OverviewJames Cook University (JCU) combines excellence in teaching and research in a unique tropical setting. JCU is one of Queensland’s premier universities and Australia’s leading tropical University. Named after the British explorer Captain James Cook, the University offers quality education in a unique environment.
James Cook University’s main campuses are located in the northern Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns, home to a combined 15,000 students including 1,800 international students from over 100 countries worldwide. Diverse environments, vibrant communities, and challenging academic programs are just a few of the reasons why so many students choose to study abroad at James Cook University. No other university can offer such a wide range of classes in the shadow of two of the world's finest natural heritage areas - The Wet Tropics Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.
 While studying at James Cook University, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the new Global Identity subject (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.
This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying in Australia with AustraLearn. LEARN MORE>LocationTownsville and Cairns are attractive coastal cities with populations of 170,000 and 140,000, respectively, and are within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef. Both cities enjoy excellent tropical climates for most of the academic year including autumn, winter, and spring, and an average winter temperature of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
North Queensland is well known for embracing a safe and relaxed tropical lifestyle. Established Indigenous, European, and Asian communities add to the cultural diversity of the region not usually found outside of the capital cities.
Cairns
200 miles to the north of Townsville is the Cairns campus, with a student population of around 3,000 including 300 international students. Described as the rainforest campus, the Cairns campus is surrounded on three sides by World heritage-listed rainforests and conveniently located near the attractive northern beach suburbs.
The campus is approximately nine miles from downtown Cairns and offers modern facilities in a pleasant layout. One of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, the city has a diverse population which is reflected in its cultural, shopping, and sporting facilities. Extracurricular ActivitiesJames Cook University locations offer a large variety of outdoor activities including visits to the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands and resorts, day-trips to historic outback towns such as Charters Towers, and World Heritage listed rainforests within an hour drive of both campuses.
Popular outdoor water sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing and jet-skiing are all local options while some students prefer the adrenaline rush of close-by white water rafting, skydiving, and bungy jumping. There are plenty of hiking and cycling trails to be explored as well.
Townsville and Cairns are also home to professional rugby and basketball clubs, and a variety of intramural sporting activities such as beach volleyball, tennis, field hockey, basketball, and soccer are also available. Whatever your personal interests, there are an abundance of activities on offer in JCU campus cities and surroundings.Academic HighlightsJames Cook University is ranked in the top 100 Asia-Pacific institutions and in the top 400 Universities in the world ( Shanghai Jiao Tong Rankings 2008). The University is world renowned for its research in a number of areas relating to its tropical location including marine biology, environmental studies, and tourism and has outstanding research facilities including island and rainforest research stations. JCU is also a member of the prestigious group, Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA). Accordingly, there are hundreds of study areas for students to choose from at an undergraduate level, many offering exciting, hands-on field components.
Study areas include:
- Coral Reef Ecology
- Tropical Biology and Zoology
- Rainforest and Coastal Science
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Indigenous Australian Studies
- Creative Arts including Digital Media
- Social Sciences (especially Anthropology, Maritime Archaeology)
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Education
- Health Sciences including Nursing
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences/Geology
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Business/Economics.
Postgraduate study options in select study areas are also available.
View Available Subjects
Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. University ServicesJames Cook University provides a full range of support services for students to help them make the most of their time at university. Whether you need help with an assignment, finding accommodation, personal welfare support, study skills assistance, or job seeking there are dedicated services on campus to assist you.
James Cook International organizes all aspects of your study abroad semester or year with us, from application to arrival, enrollment, and orientation. The International Office is your first point of contact if you need assistance at JCU and provides a range of services and information including:
- preparing for arrival information and free arrival service
- international orientation program
- social activities
- accommodation information
- personal well-being and welfare support
- Overseas Student Health Cover information
HousingStudents have the option of living in pre-arranged apartments while studying at the Cairns campus. There are also many rental options (apartments and houses) available to students in nearby suburbs. The JCU Accommodation Service also is available to assist with off-campus accommodation options.OrientationOrientating yourself to Cairns is just the beginning in finding your way around your new “home away from home.” James Cook International works to ensure your transition to living and studying in Australia is as smooth as possible. They will meet you after the AustraLearn Culture and Adventure Program and take you to your pre-arranged accommodation. After you have settled in we host a special Welcome Pack Information Session to help you become familiar with the campus and community and answer any questions you may have about studying at JCU.
