Why choose JCU?

Australia’s leading tropical research University

Named after the British explorer Captain James Cook, JCU is Australia’s leading tropical research university and Queensland’s second oldest university offering excellence in teaching and research.

Our main campuses are based in the coastal northern Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns with additional campuses in Brisbane and at JCUS in Singapore, offering the same high quality Australian education in a dynamic Asian environment. Over 16,000 students including 4,000 international students from 100+ nationalities currently study with JCU.

Ranking and Awards

James Cook University has been consistently ranked in the top five tropical universities of the world for research performance in our areas of research excellence: ecology/environment, plant and animal science, geosciences, coral reef science and tourism. Further attest to our quality teaching and research expertise includes:

  • JCU is among only 17 Australian universities to feature in the top 400 universities in the world in the 2008 Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities. In the Asia-Pacific region, JCU is ranked in the top 100.

  • JCU is one of only 13 Australian universities to feature in the top 500 in the ranking by Higher Education Evaluation & Accreditation Council of Taiwan (2007)

  • James Cook University is a member of the select group, Innovative Research Universities Australia, one of only three university alliances recognised by the peak body Universities Australia

  • 5 star rating for Educational Experience – Graduate Rating (Good Universities Guide 2007).

  • Seven JCU academics won national Carrick Award citations for Australian university teaching in 2008, a prestigious award highlighting outstanding contributions to student learning

  • As Australia's pre-eminent tropical research university, JCU is ranked first in the world for citations in the field of coral reef ecology (www.esi-topics.com/coralreef), and is in the top three in its fields of research strength in ecology and environment, plant and animal sciences, and geosciences.

  • Home to Australia’s first professor of Tourism, JCU’s Tourism programs are recognised by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO). James Cook University is also ranked among the top 12 tourism education institutions in the world and is recognised for its special focus on ecotourism

Quality degrees

JCU Students in a lecture

JCU Students in a lecture

JCU offers a comprehensive selection of exciting and career-relevant courses at undergraduate, postgraduate (coursework and research) and short term/semester level. Many courses include practical, hands-on experience.

Study areas include:

  • Arts and Social Sciences

  • Business and Law

  • Creative/New Media Arts

  • Education

  • Engineering

  • Health Sciences/Medicine

  • Information Technology

  • Science

  • Tourism and Hospitality

You can view detailed degree information online at Courses & Degrees, or download a prospectus at International publications.

The real Australia

Kangaroo

Australian Setting

JCU offers a unique study experience in the “Real Australia”, where students can experience a true safe and friendly Australian lifestyle, culture, language immersion and affordable cost of living, with a more personalised teaching environment.

JCU's main campuses are located in the tropical northern Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns. Having two World Heritage environments – the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics – on the doorstep is a bonus for students. Northern Queensland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia with a fantastic range of leisure activities. JCU also has modern, urban campuses in Brisbane and Singapore.

Supportive study environment

Student Study group

Student Study Group

JCU provides a student-focused learning environment. Our support services and friendly campuses help students to make the most of their time at university. Whether it is help with an assignment, finding accommodation, or just need someone to talk to, there are dedicated services on campus to assist students.

Teaching excellence

Lecturer at JCU

Our academics are highly qualified, win national teaching awards and are world leaders in their fields. E.g. 6 JCU academics are among the top 10 cited scientists in Marine Science, 4 of whom are within the School of Marine and Tropical Biology. 4 of the top 50 Tourism scholars in the world are at JCU, giving the university one of the highest concentrations of top tourism research. Innovation in teaching styles and leading technologies are fundamental to JCU's approach to teaching.

Leading research

Research Student

Student at an experiment

A leading research university, JCU attracts more than $27 million in research funding annually. Students benefit from outstanding facilities, access to island and rainforest field stations, innovative courses and valuable work-placement opportunities. JCU research has a tropical focus, with recognised expertise in: marine science, environmental studies, tropical agriculture, tropical biology, tropical health and medicine, and tourism.

Find out more about JCU at Visitors.