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Global partnerships and study abroad

James Cook University


Overview

At a glance

This exchange is paused for applications in 2022-2023. James Cook University (JCU) is the second oldest university in Queensland. It is a vibrant, multi-campus university with its main sites in the tropical Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns. JCU has approximately 15,000 students on-campus; with 12% being international students.
Established : 1970
Student Population : 18300

Website and links

Website : JCU Homepage

Study abroad page : JCU Study Abroad Page

Academic information

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at James Cook University:
  • Biology
Semesters Available
  • First Semester
  • Second Semester
  • Full Year
Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2022/3
Semester 1 Jul 2022 to Nov 2022
Semester 2 Feb 2023 to Jun 2023

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements
  • Minimum Credit in Academic year : 0
  • Minimum Credit in Semester : 12
  • Maximum Credit in Academic year : 0
  • Maximum Credit in Semester: 12
  • Module Weighting : 3

Partner Course Catalogue :

JCU Course Catalogue

Current JCU course handbooks

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 4 semester places (or 2 full year place) will be available at James Cook University in the academic year 2025-2026.

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Living there

Getting there and getting around

Three airlines (Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar) fly from Brisbane (the capital of Queensland) to Townsville several times a day and there are numerous flights from all around the world into Brisbane. Another option for getting to Townsville is flying directly to Cairns and then taking the 50-minute shuttle flight to Townsville. Students at the Townsville campus are strongly recommended to fly into Townsville, as it is a 4-hour drive from Cairns and a 16-hour drive from Brisbane. There are also regular, direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne into Townsville. JCU provides a complimentary Airport Arrival Service from Cairns and Townsville at the start of each semester and trimester.

By Air, Townsville to:

  • Cairns 50 minutes
  • Brisbane 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Sydney 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Melbourne 3 hours 30 minutes

    By Road, Townsville to:

  • Cairns 4 hours
  • Brisbane 16 hours
  • Sydney 27 hours
  • Melbourne 31 hours

    More pre-arrival information for international students can be found here .

    • Accommodation

    James Cook University’s Accommodation Service helps students with on-campus accommodation in halls of residence and colleges, as well as in private rental or shared accommodation (off-campus). On-campus accommodation is limited, students should submit applications as soon as possible after receiving an offer.

    For university accommodation, a non-refundable application fee applies for all students.

    On-campus accommodation is available at the Townsville campus for international students in various halls of residence. The halls provide accommodation for more than 800 students in a variety of full board and self-catering, single and twin-share rooms and townhouses.

    For students who prefer off-campus accommodation, the Accommodation Service maintains a register of houses, units, apartments, shared accommodation, home stay and caretaker arrangements. The Service also provides tenancy information and advice on how to rent a private house or unit. A wide range of quality housing is available for rent near the Townsville and Cairns campuses, and students may find that renting privately is an affordable alternative to living on campus.

    Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

    Student services and orientation

    Support services are available to international students.

    Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.

    Finance and insurance

    Living costs

    Visit the Australian Government's website for advice on living costs.

    Insurance

    The Department of Home affairs requires almost all student visa applicants to have Overseas Student Health Cover. There are a few exemptions for students from Sweden, Norway and Belgium, who may already have special arrangements under their own national schemes.

    St Andrews students authorised to study or work abroad as part of their degree programme will be covered by the University’s insurance policy. Please reference to our travel insurance pages for further information.

    Passports and visas

    Please refer to our passports and visa page for further information.

    Student experience

    Click here to read a blog on the student experience at James Cook. The Global Office also has a video with a student on her time at James Cook. See profiles and photos of St Andrews students who have studied abroad.