James Cook University
Cairns, Australia
- Cost of LivingAU$ 18,900
- Tuition Fee FromAU$ 14,800
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength10,794
- Global Diversity12%
- Gender Ratio64 : 36
Overview
About
James Cook University (JCU) is a public university situated in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia. JCU is a teaching and research university and is the second oldest in Queensland. The main campuses of the institution are situated in Singapore as well as the tropical cities of Cairns and Townsville. Other study centres for the university are located at Mount Isa, Mackay, Thursday Island, and Rockhampton. International and domestic students can also take undergraduate and graduate courses at a Russo Higher Education facility in Brisbane.
James Cook University’s acceptance rate stands at 79% with 21,000 students enrolled at the university out of which 3,180 international students from 108+ countries all around the world. JCU offers 32 areas of study within 6 colleges, and 49 undergraduate and 68 postgraduate degrees. The university also has the best marine biology programme in the world. Art, Business Management Studies, Engineering, Law, Biological Sciences, Dental Surgery, and other topics have also received high rankings on a global scale. Environmental sciences, biological sciences, mathematical sciences, earth sciences, agricultural and veterinary sciences, technology, and medical and health sciences make up the majority of the university's research areas.
Ranking
QS World University Ranking 2024:
James Cook University has shown excellence by securing 351–400 spot on the global scale.The Times Higher Education (THE) Global University Rankings placed JCU in the top 300 academic institutions worldwide in 2022. According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2010, the university has maintained a position among the top 400 universities. The Council for Global University Rankings (CWUR) placed JCU No. 1 in the world for Marine & Freshwater Biology and No. 2 for Biodiversity Conservation in 2017. In the Times Higher Education (THE), the university ranked 29th in the Best Young Universities in the world rankings for institutions of higher learning that are 50 years of age or younger.
The 2022 Good Universities Guide gave the university five stars for full-time employment, undergraduate and postgraduate beginning salaries, learner engagement, and social equality. JCU’s research received a world-class or higher rating in 83% of the evaluated research fields in the Commonwealth Government's Excellence in Research for Australia 2018 National Report. This included the highest possible ranking, which is much higher than the global average, in 8 research fields and the global average in 30 other research areas. Glance through some of James Cook University rankings in 2022 & 2023 -
- 351st - 400th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
- 101st - 200th in Times Higher Education World Impact Rankings 2022
- 324th in the US News & World Report Global Rankings 2023
- 24th in the US News & World Report Rankings (Australia and New Zealand) 2023
- 22nd in the US News & World Report National Rankings 2023
- 301st - 400th in the ARWU Rankings 2022
Course Rankings
James Cook University courses and their rankings for 2022 & 2023 are listed below -
Science Courses 2022 & 2023
- QS - Biological Sciences (2022): #251 - 300
- Times Higher Education - Life Sciences (2023): #126 - 150
- Times Higher Education - Psychology (2023): #401 - 500
Medicine Courses 2022 & 2023
- ARWU - Nursing (2022): #151 - 200
- QS - Medicine (2022): #351 - 400
- Times Higher Education - Clinical & Health (2023): #401 - 500
Business Courses 2023
- Times Higher Education - PG Business & Economics: #401 - 500
Engineering Courses 2023
- Times Higher Education - Engineering: #401 - 500
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#445
-
2023
#461
#324
2022
#424
#324
Facilities
Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns are the Australian cities where James Cook University has campuses. The university also runs a fourth campus in Singapore. Students who choose to study at the university can access the various amenities and services provided by JCU. The list of James Cook University’s facilities are given in detail below -
- The Douglas suburb's Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct (TropiQ) is located on the university’s campus.
- The campus has about 1400 students living in colleges and dorms and provides amenities like a library, cafes, bars, gyms, and sporting venues in addition to teaching and research facilities.
- Many social, athletic, and intellectual clubs and societies are sponsored by the JCU Student Association and JCU International Student Association.
- A top-notch mountain biking track is available at JCU in addition to the typical sporting amenities.
- Russo Higher Education runs Campus at Brisbane, which is situated right in the heart of Brisbane's financial district. It provides international students with bachelor's and graduate-level business and IT courses.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
James Cook University Entry Requirements
Whether one applies to an undergraduate or graduate programme, James Cook University's admission requirements will change. Foreign students have three options for applying: online, offline, or through local agents. Through the QTAC Application, students from Australia who are pursuing an International Baccalaureate diploma may also apply. Six weeks prior to the start of the semester, the application can be filed. Here are a list of James Cook University entry requirements for students applying to the university -
Documents Required:
- Academic transcript
- Passport
- CV or Resume
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of English Language Proficinecy
- Original Certificates or Grade Score Reports
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- ACT/SAT score (for UG studies)
- GMAT (for PG studies)
James Cook University English Proficiency Requirements
Students who do not use English as their first language must take an English Language Test to prove that they are proficient in the language. The official English exam scores must be taken no more than two years prior to the start of study. The examinations for English competence listed below must be taken at an authorised testing facility. Tests administered online, such as the TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS Online, and IELTS Indicator, are not accepted by JCU. The English Language Test score requirements and acceptable tests are detailed in the table below.
|
Tests |
Minimum Scores Required |
|
TOEFL iBT |
79 - 100 |
|
TOEFL PBT |
550 - 577 |
|
IELTS |
6.5 |
|
PTE |
79 - 100 |
JCU offers an English Pathway that is intended to help students improve their English while also helping them complete the criteria for their selected degree programme in collaboration with the Townsville International English School. Only overseas students who have been offered admission to the Townsville or Cairns campuses are eligible for the English Pathway.
James Cook University Fees
Take a look at some of James Cook University fees for some of the popular courses listed below -
- MBA: AU$ 25,795 (per year)
- BA in Nursing Science: AU$ 22,575 (per year)
- Master of Social Work: AU$ 25,795 (per year)
- M.Phil in Agriculture, Environmental & Related Studies: AU$ 25,795 (per year)
- M.S in Aquaculture Science & Technology (Major): AU$ 25,795 (per year)
James Cook University Placements
James Cook University Placements & Career services offers a range of employment prospects, including MBA jobs in Australia, and assists students in career preparation Via CareerHub, students can search for full- and part-time employment opportunities as well as internships. Additionally, it offers details on future workshops, professional events, and employers.
Students can gain work experience and improve their employability through the volunteer programmes. A student's chances of being employed during on-campus recruitment will improve by volunteering. Individuals can perform voluntary work both on and off campus, including abroad. During their second year of study, students are encouraged to apply for internship programmes. On several internship job portals, the internships are promoted all year round. They should also possess an Australian Work Visa in that situation.
Scholarship
Regardless of the programme you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organisations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at James Cook University through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Country-specific scholarships
- College-specific scholarships
- Student-specific scholarships
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at James Cook University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend James Cook University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Townsville is a dynamic neighbourhood with access to a variety of top-notch educational institutions, cutting-edge medical facilities, affordable housing, distinctive retail stores, great events and entertainment, culinary districts, and a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Townsville provides a variety of study options in a multicultural city where the locals welcome international students. If a students plans on moving to this city, they must create a budget to manage their daily expenses. Here is breakdown of the cost of living in Townsville given below -
|
Item |
Cost (Per Month) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
AU$ 596 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
AU$ 1,460 |
|
Transportation |
AU$ 80 |
|
Food |
AU$ 819 |
|
Utility |
AU$ 143 |
|
Entertainment |
AU$ 60 |
|
Groceries |
AU$ 76 |
|
Clothes |
AU$ 150 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
AU$ 1,924 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
AU$ 2,788 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
AU$ 23,088 |