Introduction to the session and James Cook University

Welcome to this session on James Cook University. I'm super excited about this one because James Cook has got some real areas of strength. Of course, it's most famous for its marine sciences programme, which attracts students literally from all over the world. But it has some other areas where it performs exceptionally well on a national level, and of course, as a university for the regions, it's got some super strengths in those vocational areas like education, nursing, engineering and the like.

Very pleased to be joined today by my colleague Elizabeth from the Future Students team at James Cook University. She is going to be doing a presentation for you. But as we go, make sure you ask any questions that you have in the chat. If you're watching this live, you can do that on social media, if that's where you are watching, or via the session hub -- just drop your question in the comments. Everybody will get a response. And if you're watching this on the recording, you can also get involved by jumping on the uni Discord (details down below). For parents, we have a Facebook group just for you to ask any questions that you might have. But without further ado, let me hand over to Elizabeth from the Future Students team at James Cook University.

Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining our Find Out with JCU session. My name is Elizabeth and I'm part of the Future Students team here at JCU, and I'll be your host for this session. We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this country, and pay our respects to the traditional owners and elders, past and present, of the land on which we stand today, in the spirit of reconciliation. I also acknowledge the valuable contribution that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to make to James Cook University and the broader community.

In today's session we'll begin with a brief introduction to James Cook University, followed by an overview of our programmes and study options. We'll then explore available pathways, student support packages and services, and how you can get involved and connect with us. We'll finish with a Q&A session where we'll be happy to answer your most asked questions. So let's begin.

JCU campuses and the global study experience

First up, our JCU locations. JCU has campuses in Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Mount Isa, and Mackay, along with additional study locations in Emerald and Thursday Island. Now for those of you at the sharp end of geography, you may have noticed Singapore tucked up in the corner -- a little reminder that our footprint extends well beyond Australia. We are officially international.

One of the exciting opportunities available to students is the chance to take part in a global experience through our international university partnerships. It's a wonderful way to experience another culture, build confidence, and bring an international perspective to their studies.

At JCU, we often talk about students experiencing adventure, gaining skill, and having an impact throughout their degree, because university is about so much more than just what happens in the classroom. It's also about having the opportunity to explore our incredible region, connect with community, and be part of something bigger while you study. Adventure is about saying yes to new experiences, broadening horizons, and discovering opportunities that take learning beyond textbooks and lecture theatres -- whether that's through placements, field trips, travel opportunities, or simply the personal growth that comes from stepping into something new.

Skill is where students build the knowledge and practical experience needed for the real world through hands-on learning, industry placements, and work-integrated experiences built into many of our courses. Students graduate feeling prepared and capable for the workforce ahead. And then there's the impact, because the goal is not just to graduate, but to step into a career ready to make a difference from day one -- whether that's in healthcare, business, education, science, engineering, or beyond. Our students leave with the confidence to contribute in meaningful ways.

Course offerings and double degrees at JCU

At JCU, students can choose from a wide range of courses, from an arts degree through to veterinary science and just about everything in between. With 43 course offerings available, there truly is a place for everyone. And if one degree isn't enough, many of our programmes can also be studied as a double degree, allowing students to broaden their knowledge, build additional skills, and enhance future career opportunities. Students learn from passionate teaching staff in modern, state-of-the-art facilities, with a strong focus on real-world application and student success.

Entry pathways: ATAR, JCU Prep, and VET qualifications

Now you may be thinking, this sounds great, but how do I actually do this? Well, there are multiple pathways into study depending on your background. You can apply via QTAC, through QTAC Access, JCU Prep if you need to meet entry requirements or haven't completed high school, or you can enter directly from school or TAFE with a certificate. Let's learn a little bit more about these options.

We'll begin with our Year 12 students or school leavers who commonly use the ATAR pathway. The ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is a number between 0 and 99.95. It reflects a student's academic performance relative to others in their age group across Australia. In simple terms, the higher the ATAR, the stronger the academic results compared to their peers. At JCU, we use the ATAR to help assess and select students for our courses. It plays a key role in ranking applicants, particularly for competitive programmes, and can also serve as a minimum entry score. In some cases, it can also be used alongside adjustment factors such as subject bonuses or special consideration to provide a fairer comparison across different applicants.

