James Cook University Australia
Introduction:
James Cook University is Australia’s leading tropical research university. JCU is a multi-campus university with the main sites located in the vibrant tropical Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns. Smaller sites are located in Mount Isa, Mackay and Thursday Island. 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. James Cook University Brisbane campus offers an innovative approach to learning. James Cook University is Queensland’s second oldest university.
The University conducts nationally significant and internationally recognized 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.Born of the traditional model of excellence in teaching and research, James Cook University has become a modern and dynamic university of truly global standing. James Cook University Brisbane Campus’ strong presence in the corporate environment has allowed many students the opportunity to experience the Australian corporate workplace through the suite of work placement programs.
Academics:
Over more than 150 undergraduate and 140 postgraduate courses are offered at JCU. There are various Undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered at JCU some of them are in Arts, Business, Creative Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, Information Technology and Social Sciences. JCU offers courses in a broad range of study areas and have a strong research focus, particularly in matters relating to life in the tropics.
Admissions:
Students can apply to study at JCU through online application. Students whose native language is not English must generally demonstrate their proficiency by achieving a score in a test such as IELTS or TOEFL as per the requirement of the course. If the students meet the academic requirements but not the English language entry requirement, they will be offered a place to study English at JCU’s English Language Centre. This will be a “packaged offer” in which student will be offered English study followed by University study.
The campus offers three start dates per year – March, July and November. This trimester system gives students the flexibility that some universities do not provide – i.e. the option to complete their studies earlier or to do it at a normal pace. For example, an undergraduate student can choose to complete their studies in two years (fast track) or three years (normal option), and a postgraduate student can fast track a Master degree in one year.
Costs:
JCU tuition fees for all programs on offer vary as per the program.
Under graduate Study: AUD $18,000 – AUD $22,000 approx
Post graduate Study: AUD $20,000 – AUD $25,000 approx
Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants
James Cook University provides Scholarship to the students for excellence when they submit their application for admission before the deadline. Students need to apply earlier if they want to be considered for scholarships and also should check the criteria for scholarships offered by JCU. The various scholarship opportunities available are:
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- JCU Scholarships
- Equity Scholarships and Grants
- Non-JCU Scholarships
Accommodation:
Accommodation is relatively easy to find in both Townsville and Cairns. In Townsville, students can choose to live on campus in a dormitory style accommodation, or off-campus in shared housing or apartments. In Cairns they can choose between a student lodge next to the campus, shared housing or apartments. Accommodation on campus is not guaranteed; therefore applications must be submitted on time to avail the facility.
JCU has extensive range of accommodation alternatives, many of which can be confirmed prior to arrival. Few options for accommodation for students are:
Home Stay
Students can choose to live with an Australian family, couple or single individual. Home stay hosts are carefully chosen to ensure that students are placed in a secure and friendly environment.
James cook University is one of the world’s leading institutions which aim to give graduates the qualifications and skills they need for the global workforce.