An undergraduate degree is usually what you’ll study if you’re coming to university for the first time.
The most common undergraduate course is a bachelor’s degree, which can take between three to five years to complete full time. This degree can lead to postgraduate study, as well as a wide variety of career options.
At JCU, we take the guesswork out of study and have a variety of resources on offer to assist your transition to university. Be equipped to start strong and access the resources you need to succeed.
If you are applying as a domestic undergraduate student, follow the application instructions below.
A domestic student holds one of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizenship
- Australian permanent resident status
- A permanent Australian humanitarian visa.
If you do not have one of the above, you are considered an international student. Discover everything you need to apply as an international student.
How to apply
School leaver and mature students
Explore your options on the JCU course pages and find your preferred degree. Check that you meet all applicable entry requirements.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for your desired course, you may wish to explore a Pathway to JCU.
Once you have selected your preferred degree, you should refer to the QTAC Key Dates page to ensure you can apply for the course at this time, and with your preferred start date.
Note down the QTAC code on the JCU course page for your preferred degree. You will find this in the Fast Facts section of the page, in the second row on the right-hand side.
Each JCU course will have a different QTAC code for every available campus location. You will find a small flag with the initial of the relevant campus next to the QTAC codes listed.
Login to the QTAC portal. If you have not previously done so, you may need to create a QTAC account. You may wish to use a personal, non-school associated email address, so that you have full access to your email inbox over the December–January period.
Follow the QTAC application instructions to complete your application. You can apply for up to 6 JCU courses at a time, but remember to put your preferred course as your first preference.
For most courses you can expect to receive an offer, if eligible, within 1-2 weeks after providing all supporting documentation. We encourage you to check your QTAC account regularly to track the progress of your application and to find out if you have been made an offer.
For high demand courses, the first round of offers will usually be in the January major offer round after all assessment has been completed.
You will receive notification of the outcome of your application through the QTAC Portal.
Please check your email inbox regularly to ensure you receive the instructions you need to accept your JCU offer.
QTAC application quick guide
Explore your options
Search available JCU courses and confirm entry requirements
Check your dates
Refer to QTAC dates to ensure you apply before the deadline
Apply via QTAC
Complete your JCU application in the QTAC portal
Specialised application information
Some JCU courses require additional or alternative application steps. These include:
- Some Health and Medicine degrees
- Stand-alone Honours courses
- Single subject and cross-institutional study.
Existing JCU students also have an alternate application process.
Health and Medicine degrees
This includes: Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).
1 — Check entry requirements
Explore your preferred degree on the JCU course pages to access detailed course information. Check that you meet all applicable entry requirements.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for your desired course, you may wish to explore a Pathway to JCU.*
*For students wishing to apply to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery; Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery; or Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours), JCU Prep can only be used to fulfil subject pre-requisites, not ATAR entry requirements.
2 — Check QTAC application dates
Refer to the QTAC Key Dates page to ensure you can apply for the course at this time.
Applications for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery; Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery; and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) are due by 30 September.
3 — Start your application through QTAC
Note down the QTAC code on the JCU course page for your preferred degree. You will find this in the Fast Facts section of the page, in the second row on the right-hand side.
Each JCU course will have a different QTAC code for every available campus location. You will find a small flag with the initial of the relevant campus next to the QTAC codes listed.
Login to the QTAC portal. If you have not previously done so, you may need to create a QTAC account. You may wish to use a personal, non-school associated email address, so that you have full access to your email inbox over the December–January period.
Follow the QTAC application instructions to complete your application. You can apply for up to 6 JCU courses at a time, but remember to put your preferred course as your first preference.
4 — Finish your application through the JCU Portal
Once you have submitted your application through QTAC, you must then submit an additional online application to JCU.
Access the JCU Online Portal here.
5 — Check for contact regarding an interview (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery applicants only)
Select applicants for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery will be invited to attend an interview online, via Zoom. For your application to be considered, you must attend the interview at the allocated time and date.
