International Students Study options Exchange and Study Abroad Apply

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You can apply to study at JCU  through either the Study Abroad or Exchange Programs. If you are unsure which program would suit you best please contact the international office at your university or contact us at internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au.

Study abroad program

You can study at an undergraduate level for up to 12 months or at postgraduate level for 6 months at either Townsville or Cairns campus.

If you are studying at one of our Study Abroad partner institutions contact your international office to discuss your eligibility for the Study Abroad program at JCU.

If you are not studying at a partner institution you can apply directly to internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au or through a registered JCU agent.

Exchange program (inbound)

You can study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level for 6 months or 12 months at either Townsville or Cairns campus.

If you are studying at one of our partner institutions you should contact your international office to discuss a possible exchange at JCU. If you are eligible for the program your home university will nominate you to JCU. Once this nomination is accepted you will be able to apply.

If you are not studying at one of our partner institutions you can apply to the JCU Study Abroad Program.

Application deadlines

  • 30 January for Study Period 1 (Semester 1)
  • 30 June for Study Period 2 (Semester 2)

Other important dates

The academic year has two main study periods each year: Study Period 1 (February-June) and Study Period 2 (July-November) which are each 13 weeks long. Other study periods are block/intensive, and shorter in duration. See the Important Dates Calendar on the Students website for further information.

Step 1 – Check your eligibility

Read the entry requirements to check your eligibility for the program. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, you can contact us for assistance.

Identify your preferred area of study and search for subjects based on the subject prefixes.

  • Check that you meet any subject prerequisites;
  • that the subjects are offered in the semester/s you plan to study at JCU;
  • that your subjects are offered at the campus you want to study at (Cairns or Townsville);
  • and that your application includes 6 to 8 subjects (one semester) or 12 subjects (two semesters).

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure subjects studied at JCU are eligible for credit at your home institution.

Step 2 – Prepare your supporting documents

You need to submit copies of the following documents with your Study Abroad/Exchange application:

  • Letter of nomination (students from exchange partner institutions only)
  • Previous and current certified academic transcripts and certificates (if completed) and the Grading Scale used at the institution/s you studied at. Include certified English translations if your transcripts are not in English.
  • Proof of English proficiency* (not required for native English speakers)
  • Passport

*Your academic transcript and proof of English proficiency must be original certified copies.

Note: It could delay the outcome of your application if you don’t submit all the required documents with the application form. If you have outstanding documents when you apply let us know when you expect to submit them.

Step 3 – Submit your application

There are three ways to submit your Study Abroad or Exchange application.

  • Exchange or Study Abroad Partner Institution: Contact your home institution. They will assist you with the application process and advise you how to submit your documents.
  • Recruitment Agent: contact one of JCU’s registered recruitment agents in your country. They will assist you with the application process and submit the documents on your behalf.
  • Direct: Apply through the online application portal or email your completed application form and supporting documents to internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au. You must also post original certified copies of your academic transcript (and translations if applicable) and proof of English proficiency (if applicable) to c/- Admissions, Division of Academic and Student Life, James Cook University Qld 4811, Australia

Step 4 – Assessment

We will assess your eligibility for entry based on academic and English language entry requirements.

Step 5 – Receive your Offer Letter

If your application is successful you will receive your Offer Letter by email.

The Offer Letter includes:

Step 6 – Accept your offer

Once you have received your Offer, sign each page, complete the Acceptance and Payment form, provide your subject preference for enrolment, and meet any conditions outlined in your Offer Schedule. Return it to Admissions by emailing internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au or your JCU representative/agent, with proof of payment for any required payment as set out in your Offer Letter.

Step 7 – Apply for your student visa

It is essential that you apply for an Australian student visa before arriving in Australia. Once your offer acceptance and payment have been processed you will receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Use this to apply for your Australian student visa.

The Department of Home Affairs website contains comprehensive information about applying for visas, student work rights and restrictions, health requirements, and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about student visas.

Step 8 – After you have been admitted

After you’ve been admitted and enrolled into your subjects you can activate your JCU computer account and email account.

You should also think about what you need to do before you leave home and arrive in Australia – things like where to live, what to wear in the tropics and exchanging money.