Applying for postgraduate (research) degrees

Once you have checked entry dates and have your supporting documentation, there are several ways to apply for postgraduate research study at JCU. You are required to submit:

• An application form (see below methods of applying)

• Academic transcripts and certificates along with official English translations if applicable

• The Grading Scale used at the institution where you have undertaken your studies

• A two (2) page research proposal. Information regarding research at James Cook can be found at http://www.jcu.edu.au/research/. If you visit: http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/grs/rtopiclist.html, it will list potential topics for research students at JCU. Please see the following link for a guide to writing your proposal http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/tld/writingskills/documents/Research_Proposa_Proforma.pdf

• Two (2) academic referee reports – can be sent to the International Student Centre by email, fax or mail

• A detailed curriculum vitae or resume outlining your work and academic history.

• Personal statement outlining why you are interested in this degree (100-250 words).

Please be aware that while photocopies, faxed copies or scanned copies of certificates and transcripts can be used during the assessment process, we do require original certified copies to be posted to us. These are copies that are stamped, signed and certified as being true copies of the original documents by a public notary, registered agent of James Cook University or a representative of the institution.

Please note that you may also be required to provide an Academic IELTS or TOEFL result that is less than 2 years old - go to IELTS www.ielts.org or TOEFL: www.ets.org for more information. Your application can be assessed without these but any offer issued may be conditional on their receipts. For applicants who do not meet the English entry requirements on the IELTS or TOEFL have the option to study English at JCU English Language Centre in either Townsville or Cairns.

Applicants for a research higher degree should consult the head of the relevant school before lodging a formal application. The Head of School (or the school's Postgraduate Liaison Officer) will be able to provide details of the school's research activities including staff interests and expertise. The School's Web Page is another useful source of information. The application for candidature, an outline of the proposed field of study and the location of the research must be acceptable to the Head of School. It is also essential that qualified members of the academic staff be willing to act as supervisors. For more information, please go to: http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/grs/introduction.html.

Application Form - Please choose one of the following application methods:

• Submit (1) an interactive Postgraduate (Research) application form online (pdf file, 648kb); and (2) Referee’s Report application form online (pdf file, 540kb); or

• Download the above forms, complete them electronically and email them as attachments to iscadmissions@jcu.edu.au ; or

• Download the interactive pdf application form and print it out. Complete it by hand and fax to us, using the fax details given on the form; or

• Apply through one of our agents or representatives worldwide; or

• Complete the printed postgraduate application form and referee’s form from the JCU International Postgraduate Prospectus.

Please note, to access pdf documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Download the software from Adobe’s download site.