Select your JCU subjects
To apply for Study Abroad or Exchange, you will need to submit a list of subjects you would like to enrol in during your time at JCU.
Use the study area filter below to browse subjects most popular among Study Abroad and Exchange students and view when, where and how they are taught.
As you find subjects that strike your interest, write down their subject title as well as their subject code, as you will need to include this information on your application. You should select 6 to 8 subjects for each trimester that you plan to study at JCU. You can find more detailed information on each subject including learning outcomes, assessments, practical learning and estimated hours of work by selecting the more information link under the subject code.
The study area filter shows a range of the most popular subjects selected by Study and Exchange students. Additional subjects can be found in the JCU subject search tool, For all subjects, eligibility will be assessed at the time of application in accordance with prerequisites.
Explore available subjects within JCU study areas
Helpful information to assist with your subject selection
The subjects you choose to study during your time at JCU will be influenced by when you arrive, how long you're staying, what stage you're at in your current degree, and more. Use the below information to help you choose subjects that are right for you.
You will need to include the following subject details on your application
1. Subject title
2. Subject code: This refers to the two letters and four numbers, with the two letters indicating its study area and the numbers indicating the course level. For example, AN1001 indicates it is an Anthropology subject for first-year study.
Understanding subject codes and course levels
Undergraduate: Subjects where the first number in the four-digit code begins with either a 1, 2, 3 or 4. Study Abroad/Exchange students currently completing an undergraduate degree at their home institution should select from these subjects only.
Gap year applicants (i.e. those applying directly after high school) are permitted to select level 1 subjects only.
Postgraduate: Subjects where the first number in the four-digit code begins with a 5. Only Study Abroad/Exchange students currently studying at a postgraduate level at their home institution can select from these subjects. Postgraduate students may also choose undergraduate level (1 to 4) subjects, but they must enrol in at least one level 5 subject.
Understanding prerequisites
Prerequisite: A prerequisite provides essential knowledge that is required to understand the content of a specific subject. For many of JCU's subjects, you must complete prerequisites to prove you have the appropriate level of knowledge before you can successfully enrol within that subject. This is done to ensure you succeed in your studies. When processing your application, an assessment will be made of whether you meet the prerequisites (if any) of your chosen subjects.
Where it is indicated that a quota applies to a subject, approval will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Understanding credit points
Most JCU subjects have a value of three credit points. It is your responsibility to ensure that the subjects you wish to study at JCU are also eligible for credit at your home institution.
A normal full-time study load at JCU is three subjects per trimester, which is equal to nine credit points. Study Abroad and Exchange students can choose to study four subjects in a trimester, or to combine a standard three subject trimester with a fourth subject taught in block mode, if additional credits are required by their home institution. You will need to nominate whether you will be taking three or four subjects at the time of application. You should consider this seriously, as you will not be able to change the number of subjects you will be enrolling in once you have accepted your offer.
When selecting subjects, you should nominate 6 - 8 subjects for each trimester that you plan to attend JCU on your application. This is so you will have options available to you if any of your preferred subjects are not approved or available at the time of enrolment. Remember, you will only end up enrolling in a maximum of three or four subjects (depending on what you choose in your application), the extras are just your backup options.
Understanding attendance mode options
Attendance mode: The attendance mode of a subject defines how the subject can be studied. Subjects available to Study Abroad and Exchange students can be offered in the following attendance modes:
- On-campus: Requires on campus attendance.
- Online: No on-campus attendance is required.
- Multi-modal: A combination of online and on-campus attendance is required. Further information about face-to-face teaching dates can be found on the JCU subject search tool for the relevant subject.
To ensure compliance with student visa requirements, Study Abroad and Exchange students can only enrol in a maximum of one external mode OR mixed attendance mode subject per trimester. Please check with your home institution whether external/mixed mode subjects are permitted prior to including these in your subject selection.
Understanding practical components
Subjects available to Study Abroad and Exchange students may include one or more of the following practical learning activities:
- Field component/placement
- Laboratory component
- Computer component
JCU offers two main campuses in North Queensland, Australia: Cairns and Townsville. Both locations provide a unique and enriching experience for Study Abroad and Exchange students, but each has distinct characteristics suited to different preferences and academic goals.
Study Abroad and Exchange students can choose to attend either our main Cairns (Nguma-bada) or Townsville (Bebegu Yumba) campuses.
- Cairns campus
- Townsville campus
Remember that not all subjects are offered at both campuses, so keep this in mind when planning your trimester abroad.
JCU Cairns
Located in Smithfield, about 15 kilometers north of the city center, JCU Cairns is surrounded by lush rainforests and mountains. The campus offers modern facilities, including research centers, libraries, fitness facilities, and vibrant student clubs. Cairns itself is renowned for its tropical climate and proximity to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The city's economy is largely driven by tourism, providing numerous job opportunities in hospitality and retail. With a laid-back and vibrant lifestyle, Cairns is ideal for students who enjoy adventure, outdoor activities, and a dynamic environment.
