James Cook University is unique among
Australian universities, woven into the intellectual, economic and social fabric of our
tropical
locations.
JCU is Queensland’s second oldest university. It started its journey as the
University College of Townsville in 1961, under the stewardship of the University of
Queensland, and in 1970, James Cook University was established with its founding
legislation providing the mandate for the strategic direction the University has
pursued, to seek
knowledge-based ways to help the world’s tropical regions prosper.
JCU is defined by the tropics. Its main campuses are in the heart of the tropics –
Cairns, Singapore and Townsville. The campuses are complemented and extended by regional
and remote study centres and research stations. JCU’s Australian campuses and
field stations are located near the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics region. This unique environment attracts students
from around the world.
JCU plays a key role in preparing the professional workforce for northern Australia, and
the University offers a comprehensive suite of professionally accredited programs
including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech
therapy, veterinary sciences, psychology, nursing, sport and exercise science,
engineering, law, education, and a range of programs in business, science, social
science and humanities.