Next is JCU Prep. Whether you've finished school, are missing prerequisite subjects, didn't quite get the ATAR you were aiming for, or perhaps haven't studied for a while and want to enter your desired course, JCU Prep will help you realise your study goals and takes a personalised approach to equipping you for your next step. This flexible, fee-free university pathway programme can be tailored around you, so you'll only need to study the subjects you need to build your skills and meet the entry requirements. In as little as three months, you can gain the skills and subject knowledge you need to enter university study, as well as become familiar with JCU's campuses, facilities, technologies, and support services.

Last but not least, VET qualifications. Whether you're a school leaver or a mature-age applicant, holding a vocational education and training (VET) qualification can be a valuable way to gain entry to university. If you've completed a qualification through a recognised TAFE or VET provider -- such as a Certificate III or an Associate Diploma -- you may be eligible for guaranteed entry into certain bachelor degrees at JCU. These qualifications can hold an equivalent selection rank as shown in the table on screen, making this another excellent pathway into university. These qualifications can also contribute to your studies in another really important way: you might receive credit towards your chosen degree, meaning you can reduce the number of subjects you need to complete, helping you finish your degree sooner and potentially saving on costs.

Year 12 student support package: early offers, guaranteed admissions, and adjustment factors

Here at JCU, we understand that senior secondary can be a very overwhelming few years, and to help reduce some of that stress, we've created our Year 12 Student Support Package. The package provides three different offerings to support you in your transition from high school to university: our Early Offer programme, our Guaranteed Admissions Plan, and our adjustment factors.

Early Offers: if you're in Year 12 and graduating this year, you may be able to receive an early offer into one of our many courses. To participate in JCU's Early Offer programme in 2026, you'll first need to list your preferred eligible JCU course as your first preference in QTAC when applications open in early August. You'll be required to complete a JCU Early Offer nomination form, and with the help of your school, they will submit the application on your behalf. Upon successful submission, you will receive a conditional offer. If your early offer nomination is successful, you will also have access to JCU support services earlier, ensuring you have a seamless transition to university life, and you will also receive a small welcome gift. Applications for both QTAC and JCU open in early August and close in mid-October, so be sure to check the Early Offers page to see if your preferred course is eligible.

Next, we have the Guaranteed Admissions Plan, which is open to all domestic and international applicants completing Year 12 in Australia in 2026. If you receive an ATAR of 90 or above, you have guaranteed entry into most JCU courses with all subject prerequisites waived. Applicants awarded an ATAR of 73 or above will be guaranteed entry into most JCU courses but will need to meet the course subject prerequisites. Most of these courses cover an array of study areas like arts, business, law, engineering, science, information technology, pharmacy, and sports and exercise physiology. Note that your QTAC application listing JCU as one of your six preferences and your Year 12 results will determine your eligibility for this plan, which means you don't need to submit a separate application.

To complete our support package, we have adjustment factors. The Regional Preference Scheme is open to domestic applicants who reside in regional and remote Queensland postcodes. This scheme assists residents of regional and remote areas of Queensland to gain entry into JCU through an automatic adjustment of an applicant's ATAR by two ranks. Note the scheme cannot be used for entry to postgraduate studies, graduate entry programmes, or courses with special application requirements.

Next, we have the Subject Adjustment Scheme. This scheme allows for an automatic adjustment for subjects that require a high level of skill and knowledge, successfully completed in high school (listed on screen). Adjustments are cumulative up to a maximum of ten ranks, and some exceptions apply.

Student support services and campus life

At JCU, we know that support is just as important as study itself. There are a wide range of services available to help students feel confident and connected throughout their journey. Our Pathway Advisors are here to help with study planning, enrolments, and making sure students are on the right track from day one. For our Indigenous students, we also offer dedicated support that includes mentoring, academic coaching, and help navigating university life, all while strengthening community, culture, connection, and identity.

The Learning Centre provides additional academic support, from one-on-one advice and workshops through to online resources and peer mentoring, where experienced students support those just starting out. We also offer accessibility services to ensure all students have the support they need to succeed. Our counselling and wellbeing services are free and confidential, supporting mental health, study-life balance, and even career development. Through Career Hub, students can access job listings, get help with resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and work with career counsellors to build their future pathways.

And of course, beyond study support services, there's also a vibrant range of clubs and student-led societies at JCU, giving students the chance to connect, make friends, explore common interests, and really feel part of a welcoming campus community.

