James Cook University

Official Representative

About the James Cook University

One of the world’s leading institutions focusing on the tropics, Australia’s James Cook University is surrounded by the spectacular ecosystems of the rainforests of the Wet tropics, the dry savannahs, and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Our unique location enables students from Australia and overseas to study in a diverse physical environment unparalleled by any university in the world.

Ranked in the top 2 percent of the world’s tertiary institutions by the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and  2023 ShanghaiRanking Academic Ranking of World Universities as a percentage of higher education providers in the International Association of Universities (IAU) database, James Cook University is dedicated to creating a brighter future for life in the tropics world-wide, through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.

The University conducts nationally significant and internationally recognised research in areas such as marine sciences, biodiversity, tropical ecology and environments, global warming, tourism, and tropical medicine and public health care in under-served populations.

Important Information

  • Country: Australia
  • Location: Douglas , Queensland
  • Year Founded: 1970
  • Institution Type: Public University
  • Accommodation: On-Campus, Off-Campus and Homestay
  • Conditional Offer Letter: Yes
  • Ranking:

    James Cook University (JCU) is excelling globally, achieving its best world ranking yet. Here’s a snapshot:

    • Global: #324 (US News 2023), Top 400 (THE 2024), Top 2% of universities (based on THE & ShanghaiRanking databases)
    • Australia: Top 25 (QS & THE 2024), #21-22 (US News & ShanghaiRanking 2023)

    JCU’s strong performance across all levels showcases its dedication to academic excellence.

Why study at the James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU) is proud to be Australia’s leading University for the Tropics. We are ranked in the #21 in Australia by the Center for World University Rankings in 2023 and #324 in the world by US News Best Global Universities Rankings IN 2023.

World-class facilities: With an outstanding global reputation, impressive, world-class facilities and dedicated academic staff, you can be certain that an education from JCU will provide the ideal start, or new direction, to your career.

Career-focused courses: JCU’s career-focused courses are designed to give you the kind of education employers rate highly. You will receive practical, hands-on training, learning from real-life scenarios that take you beyond our campuses. It’s no surprise that JCU has received a 5-star rating for job success from the Good Universities Guide IN 2024.

Leader in research excellence: JCU is also a renowned leader in research excellence, addressing the critical challenges facing the Tropics, worldwide. We collaborate with many of the most highly-respected local, national and international research organisations and industry groups, so you can feel confident that what you learn at JCU reflects current trends and innovation.

Campuses

Townsville

1 James Cook Dr, Douglas QLD 4811

Cairns

1/14-88 McGregor Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878

Brisbane

Ground Floor, 349 Queen Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Mackay

2 Griffin St, Mackay QLD 4740

Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health

Mount Isa Hospital, Joan Street, Mount Isa QLD 4825

Thursday Island

70 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island QLD 4875

Scholarships and financial support

Current international scholarships
JCU International Excellence Scholarship Value: 25% tuition fee reduction
Open to: Students from North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Middle East
JCU International Merit Stipend Value: AUD$400 per fortnight to assist with living expenses. Payments are made to student’s nominated account throughout the duration of study at JCU.
Open to: Students from Africa**With the exception of students from Nigeria and Ghana – please refer to the International Excellence Scholarship above
JCU Research Scholarships Value: Highly competitive scholarships are available to students commencing research degrees at Master or Doctoral level.
Open to: Students commencing research degrees at Master or Doctoral level.
Australia Awards Scholarships Value: long-term awards administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that aim to provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region.
Open to: Students undertaking full time undergraduate or postgraduate study from eligible countries.

Interested in Studying in Australia?