International Students Apply to JCU Entry requirements

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Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen course of study, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees

These include Diplomas and Bachelor degrees, along with Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master degrees by coursework.

You can demonstrate the required English language skills through results from English language tests, evidence of previous studies or work experience.

Depending on the visa assessment level of your country of citizenship, you may be required to pass an English language test, even if you meet JCU's English language requirements in other ways. For details contact the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

English language tests

JCU accepts results from many different English language tests, which must be undertaken at an approved testing centre.

Check the range of English language tests you can take and the resulting scores required.*

*From 26 July 2023, TOEFL iBT can no longer be used for Australian visa purposes until future notice from the Department of Home Affairs. JCU continues to accept TOEFL iBT result to meet English language proficiency requirements for admissions purposes. However, it is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet English language requirements for visa purposes, following the advice from the Department of Home Affairs.

Online mode tests including TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS online, and IELTS Indicator are not recognised.

Previous studies or work experience

Completing a course of study delivered in English or experience in an English-speaking workplace may help you demonstrate the English language skills you need at JCU.

English language pathways

International students without the English language skills required can take JCU's English Pathway bridging course to develop the written and spoken English language skills they need.

Find out more about the English Pathway course, which is delivered in partnership with the Townsville International English School.

If you have any questions about English language requirements, please fill out the enquiry form.

There are academic entry requirements for each JCU course. Information specific to your chosen course can be found on the relevant course page, however there are also standard academic requirements particular to some course levels.

Diplomas and other Undergraduate programs

To be eligible for an Undergraduate degree, you must have completed a recognised Year 12 program or equivalent to the required standard. For more information, explore our country-specific academic levels table within the next accordion, and refer to the Handbook section of the relevant course page.

For Postgraduate programs

Academic entry requirements vary for each of our postgraduate degrees. You can find the specific academic requirements in the Handbook section of the relevant course page.

The below image shows where the course handbook information is located on a course page

Handbook requirements visual

If you have just completed secondary schooling in your home country, those grades will be used to determine your entry into JCU undergraduate courses.

Find your entry score

Use the drop-down boxes below to determine the entry score you will need for your chosen JCU undergraduate course in two simple steps:

  1. Select the schooling qualification you hold, or will soon be receiving
  2. Select the JCU undergraduate course you wish to apply for.

The required mark will then appear.

If you are applying for joint degree entry, the required grade is determined by the degree with the highest entry score. We strongly advise you to check the entry score for both courses.

If you are an international student who is currently completing Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate program in an Australian school, you must apply directly to James Cook University. International students cannot apply to James Cook University through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).

Applications can be submitted at any time during your Year 12 studies. The deadline for applications is 31 January of the year you intend to commence studying.

If you apply before you have received your formal Year 12 results, you will receive an offer to JCU that is conditional upon achieving a particular result.

The following documents must be submitted as part of your application:

  • Reports from your Year 11 Term 1 and 2 studies
  • Any Year 12 results to date
  • Passport details that confirm your name and citizenship
  • Current visa details
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (if you are studying in Australia on a student visa).

Some degrees also require applicants to provide a supporting written application and/or complete a personal interview with JCU academic selectors.

These courses include:

Application deadlines for these courses also vary.

Please ensure you read the detailed information about these additional requirements, which is provided on each course page.

Postgraduate research programs

At JCU, these programs are also known as Higher Degrees by Research. Qualifications include Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorates.

You can demonstrate the required English language skills through results from English language tests, evidence of previous studies or work experience.

Depending on the visa assessment level of your country of citizenship, you may be required to pass an English language test, even if you meet JCU's English language requirements in other ways. For details contact the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

For further information, refer to the JCU Higher Degree by Research program requirements.

Higher Degree by Research programs have specific academic requirements, depending on your chosen course of study.

For further information, refer to the JCU Higher Degree by Research program requirements.

Related information

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