How to apply Standard entry requirements
Understanding our entry requirements
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To successful gain entry to your chosen degree, you will need to ensure you meet the course entry requirements.
These can be found in the Handbook section of the relevant JCU course page, under Admission Requirements .
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For most JCU courses, the following standard entry requirements apply, in addition to any course-specific requirements described in the Admission Requirements.
An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) allows tertiary admissions centres to compare students from across Australia when they apply for tertiary study. The ATAR is a number between 0 and 99.95, in increments of 0.05. ATARs below 30 are not reported.
All JCU undergraduate courses have an ATAR entry requirement. The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is responsible for calculating ATAR results.
Find out more about ATARs and the role they play in university entry. If you do not meet the ATAR requirement for your chosen course, you may wish to consider one of JCU's Pathways to University options.
Completion of a JCU degree requires you to understand and use the English language to a minimum level. This is called English Language Proficiency and is different to the English subject pre-requisite.
All courses have a minimum English Language Proficiency requirement which can be met through study, employment or an approved English language test. You can find more information on JCU's English Language requirements for students from non-English Speaking Backgrounds here.
Undergraduate degrees
Pre-requisites are typically met on the basis of four semesters of Sound Achievement or better of the relevant Queensland Senior Authority subjects. However, there are many different ways to satisfy the course pre-requisites.
If you do not meet the pre-requisites, we encourage you to consider a pathway.
Postgraduate degrees
Pre-requisites are typically met on the basis of a completed undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
If you do not meet the pre-requisites, we encourage you to consider further undergraduate study or an alternate postgraduate course.
Assumed knowledge indicates a good understanding of knowledge you require for a particular subject.
You can still enrol in a subject that requires assumed knowledge, even when you don't have the assumed level of knowledge. However, you will be considerably disadvantaged.
We strongly advise undertaking additional study or other appropriate preparation if you don't have assumed knowledge.
Recommended knowledge refers to the subject knowledge that JCU would advise you to have studied and understood before commencing a particular degree or subject. These are generally relevant Year 12 subjects available in Queensland or other Australian high-schools.
You can still enrol in a subject that has recommended knowledge, even if you have not previously studied those subjects. However, you may find the content more challenging to understand.
If you do not have the recommended knowledge for the course, you may wish to consider completing an introductory course in that area through the JCU Prep program.
Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen course of study, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees
These include Diplomas and Bachelor degrees, along with Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master degrees by coursework.
You can demonstrate the required English language skills through results from English language tests, evidence of previous studies or work experience.
Depending on the visa assessment level of your country of citizenship, you may be required to pass an English language test, even if you meet JCU's English language requirements in other ways. For details contact the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
English language tests
JCU accepts results from many different English language tests, which must be undertaken at an approved testing centre.
Check the range of English language tests you can take and the resulting scores required.
Online mode tests including TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS online, and IELTS Indicator are not recognised.
Previous studies or work experience
Completing a course of study delivered in English or experience in an English-speaking workplace may help you demonstrate the English language skills you need at JCU.
English language pathways
International students without the English language skills required can take JCU's English Pathway bridging course to develop the written and spoken English language skills they need.
Find out more about the English Pathway course, which is delivered in partnership with the Townsville International English School.
If you have any questions about English language requirements, please fill out the enquiry form.
There are academic entry requirements for each JCU course. Information specific to your chosen course can be found on the relevant course page, however there are also standard academic requirements particular to some course levels.
Diplomas and other Undergraduate programs
To be eligible for an Undergraduate degree, you must have completed a recognised Year 12 program or equivalent to the required standard. For more information, explore our country-specific academic levels table within the next accordion, and refer to the Handbook section of the relevant course page.
For Postgraduate programs
Academic entry requirements vary for each of our postgraduate degrees. You can find a link to the specific academic requirements in the Handbook section of the relevant course page. When you open the link, all academic entry requirements can be found under the Admission Requirements section.
The yellow highlighted sections below within the images indicate where the course handbook information is located on a course page and the JCU course and subject handbook page.
JCU accepts international students from all over the world. If you have just completed secondary schooling in your home country, those grades will be used to determine your entry into JCU undergraduate courses.
Find your entry score
Use the drop-down boxes below to determine the entry score you will need for your chosen JCU undergraduate course in two simple steps:
- Select the schooling qualification you hold, or will soon be receiving
- Select the JCU undergraduate course you wish to apply for.
The required mark will then appear.
If you are applying for joint degree entry, the required grade is determined by the degree with the highest entry score. We strongly advise you to check the entry score for both courses.
If you are an international student who is currently completing Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate program in an Australian school, you must apply directly to James Cook University. International students cannot apply to James Cook University through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
Applications can be submitted at any time during your Year 12 studies. The deadline for applications is 31 January of the year you intend to commence studying.
If you apply before you have received your formal Year 12 results, you will receive an offer to JCU that is conditional upon achieving a particular result.
The following documents must be submitted as part of your application:
- Reports from your Year 11 Term 1 and 2 studies
- Any Year 12 results to date
- Passport details that confirm your name and citizenship
- Current visa details
- Confirmation of Enrolment (if you are studying in Australia on a student visa).
Some degrees also require applicants to provide a supporting written application and/or complete a personal interview with JCU academic selectors.
These courses include:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Application deadlines for these courses also vary.
Please ensure you read the detailed information about these additional requirements, which is provided on each course page.
Postgraduate research programs
At JCU, these programs are also known as Higher Degrees by Research. Qualifications include Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorates.
You can demonstrate the required English language skills through results from English language tests, evidence of previous studies or work experience.
Depending on the visa assessment level of your country of citizenship, you may be required to pass an English language test, even if you meet JCU's English language requirements in other ways. For details contact the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
For further information, refer to the JCU Higher Degree by Research program requirements.
Higher Degree by Research programs have specific academic requirements, depending on your chosen course of study.
For further information, refer to the JCU Higher Degree by Research program requirements.
Get in touch – We are here to help
For information about JCU's course entry requirements that is specific to your circumstances, contact our friendly Future Students team today.