Orientation “O” Week activities are held the week before classes start and during this time you’ll meet Australian and International students, academic advisors to finalize your subject selection, get to know your way around the campus and facilities and participate in social events. “O” Week promises to be a great start to your study abroad experience at JCU.Special Programs/ExcursionsJCU offers study abroad students a range of specialist study areas not offered in many parts of the world, including Aboriginal Studies and Reef and Rainforest Science. A highlight of the JCU study abroad program is the inclusion of a practical component and/or field trips within many subjects, enabling you to study in the spectacular natural environment of North Queensland. One example is the subject, Linking Indigenousness, which provides students with the opportunity to camp with aboriginal communities and be taught by the elders in the rainforest, bushland, and desert outback.
Why not join new students and go on an adventure tour to Green Island, bungy jumping, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree? As a part of JCU Orientation “O” Week, the JCU Student Association organizes trips to nearby attractions and with the new friends you make you’re sure to see much more during your stay! A welcome event is also organized for all new students in addition to many other activities held throughout the year such as Arts Week, Cultural Festival, Campus Bands Competition, Green Week, campus movie nights and much more!Community InvolvementWhile abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Australian culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Cairns or discover your own upon arrival!
You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Australia on AustraLearn's Culture and Adventure Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Australia. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for AustraLearn's Conservation Volunteer Weekend.
   Meet the AustraLearn Coordinator for JCUAlicia Houghteling is the AustraLearn Coordinator for JCU
View SubjectsClasses are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need. Fees| Program Fees | $9505.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Starting at $4,950 | | Without Meals | Starting at $2,785 | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Not applicable | | Without Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. |
Fee IncludesProgram fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 6-day Bridging Cultures Program in Tropical Cairns, Australia. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged. Fee SemesterThe Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms.
The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. FactsLocation: Cairns, Queensland
Overseas Students: 300
Staff: 1200
Total Enrolment: 3000
Dates| All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. | |
| July 2010 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 7, 2010 | | Start Date | July 9, 2010 | | End Date | November 19, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 27, 2010 - October 1, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 7, 2010 | | Start Date | July 9, 2010 | | End Date | June 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 27, 2010 - October 1, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 25, 2011 - April 29, 2011 |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 5, 2011 | | Start Date | February 7, 2011 | | End Date | June 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 18, 2011 - April 22, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 5, 2011 | | Start Date | February 7, 2011 | | End Date | November 18, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 18, 2011 - April 22, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 26, 2011 - September 30, 2011 |
| July 2011 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 9, 2011 | | Start Date | July 11, 2011 | | End Date | November 18, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 26, 2011 - September 30, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2011 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 9, 2011 | | Start Date | July 11, 2011 | | End Date | June 15, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 26, 2011 - September 30, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 16, 2012 - April 20, 2012 |
| February 2012 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 11, 2012 | | Start Date | February 13, 2012 | | End Date | June 22, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 23, 2012 - April 27, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2012 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 11, 2012 | | Start Date | February 13, 2012 | | End Date | November 23, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 23, 2012 - April 27, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 24, 2012 - September 28, 2012 |
| July 2012 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 14, 2012 | | Start Date | July 16, 2012 | | End Date | November 24, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 24, 2012 - September 28, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2012 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 14, 2012 | | Start Date | July 16, 2012 | | End Date | June 22, 2013 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 24, 2012 - September 28, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 22, 2013 - April 26, 2013 |
Entry RequirementsApplicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level.
Required GPA: 2.50
University Specific ScholarshipsIn addition to the scholarships offered by AustraLearn, James Cook University supports AustraLearn students with two $500 AUD awards per year.AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Alicia Houghteling | | Title: | Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services | | Department: | Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji |
BIO:
Alicia is the visa coordinator for AustraLearn's study abroad programs, as well as the coordinator for Central Queensland University, James Cook University at Cairns and Townsville, Southern Cross University, University of Adelaide and University of South Australia. In addition, she helps with the study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services including the new application stage for programs.
Alicia received her BS in Business from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, majoring in International Business and minoring in Spanish. She studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, and during her time abroad, she was able to see London, Dublin, and Luxembourg . Alicia comes to AustraLearn from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, where she was an Undergraduate Recruiter.
Advice From The Coordinator:
Both cities offer an abundance of outdoor activities - snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking and so much more! The weather is warm and great for being outside! |
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