JCU Townsville
The Townsville campus, located in the suburb of Douglas, is the largest of JCU’s campuses. It features extensive facilities, including the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, research centers, and a marine research station. Townsville has a more urban feel compared to Cairns and a diverse economy with strong sectors in mining, military, education, and healthcare. This provides varied employment opportunities beyond tourism. Townsville offers a blend of city amenities and outdoor activities, such as cultural events and sports, making it suitable for students seeking a balanced urban and outdoor experience. The city has a tropical climate with a distinct dry season, offering a stable environment.
Key differences between campuses for Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Location and Environment: Cairns offers a tranquil, nature-focused environment, ideal for students interested in environmental sciences and tourism-related fields. In contrast, Townsville provides a more urban experience with a comprehensive range of facilities and diverse social activities.
- Climate: Both cities enjoy a warm and sunny climate, but Cairns is located in the wet tropics, while Townsville is in the dry tropics, providing different seasonal experiences.
- Lifestyle and Economy: Cairns' economy is heavily driven by tourism, leading to job opportunities in hospitality and a focus on tourist amenities. Townsville, with its diverse economy, offers varied employment opportunities in sectors such as mining, military, and healthcare, alongside urban amenities and cultural events.
Choosing between JCU Cairns and JCU Townsville depends on your preferred learning environment and lifestyle. Cairns is perfect for those who enjoy a serene natural setting and outdoor adventures, while Townsville offers a vibrant city experience with comprehensive facilities and diverse social opportunities.
Each campus and city has its own unique charm and features. However, it's important to note that not all courses are offered at all campuses. Therefore, before making your decision, be sure to check which campus your chosen subjects are offered at. This will ensure you select the right location to pursue your academic goals.
For more information, visit the respective campus pages:
The JCU Study Abroad and Exchange programs are offered primarily in the trimester model. Not all subjects are offered in all trimesters, so you will need to ensure that the subjects you nominate on your application are offered in the trimester/s that you plan to attend JCU.
Trimesters
There are three JCU Trimesters each year. Trimester 1 runs from January until April, Trimester 2 from May until August and Trimester 3 from September until December. Study Abroad and Exchange students can commence in any trimester, and can complete up to two (Postgraduate Study Abroad and Undergraduate and Postgraduate Exchange students) or three (Undergraduate Study Abroad students only) consecutive trimesters at JCU.
Each trimester includes 10 teaching weeks, with a one or two-week lecture recess during the trimester, and a one-week study break and one-week exam period at the end of the trimester. You must ensure that you are available for the entirety of the trimester/s that you choose to attend, including Orientation Week.
Blocks
Some subjects are offered in blocks, which run outside the trimesters. Study Abroad and Exchange students are able to enrol in one block mode subject, in the block immediately before or after your chosen trimester or a concurrent block. Where block subjects are offered in mixed attendance mode, Study Abroad and Exchange students should plan to attend JCU for the full duration of the block.
View our Academic calendar for more information about when you can attend JCU. From 2025, it will not be possible for Study Abroad/Exchange students to attend JCU under our semester (Study Period 1 and 2) calendar.
Choose your own adventure
Option 1: Standard trimester
Study 3 x subjects (9 credit points total) per trimester* to meet the standard study load and full time student visa requirements.
Option 2: Trimester max
Study 4 x subjects (12 credit points total) per trimester*. Remember, this is more than a standard study load so make sure to choose your subjects wisely.
Option 3: Trimester plus+
Earn 12 credit points by combining a standard 3 subject trimester with a fourth subject taught in an adjacent or concurrent block. Please note there are limited block mode subjects available. If the block subject you choose is not approved, your offer will be reflected as a standard trimester or trimester max.
*Study Abroad students can attend JCU for up to three consecutive trimesters at an undergraduate level or two consecutive trimesters at a postgraduate level. Exchange students can attend JCU for up to two consecutive trimesters (standard or max).
All subjects shown in the study area filter are available for selection by Study Abroad and Exchange students. You will be advised in your Offer Letter if the subjects you have applied for have been approved.
If you are searching on the JCU subject search tool, keep in mind that Study Abroad and Exchange students are not able to study subjects from the following Study Areas, due to accreditation requirements:
- Medicine (MD)
- Dental Surgery (DS)
- Medical Laboratory Science (ML)
- Pharmacy (PC)
- Physiotherapy (PS)
- Rehabilitation (RH), and
- Veterinary Science (TV).
Some subjects that run in External mode are also unavailable, as well as all subjects that currently run in semester mode.
Due to entry requirements, prerequisites or specific course activities, some subjects are only available to students who are completing their full degree at JCU, or are graduate students. The Enrolment team will advise you if you have applied for a subject that you are ineligible for.
If you are a US Financial Aid student, we advise you to check if subject choices will affect your funding options.