Quick Summary
Based in Townsville, Australia, James Cook University is a public with roots dating back to 1970. Ranked #445 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 20438 students including 30% from outside Australia. Known for strengths in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Earth and Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 79%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
JCU is a world leader in marine science and research focused on the challenges of the tropics.
Subject Strengths
Marine ScienceEnvironmental ScienceEarth and Marine SciencesEcologyHospitality and Leisure Management
Founded1970
TypePublic
Total Students20438
Intl Students30%
Faculty Ratio23
CampusMulti-campus
Campus Size386 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsTownsville University Hospital, Cairns Hospital, Mater Health Services
AccreditationTertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#445
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#351-400
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Graduate Certificates, PhD, Research Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The Cairns Institute, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate79%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL86
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · October 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · May 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Strong emphasis on personal statements for health science courses; apply early for Marine Biology programs as they are highly competitive.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Australian Dollar
UG Tuition
$36,000/yr
per year · AUD
Living Cost
$25,000/yr
per year · AUD
PG Tuition
$40,000/yr
per year · AUD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$61,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · AUD
Scholarships AvailableJCU International Excellence Scholarship, Destination Australia Scholarship, Vice Chancellor's Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Graduate Certificates, PhD, Research Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Marine Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Master of Global Development | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$62,000
Average Salary After Graduation
84%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh, integrated through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) modules
Industry Connections
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityQueensland HealthCSIRO
Notable Alumni
Andrew Stoner, Jan McLucas, Mark Robinson, Silma Ihram
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, swimming pool, basketball courts, sports ovals
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including Diving Club, Marine Biology Society, and various cultural groups
Library Resources
Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, over 1 million physical and electronic items
Exchange Programs
Yes, partnerships with over 50 universities globally
Summer Programs
Available