James Cook University (JCU) is a public university in tropical Queensland with two main Australian campuses, in Townsville and Cairns.[1] It describes itself as the only Australian university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics, and it lists 20,308 student enrolments (2022 figure).[2] It is ranked joint 438th in the QS World University Rankings 2027.[3]
For 2027 the international course pages show an estimated annual tuition and student services fee of A$36,894 for the Bachelor of Business, A$40,284 for the Bachelor of Nursing Science, A$44,601 for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and A$74,952 for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.[4][5][6][7] Not the same as JCU Singapore: the Singapore campus is covered on its own page on University.im, and its fees may differ.[4]
Key facts
| Official name | James Cook University (JCU) |
| Location | Two main Australian campuses in Townsville and Cairns, Queensland; further campuses in Brisbane and Singapore[2] |
| Type | Public research university[8] |
| Founded | University College of Townsville opened on 27 February 1961; became James Cook University of North Queensland in 1970[8] |
| Student enrolments | 20,308 (JCU analytics 2022, as shown on the university’s About page)[2] |
| Employees | 4,116 (JCU analytics 2022)[2] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | =438[3] |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 | Band 326-350 (up from 351-400)[9] |
| Tuition 2027, international (estimated, incl. student services fee) | A$36,894 Business · A$40,284 Nursing Science · A$44,601 Engineering (Hons) · A$74,952 Medicine and Surgery[4] |
| Fee basis | Full-time load based on 24 credit points; Australian fees (Singapore fees may differ)[4] |
| CRICOS provider code | 00117J[4] |
| English requirement | Set per course; online-proctored tests (IELTS online, IELTS Indicator, TOEFL Home Edition) are not accepted[10] |
| Application route | Directly or, for applicants from some countries, through an authorised agent[11] |
| Official website | jcu.edu.au |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 6 November 2026.
About James Cook University
The University College of Townsville opened on 27 February 1961, and the institution became James Cook University of North Queensland in 1970.[8] The namesake is the British sea captain James Cook.[8] JCU says it is Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide.[2]
Its two main Australian campuses are in Townsville and Cairns, in Far North Queensland, and it has an international campus in Singapore. Opportunities to study or work in Mackay, Mount Isa, Thursday Island and Brisbane are also listed.[1] The About page lists campuses in Brisbane, Cairns, Singapore and Townsville.[2]
How is James Cook University ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, JCU is joint 438th in the world.[3] In QS 2026 it was tied 440th and 25th in Australia.[8]
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, JCU announced on 30 September 2026 that it rose to the 326-350 band from 351-400 in 2026.[9] Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at James Cook University?
The table shows four degrees whose international pages we read. The fee is JCU’s 2027 estimate for a full-time load of 24 credit points and includes the student services and amenities fee. The pages show it with a plus sign (for example “$36,894+”).[4]
| Degree | 2027 estimated annual fee | CRICOS code |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business (3 years full-time) | A$36,894[4] | 026830C |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science | A$40,284[5] | 010441C |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | A$44,601[6] | 085458G |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (6 years full-time) | A$74,952[7] | 043052K |
The Bachelor of Business is offered online and in Townsville, Cairns, Singapore and Brisbane, with intakes in February, May and September; the medicine degree is offered in Townsville and Cairns and starts in February.[4][7] Check the course page for the campus you want.
How much does James Cook University cost for international students in 2027?
On the pages we read, the 2027 estimates run from A$36,894 (Business) to A$74,952 (Medicine and Surgery) a year.[4][7] Other degrees will differ, so check your own course page. The fees are quoted in Australian dollars for the Australian campuses.[4] Scholarships and financial aid are available to eligible students, according to the course pages.[7]
Tuition is only part of the cost. For living costs and visas see our Study in Australia guide and the Australia ranking.
How do you apply to James Cook University as an international student?
JCU’s coursework page lists these steps: choose a course, check the entry requirements, explore pathway options, check the application due date for your intake, meet the Genuine Student requirement, check whether you must apply through an agent, and prepare your documents.[11] Applicants from some countries must apply through an authorised JCU agent; others apply directly, and applicants who are in Australia with a valid visa can apply directly.[11]
All applicants must include academic transcripts, graduation certificates, evidence of English proficiency where it applies and a copy of the passport.[11] Application due dates differ by intake and region and are published on that page; we give none here because they change every year.
To study on a student visa you need the Australian Student visa (subclass 500). The Department of Home Affairs says you must be enrolled in a course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless exempt. The visa cost starts from A$2,500, and new rules apply from 2 October 2026.[12] JCU explains the Genuine Student requirement as proving that you genuinely intend to study in Australia.[11]
Which English level do you need?
Each course has its own English requirement, shown on the course page. JCU accepts many English tests taken at an approved testing centre, but online-mode tests (TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS online and IELTS Indicator) are not recognised.[10] Study or work experience in English can also help show your level.[10]
Depending on the visa assessment level of your country, you may need an English test for the visa even if you meet JCU’s requirement in other ways. If you lack the required English, JCU offers an English Pathway bridging course delivered with the Townsville International English School.[10] We could not read a single IELTS band on a current JCU page, so check the course page for the exact score.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is tuition at James Cook University for international students?
How is James Cook University ranked?
Is James Cook University the same as JCU Singapore?
Which JCU campuses are in Australia?
Do I have to apply through an agent?
It depends on your country. People in some countries must apply through an authorised agent; otherwise you can apply directly to JCU.[11]
More about studying in Australia
- Australia: best universities
- Study in Australia: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Australia
- Adelaide University
- Australian National University
- Curtin University
- Deakin University
- Griffith University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Monash University
- Queensland University of Technology
- RMIT University
- University of Melbourne
- University of Newcastle
- The University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Tasmania
- University of Technology Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- University of Wollongong
- UNSW Sydney
Sources
[1] James Cook University: Life at JCU (international students) (page without a date)
[2] James Cook University: About JCU (page without a date; figures marked JCU analytics 2022)
[3] QS Top Universities: James Cook University profile (QS 2027 position) (page without a date; QS edition released 18 Jun 2026)
[4] James Cook University: Bachelor of Business (international view) (page without a date; 2027 estimate)
[5] James Cook University: Bachelor of Nursing Science (international view) (page without a date; 2027 estimate)
[6] James Cook University: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (international view) (page without a date; 2027 estimate)
[7] James Cook University: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (international view) (page without a date; 2027 estimate)
[8] Wikipedia: James Cook University (history, QS 2026 position; secondary source)
[9] JCU news: JCU jumps in global uni rankings (Times Higher Education 2027) (published 30 Sep 2026)
[10] James Cook University: Coursework entry requirements for international students (page without a date)
[11] James Cook University: How to apply as an international student (page without a date; lists due dates for 2027 intakes)
[12] Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500) (page without a date; mentions rule changes from 2 Oct 2026)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.