Combining culture & science

Growing up in the Central Torres Strait with a passion for the ocean led JCU Alumni Madeina David to pursue marine biology. Now, Madeina works with land and sea rangers as well as Traditional Owners to protect marine life like dugongs, turtles and seagrass in the Torres Strait.

Image by Harriet Spark, Grumpy Turtle Creative.

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This is Uni... but not as you know it

#1 in Queensland for full-time employment1
#3 in the world for Ecology and Evolution research2
#5 in the world for UN Sustainable Development Goal of good health and wellbeing3
1Good Universities Guide 2022 2 Research.com 2022 3 THE Impact Rankings 2022

The Mabo Decision: 30 years on

2022 marks the 30 year anniversary of the Mabo case, one of the most significant turning points for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the fight for native title. Find out more about Eddie Koiki Mabo, the Mabo case, the fight for land rights and the legacy created for future generations.

Find out more

The Land I Own

© Gail Mabo (2008) [artwork detail], JCU Art Collection

Latest news

Research

Bushfire readiness warning for Townsville communities

More than two thirds of residents living in three bushfire-prone Townsville communities do not have an evacuation plan.

Research

‘Spooky’ moths stay on target

A unique species of moth made famous by a classic horror film has helped to unlock a century-old mystery of what insects do over their long-range journeys.

Research

Scientists call for a national approach to marine and coastal restoration

A new study led by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and James Cook University calls for a new coordinated and scaled-up approach to restoring Australia’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

More News

Find your passion while on placement

For JCU Nursing Graduate Sharon Groves, practical placements during her degree ignited a passion for rural, remote and regional women's health care. Find out how Sharon navigated being a mature aged student, a mum and a nurse in training to pursue her dream career.

Nursing and Midwifery

It ain't easy being lean

Do you find it difficult to develop healthy eating habits or maintain regular exercise? A collaborative study on the influence of health psychology may hold the key to your fitness breakthrough.

Psychology

Sowing seeds of innovation

JCU Alumni Jennifer McKee is helping farmers of the Far North manage their reporting and recordkeeping with Grower Support, an innovative digital platform that manages compliance with confidence.

Environmental Management

Valuing a rural perspective

Growing up in Charters Towers, Ty Stainkey knew that he wanted to help those in rural communities to improve their mental health. While studying social work at JCU, Ty made sure that he gained experience in a place that aligned with his goals: Mount Isa.

Social Work

Rural Mount Isa

Celebrating neurodiversity

For JCU Primary Education graduate, Emily Caferra, working with neurodiverse students is about supporting their many abilities and perspectives. As a learning support teaching in Herberton, Emily shares how she works to help her students achieve their own definitions of success.

Teaching and Education

Emily Caferra and Bernie, the Labradoodle (Photo: Supplied)

JCU Events

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7 highly cited researchers1
83% of JCU research fields ranked world class or higher2
$827 million economic impact in Queensland3
1 Web of Science 2021 2 ERA 2018 3 JCU Impact Report 2018

50 years of JCU

Explore JCU’s rich history, which begins in North Queensland and stretches around the globe.

View the timeline

Your world-class education begins here

Accommodation Explore your options for your new home away from home Learn More
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    • James Cook University in Queensland

    You are forward-thinking and excited to meet the challenges of a 21st-century career. You are the product of your own unique history and the input of your family, friends and community. Shaped by the past, embracing who you are and the input of others, you are ready to take on your future.

    Experience the Incredible

    The place you choose to prepare for your future should be as unique as you are. As you study with James Cook University, you partner with a university that has been shaped by history, embraces where it is and allows you to explore, discover, grow through research and teaching that makes a difference.

    World-Class Education

    Throughout your journey with the second-oldest university in Queensland, you will see the value of experience lived out in front of you. Embracing the lessons of history and leveraging the insights of generations, JCU is the best university in Queensland for reducing inequalities* and a leading university in Australia.

    Study in a unique environment where world-class facilities, natural wonders and vibrant student life come together. At JCU take advantage of our world-class experience in teaching, research, and technological development to forge your own future.

    Choose a Queensland uni with career-focussed courses, world-class researches and lecturers, and state-of-the-art facilities. JCU graduates are able to apply technical competencies, while thinking differently about the challenges facing the world. Be equipped with the expert knowledge and job-ready skills to excel in your chosen career path.

    Committed to Student Success

    You embrace the person you have become and are looking forward to engaging with like-minded people to grow your knowledge and skills further. Your experience should build on your understanding, help you to develop your full potential and give you access to sources of information and inspiration.

    At James Cook University, study courses delivered by expert lecturers and world-class researchers. Gain a theoretical understanding through analysis and application. Apply your learnings to work and research situations and get feedback from professionals as you build your skills.

    Network with invited guests from leading industry and scientific professionals who are regularly invited to share their expertise at the best uni in Australia for Marine Biology^. Lecturers committed to student success will help you gain the confidence and practical skills for you to excel in your chosen field.

    Ready Today for Tomorrow

    The decision-makers and influencers of society are excited about the challenges and possibilities of the future. JCU graduates are ready today, for tomorrow - future-focused and committed to making a difference.

    A degree and a job is important. Graduate from JCU job-ready, with problem solving skills that make you valuable to employers and confident to forge your future in the global workforce.

    Develop an understanding of how theory applies to practical outputs. With your skills at gathering and analysing data or applying critical thinking to complex social issues, JCU graduates lead the way in solving tomorrow’s most pressing challenges.

    Committed to a Brighter Future

    We are unique products of experience, personality, and hopes. We are at our best when we acknowledge the past, take advantage of what we have, and work towards an even better future. You will find a university in Australia that embraces this concept when you study with JCU.

    Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of teaching, learning and life at JCU. Learn in world-class facilities, like the JCU Science Place, built using a contemporary,  energy efficient design and collaborative classrooms.

    Explore unique Australian ecosystems as you study on the doorstep of unrivalled research locations and access World Heritage natural environments. Work on the Great Barrier Reef at the JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory or the JCU Fletcherview Research Station in the dry savannahs of the Australian Outback. Understand the intricacies of tropical climate and learn from world-class researches at the Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct or the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine.

    Build valuable professional networks while developing the skills and knowledge to make a difference. Become a leader in your field and help us create a brighter future for the world.

    *Times Higher Education University Impact Ratings 2019 ^CWUR 2017 Rankings Rated number 1 in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology #QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey National Report