TOP 2 %
top of universities worldwide - 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
# 1
in Queensland for median graduate salary - 2024 Good Universities Guide
TOP 100
worldwide for earth & marine sciences, environmental sciences - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
5
Five stars for learner engagement - 2024 Good Universities Guide, UG Science & Maths
# 1
in Australia for Skills Development - 2026 Good Universities Guide, PG Engineering and Technology
Bachelor of Science
Embrace the exciting world of science. Pair your scientific study with experiences like no other — explore environments like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest or conduct research in state-of-the-art labs. Learn how to train an AI algorithm to identify flora and fauna species or dig into the earth’s history to find prehistoric remains. Graduate career-ready with advanced practical skills and a drive for discovery.
Bachelor of Marine Science
Explore dynamic marine and coastal systems with Marine Science. Develop expertise in seabed mapping and fish assessment sonar, oceanographic sensors and other marine technologies. Gain valuable, hands-on experience through fieldwork at JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station and on various coral reefs along the Great Barrier Reef.
Bachelor of Social Work
Examine psychology within social welfare practice, the determinants that lead to deviance and crime, and the socio-cultural elements that can influence welfare and social justice. Learn from experts in the field as you complete 1000 hours of placement and professional experience. Graduates of this course are eligible for full membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]
Become a nurse with expertise in the delivery of effective nursing care, with a particular focus on rural and remote healthcare needs. Communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and plan and implement contemporary care at both an individual and community level. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Division 1) registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
With the only undergraduate medicine degree in North Queensland, your studies will equip you to confidently diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions. Become a patient centred and socially responsible health practitioner, with in-depth knowledge of rural and remote medicine. Practical experience opportunities will deepen your understanding of the personal, professional and ethical roles of medical practitioners.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Develop the fundamental skills required to learn how to become a dentist in Queensland or in metropolitan and regional areas across Australia. Be equipped with practical work skills in JCU’s world-class dental teaching complex, with a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory. Apply your theoretical knowledge as you assess, diagnose and perform dental work on real patients. Expand your network and experience through extensive professional placements.
Master of Science (Professional)
Learn from research and industry experts and diversify your knowledge studying the unique environments of North Queensland, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, dry savannahs and tropical rainforests. Gain strong career planning insights and build critical enterprise skills through the Professional Employability Program.
Master of Data Science (Professional)
Become an authority in the roaring big-data industry. Develop innovative solutions to contemporary problems in data science and mastermind database systems, programs, models, and projects. You could find work as a data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, data architect, visualisation specialist or statistician.
Master of Marine Biology
Develop unrivalled hands-on experience in unique locations like the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Work with emerging technologies for marine ecosystem monitoring, learn how to incorporate vital data analysis methods into your work and research, and collaborate with world-leading researchers in Coral Reef Science and Management.
JCU Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships 2026
Highly competitive scholarships are available to students commencing research degrees at Master or Doctoral level.
JCU International Excellence Scholarship 2026
Provides a 25% tuition fee reduction throughout the entire duration of approved full degree study programs, provided recipients maintain a strong GPA each semester.
JCU Townsville
Shania Bolen
Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology and Ecology
JCU provided me with the best location possible in the Tropics, along with a great research reputation. It also allowed me to take courses that let me fully learn and explore topics that I was passionate about. I loved it so much that I transferred to finish my degree here!
Linda Gualtieri
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
The simulation clinic provides a great learning opportunity, as the supervisors bring with them many years of dental experience. We are very fortunate to have academics that impart such great knowledge, expertise and practical experiences on our journey in becoming dentists.
Ivy Hodges
Bachelor of Nursing Science
Doing my three-week placement in Weipa made me more drawn to becoming a rural and remote nurse and giving back to my people. I was able to have a more hands-on experience: applying cultural competencies and applying competent nursing skills to my people. This made me realise my potential as a future registered nurse.
Laura Boderke - Germany
Bachelor of Marine Science
I’ve already had so many great moments at JCU and feel at home here. The first thing that stands out to me about JCU and Townsville is that the people are really welcoming. It’s nothing like what I have experienced before. It’s easy to connect with people and they are willing to help you out.
Secondly, the wildlife here has really surprised me. Whether on campus or on Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville, there is a new type of animal or species around every corner. Just walking around, you hear all these beautiful birds and other animals.