Early Offer Program

If you’re in Year 12 and graduating this year, you may be able to receive an early offer for a course. To participate in JCU’s Early Offer Program work with your school on a recommendation and list JCU as your first preference in QTAC when applications open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Talk to your school Guidance Officer/Careers Adviser about your intent to study at James Cook University next year and that you'd like to be considered for the Early Offer Program. They can assist you with completion of the Nomination Form to provide to your school for consideration.

Your school will then submit a recommendation based on your academic performance, motivation, talents, passion and capabilities to demonstrate your likelihood of success at university.

You'll be able to get the applications and administrative requirements out of the way right now! Plus we'll shout your QTAC application fee by sending you a voucher to cover the cost.

You'll also have access to JCU’s support services earlier, ensuring you have a seamless transition to university life.

Early offers are available for most campus locations in Australia. This includes Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay, Mount Isa and Townsville. Be sure to have a look at the course information to see if your preferred course is offered near you.

We will be in touch within 48 hours after your Nomination Form is submitted.

QTAC offers will be made most Fridays from 11 August and, once applications have been submitted to JCU and are finalised. A final offer round will be processed on 20 October. To reduce distractions for students, offers will not be made during the Year 12 external examination period.

Yes, if you plan to apply for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery, or Bachelor of Veterinary Science, you can still receive an early offer for another course. To do so:

  1. Complete your Early Offer Nomination Form, nominating a course that is included in the Early Offer Program.
  2. Receive your Early Offer email from JCU 48 hours after your school has submitted the Nomination Form.
  3. Once QTAC Applications open on 1 August 2023, lodge a QTAC application listing your nominated Early Offer course as your first preference and any excluded courses you wish to apply for as lower preferences.
  4. After you receive your early offer from QTAC, reorder your preferences to list any excluded courses you wish to apply for as your highest preferences.

Any domestic student who is currently undertaking Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate qualification in Australia can apply.

International students completing Year 12 in Australia can apply directly to JCU at any time to be considered for a conditional offer.

Information for Schools

15 May 2023 - Nominations open

1 August 2023 - QTAC Applications open

13 October 2023 - Nominations close

Download the Student Nomination Form and forward to admissions@jcu.edu.au no later than 13 October 2023.

Student Nomination Form (PDF, 1020 KB)

Schools are encouraged to adopt a process which fits with their academic and career programs. JCU is not prescriptive in how this assessment process is managed within schools.

Schools will be able to recommend their students for an Early Offer. If the student doesn’t meet the entry requirements and the recommendation is for the student to use one of the pathways into a Bachelor Degree, we will work with the student to determine the best pathway.

Download the Information for Schools Guide (PDF, 1962 KB).

No, there is no limit.

No, registration is not required for schools to participate. We will accept applications from Year 12 students from all schools.