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Support and Services

JCU stall at event

Student Services

JCU offers a variety of services to all students to ensure you can stay ahead of your studies and career, all while having fun on-campus in the process.

Services include:

If you are experiencing academic difficulties whilst at James Cook University, there are a number of support staff and services within the University who may be able to help.

Learning Advisors

If you need help with study skills or assistance with academic reading, writing, speaking etc, Learning Advisors are available in the Learning Centre on the Cairns and Townsville campuses. Visit Learning Skills for further information.

Enrolment Officers

If you have questions about your subject selection, advanced standing, changing your major or your course, degree completion or other course or enrolment query, you should contact an Enrolment Officer in the Student Centre. Contact details are available at Student Centre and Enrolment Team contacts.

Student Mentor Program

Participating in the Student Mentor Program is a great way for you to gain support and advice from continuing students during your time at JCU.

AccessAbility Services is a confidential support service for all students on campus who identify as having a temporary or permanent disability, injury, illness or health condition. The service can, for example, provide alternative formatting of course materials, supply assistive equipment and aids, and liaise with teaching staff. Medical documentation is required in order to register with the service and AccessAbility Support Advisers are based on the Cairns and Townsville campuses.

The JCU Careers and Employment Service has offices on the Townsville and Cairns campuses. It offers student and graduate career advice, job application and career planning workshops, career information libraries, and an online job database, CareerHub.

The Service also organises an annual careers fair that brings major employers and industries to the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

JCU’s Counselling Service is confidential and available to students on the Cairns and Townsville campuses. Individual and group counselling is available if you have personal issues like stress, relationships or anxiety. The Service also conducts workshops on topics including Settling into University and Managing Stress. Find out more about the Counselling Service.

The JCU Student Association represents the interests of all students at JCU.

Membership is voluntary and entitles you to discounts at food outlets on the Cairns and Townsville campuses, and at the gym and The Club (Townsville). Membership also entitles you to social sport nominations; participation in the Fisher Shield competition and access to specialist support services such as tax help; student employment; welfare support; and academic support.

All students at JCU can access Learning Skills for face-to-face assistance as well as online tutorials and workshops. Learn about everything you need to succeed in your studies including time management skills, effective note taking, oral presentations, writing skills, exam tactics and more. Special assistance is available for students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas

Students at JCU Townsville have excellent sporting facilities on campus plus plenty of sporting clubs for participating and making friends. Facilities include:

  • Cricket pitch
  • Gym
  • Hockey field
  • Netball courts
  • Football (rugby league and rugby union) ovals
  • Rowing
  • Soccer
  • Squash courts
  • Tennis courts

Contact the Sport and Recreation Officer at the JCU Student Association for more information.

Cairns, Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield

The campus at JCU Cairns has a growing range of sporting facilities including:

  • Rugby oval
  • Basketball courts
  • Gym
  • Mountain bike trails

Additionally, a range of excellent sporting facilities is available in nearby Smithfield less than a kilometre from the campus including:

  • Several commercial gyms
  • Local swimming centre including Olympic-sized pool and heated pool
  • YMCA fitness centre.

Contact the Sport and Recreation Officer at the JCU Student Association for more information.

The friendly staff at the Student Centre in Townsville and Cairns are here to meet the needs of prospective and current international students.

The Student Centre is your first point of contact once arriving in Australia to study and we offer a number of services to ensure your smooth transition to life and study at JCU.

Visit Student Centre for further information.

This innovative program links new students with students in similar degree programs who are trained as mentors. Student mentors can help you settle into university life and answer the many questions you may have when you start your course, as well as continue to provide support during your studies. Visit the Student Mentor Program for more information.

Mental health is about wellness, rather than illness. Having social connections, good personal relationships and being part of a community are vital to maintaining good mental health and wellness at university. For help and useful information please visit: Mental Health and Wellness

International Student Support

JCU's International Student Support Team provide a full range of services to ensure our students make the most of their time at university. Learn more

Some of the services and information the team can provide include:

  • Pre-departure information
  • Free arrival reception
  • Orientation program
  • Assistance with accommodation
  • Assistance in emergencies
  • Social events throughout the semester
  • Personal well-being and welfare support
  • After-hours student assistance telephone line
  • Overseas Student Health Cover information
  • Advice on a range of matters
  • Returning home program.
  • International Completion Ceremony

Additional Resources

International Student Support Events at JCU

The support team hold a number of events to give students to opportunity to get involved and meet new friends.