James Cook University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details

About James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU) is a world-class university that ranks consistently as one of the world’s top 400 universities, having also attained the prestigious QS 5 Stars ranking in 2021 for our achievements in the categories of teaching, employability, research and facilities. We are also the second-oldest university in Queensland and Australia’s leading university in the tropics.

Our work is driven by the belief to empower students to help them realise their potential and be a catalyst for innovation and connection to give back to the societies they exist in. JCU students explore, discover and grow through research and teaching that makes a difference to people and societies, the natural world and built environment and leave university prepared for the competitive demands of the global workforce.

In our constant pursuit of excellence in teaching and research, we have expanded our reach within Australia to ensure local relevance while also attaining global perspective with a comprehensive overseas presence spanning 14 discipline areas across 7 campus locations in 2 countries in Australia (Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Mackay, Mount Isa and Thursday Island) and Singapore.

We have a focus on:

• Allied Health and Pharmacy

• Biomedical Sciences

• Business, Law and Finance

• Marine Science

• Medicine and Dentistry

• Nursing and Midwifery

• Pathways and Preparation

• Planning, Development and the Environment

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

• Society and Culture

• Sport and Exercise Science

• Teaching and Education

• Tourism

• Veterinary and Animal Science

For more information on JCU, please visit: https://www.jcu.edu.au or https://www.jcu.edu.sg

About James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU) is a world-class university that ranks consistently as one of the world’s top 400 universities, having also attained the prestigious QS 5 Stars ranking in 2021 for our achievements in the categories of teaching, employability, research and facilities. We are also the second-oldest university in Queensland and Australia’s leading university in the tropics.

Our work is driven by the belief to empower students to help them realise their potential and be a catalyst for innovation and connection to give back to the societies they exist in. JCU students explore, discover and grow through research and teaching that makes a difference to people and societies, the natural world and built environment and leave university prepared for the competitive demands of the global workforce.

In our constant pursuit of excellence in teaching and research, we have expanded our reach within Australia to ensure local relevance while also attaining global perspective with a comprehensive overseas presence spanning 14 discipline areas across 7 campus locations in 2 countries in Australia (Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Mackay, Mount Isa and Thursday Island) and Singapore.

We have a focus on:

• Allied Health and Pharmacy

• Biomedical Sciences

• Business, Law and Finance

• Marine Science

• Medicine and Dentistry

• Nursing and Midwifery

• Pathways and Preparation

• Planning, Development and the Environment

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

• Society and Culture

• Sport and Exercise Science

• Teaching and Education

• Tourism

• Veterinary and Animal Science

For more information on JCU, please visit: https://www.jcu.edu.au or https://www.jcu.edu.sg

Available programs

James Cook University offers 49 undergraduate degrees through six colleges and 32 areas of study.

Arts and Humanities (6)

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Planning

Business and Management (6)

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Business

Bachelor of Business

Bachelor of Business - Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Business - Bachelor of Psychological Science

Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science

Bachelor of Commerce

Engineering and Technology (6)

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Information Technology

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Information Technology

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

Bachelor of Advanced Science

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Honours)

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)

View All

Natural Sciences (6)

Bachelor of Environmental Practice

Bachelor of Geology

Bachelor of Marine Science

Social Sciences and Management (6)

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) (Online)

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Online)

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

View All

With a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, we know the value of a world-class education: our students graduate to become leaders in their fields and their communities. What’s more, JCU has been awarded five stars for graduate job success for six years running by The Good Universities Guide.
Through our postgraduate courses, we aim to empower professionals to have a positive impact and make their lives matter. Enrol and gain the skills to build your brighter future, today.

Arts and Humanities (6)

Master of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)

Master of Philosophy (Architecture and Building)

Master of Philosophy (Creative Arts)

Master of Philosophy (Education)

Master of Philosophy (Health)

Master of Philosophy (Indigenous)

View All

Business and Management (6)

Master of Business Administration - Master of Conflict Management and Resolution

Master of Data Science (Professional)

Master of Data Science (Professional) (Online)

Master of Data Science Online

Master of Governance and Leadership

Master of Philosophy (Management and Commerce)

View All

Engineering and Technology (6)

Master of Engineering (Professional)

Master of Information Technology

Master of Information Technology - Master of Business Administration

Master of Philosophy (Engineering and Related Technologies)

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Master of Guidance and Counselling

Master of Lifestyle Medicine (Online)

Master of Medical Science

Master of Nursing Online

Master of Psychological Science (Online)

View All

Natural Sciences (6)

Doctor of Tropical Environmental Management [Research]

Social Sciences and Management (6)

Doctor of Education [Research]

Master of Conflict Management and Resolution

Master of Education

Master of Education (Online)

Master of Global Development

Master of Health Professional Education

View All

Full-Time MBA (2)

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration [2-Year]

Online/Distance MBA (2)

Master of Business Administration Global (MBA Online)

Arts and Humanities (6)

Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture and Building)

Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Arts)

Business and Management (6)

Doctor of Philosophy (Management and Commerce)

Engineering and Technology (6)

Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and Related Technologies)

Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology)

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)

Doctor of Philosophy (Health)

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical, Molecular and Veterinary Sciences)

Natural Sciences (6)

Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)

Social Sciences and Management (6)

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous)

Doctor of Philosophy (Society and Culture)

University information

Admissions Philosophy

As North Queensland's leading institution of higher education, JCU recognises its integral and unique role in the education opportunities and research capacity of its graduates. JCU seeks to create a brighter future for life in the tropics worldwide, through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.

