O what a week for new JCU students

James Cook University has welcomed almost 2050 new students in 2026, including 496 students who are starting their JCU journey in Trimester 3 as O Week begins this week.

JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs says it is an exciting time at both campuses as staff prepare to welcome new and returning students for the final Orientation Week of 2026 – which runs from Monday, September 7 to Friday, September 11.

“We want to provide all our new students, whether they are undergraduate or postgraduate, with the warmest of welcomes for Trimester 3,” Prof Biggs said.

“O Week provides a great opportunity for new students to discover the best of what JCU has to offer in terms of facilities and resources, along with meeting new friends and connections.

“We want all JCU students to be well prepared for their academic journey and to succeed in the years ahead.”

New arrivals at JCU’s Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville and Nguma-bada campus in Cairns can look forward to a lively Trimester 3 O Week, packed with international morning teas, student lunches, welcome breakfasts, academic skills sessions and lots of networking opportunities.

There are 331 domestic students starting at both of JCU’s main campuses in Townsville and Cairns in Trimester 3, along with 165 international students.

JCU Prep (enabling mature students and school leavers to gain the skills and knowledge they need to enter their preferred course of study), the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists, the Master of Marine Science and the Bachelor of Science were the most popular degrees for students starting in Trimester 3.

“We are pleased see strong student demand across a range of courses at JCU at both of our main campuses in Townsville and Cairns,” Prof Biggs said.

“This underscores JCU’s commitment to delivering quality education and world-class research.”