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James Cook University is a public research university, established in 1970 in Queensland, Australia. JCU acceptance rate is 79% which shows that admission to the university is not highly competitive and out of every 100 candidates, 79 of them get accepted at the university.
James Cook University is a popular choice for both domestic and international students. The university has a diverse student body, with more than 20,308 students from over 100 countries. International students comprise approximately 9% of the total student body at the university.
For admission to JCU, there is no application fee, and hence students can apply easily either online or through an agent. Candidates must have a strong application with a GPA, involvement in extracurricular activities, and proficiency in IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency / OET, or JCUCEAP to meet English language requirements for international students.
James Cook University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Law, Marine Sciences, Veterinary Science, and more. The university is also a leader in the development of sustainable technologies and practices.
James Cook University is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Universities of Australia. The university is ranked 1st in Australia for median graduate salary and 2nd for full-time employment. JCU is also ranked in the top 300 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.
James Cook University is also known for its strong research and teaching in a number of areas, including marine biology, tropical ecology, and Indigenous studies. JCU is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and research experience. The university has excellent campus facilities and a supportive academic community.
James Cook University has four campuses in Townsville, Cairns, Singapore, and Brisbane. Townsville Campus is JCU's largest campus, while Cairns Campus is JCU's second-largest campus, with more than 5,000 students enrolled. The university has various student clubs and organisations, including Sports, Art & Culture, and Volunteering with issues such as environmental protection, social justice, and animal welfare.
Read more: Benefits of studying in Australia
James Cook University is accepting applications for its upcoming study seasons, with deadlines approaching closely. The application deadline for Study Period 1 has been closed on January 8, 2024. While, students can reserve their seats for Study Period 2 by applying before June 8, 2024.
JCU is among the top 25 Universities in Australia according to 2024 QS World University Rankings. James Cook University is ranked 415 globally by QS World University Rankings 2024, and it is ranked at 351- 400th position by the Times Higher Education 2024. JCU is also ranked by ARWU 2023 at 301-400 and U.S. News & World Report 2023 at 354th, respectively. Apart from this, QS World University Rankings has ranked the university on the following subjects:
JCU subject-based ranking
Subject | QS Subject-based ranking |
Earth and Marine Science | Top 100 in the world |
Earth and Marine Sciences | 7th in Australia |
Hospitality and Leisure Management | Top 100 in the world |
Hospitality and Leisure Management | 4th in Australia |
Agriculture and Forestry | Top 150 in the world |
Archaeology | Top 150 in the world |
Environmental Sciences | Top 150 in the world |
Geology | Top 150 in the world |
Domain | Year | Score | Rank | Rank Band |
---|---|---|---|---|
Overall | 2019 | NA | NA | 49.5–53.0 |
Overall | 2020 | NA | NA | 50.1–53.7 |
Overall | 2021 | NA | NA | 50.6–54.2 |
Overall | 2022 | NA | NA | 48.1–50.3 |
Overall | 2023 | NA | NA | 45.0–46.9 |
Overall | 2024 | NA | NA | 49.1-51.0 |
James Cook University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, including Arts and Humanities, Business, Creative Industries, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Law, Marine Sciences, Science, and Veterinary Science. JCU has 12 distinguished professorships and more than 4,000 employees.
James Cook University's medicine programme is extremely competitive, attracting students from all around the world. Graduates from James Cook University can work in a range of specialities, including general practitioner, anaesthetist, dermatologist, obstetrician, oncologist, paediatrician, psychiatrist, radiologist, surgeon, academic, medical educator and many more. It is a six-year (72-month) course that leads to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
Courses | Duration | International Student | Local Student |
---|---|---|---|
B.Sc.(11 courses) | 3 years-4 years | ₹18.04 L - ₹24.05 L/yr | ₹3.09 L - ₹18.04 L/yr |
M.Sc.(10 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹19.13 L - ₹24.05 L/yr | ₹4.54 L - ₹17.84 L/yr |
M.A.(8 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹16.94 L - ₹22.54 L/yr | ₹8.29 L - ₹17.84 L/yr |
B.A.(4 courses) | 3 years-4 years | ₹16.94 L - ₹20.77 L/yr | ₹4.37 L - ₹7.66 L/yr |
B.Sc.(Hons)(3 courses) | 4 years | ₹2.08 L - ₹22.54 L/yr | ₹4.27 L - ₹4.81 L/yr |
Tuition fees for international students at James Cook University vary depending on the course, campus, and level of study. For undergraduate courses, the annual tuition fee for international students ranges between INR 19,37,024 - INR 36,54,637 (34,960 AUD - 65,960 AUD). For postgraduate courses, the annual tuition fee is typically between INR 19,37,024 - INR 36,54,637 (31,680 AUD - 44,160 AUD).
The cost of living in Townsville and Cairns is somewhat reasonable compared to other major Australian cities. Students must keep a budget of INR 16,622 - INR 22,162 (300 AUD - 400 AUD) per week to cover the cost of living in Australia such as food, housing, and transportation. Here's an overview of some of the common expenses for students living at JCU.
James Cook University Living Expenses
Expense list | Cost (per week) |
Accommodation | On-campus accommodation: 150 AUD - 250 AUD Off-campus accommodation: 200 AUD - 300 AUD |
Groceries | 60 AUD - 100 AUD |
Eating out | 20 AUD - 50 AUD |
Public transport | 20 AUD - 30 AUD |
Petrol | 20 AUD - 30 AUD |
Utilities | 20 AUD - 30 AUD |
Phone and internet | 20 AUD - 30 AUD |
Entertainment | 20 AUD - 50 AUD |
James Cook University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, including Arts and Humanities, Business, Creative Industries, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Law, Marine Sciences, Science, and Veterinary Science. JCU has 12 distinguished professorships and more than 4,000 employees.
