James Cook University

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Undergraduate

Details

University Location Townsville or Cairns, Queensland
City Population 194,000
Student Population 22,000
Int'l Student Population 6,640
Main Campus Townsville
Program Campus Townsville or Cairns
Program Duration 6 years
Estimated Annual Tuition $66,960 AUD (2024 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February
Next Available Intake 2025
Application Deadline August 29, 2024*
International Places 40 (208 total)

Overview

One of the world’s leading institutions focusing on the tropics, Australia’s James Cook University is surrounded by the spectacular ecosystems of the rainforests of the wet tropics, the dry savannahs, and the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

The JCU School of Medicine is committed to the advancement of tropical medical education and research relevant to the rural and remote communities of northern Australia.

JCU combines integrated instruction in biomedical sciences, professional practice and clinical medicine, and incorporates the best aspects of student-centred, problem-based learning combined with systematic instruction.

You will graduate from JCU with skills and knowledge in

  • the distinctive needs of northern Australia’s tropical populations;
  • distance and remote delivery of medicine;
  • tropical medicine;
  • medical care in rural hospital and community settings; and
  • medical experiences and facilities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Program

The JCU Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree produces graduates who will be uniquely qualified in the fields of rural, remote and Indigenous health, and tropical medicine.

A strong core foundation in biomedical science and frequent practical placements provide you with a holistic, professional program. The MBBS emphasizes working in-with-and-for communities of northern Australia and its wider region. JCU aims to bring knowledge to these areas and address health issues affecting rural, remote, urban, tropical and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

As a JCU medical student, you’ll gain expertise and research techniques across a broad range of clinical and biological fields, including anatomy, infection control, disease prevention, biochemical processes, health promotion and medical ethics.

Graduates of JCU’s MBBS are well-respected professionals, highly regarded for their knowledge to meet the medical needs of rural and tropical populations. As a medical university, JCU aspires to what the World Health Organization calls a “socially accountable medical education—a medical school accepting its obligation to direct education, research and service to priority health concerns of communities it has a mandate to serve.”

Clinical Placements
Rated five stars for overall student experience*, JCU’s Medicine students receive extensive training with more than 4,000 hours of clinical practice. Graduates are well equipped with strong clinical skills to work in any setting and are highly sought after by employers.

You’ll gain clinical experience across northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. In addition to Townsville, clinical schools are in Cairns, Mackay, Atherton and Darwin, where approximately half the student body spend the last two years of the course.

JCU has clinical academics and teaching infrastructure in rural and remote locations includes Mount Isa, the Atherton Tablelands, and Proserpine. The school applies the latest educational techniques and technologies while maintaining a community-oriented practical approach to medical education.

*Good Universities Guide 2021, UG Medicine

What do OzTREKK students have to say about studying medicine at JCU?

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply directly from high school or after having partially or fully completed their university studies.

1. High school diploma (or bachelor’s degree)
If applying directly from high school, you need a minimum GPA of 86% from your top 6 courses in Grade 12 (including prerequisite subjects). Prerequisite subjects include

  • English
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics studied as part of a secondary qualification deemed comparable to the Australian Senior Secondary qualification covering any of calculus, statistics, algebra, trigonometry, vectors, or geometry. (Calculus should include differentiation and/or integration).

If applying after having partially or fully completed post-secondary studies, you need a minimum cumulative GPA  of 3.2 / 4.0 (approximately 82%) to be considered.

2. Completion of JCU MBBS program-specific application
The JCU MBBS program-specific application considers your reasons for wanting to study medicine, your work and volunteer history, and other supportive information.

3. Interview
Held in person in Canada or via video teleconference. Early offers of admission may be made to high-achieving international applicants. JCU College of Medicine and Dentistry members usually conduct MBBS interviews in Canada in the spring. Early offers may be issued prior to the application deadline.

 

Admission Timeline

*While the application deadline for the 2025 intake is August 29, 2024, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please note applications are assessed as they are received and early offers to the program are possible to high-achieving students.

After the application deadline has passed, shortlisted applicants are expected to be invited for an interview. Application outcomes and offers of admission will be issued following these interviews.

1/6

“I love JCU”

Facilities are good, services are good as well. In terms of organized activities the student body is tight knit. More opportunities are given in later years, which I can understand. It is nice to have the home group structure at JCU, it really connects the students. The rural aspect isn't as jarring as it sounded on paper and overall I love JCU. Class sizes are perfect. They are not too large nor small. Teaching methods are fair yet tough, though this is expected given it is me... Read More

JCU Australia Pravnoor Singh M
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“I’ve already attended 2 clinical skills sessions and I just can’t believe I’ve begun my med journey”

I’m glad I accepted my JCU offer and I’m loving it here—the people are super friendly and welcoming. There are lots of Canadians here and the culture is amazing. The material is super fun too. I’ve already attended 2 clinical skills sessions and I just can’t believe I’ve begun my med journey which used to be a dream at one point.

JCU Australia Robin S
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
James Cook University, 2022

“The program allows for a lot more clinical experience…”

The people are very kind and interesting. The program allows for a lot more clinical experience than other programs.

JCU Australia Gradon F.
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
James Cook University, 2018

“I love my program.”

I love my program. The clinical skills part is the most intriguing aspect. Do not underestimate the workload, but also don’t let it swallow up your whole life. Balance is key. Also get to know others outside of the program. Being surrounded only by medical peers sometimes can be draining.

JCU Australia Cassandra C
Medicine
James Cook University, 2018

“I like everything about the program”

I like everything about the program and the university. The only downside I have found is that it was different than getting education in North America and the standards are much higher. It is going well, I took to it fairly quickly though I still adapt to new things every day.

JCU Australia Daniel D
Medicine
James Cook University, 2018

“…really prepares you for the field.”

I like the amount of clinical work they make you do which really prepares you for the field. The transitioning process is easier than expected and as long as one stays on top of the school work, it is also manageable.

JCU Australia Rama M
Medicine
James Cook University, 2018