Scholarships at JCU are a wonderful way we support students throughout their study journey. They recognise a range of strengths -- whether that's academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, or equity. Some scholarships can also provide financial assistance that continues across a student's degree, helping to ease the cost of study and allowing students to focus more on their learning and experiences. There are opportunities available for both new and continuing students across many different study areas, and we encourage students to explore what's on offer early, as many scholarships are competitive and have set closing dates.

JCU Now programme and the Heroes programme for current school students

The JCU Now programme is a really exciting opportunity for high-achieving Year 11 and 12 students to get a genuine taste of university life while still completing their QCE. It's designed to help students explore areas they're interested in, build confidence, and start developing the kinds of skills they'll need at university and beyond. In some cases, students may even receive credit towards their future degree, which can help reduce both the time and cost of study after school. The first subject is free and any additional subjects are heavily subsidised at $375 per subject. Most importantly, it's a really supportive way to start -- if a student doesn't complete a subject or chooses to withdraw, there is no academic penalty and it won't impact future study at JCU. For more information, visit jcu.edu.au/jcu-now.

Our Heroes programme gives students a real glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of their future career paths. Whether your interests are in health, sports science, business, engineering, or science, this programme lets you step into real workplaces and see what those careers are actually like on a day-to-day basis. Through strong industry partnerships, students get the chance to connect with professionals, learn directly from experts, and experience what a day in the life actually looks like, while building practical skills and career awareness along the way. It's a great way to explore your options early and get a real feel for where your studies could take you. You can find more information and details on how to apply by visiting jcu.edu.au/jcu-heroes-programme.

On-campus accommodation

Let's discuss our accommodation options across our campuses, because living on campus is so much more than just a room. It's an experience -- it's your family, it's friends that you'll have for life. Each of our residences provides academic and wellbeing support as well as a variety of social activities. Accommodation in Townsville starts from $233 per week and in Cairns it starts from $218 per week.

Competitive courses: places available and the Rural Access Scheme

Let's explore some of the most frequently asked questions, starting with: what are your competitive courses and how many places are actually available within those programmes? In 2026 at JCU, there were approximately 170 places available for medicine across both Townsville and Cairns -- that breakdown was approximately 130 in Townsville and 40 in Cairns. There are around 90 places for dentistry and about 80 places for veterinary science. Most of these offers are made to school leavers, with a small number also available to non-school leavers.

Moving on: am I eligible for any adjustment factors or schemes for medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science? At JCU, ATAR or selection rank adjustment programmes are not available for medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science applicants. However, there is the Rural Access Scheme, which supports students from rural and remote backgrounds. This scheme does provide access to a number of reserved places across medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science through QTAC. To be eligible, applicants must have lived in a designated rural or remote area of Australia for at least five consecutive years or ten years cumulatively. All eligible applicants are automatically invited to apply, and we really encourage students to take up that opportunity if it's available to them. The process involves completing a QTAC cover sheet and submitting supporting documents that confirm your rurality, such as bills, bank statements, and rental records.

Before we move on, I'd like to share an invaluable resource that is the ideal starting point for any prospective medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science student: the Domestic Applications for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science page on the JCU website. It provides everything you need in one place, including intake year details, important updates, clear guidelines for before, during, and after the application process, and key course requirements. You can easily find it by searching "domestic applications for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science JCU" in your preferred search engine.

How to apply for competitive courses for the 2027 intake

How do I apply for these competitive courses for the 2027 intake? Applications open in August 2026 and it is a two-step process, so you'll need to apply through both QTAC and the JCU application portal. It is important that you complete and submit both applications by the closing date, as late applications cannot be accepted due to the high demand of these courses. Unfortunately, many students applied via one method and not both last year, so don't get caught out. You'll also need to ensure any required results -- including bridging courses or final tertiary results -- are submitted to QTAC by early December 2026. Stay organised, keep an eye on key dates, and make sure both applications are fully completed on time.

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery: selection process and entry results

Medicine at JCU is a highly sought-after programme and the selection process looks at more than just your grades. JCU takes a well-rounded approach, considering both your academic achievement and your suitability for a future career in medicine. To apply, students need to meet the subject prerequisites of English, Mathematical Methods, and Chemistry (Units 3 and 4), as well as Year 12 completion. The application process includes your school education history, a Prediction of Academic Achievement (PAA) for current Year 12 students, and an online interview through the Kira Talent platform.

