Scholarships and Grants
Below are some of the scholarships and grants that may be available to international students applying to study at James Cook University. You will find that some are offered through JCU and some are external scholarships available to you through other organisations. It is up to you to inquire directly with the scholarship body if you require more information.
Scholarships may include grants, subsidies, bursaries, and are generally not required to be repaid by students, provided any conditions are met.
The International Excellence Scholarship recognises and rewards excellence to eligible students from the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom and Europe.
The Scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction throughout the entire duration of approved full degree study programs, provided recipients continue to maintain a strong GPA each semester, as detailed in the scholarship offer.
Scholarship eligibility is automatically assessed during the admissions process and eligible students will receive an offer for both their program of study and the International Excellence Scholarship concurrently.
Programs ineligible for the International Excellence Scholarship include, but are not limited to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Master of Engineering (Professional), online and non-award programs.
The International Student Merit Stipend helps provide financial security to support excellence to eligible students from Asia, Africa, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East.
The Stipend supports student excellence by providing monthly payments of A$700 to assist with expenses throughout the duration of study at JCU, providing a strong GPA is maintained each semester, as outlined in the scholarship offer.
Scholarship eligibility is automatically assessed during the admissions process and eligible students will receive an offer for both their program of study and the International Student Merit Stipend concurrently.
Programs ineligible for the International Excellence Scholarship include, but are not limited to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Master of Engineering (Professional), online and non-award programs.
The JCU College Pathways Scholarships are available for international students enrolling into the Diploma of Engineering, Diploma of Health (Nursing Pathway), Diploma of Science, and Diploma of Technology.
The Scholarship provides a 25% reduction in tuition fees.
Minimum entry requirements for these diplomas are successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent, and JCU College English for Academic Purposes Level 2 or IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent.
All applicants will be considered for the scholarship, therefore there is no application required. Successful applicants will receive a scholarship offer with their course offer letter, which will include full terms and conditions of the scholarship. Please note the JCU College Pathway Scholarship does not apply to JCU College’s English for Academic Purposes subject or courses delivered as ELICOS.
This scholarship offers students who transition from JCU College Diplomas to JCU Bachelor's degrees, after completing the JCU College Diploma with a GPA of 4.5 or greater. This scholarship is available to students from Asia, Africa, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East.
The American Australian Association awards fellowships to Americans for advanced research and study in Australia. The Association encourages intellectual interchange between Australia and America. For more information visit USA to Australia Fellowship Applications.
The Australian Government's overseas aid program aims to assist developing countries reduce poverty, achieve sustainable development and increase access to quality education and training for people in participating countries.
Since 1997 James Cook University has provided quality academic and personal support to over 350 Australia Awards Scholarship students from over 40 countries. As a result, enduring links with individuals, institutions and countries have been built.
Australia Awards are a whole-of-government initiative bringing together scholarships and fellowships administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Education, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
For more information about Australia Awards visit Australia Awards Categories and Australia Awards Scholarships.
For more information on eligibility requirements and application processes visit How to apply.
The Destination Australia scholarship is funded by the Australian government Department of Education. The aim of the Destination Australia Program is to attract and support International and Domestic students to study in regional Australia and receive a high quality learning experience. Further information.
Japan
Australia and Japan have a shared excellence when it comes to delivering quality education and research. Building on that shared excellence, Japan and Australia have been strengthening ties between educational institutions through student exchange programs and research collaborations
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Australia Awards provide Papua New Guineans with the opportunity to study in Australia and obtain tertiary qualifications from participating Australian Institutions.
Australia Awards aims to further develop the skills and expertise of Papua New Guineans so they can contribute to Papua New Guinea’s development. They are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to Papua New Guinea’s existing and future leaders. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change, influence Papua New Guinea’s development and build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.
Latin America
Chile
Awarded to citizens of Chile and other nationalities who have permanent residence in Chile. Applicants can apply for these scholarships to either start or continue studies leading to a master’s or PhD degree at leading institutions abroad.
Ecuador
The scholarships offer Ecuadorian professionals the opportunity to continue their academic studies in masters, doctorate or postdoctorate programs abroad. The program aims to strengthen opportunities for human capital and development in Ecuador.
Mexico
The National Council of Science and Technology formulates and finances scholarship programs and generally supports the formation of scientific and technological human capital as well as integrates the information of scholarship programs offered by other national institutions.
Peru
The Universitat de València and the Peru Education Ministry have signed an Inter institutional Cooperation Agreement in order to promote the access of Peruvian students through the PRONABEC program to certain postgraduate studies with the aim of enhancing the number of professionals in Peru with an appropriate training.
JCU offers highly competitive scholarships to students commencing research degrees at Master or Doctoral level. Students must be accepted for a place in a research degree program to be considered for scholarship support.
For more information on eligibility criteria and application deadlines, visit Opening and Closing Dates for JCU Competitive Scholarship Applications.