Program, and Diploma of Higher Education.

The following are the university's campuses in Australia:

Cairns Campus

Approximately 4,000 students, including nearly 385 international students, study at JCU Cairns.

JCU Cairns is home to modern teaching as well as research facilities. The facilities offered include an impressive information technology building, library, health science as well as science laboratories, cafes, and student refectory. An AUD 30 million Cairns Innovation Centre is set to open in late 2020 and is going to house the innovative ‘Internet of Things' program, and nurture young graduates and a new generation of students engaging deeply with industry through work-integrated learning. The new John Grey Hall of Residence is on campus and offers students safe accommodation options close to class.

Cairns is a tropical, clean, friendly, modern, and safe city with a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying close proximity to the World Heritage listed rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville Campus

Around 12,500 students, comprised of more than 1,500 international students, study at JCU Townsville.

JCU Townsville houses various teaching and research facilities, cafes, fitness and sporting facilities, the main JCU library, and a wealth of student societies and clubs. Nearly 1,400 students reside on-campus in colleges as well as halls of residence, offering a true community atmosphere on the campus.

Townsville is northern Australia's largest city and among Australia's fastest-growing regional centres - enjoying a diverse and strong economic base.

JCU Brisbane

With a modern campus situated in the very heart of the central business district of Brisbane, JCU Brisbane provides bachelor's degrees and postgraduate programs in the areas of Information Technology and business for international students.

Students have access to improved job-support services, as well as clear academic and English language pathways and can finish their studies in a short duration due to the trimester-based academic calendar.

Some of JCU’s facilities include…

Sports

Students at JCU Townsville have excellent sporting facilities on campus plus plenty of sporting clubs to participate in to help them make friends outside of the classroom. Facilities include:

• Cricket pitch
• Gym
• Hockey field
• Netball courts
• Football (rugby league and rugby union) ovals
• Rowing
• Soccer field
• Squash courts
• Swimming pool
• Tennis courts

The campus at JCU Cairns has a growing range of sporting facilities including:

• Rugby oval
• Basketball courts
• Gym

Accommodation

JCU Townsville offers six on-campus accommodation options for up to 1,300 students. Living on campus is a fun and exciting way to experience university life. There is always something happening with plenty of social and cultural activities to keep you entertained.

JCU Cairns’ brand new on-campus accommodation facility, the John Grey Hall of Residence, is one of the best places to live while students are studying at JCU. The first stage of this purpose-built residence will be home to 300 students with plans to expand its capacity to 1000 students in the future.

There are a number of secure and convenient off-campus options available. Students looking to rent can look at listings on our large and highly detailed Off-Campus Database.

Organising accommodation is an important step in the student application process and JCU recommends that students start looking at their accommodation options as early as possible.

The university offers various facilities including computer labs which are accessible throughout the day, and a comprehensive collection of books and other resources which students can benefit from in the library.

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, regional, as well as very remote 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 savannas 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.

The JCU careers and employment service has offices situated at both the Cairns and Townsville campuses. It provides career advice for both students and graduates, career planning workshops and job application advice, career information libraries, as well as an online job database known as the CareerHub. The service also arranges an annual careers fair which brings major employers, as well as industries, to the Cairns and Townsville campuses.

JCU Professional Employability Program

The Professional Employability Program is part of the Master of Engineering (Professional), Master of Data Science (Professional), Master of Science, Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Master of Science (Professional). The program includes a tailored plan that supports industry placements and employment objectives.

In partnership with Career Ahead, employability experts, JCU offers:

• Workshops by discipline experts and HR practitioners to help students with career planning, professional networking, building employable skills, and navigation of the recruitment process. Regular industry involvement is offered through keynote speakers, work-based simulation and case study activity.
• Resources such as guides for job search tools, career development templates, and development of personal employability portfolio.
• Industry placements as part of the degree program which are typically taken up towards the completion of the program.