About James Cook University
James Cook University (JCU) is a world-class university that ranks consistently as one of the world’s top 300 universities, having also recently 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
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.
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.