James Cook University

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.