James Cook University (JCU)

About James Cook University

• JCU is one of the leading universities focused on the tropics, surrounded by the incredible ecosystems of the rainforests, dry savannahs and the Great Barrier Reef.
• James Cook University is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for environmental sciences and earth and marine sciences (QS World University subject rankings 2020).
• Ideally located as the closest university to the Great Barrier Reef, and with the Australian Research Council’s Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies based at JCU, this campus hosts the largest concentration of coral reef scientists in the world.
• The university offers a range of courses with built-in field trip components that get you out into this incredible surrounding environment.
• Located eight miles from Townsville’s city center in a natural bush and parkland setting, the campus is full of native Australian flora and fauna. The smaller student population allows for a friendly campus, intimate class sizes and accessible teaching staff.
• More than 1,400 students live on campus, giving the university a true community atmosphere.

CRICOS Provider Code: 00117J

Location

James Cook University is a traditional campus located eight miles from Townsville’s city center in a natural bush and parkland setting. Visit the google map link below to see the campus location.

Courses

Courses are available in the below disciplines. For detailed instructions on how to find and select courses, and a list of popular courses see our course selection instructions. Students enroll in 3 – 4 subjects per semester (between 9 and 12 JCU credits), which usually transfers as 12 – 16 U.S. semester credits.

Academic Departments and Schools at James Cook University are divided into eight academic divisions: Arts, Society and Education; Business, Law and Governance; Healthcare Sciences; Public Health and Medical Science; Science and Engineering.

ENJOY FLEXIBILITY WITH TEAN FLEX

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your TEAN program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, TEAN Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your TEAN Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

ELIGIBILITY

• 2.5 GPA. Students below a 2.5 are encouraged to apply and may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
• Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution at the time of participation.
• Freshmen and/or students attending a two-year institution may be considered on a case by case basis.

Activities / Immersion

Our local staff arrange various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you in the local culture. These activities are included in your semester program. In addition, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Townsville-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each semester.

In addition to the TEAN-organized events, to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities, our local staff send out frequent emails letting you know what is happening in Townsville. Ranging from community events to music festivals, we tap you into the local culture right from the start.

Castle Hill Hike

Visit Townsville’s famous Castle Hill – a popular destination for walking tracks and hikes. Upon reaching the top, witness a 360-degree view of the city stretching out beneath the giant pink granite monolith. Afterward, hit up Gelatissimo for ice cream.

Rugby Game

Come and cheer for Townsville’s professional rugby team – the North Queensland Cowboys. You have to catch this game and see this professional Australian sport in all its glory! Don’t worry – our staff will explain the rules.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Spend a morning stand up paddle boarding along the Ross River – the 30-mile-long river that winds its way through the center of Townsville.

Optional Excursions

Participating in these excursions will depend on your program dates and semester abroad.

SYDNEY WEEKENDER

From the world famous blue water and white sands of Bondi Beach to the iconic Opera House & Harbour Bridge, this adventure is the perfect way to experience the diversity of Sydney. During your long weekend, you will get a birds eye view of the city from the Sydney Tower Eye, explore the Botanical Gardens, hit the waves with a surf lesson, cruise along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, and enjoy a spectacular dinner cruise on Sydney Harbor, and so much more. This weekend, designed to expose you to the life of a Sydneysider, will leave you wanting more of Australia’s largest city!

Read More

BYRON WEEKENDER

The laid-back coastal city of Byron Bay is paradise for those who want to experience a vibrant and eclectic community of people and beautiful beaches. Surfing is a favorite past time for the locals and tourists alike.  Students will have the opportunity to kayak with the dolphins, visit a local organic farm, and check out the farthest eastern point of Australia and the famous Byron Bay lighthouse.

Read More

FIJI

The name “Fiji” conjures up images of lazy days in a tropical paradise and breathtaking sunsets. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll also find some of the loveliest people to complement the stunning landscape. An optional excursion exclusively for TEAN students, take advantage of this mid-semester trip. 

Read More

APPLICATION DEADLINES

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from June for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here

Spring 2024

Fall 2024

fall 2023

• Tuition and program fees: $15,750
• Housing (on-campus): $4,795-$6,375

*Tuition for 4 courses. Students are permitted to enroll in 3 courses but there is no tuition discount.

spring 2024

• Tuition and program fees: $16,500
• Housing (on-campus): $5,550 – $7,375

*Tuition for 4 courses. Students are permitted to enroll in 3 courses but there is no tuition discount.

fall 2024

• Tuition and program fees: $16, 500
• Housing (on-campus): $5,125 – $6,725

spring 2025

• Tuition and program fees: $16,950
• Housing (on-campus): $5,700 – $7,500

*Tuition for 4 courses. Students are permitted to enroll in 3 courses but there is no tuition discount.

What’s Included

• Full tuition (4 courses) 
• On-campus housing including wireless internet access
• Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
• Services of local Resident Director
• Five-day Orientation Program with some meals, excursions, accommodations, and transportation
• Cultural events scheduled throughout the semester
• Access to pre-arranged and affordable cell phone packages
• Access to competitive airfares and pre-arranged flight itineraires
• Extensive pre-departure counseling and information packets
• University and course selection advice
• Official academic transcripts from host institution
• Credit approval and transfer assistance
• Help with student visa preparation
• Financial aid transfer planning
• Airport pickup and reception in Townsville
• Arrival Welcome packet containing important local contact details and information
• Townsville Farewell Dinner at conclusion of program
• Host university orientation

What’s Not Included

• International airfare ($1,800)
• Domestic airfare in US ($500)
• Student visa ($450)
• Books ($365)
• Meals during the semester ($2,500)
• Airport transfer at the end of the semester ($50)
• Travel insurance ($350)
• Travel and personal expenses ($1,500 – 2,500+)

*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.

PASSPORT

Students must submit a current passport valid for at least 6 months after the program end date for acceptance.

If you do not currently hold a valid passport, please apply for one immediately as processing times can be very lengthy.

VISA

All students participating in a semester program in Australia (except for Australian passport-holders) are required to obtain a Student Visa prior to departing for Australia.

Students can only apply for their visa after the required documents are received from the host university. Once these documents are received (typically 2-3 months prior to departure), the Program Manager will send students step-by-step visa application instructions. The application is done entirely online, and visas are typically granted within 3 weeks of applying. The cost is approximately $450 USD.