Overview

James Cook University (JCU) combines excellence in teaching and research in a unique tropical setting. JCU is one of the premier universities in Queensland and is 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 105 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.

Location

Townsville and Cairns are attractive coastal cities with populations of 160,000 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 Activities

James 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 Highlights

JCU was named as the Queensland Education Export Award winner for 2007 for its excellence as a study abroad destination. 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 you to choose from at an undergraduate level which offer the same quality in teaching and facilities including:

• 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

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 Services

James 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.

The International Student Center organizes all aspects of your study abroad semester or year with us, from application to arrival, enrollment, and orientation. The Center 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

Housing

Students 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.

Orientation

Orientating yourself to Cairns is just the beginning in finding your way around your new “home away from home.” The JCU International Student Center works to ensure your transition to living and studying in Australia is as smooth as possible. We will meet you when you arrive in Cairns and take you to your pre-arranged accommodation for settling in. The Center then hosts 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.

JCU runs a week of Orientation “O” Week activities with all new Australian and International students, offering you opportunities to meet with 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/Excursions

JCU 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.

Popular subjects offering field trips include Linking Indigenousness (camping with aboriginal communities and being taught by the elders in the rainforest, bushland, and desert outback) and the Maritime Archaeology Field School (underwater surveying, mapping, and photography on Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef).

As a part of JCU Orientation “O” Week, the JCU Student Association organizes trips to nearby attractions including Magnetic Island, Fitzroy Island, Billabong Sanctuary Wildlife Park and the Great Barrier Reef. A welcome Aussie barbeque 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!

View 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.

Fees

Program Fees	$9,275.00
Housing
With Meals	Not available at this university
Without Meals	Approximately $2,315 - $3,680
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 Includes

Program 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 4-day Program Introduction 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 Fee is in addition to the Program Fees and may be an average for universities with multiple housing options. Students who select “apartment living arranged upon arrival” will only be charged the Program Fees, and housing costs will be paid on arrival by the student.

Fee Semester

The above fees are for the July 2009 term. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Cairns, Queensland
Overseas Students: 300
Staff: 1200
Total Enrolment: 3000

Entry Requirements

Applicants 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 Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships offered by AustraLearn, James Cook University supports AustraLearn students with two $500 USD awards per year.