International students welcomed with open arms

More than 500 new and returning students have flocked to the University’s Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville today for orientation day while students at the Nguma-bada campus will have theirs on Monday.

JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding said it was wonderful to see the international student community rebuilding after challenging times.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome new and returning students to our campuses,” she said.

“International students bring an incredible array of diversity, experiences and vibrancy to JCU, where we pride ourselves on being a truly global, connected organisation.

“The resilience and determination shown by these students as they waited patiently to come to Australia is to be commended and we know the communities of Townsville and Cairns will embrace them.”

Health and science related degrees top the list for new international students studying at JCU this semester, including the Master of Science (up 250%), Bachelor of Marine Science (up 156%), Bachelor of Science (up 150%) and Bachelor of Nursing Science (up 60%).

JCU International Director Clare Magee said the demand from students highlights the University’s strong reputation abroad.

“JCU’s pursuit of academic excellence across a variety of fields means we are increasingly becoming a top choice of international students wanting to study in Australia,” she said.

“Our proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed areas allows us to be at the cutting edge of marine and tropical sciences, while our medical and nursing students are given valuable experience in rural healthcare across northern Queensland.”

Ms Magee said as Australia’s border restrictions ease further, JCU expects to welcome even more international students for Semester 2.

“We are hopeful that we can continue to build on this momentum as the global community emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.”