Please ensure you complete both your QTAC and JCU Online Portal applications with an up to date email address. If you are selected for an interview, you will be sent an email with a link to schedule your interview on your preferred time and date.
The interview panel consists of three members, representing a mix of clinicians, community members and JCU staff/adjuncts.
6 — Await the outcome of your application
We encourage you to check your QTAC account regularly to track the progress of your application and to find out if you have received an offer.
The first round of offers will usually be in the January major offer round after all assessment has been completed.
You will receive notification of the outcome of your application through the QTAC Portal.
Please check your email inbox regularly to ensure you receive the instructions you need to accept your JCU offer.
Honours
Students who have completed a relevant bachelor's degree, either at JCU or another institution, and wish to complete an honours year should follow these steps to apply:
Important Note: those wishing to apply for a three- or four-year degree with an honours qualification embedded should apply through QTAC using the instructions at the top of the page.
1 — Explore your options and check entry requirements
Explore your options on the JCU course pages and find your preferred degree. Check that you meet all applicable entry requirements.
2 — Have your USI number ready
You will need your Unique Student Identifier (USI) to commence your application. If you do not have a USI, you will need to create one before commencing your application.
3 — Complete your application in the JCU Online Portal
Open the JCU Online Application Portal and follow the steps to finish your application.
4 — Await the outcome of your application
Once we have received all of your supporting documentation, you can usually expect to be notified of our decision within 3 weeks.
If you change your mind about the course you have applied for at any point in the admission process, please let us know as soon as you can.
You will receive notification of the outcome of your application through the JCU Online Application Portal.
Please check your email inbox regularly to ensure you receive the instructions you need to accept your JCU offer.
Existing JCU students and applications to study single subjects
1 — Check entry requirements
Identify the course or subject you wish to study in the Course and Subjects Handbook. Check that you meet all applicable entry requirements, and are eligible to apply for the subject(s) you have chosen.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, our friendly Future Students team can assist you with enquiries related to your specific circumstances. Contact us today to speak to an advisor.
2 — Have your USI number ready
You will need your Unique Student Identifier (USI) to commence your application. If you do not have a USI, you will need to create one before commencing your application.
3 — Complete your application in the JCU online portal
Open the JCU Online Application Portal
- If you are applying for single subject(s), please select ‘Non-Award’ as your course
- If you are applying for cross-institutional study, please select ‘Cross Institutional’ as your course
Follow the steps to finish your application.
Applications for cross-institutional study
1 — Check entry requirements
Identify the subject you wish to study in the Course and Subjects Handbook. Check that you meet all applicable entry requirements, and are eligible to apply for the subject(s) you have chosen.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, our friendly Future Students team can assist you with enquiries related to your specific circumstances. Contact us today to speak to an advisor.
2 — Complete the required documentation
You will need to complete the following forms as part of your application:
- Home Institution Approval for Cross Institutional Study at JCU (PDF, 59 KB)
- Application to study at JCU. (PDF, 961 KB)
You will also need to include some supporting documentation. This generally includes:
- Birth certificate, passport or other proof of identity and/or citizenship
- Transcripts and testamurs for any previously attained qualifications
- Curriculum vitae.
3 — Apply direct to JCU
Submit your application by emailing the completed forms and your supporting documentation to admissions@jcu.edu.au.
Apply to JCU today
Preparing for study at JCU
Once we have received all of your supporting documentation, you can usually expect to be notified of our decision within 3 weeks. We aim to inform you of our decision on your application as quickly as possible.
If you change your mind about the course you have applied for at any point in the admission process, please let our Admissions team know.
In the meantime, get a taste of what life as a JCU student is like. You can book a campus tour, speak with student advisors, browse our social and sporting clubs, visit our various social media channels, and read the stories of students, alumni and researchers.
Looking for more help?
At JCU, you’ll benefit from a range of undergraduate study options. Contact our friendly team with any questions, to ensure you find the degree that’s right for you.