Fast Facts
Location
Off-shore students can only study online
Commencing
- Online: January, September
- Townsville: January, September
Fees
$42,477+
+
estimated annual tuition and student services and amenities fee for a full-time study load
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2026, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
1 year and 1 trimester full-time
Part-time study available for online students
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline; or equivalent
English language requirements
Band 2
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.
CRICOS Code
026849C
Course detail
Pursue your passion with a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, one of only two degrees of this kind offered globally.
Complete most of your studies online, and benefit from immersive learning experiences in the north of Queensland by studying elective block mode subjects that focus on tropical, rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Develop your professional judgement and ethical decision making using evidence-based approaches. Use your knowledge and expertise in public health core competencies and tropical medicine to become an effective leader for positive change in the communities in which you work.
View the handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
About JCU's Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Build on your skills and experience as a health professional with one of the best MPH programs in Australia. Earn your Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine degree (similar to a Masters Degree in Public Health) through JCU and gain a specialised understanding of the most pressing health issues in the region and throughout the world.
A World-Class Education
Take advantage of JCU's unique geographical placement and connections with private and government entities. Build a solid foundation of the skills and knowledge required to deliver programs that promote health, prevent disease and protect the health of the population. Study your way in a flexible environment that matches your needs. Equip yourself through online (external) courses or a mix of online and on-campus classes. Choose block intensives to maximize your learning while minimising disruption to your schedule.
Gain crucial experience in public health graduate programs as you work in some of the world's leading research facilities. Build your resume and practical knowledge at cutting-edge laboratories. Connect with leaders in the field to build your network of professional connections.
Learn through courses with small class sizes under lecturers committed to student success. Become a well-rounded professional with well-developed communication skills and the ability to critically analyse information.
Study JCU's MPH Programs and Become a Change-Maker
Take part in research that makes a difference. Prepare yourself to effect meaningful change in community health outcomes in rural, urban, and tropical environments. Understand the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as well as issues of public health management.
Learn about the unique challenges of tropical living through studies in human parasitology. Become an effective researcher skilled in identifying diseases and developing interventions. Improve the quality of life for others and learn how to best implement public health policies to stop the spread of disease.
Be a part of cutting-edge research into emerging health threats. Work to decrease health disparities for marginalised peoples. Build on your passion to make a difference with real-world skills through one of the best public health masters programs in Australia.
A Masters Degree in Public Health That Can Lead to a Successful Career
Prepare for success using applied and experiential learning to become a leader in advancing global public health. Work at home or abroad and choose your own direction in public health, laboratory research, private corporations, or academia.
Work with local governments in disaster preparedness or as a specialist in biosecurity. Advance community health by researching and implementing initiatives or working in child and maternal health in communities at risk.
Use your leadership skills as an environmental health director to oversee staff and policies in clinics or hospitals. Track down patterns of disease to prevent illness and educate others on how to stop its spread. Advocate for marginalised people and help public services understand the distinct health challenges tropical, rural and remote communities face.
Create a Brighter Future With a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Use your skills in research and your knowledge of disease and illness to make the world a better place for everyone. Boost the health of communities. Advocate for the health of those without a public voice. Go beyond just treating disease, identify the issues and work towards preventing illness and improving the quality of life in under-served communities.
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Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
JCU Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine graduates are equipped with specialist skills and are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings.
You could find employment in State and Commonwealth Government organisations, health care settings, community settings, non-profit and international organisations.
This could include working in roles related to disease control and protection of the health of the population living in tropical areas, and promotion of health and wellbeing.
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD42,477.00;$AUD42,477.00
Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine applicants must also complete and upload the following forms and documentary evidence with their application:
- Current AHPRA Registration (if applicable)
- Degree Testamur
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement or Letter of Motivation.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.
Webinars
Public Health Webinar
Discover the vital role of public health in tackling today’s biggest global challenges. From emerging outbreaks and persistent diseases like HIV and malaria to improving health systems and road safety, public health professionals are at the forefront of creating healthier, safer communities. Join us for this webinar to explore pressing issues in global public health, hear where JCU public health graduates are making an impact, and see how exciting and diverse a career in public health can be.
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Real stories
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Student
Dr Angus Lane
Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
The lecturers and academic staff are a real highlight for me. They are engaged, passionate and up-to-date on world affairs, and have always been approachable for advice, support or to further cultivate your interest in public health or tropical medicine.
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Alumni
Emily Graham
Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
My time at JCU began as a student and continues as a HDR candidate as well as a staff member. I left my home country with the ambition to pursue a career in parasitology. Thanks to the overwhelming support from staff, as corny as it sounds, that dream has come true.
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Alumni
Dr Faith Alele
Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
I had a beautiful experience at JCU. The support was extraordinary and beyond my expectations. Now when I have the opportunity to work in the public health sector I can do things much more differently compared to when I was working without the knowledge gained in my Public Health and Tropical Medicine degree.
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Lecturer
Professor Stephanie Topp
Global Health and Development
In Public Health and Tropical Medicine, we have a broad range of subjects that allows students to tailor their Master degree to meet any one of the many options that public health graduates have. This includes Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine, tropical medicine, communicable disease control and humanitarian work.