James Cook University acceptance rate is approximately 79%, which shows that numerous students are admitted to the university every year. Candidates looking for admission to James Cook University can apply directly to JCU, or they can register through an authorised agent. Follow the below-mentioned step-by-step process for preparing and submitting your application.
How to apply to James Cook University?
Visit the official website of James Cook University.
Find the course you want to apply for.
Confirm course entry requirements of the programme.
Check the application due dates for that course.
Meet your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.
Check if you’re required to apply via an agent or online.
Fill out the application form with relevant information.
Attach the documents required.
Submit your application
Higher Degrees by Research
Candidates can apply through the Graduate Research School. JCU Graduate Research School manages all applications. Applicants can find the information on the Graduate Research School website.
Check the entry requirements
Select or nominate a research topic
Find a research advisor
Compile your documents
Submit the application form.
James Cook University application deadline: Application deadlines for courses vary at the university, however, for most courses at JCU, the latest deadline is mentioned below:
Study Period 1: 8 January 2024
Study Period 2: 8 June 2024
Documents required for James Cook University Admission
Graduation certificates/official awards
English Language Proficiency Certificate
Copy of your passport
Confirmation of enrolment (if applicable)
Course-specific application documents (if applicable)
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV) (if applicable)
Statement of Purpose (if applicable)
James Cook University (JCU) offers a wide range of scholarships to both domestic and international students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and other criteria. Here are some of the scholarships offered by JCU:
Entrance scholarships are awarded to new students based on their academic achievement in high school.
In-course scholarships are awarded to current students based on their academic achievement in university.
Bursaries are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Many faculties at JCU offer their scholarships to students in their programs.
External scholarships are also offered to students at JCU.
To apply for a scholarship, students are required to submit an application form, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The deadlines for scholarship applications vary, and applicants must check the official website of the university for more information.
Read more about Scholarships in Australia
There are academic entry requirements for each course at JCU. Applicants must review the programme-specific requirements for their chosen course on the relevant course page. However, they must also meet the standard academic requirements mentioned below:
Diplomas and other Undergraduate programmes
To be eligible for an Undergraduate degree, the candidate must have completed a recognised Year 12 program or equivalent.
For Postgraduate programmes
Students must have a valid bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised educational institution. Academic entry requirements vary for each postgraduate degree and can be found on the relevant course page.
Candidates applying to James Cook University must meet the English language requirements for their selected course if English is not their first language. A detailed table for required scores is mentioned below.
James Cook University English Language Requirements
Exam name | Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Research degree |
IELTS | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 |
TOEFL (internet-based) | 56 | 74 | 86 |
Pearson (PTE Academic) | 46 | 52 | 58 |
C1 Advanced/ | 162 | 169 | 176 |
OET | - | No component less than B | No component less than B |
JCUCEAP | EAP Level 2 | EAP Level 3 | EAP Level 4 |
The University has a boys’ hostel facility which provides good hostel accommodation for the students.
The University has a girl's hostel facility which provides good hostel accommodation for the students.
The University has a library facility for all students.
The University has a Wi-Fi facility for the students and staff
The University has a departmental based laboratory facility for the students.
The university has good networking for the alumni association.
The University has sports facilities for all students.
The University has a Gym facility for the students.
The University has a parking space facility for its faculty, staff, and students.
The University has the convenience store facility for students.(like, photocopying facility & stationery etc.)
The University has an excellent IT Infrastructure facility for the students.
James Cook University is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for excellence. It is a good choice for students who are looking for a world-class education and are interested in studying in Australia. James Cook University has more than 20,308 students, among which there are 9% international students.
All overseas students can contact the JCU on the following details:
Mobile: 0436 666 156
Email: globalexperience@jcu.edu.au
Address: James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4814, Australia
No, it is not difficult to get admission to JCU. Although the institution has given no official data, the acceptance rate for James Cook University is approximately 79%, indicating that 79 of every 100 applications submitted to the university are accepted. It demonstrates that the university is moderately selective and that competition is not high.
James Cook University is ranked in the top 400 universities globally by both the Times Higher Education and Shanghai Ranking. JCU offers a specialised international student support team as well as an active international student community, which provides personalised assistance and a friendly atmosphere. In Australia, the university has a 5-star rating for graduate employment, with graduates typically securing well-paying positions within four months after graduation.
It is not difficult to get admission to James Cook University because the university has an acceptance rate of 79%, indicating that competition is low, and around 79 of every 100 candidates are admitted at JCU. To be enrolled to the institution, students must have a solid application that includes excellent GPA scores, participation in extracurricular activities, reference letters, and a relevant statement of purpose.
James Cook University is among the top 25 Universities in Australia according to 2024 QS World University Rankings. It is ranked in 16-22 in ARWU 2023. Apart from this, QS World University Rankings has ranked the university for various subjects including, 7th in Australia for Hospitality and Leisure Management, and 4th in Australia for Agriculture and Forestry.
Yes, international students whose first language is not English, are required to appear for English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and more. For IELTS, students must get at least 5.5-7.0 scores, depending on the programme of their choice.
James Cook University is ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world, by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2024, and is among the top 25 Universities in Australia according to QS 2024 World University Rankings. In addition to this, JCU Engineering is rated 1st in Australia for student support and teaching quality by QS 2023 World University Rankings.