Institutes / Universities
James Cook University
Ranking
25Established in
1970Famous For
Marine Science, Environmental Studies, Tropical Agriculture
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Location
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, James Cook University (JCU) is dedicated to tackling the key challenges faced by tropical Australia, with strengths in fields such as medicine, dentistry, marine science, nursing, and the arts and society. To support this mission, JCU’s campuses across Queensland offer a research-rich environment alongside a welcoming, student-focused atmosphere.
JCU is globally recognised for its excellence in research, particularly in marine and freshwater biology and ecology. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalised attention and tailored academic support to help them achieve their goals.
The university also places a strong emphasis on career readiness. JCU has received 5 out of 5 stars for full-time employment outcomes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is the only university in Queensland to hold a 5-star rating for undergraduate employment for 14 consecutive years.
CRICOS code: 00117J
Services
James Cook University offers a range of support services to help international students succeed and access the best possible learning experience during their time at university. At JCU, students can benefit from services such as:
- One-on-one consults, peer-assisted study sessions, and guides on assignments and exams through The Learning Centre
- After-hours online study support
- Academic writing workshops, self-study sessions, and mathematics refresher courses
JCU’s Student Services team – the first point of contact for international students – strives to help students experience a smooth transition to university life by giving advice on enrolments, courses, fees, and assessments and exams. Additionally, JCU students can access employment support, training, workshops, and a range of work experience and internship opportunities to prepare for their future careers.
Rankings
- 25th in Australia in the QS World University Rankings 2026
- 5-stars for student-to-teacher ratio and social equity (Good Universities Guide 2025)
- 5-stars for full-time employment (Good Universities Guide 2025)
- Top 100 in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Accommodation
James Cook University students can choose from a range of accommodation options to suit their lifestyle and budget, including homestays, purpose-built student housing, and shared houses located near campus. Off-campus accommodation is ideal for those seeking greater independence while remaining close to university facilities.
Alternatively, living on campus offers a convenient and enriching way to experience university life. Each of JCU’s on-campus residences provides academic and wellbeing support, along with a variety of social activities to help students build connections and feel part of the university community.
Location
The James Cook University Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus is located in the Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct (TropiQ) in the suburb of Douglas. Set in a 386-hectare natural bush and parkland, the campus houses a library, an auditorium, an immunogenetics research facility, a mechanical engineering workshop, an aquatic pathology laboratory, and a number of other state-of-the-art facilities tailored to help students gain practical skills relevant to their future careers.
Townsville is a small, picturesque coastal town, offering its residents a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Students can make the most of the great outdoors through rainforest hikes, mountain biking, and snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. International students benefit from the convenience of Townsville’s international airport, located just 15 minutes from the university.
Courses offered at James Cook University
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