The PAA is completed by your school and gives JCU an indication of your likely final Year 12 results based on your progress so far. It helps JCU schedule early interview rounds before final results are released, however all offers are made using your actual final results. If selected, applicants will be invited to complete an interview through the Kira Talent platform. These interviews are designed to explore your readiness and suitability for a career in medicine, and panels often include healthcare professionals, academic staff, and community members.

To give you some context around recent entry results for the 2026 intake across both Cairns and Townsville: the highest accepted ATAR was 99.95, with a median of 98.55. The lowest accepted ATAR was 85.6 in Cairns and 85.15 in Townsville. While strong academics are important, JCU is also looking for future doctors who are compassionate, resilient, community-minded, and ready to make a difference.

Bachelor of Dentistry: selection process and entry results

For the 2027 intake, JCU has around 100 places available for domestic applicants for dentistry, and selection is based on more than just your academic results. While Year 12 and other tertiary performance is important, we also look at your written application statements, letters of support, and rurality. To be eligible, applicants need to meet the subject prerequisites of English, Mathematical Methods, and Chemistry.

The application through the JCU portal gives you the opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your grades. You'll need to provide your schooling history from Grade 1 to 12, complete written statements of 300 words, and submit three letters of support. Your application statements are a chance to share your career motivations, any health-related work experience, your interest in regional oral health, and anything else you'd like the selection panel to know about you. My best advice is to be genuine, be thoughtful, and let your passion come through. Letters of support are required, with up to three letters accepted from teachers, employers, coaches, guidance officers, or any other adult who knows you well and can speak to your character and potential.

To give you some context around competitiveness: for the 2026 intake, the highest ATAR accepted was 99.8, the average was 97.95, and the lowest entry rank was 87. While strong academic results matter, we really are looking for well-rounded applicants with a genuine commitment to the profession. If dentistry is your dream, believe in your potential, prepare early, and put care into every part of your application.

Bachelor of Veterinary Science: selection process and entry results

Veterinary Science at JCU is one of our competitive courses, and selection again looks at more than just your academic results. It's a very holistic process that recognises your academic achievements alongside your personal qualities. To apply, students need to meet the subject prerequisites of English, Mathematical Methods, and Chemistry, or any study of a higher level. The application process also includes your school attendance history from Grade 1 to 12, written application statements, letters of support, the Casper test, and an interview through the Kira Talent platform.

Your written statement is an opportunity to share your career motivations and relevant work experience, your interest in regional and remote communities, and anything else you'd like the selection panel to know about you. It's an opportunity for your passion and purpose to shine, so be genuine and be really considered with your responses. Letters of support are also required, with up to three letters from people who know you well and can speak to your character, commitment, and suitability for the profession -- such as a teacher, an employer, or a supervisor.

Applicants are also required to complete the Casper test, which is an online situational judgment assessment, as well as an interview through the Kira Talent platform. Both include typed and video responses, and they help JCU understand the personal qualities needed in future veterinary students. To give you an idea of recent entry competitiveness for the 2026 intake: the highest accepted ATAR was 99.65, the average was 92.75, and the lowest was 81.9.

Did you know that JCU does not use the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as part of its selection process? Applicants who sit these tests do not receive any additional advantage or improved consideration in the JCU application process -- just something important to note.

Semester versus trimester study model

We are often asked about the difference between semester and trimester models, as this is something that's very much emerging throughout university institutions. We've recently refreshed our academic calendar at JCU and are moving to a trimester model as our primary study structure. This shift is all about giving students more flexibility to balance study, work, and life in a way that actually suits them. It also supports a more student-focused approach by offering greater choice, smoother study progression, and even opportunities to fast-track or adjust study loads depending on individual goals. Trimesters are three 10-week blocks, compared to semesters which are two 13-week blocks.

That brings us to the end of our presentation. I hope you found it of value and have learned something new. We wish you every success as you step forward into your career aspirations. Stay curious, stay connected, and don't hesitate to reach out for support via email at study@jcu.edu.au or by calling us on 1800 246 446. On behalf of JCU, thank you for joining us today. Dream big, back yourself, and take the next steps towards the future that you deserve.