James Cook University - Cairns Campus

James Cook University International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship recognises and rewards excellence to eligible students from the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom and Europe.

The Scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction throughout the entire duration of approved full degree study programs, provided recipients continue to maintain a strong GPA each semester, as detailed in the scholarship offer.

Scholarship eligibility is automatically assessed during the admissions process and eligible students will receive an offer for both their program of study and the International Excellence Scholarship concurrently.

Programs ineligible for the International Excellence Scholarship include, but are not limited to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Master of Engineering (Professional), online and non-award programs.

International Student Merit Stipend

This scholarship helps provide financial security to support excellence to eligible students from Asia, Africa, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East.

The Stipend supports student excellence by providing monthly payments of A$700 to assist with expenses throughout the duration of study at JCU, providing a strong GPA is maintained each semester, as outlined in the scholarship offer.

Scholarship eligibility is automatically assessed during the admissions process and eligible students will receive an offer for both their program of study and the International Student Merit Stipend concurrently.

Programs ineligible for the International Excellence Scholarship include, but are not limited to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Master of Engineering (Professional), online and non-award programs.

American Australian Association Fellowships

The American Australian Association awards fellowships to Americans for advanced research and study in Australia. The Association encourages intellectual interchange between Australia and America.

Australia Award Scholarships

The Australian Government's overseas aid program aims to assist developing countries reduce poverty, achieve sustainable development and increase access to quality education and training for people in participating countries.

Research Scholarships

JCU offers highly competitive scholarships to students commencing research degrees at Master or Doctoral level. Students must be accepted for a place in a research degree program to be considered for scholarship support.

International students will be allowed to work part-time after enrollment up to 20 hours per week. Employees will have a case file and tax code issued by the Australian Revenue Service.

Average overtime students can earn 6 - 15 AUD / hour, wages are higher if they work on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Thus, you can earn about 800 - 1,500 AUD / month. If you are studying for a masters or doctorate, tutoring for younger students in the same industry will earn about 40 AUD / hour.

Townsville on-campus accommodation

University Hall This is one of the largest and oldest of the halls and is closest to the University’s teaching facilities. With the capacity to house 291 students, University Hall has a variety of living styles from the long corridor-style in the main building to unit-style in the townhouses. The main residence has 36 rooms per floor, each with their own private balcony and shared bathroom. These have recently been fully refurbished. The townhouses are large units with seven, eight or nine bedrooms sharing two bathrooms. George Roberts Hall George Roberts Hall is the newest of the halls on campus and consists of eight blocks, each with up to 15 units consisting of three or four bedrooms. Each unit has a communal lounge, bathroom, and kitchenette. A large common room and BBQ area are also available adjacent to the dining hall. Two units on the ground floor are purpose designed as special-access units. Rotary International House This is fully self-catered accommodation with kitchen, living room, dining room and balcony shared between seven students. Each bedroom offers standard facilities that includes hand wash basin. The community garden provides fresh produce that can be accessed by all students. With 118 students, this is one of the smallest colleges and is surrounded by the bushland providing a quiet setting.

Cairns on-campus accommodation

Our brand new and first on-campus residence at JCU Cairns, John Grey Hall, was officially opened in 2018. The seven-storey, 300-bedroom octagonal building offers a variety of apartment style living options including ensuite studio apartments, six bedroomed apartments with individual ensuites or six bedroomed apartments with shared bathroom facilities. All apartments are self-catering and are equipped with modern cooking facilities including cooktop, convection oven, and refrigerator. Each individual bedroom is lockable and includes air conditioning and Wi-fi. The 42m long internal grass courtyard features shared BBQ facilities and is the perfect place to relax. The facility is managed by UniLodge with an onsite manager and administrative support team, with Residential Assistants helping to provide pastoral care to students. To provide first-year students with support for their best chance of university success we guarantee a room in our student housing for all first year students. 

Off-campus accommodation

• Sharehouses and Rentals

The JCU website includes an Off-Campus Database with many different options of housing specifically for students. There are lots of options available that are close to campus, the beach or the city. The database is updated regularly with houses to rent or share so check back regularly for updates.

• Homestay

A number of Homestay programs are available for short and long-term periods. The Homestay program allows students to live and become part of a family network during their stay. Students are matched with a family and are provided with additional support from the trained program developers if required. All families have been vetted to meet the Homestay standards including police check and have a blue card issued.

• Cairns Student Lodge Students

The fully renovated, purpose built student accommodation is just an eight-minute stroll from the campus. Set amongst tropical gardens with great facilities such as a resort style swimming pool, volleyball court, BBQ and 24-hour DIY kitchen amenities, the Lodge enables students to enjoy the relaxed, community lifestyle living amongst other students. Each of the 76 units feature three private, airconditioned, lockable bedrooms which include a bed (double or single), with mattress protector, desk, chair, shelves, desk drawers, wardrobe and ceiling fan, as well as free Wi-fi. As all meals are provided in the student dining hall, the unit does not feature a full-sized kitchen, however, a kettle, microwave and a fridge/freezer are included. The study areas and engaging social spaces contribute to the communal vibe where you can get to know the other residents and make lifelong friends. Rates start from $199 per week and include all meals.