Students are at the heart of JCU, and we understand the role that people from rural, regional and remote communities play in shaping future decisions made about life in the tropics. JCU is committed to ensuring appropriate pathways and opportunities are available for all students to pursue higher education and achieve their fullest potential.

JCU works with students to createopportunities and enduring, sustainable benefits for our region and beyond. To this end, we seek to admit students from all parts of Queensland, as well as other states and countries who aspire to:

Excellence in academic achievement, intellectual pursuits and creative endeavours
An understanding of, and respect for, intellectual, social and cultural differences
A commitment to community through public involvement, school activities, leadership and/or family, and
The ability to benefit from and contribute to a culturally and intellectually diverse community of scholar-citizens.

To serve a student body of highly qualified, intellectually curious and actively involved students, JCU is committed to providing excellence in its learning and teaching environment, to promoting high levels of student engagement, and to offering appropriate support services.

By identifying students with outstanding potential and fostering continued personal development in the classroom and the community, JCU expects that future leaders of the state, the nation and the global community will emerge among its alumni.

More information

For any questions relating to the data available contact the Admissions team by email to [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]

General

GPA

2.4+

GMAT

590+

ACT

22+

SAT

1000+

ATAR

90+

International Baccalaureate

24+

PTE Academic

52+

Cambridge CAE Advanced

169+

TOEFL

74+

IELTS

6+

Bachelor

Cambridge CAE Advanced

169+

PTE Academic

52+

International Baccalaureate

24+

A-levels

4.5+

ATAR

59.4+

TOEFL

74+

IELTS

6+

Master

Cambridge CAE Advanced

169+

IELTS

6+

TOEFL

74+

PTE Academic

52+

Year 12 or JCU Pathway

State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities

JCU campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to allow optimal learning experiences. Our cutting-edge lecture theatres and our small tutorial sizes are designed to encourage collaborative learning and problem-solving. JCU’s external study options offer flexibility for students who want to complete courses at their own pace or from a distance.

JCU is continually making ground-breaking advances in research through our award-winning research centres and institutes. These include:

The Science Place, our stunning teaching and research facility that was awarded a prestigious LEED Gold rating for its environmentally sustainable design
The Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine (AITHM)
JCU’s Dentistry teaching facilities and dental clinic
The Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct.

JCU also offers access to learning and study spaces equipped with the latest technology, comprehensive libraries both on-campus and online, and multiple sporting facilities.

Total students

7,768

UG students

83%

PG students

17%

International students

926

UG students

50%

PG students

50%

Total faculty staff

843

Domestic staff

82%

Int'l staff

18%

Student life

Hands-on learning in some of the mostinteresting locations on Earth

Nothing beats hands-on learning, which is why JCU provides as many opportunities for professional work experience as possible.

JCU’s unique campus locations means that students can complete practical experience in some of the most interesting places on Earth. Our Cairns and Townsville campuses are surrounded by the spectacular ecosystems of the wet tropics, the savannahs and the Great Barrier Reef. Our Singapore campus is set in the backdrop of Asia’s competitive economy.

Students can undertake professional placements in regional, rural and remote areas, or even overseas. There is also the opportunity to complete a placement or research project at one of JCU’s field stations. These include:

JCU Fletcherview Research Station – a working cattle station in the iconic Queensland outback
JCU Orpheus Island Research Station – a secluded island on the Great Barrier Reef that is home to the most diverse and beautiful marine, estuarine and terrestrial ecosystems in the world
JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory – where students can explore the World Heritage listed Daintree Forest, the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest in Australia.

JCU aims to equip and enable students to achieve their greatest potential. Our graduates are continuously championing their fields of work to create a brighter future.

James Cook University Inter-campus Mobility Program

James Cook University provides theopportunity for students to study in Singapore and in Australia and yet still remain as Singapore based students paying their fees in Singapore currency. This is a unique program in Asia because the university operates across both countries. The program is designed to ensure students get the best possible outcomes from their years of study with the university.

James Cook University has been awarded a five-star rating for graduate employment for the tenth year in row.

The latest edition of The Good Universities Guide, Australia’s authoritative tertiary education guide, has awarded JCU 5 out of 5 stars for graduate employment, ranking it the number one university in Queensland in this category.

JCU is the only Queensland university, and one of only three Australian universities, to receive a five-star rating for graduate employment for the past 10 years in a row.

The five-star rating places JCU in the top 20% of Australian universities whose graduates were employed full-time within four months of graduation.

The Guide also awarded JCU 5 stars for:

Learner engagement (the proportion of undergraduates who gave a positive assessment of their engagement with learning at their university),
Social equity (the proportion of domestic students who come from low socioeconomic or disadvantaged backgrounds),
Skills development (the proportion of undergraduates who rated their skills developed through university positively),
Student support (proportion of undergraduates who rated student support at their university positively), and
Postgraduate starting salary (the median starting salary for graduates employed full-time four months after completing their degrees).

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

5,565 AUD

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

-

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

30,080 AUD

Other Expenses

-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

Rankings & ratings

RANKINGS
QS STARS RATINGS

James Cook University is one of the top public universities in Townsville, Australia. It is ranked #=445 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

Chart
Data

2012
#362
2014
#351
2015
#350
2016
#=387
2017
#=340
2018
#=367
2019
#=369
2020
#377
2021
#462
2022
#=424
2023
#=461
2024
#=415
2025
#=445

View all rankings data

QS Stars is a rating system that helps you select the right university based on your interests. It provides a detailed look at an institution, identifying which universities rate highest in the specific topics that matter to you, like facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more.