Study Opportunities in Cairns

James Cook University - Cairns

Over 3,500 students study at James Cook University, including about 300 international students. The campus location is spectacular – surrounded on three sides by rainforest-covered mountains. Located near the northern beaches in the suburb of Smithfield the campus is 15 kilometres (9 miles) north of the city centre.

James Cook University houses state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities in an attractive setting. Facilities include an impressive library and information technology building, health science and science laboratories, student refectory, café, licensed bar, gym, sporting oval and basketball court. Modern student accommodation complexes are situated opposite the campus and at nearby Trinity Beach.

With over two million visitors annually, Cairns is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Attractions include two World Heritage natural environments – the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics ancient rainforests; nearby resort regions include Port Douglas and Mission Beach; the picturesque Atherton Tablelands and outback Queensland are within easy reach.
Find out more about Cairns

James Cook University        
McGregor Road, Smithfield
Telephone: +(61 7) 4042 1000
Fax: +(61 7) 4042 1128
Mailing address 
James Cook University
PO Box 6811, QLD 4870
Australia

Thinking about university now?

Going to university is a big step in your life, and it's a challenging one, especially if you are the first in your family to take that step. There is so much to know about what you need to do to get into university, and what to do once you're there.
This website has been designed to help year 10 to 12 students (and their parents) find the information they need to make decisions about their future. Please take a good look through at this guide which has been written as a series of common questions and their answers.

What is university about?

University is all about free thought and expression - a place where new ideas are encouraged, opinions are important and the contribution each person makes to a field of study is valued.
It’s a place for personal growth. Students can experiment in the way they interact with other people and learn new strategies for discovery, creation and implementation of projects in an intellectual atmosphere.
University is not just about learning the facts necessary for a profession, but about developing a way of working with other people and information that enables the student to continue to learn, long after their graduation.
The university environment encourages its staff and students to engage in many activities that support the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed in an ever-changing world. The best outcome for any student is to balance serious academic study with group learning and involvement in social activities and interest groups.
Learning, at university, takes time, effort and self-discipline. Students have to work out their own study routines and decide for themselves what they must achieve week-to-week to succeed. They are treated as adults and are expected to manage their own education and lifestyle.

Why go to university?

Most students realise that a university degree will enable them to contribute more effectively to the life of their community. Others undertake further studies because they feel passionate about a particular study area, have a thirst for learning or want to broaden their horizons. Knowing they will have excellent chances of employment in their field of choice and a high salary when they finish, is an added bonus.
Many people go to university to improve their career prospects. Nowadays, a university degree is required for many professions. In a competitive employment market, a degree can significantly increase your chances of getting a job and keeping it. Did you know that university graduates (that is, people who have just finished uni) have an unemployment rate approximately half that of the general population? Another good reason for going to university is that you can earn more. At $40,800, median starting salaries of graduates are considerably higher than those of people without a university degree.

Q. What Benefits that come with a university degree?

A. Careers, passion, or a thirst for learning. There are many reasons...

Q. What is university about?

A. University is not just about learning the facts necessary for a profession, but a place for free thought and expression.

Q. What is needed to be successful at university?

A. A combination of factors will help you through

Q. Isn't university only for rich kids?

A. No - Today students from low income backgrounds are very well represented in tertiary studies

Q. Isn't university only for really smart kids? 

A. University isn't just for the Einsteins of this world...

Q. How does university compare to other post school options? 

A. School leavers have a number of post-school options. Find out how they compare... 

Decisions to make

With more than 100 undergraduate courses on offer at James Cook University – from accountancy to zoology – you will benefit from putting in some time to research the different study areas and courses.
Attending James Cook University events, going to career markets in your area, speaking to our Student Enquiry Centre staff, looking at career information websites, making an appointment with your school guidance officer – all these will help you in deciding on the right course.

Q. Which mode of study - Internal, external, full time or part time are suits your best? 

A. Most Australian students study on campus, which means they attend classes run at set times on a university campus, either full time or part time. An increasing number of courses are also offered by flexible learning to provide additional study choices for students who are unable to attend regularly scheduled lectures or tutorials. Flexible courses may be offered in different modes, at alternate times throughout the year and may provide online access to subject materials and learning tasks. Students studying by flexible learning will benefit from well-developed study skills, a good study support network, and a self-motivated and independent outlook.

Q. There are lots of courses to choose from so which course to consider when you decide? 

A. That’s a tough question as there are so many factors that can influence your decision: the things you enjoy, the things you’re good at, your likely OP, your career goals, the career prospects associated with each course, prerequisites and availability of courses. There are a huge number of courses to choose from.
For instance, James Cook University alone offers over 170 different courses. University courses which are available straight after school are called undergraduate degrees and usually take 3 or 4 years to complete. Some Faculties also offer Diplomas which take 1 year fulltime to complete and are a great way to trial out a course or gain alternative entry into a preferred course.
Most undergraduate courses are called Bachelor degrees and are often abbreviated – for example Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Business (BBus), Bachelor of New Media Arts (BNMA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), etc.
You can also do a joint degree which allows you to combine two Bachelor degrees in 4-6 years. Once you’ve completed a Bachelor degree, you can study further by undertaking Honours or a postgraduate degree.

Q. Where do I find information about Websites, open days, guidance officers and more?

A. To make the best decision, you’ll need to obtain as much information as possible about the courses that interest you. Read information leaflets, check university webpages, attend university experience programs, courses and careers markets, information sessions and open days.
You can also talk to your Guidance Officer/Career Teacher, to people who are currently studying or have recently finished a course, and to people who are already in the workforce.
The more information you obtain, the better informed your decision will be. If after all this research you’re still not sure what you want to do, you could perhaps enrol in a general degree in arts or science and specialise later.

Q. What if my parents have decided for me?

A. It’s good that your parents have your best interest at heart, but you need to have a say in shaping your own future. If your parents’ choice doesn’t appeal to you, this could be a recipe for disaster. It’s hard to stay motivated for 3 or 4 years of hard work if you’re not interested in what you’re doing (students who enrol in a course chosen by someone else are more likely to drop out).
You’ll need to talk further with them about what you really want to do and convince them that it’s a better option.
Find all the relevant information and ask for a teacher or a friend to help you talk to them or go with them to talk to your Guidance Officer/Career Teacher.

Q. Should you take a gap year? 

A. Another big decision to make! If your brain is screaming for mercy after 12 years of school or if you’re not too sure what you want to do, taking a year off might be a good option. This will give you a chance to rest, travel or get a job and earn some money (this might help you be considered independent for Youth Allowance purposes).
The disadvantages of taking a break are that you might get bored quickly, especially if you can’t find a job, and also lose touch with your friends if they go straight to university without you. You might also lose your motivation and find it harder to get back to study later.
If you receive an offer of a place at university, you may be able to defer your place until the following year, but note that this may not apply to all courses. If you’re keen to go, don’t waste time, you’ll have plenty of time later for travel and work.

How to apply?

Applying to study at university can be quite complicated. Make sure you take some time to read through all the sections from James Cook University website - www.jcu.com.au or contact us info@utours.com.au to help you with your application.