James Cook University (JCU) is a renowned institution that excels in research, particularly in the fields of Marine Biology, Environmental Science, and Indigenous Studies. Ranked in the top 300 universities globally, JCU offers a unique learning experience with a focus on tropical and marine environments. Its campuses in Townsville and Cairns provide students with access to world-class facilities and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests. JCU’s commitment to sustainability and research ensures students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges.

Courses

Find courses to see their fees, entry requirements and university subject rankings based on their field of study and study area.

Featured Courses

Bachelor of Information Technology

Information Technology

Townsville, QLD

3 years

Jan, May, Sep

SACE / WACE

ATAR 63

Fee / year

from AUD $36,899

Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)

Chemical Engineering + 4 majors

Townsville, QLD

4 years

Feb

SACE / WACE

ATAR 70

Fee / year

from AUD $42,477

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Medicine

Townsville, QLD

6 years

Feb

SACE / WACE

Special Entry

Fee / year

from AUD $71,383

Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Events + 2 majors

Brisbane, QLD

3 years

Jan, May, Jul, Sep, Nov

SACE / WACE

ATAR 59

Fee / year

from AUD $36,899

Bachelor of Science

Aquaculture Science and Technology + 8 majors

Townsville, QLD

3 years

Feb, Jul

SACE / WACE

ATAR 66.5

Fee / year

from AUD $42,477

University Minimum Requirements

for undergraduate (Guide only)

SACE / WACE

ATAR 59

Fee / year

from AUD $35,646

Is James Cook University (JCU) your best fit?

Check out which universities and courses are most suitable for you.

Campuses

James Cook University (JCU)'s main campus is Townsville (Bebegu Yumba) and has a total of 3 campuses.

Studying in Townsville (Bebegu Yumba)(Main)

Living cost with rent

AUD $2,300 - $2,800

Rent / month

AUD $900 - $1,700

Bebegu Yumba, which means “Place of Learning”, boasting a range of innovative spaces and state-of-the-art facilities

The Science Place, is a comprehensive provider of world class research in a range of science, technology and engineering

Professional experience placement is a crucial and formal component of any medical, health or veterinary

JCU is a leader in Veterinary Science, hands-on teaching as well as clinical and professional placements

Veterinary Farm, passion for farm life leads to vet science, learning through practical placements

Indigenous Education and Research Centre is a leader in providing studies through successful and sustainable programs

Medical Lecture Theatre, seats available for 287 persons with Cinema Projector

Study & meet your friends at safe wild nature area, help to boost quality of study

Eddie Koiki Mabo Library building is recognised as one of Australia's top ten concrete public architectural works

The Science Place Foyer, is place for study catch a break and aquarium view

Esport, new gaming facility is equipped, with 10 Alienware pro gaming computers all with 25” 240hz monitors

The ceiling of Central Plaza is artwork by indigenous artist Megan Cope as part of her 'After the Flood' series

Aroma Cafe, chain cafe offering artisanal coffee & housemade sandwiches

Bebegu Yumba, has excellent sporting facilities on campus plus plenty of clubs for participating and making friends

Around 1,400 students live on campus in colleges and halls of residence, giving the campus a true community atmosphere

Location: Townsville, Queensland
Nearby: Located in the Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct (TropiQ) in the suburb of Douglas
Getting here: Public transport via buses (one bus stop on the JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas, outside Education Central (Bld. 134))
Faculties: Home to faculties including Business, Public Health and Medicine
James Cook University's original and main campus.

Studying in Brisbane

Living cost with rent

Above AUD $2,800

Rent / month

AUD $1,600 - $1,800

JCU Brisbane, culturally diverse hub for world-class art, lively dining and premier events

The Resource Centre is a space designed for students to learn get support and interact while studying at JCU Brisbane

Computing facilities are available to students with high capacity laser printer at JCU Brisbane

Learning Advisors are available to give you the support, advice and assistance

The Student Lounge, enjoy the pool table, table tennis, carrom, multiple televisions, couches and Xbox 360 consoles

While studying at JCU Brisbane is have various accommodation options you can check out

Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Nearby: Conveniently located in a modern high-rise building in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD
Getting here: Public transport via buses (Queen Street Stop 74 near Creek St)
Faculties: Home to faculties including Business, Law and Engineering
Features interactive learning spaces, comfortable student lounges and a resource centre

Studying in Cairns City

Living cost with rent

AUD $2,300 - $2,800

Rent / month

AUD $800 - $1,300

JCU Cairns City, boasting a range of innovative, flexible study, learning and teaching, meeting and informal gathering spaces

JCU Dental in Cairns offer dental treatments from senior dentistry students under the provision of qualified dentists

Living on campus, multi-share student apartments, and all are equipped with cooktop, oven, microwave and refrigerator

Nursing Simulation, prepares you for a career in a range of rural, regional and metropolitan nursing settings

JCU Ideas Lab, providing students, researchers and the community with pathways to develop as innovators and entrepreneurs

Workshop The Ideas Lab, spaces to create, prototype, test, develop and scale technologies, products, and business concepts

The Cairns Institute, become one of the world’s leading research universities in the tropics

TUDLab Lecture Theatre, space people enter into and access either the teaching spaces or the workplace

JCU Cairns Library, access the library facilities and to use information resources

JCU Cairns, Smithfield (Nguma-bada) is home to John Grey Hall of Residence, purpose built, on-campus facility

With over 2000 hours of clinical practice and valuable hands-on experience, JCU Dentistry Cairns

Location: Cairns, Queensland
Nearby: Two World Heritage-listed natural environments – the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics ancient rainforests
Getting here: Public transport via buses (Smithfield there is a bus stop on Panguma street)
Faculties: Home to faculties including Dentistry, Science and Arts
Surrounded on three sides by rainforest-covered mountains and is close to the northern beaches

Scholarships

Browse scholarships and bursaries that are offered by James Cook University (JCU). Get clear breakdowns of the eligibility criteria and fee waivers based on your profile.

Degree

Postgraduate

James Cook International Excellence Scholarship

Fee Waiver of 25%

Auto Approval

Requirements

Citizenship: International students
Must be commencing study at JCU for the first time
Must be a full-time student
Undergraduate applicants: Minimum ATAR of 65 (or equivalent)
Postgraduate applicants: Minimum 65% achievement in previous relevant qualification
Not applicable for Diplomas, End-on Honours degrees, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas or online and non-award programs

Awards Details

Fee waiver of 25% for the entire duration of approved full degree study programs

Upcoming Intakes

Here are the intake periods and application deadlines for James Cook University (JCU).

2026 JanApply by

Undergraduate27 November

Postgraduate27 November

2026 MayApply by

Undergraduate14 March

Postgraduate14 March

*Intakes may vary by courses and will be closed once the programme is full.

Image credits : James Cook University Official Website

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James Cook University (JCU)

Courses

Featured Courses

University Minimum Requirements

Is James Cook University (JCU) your best fit?

Campuses

Studying in Townsville (Bebegu Yumba)(Main)

Studying in Brisbane

Studying in Cairns City

Scholarships

Upcoming Intakes

Secure Your Dream Course with a Quick Inquiry Today

Eligibility & Budget Review

Document Assistance

Weekly Check-Ins

Research Checklist