Giving high school students a head start
For many high-achieving high school students, university can feel like something far off in the future — a goal rather than an experience. But through JCU NOW, that future begins much sooner.
JCU NOW is a program that gives high-achieving and motivated Year 11 and 12 students a head start on university by offering an accessible, supported way to begin real university study while still at school — and now includes a direct entry pathway that allows students to secure a place in their degree even before finishing Year 12.
The program gives participants the opportunity to complete real first-year university subjects across study areas including law, engineering, psychology, business, and more.
The premise of JCU NOW is that high school students complete core subjects for degrees before they finish school. They learn the platforms, manage their time, connect with lecturers, and discover what university life is really like.
A clear pathway to the future
A major advancement in 2025 is the introduction of official direct entry, which allows students who complete two or more JCU NOW subjects to apply for their JCU degree using their GPA instead of their ATAR* (terms and conditions apply).
This means students can be accepted into their degree before finishing Year 12, reducing exam pressure and providing certainty about their future pathway. They can also bypass QTAC entirely, saving students application fees.
The first direct entry cohort has already seen remarkable success: seven of eight eligible students received offers for 2026, including a home-schooled student from Cairns who satisfied the English prerequisite entirely through her JCU NOW subjects.
Ahead of the game
Accessibility is at the heart of JCU NOW. The program is designed to ensure motivated students can start university early without financial barriers.
The first subject is free, and any additional subjects cost just $375 plus the Student Services and Amenities Fee — a significant saving for students.
Each completed subject also earns two credit points toward the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). With 35 subjects now available, the program continues to expand to meet the growing demand from students and schools across the region.
This affordability and flexibility are key reasons why JCU NOW is considered one of the most accessible ways for high-achieving students to begin their university journey early.
Real university experience
For many participants, JCU NOW is more than just a head start — it’s a chance to discover their interests and feel confident in their next steps.
Addison MacDonald from Home Hill State High School completed four JCU NOW subjects and has been accepted into a Bachelor of Arts–Bachelor of Business at JCU.
“I liked being able to just be a uni student — there’s no difference between you and everyone else. You’re all just working to do your best,” she says. “I thought I wanted psychology, but I realised my real interest was business. Now I want to open my own bookstore. JCU NOW helped me figure that out.”
For Sophia Cristaldi from St Patrick’s College, the program confirmed her direction. After completing law subjects through JCU NOW, she has been accepted into a Bachelor of Law–Bachelor of Science.
“I really liked the independence. It helped me manage my time and made Year 12 a lot less stressful,” she says.
“It showed me that law is what I want to do. It’s not daunting now — I know what to expect.”
Southern Cross Catholic College students Alicia Beekkerk Van Ruth, Darcy Snelleman and Jaid Medill all believed the program helped them feel ready and confident about their next steps at JCU.
Support from day one
A defining feature of JCU NOW — and a key reason for its success — is the high level of personalised support offered to both schools and students.
JCU NOW provides a dedicated support coordinator for every participating school. These coordinators maintain regular contact with teachers and students, checking progress, offering guidance, and ensuring each participant stays on track.
This tailored support not only boosts student confidence but strengthens the connection between JCU and local schools — another way the program ensures early university study is accessible, supported, and successful.
A clear and accessible start to uni
Participation in JCU NOW continues to rise — up around 50 per cent from last year — and the results speak for themselves. Students are engaging more deeply, completing multiple subjects, and entering their degrees with clarity and momentum.
JCU NOW helps high-achieving students step into university early, prepared, supported, and ready to succeed.
To learn more about JCU NOW and how to apply visit jcu.edu.au/jcunow
*To apply, students will need to complete a PDF application form. Students do not need to provide any additional paperwork, but should tick that they have previously studied at JCU and include their JCU ID.
This is a standard application, so normal application due dates apply. Students will not be able to apply for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science via this process. Students should receive a response within a few working days of lodging their application.
If a student meets the requirements (rank, prerequisites and English Language proficiency (ELP)), they will generally be given an unconditional offer. Please note: a student must be 18 at the commencement of their course OR have completed Year 12. If a student turns 18 after their intended start date, their offer will be conditional on completing Year 12.
If a student does not meet all of the entry requirements, their offer will be conditional. Note: students who were not born in Australia may not meet ELP. If this is the case, their offer will be conditional on completing Year 12.
The rank obtained from their JCU Now study depends on the number of subjects studied and their GPA. At least 2 subjects are required. Two or 3 subjects with a GPA of 4.0 will give a rank of 75.