collageThe medical program at James Cook University is highly regarded, producing skilled, work-ready graduates with a strong foundation of scientific and medical knowledge. JCU Medical School values social justice, innovation and excellence. The School is a leader in our focus areas of rural and remote health, tropical medicine and the health of Indigenous Australians and it is committed to developing understandings of and workforce appropriate for under-served populations.
James Cook University Medical School graduates can work as interns anywhere in Australia or New Zealand and pursue further training in any medical discipline. The course is particularly suited to those with an interest in health care for underserved populations and in an adventurous medical career that makes a difference.
The six-year, full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree is a comprehensive program with integrated instruction in biomedical sciences, professional practice and clinical medicine. Students attend the Townsville campus for the first half of the course with clinical experience from year one. The James Cook University medical precinct is opposite The Townsville Hospital, the largest teaching hospital in regional or tropical Australia. In later years, students have a base at one of the James Cook University clinical schools that include Townsville, Cairns, Mackay or Darwin.
Students undertake rural and remote clinical attachments throughout the course and have opportunities to pursue international interests, in places as diverse as Norway, North Dakota, Papua New Guinea, South America and many others.
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 85% 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 of 80% cumulative GPA to be considered.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Admission Timeline
*Application deadline: August 30, 2021. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
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.
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Medicine
Please note that James Cook University (JCU) does NOT use UCAT as part of their selection process.
JCU has a two-step application process for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery:
- Apply online at QTAC’s website by 30th September 2021.
- Submit a written application form directly to JCU by 30th September 2021.
Note: a Predication of Academic Achievement form must be received by 4pm (AEST), 8 October 2021.
School subject prerequisites: English; Maths B; Chemistry, Also, applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3b – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum score of 7.0 in all components within 2 years prior to applying for registration.
A limited number of applicants will be invited for a medical interview. Selection of applicants to be interviewed will be based on an evaluation of the application together with all available information regarding academic performance.
JCU medical interview offers will be released on 12th of November 2021.
See more about Medical Interview training sessions. Register and secure your spot as MedEntry only accepts a small number of students per session.
View information about the application process to JCU
JCU Medicine important Dates Selection Process
| 3 August 2021 | Application opening date for JCU Application Form |
| 3 August 2021 | Application opening date QTAC |
| 30 September 2021 | Closing date for QTAC Application |
| 30 September 2021 | Closing date for JCU Application Form |
| 8 October 2021 | Predicted ATAR to be received by 4pm AEST |
| 12 November 2021 | Email notification of invitation to attend interview |
| 30 Nov – 9 Dec 2021 | Interviews held at JCU Townsville Campus |
| 24 December 2021 | Email notification of invitation to attend January interview |
| 4-5 January 2022 | Interviews held at JCU Townsville Campus |
| 13 January 2022 | QTAC offers released to applicants |
| 17 January 2022 | Last date to respond to QTAC January offer, respond to QTAC |
| 14 February 2022 | Orientation Week begins |
| 21 February 2022 | JCU Academic Year begins |
Year 12 Applicants
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Academic performance in year 12 studies or in subsequent tertiary studies as provided through QTAC.
- The written component of the application form.
- Demonstration at the interview of attributes suited to a career in medicine.
In 2022, there are approximately150 places in the first year of the MBBS degree.
Non-year 12 Applicants
A limited number of places are allocated to non-year 12 applicants. Candidates will be selected for medical interview on the basis of their written application and academic results (predicted or actual). Applicants will be selected for entry into the James Cook University MBBS degree based on their performance at interview and their academic results.
The most recent course GPA (Grade Point Average) score will be used to rank applicants who have commenced or completed tertiary studies. In the past, a GPA of 5.75 was required to be considered for an interview.
- An applicant’s other studies/qualifications that do not generate a GPA score will not be considered when determining the rankings for interview.
- Graduate applicants with a health science undergraduate degree may be considered for entry into the MBBS degree beyond Year 1 level, subject to the recency and academic performance in that qualification.
Full information about JCU Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Dentistry
The Dental Surgery application process has two distinct stages. You will need to submit an application directly to James Cook University (by filling in the application form) AND apply online through QTAC.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Academic performance in year 12 studies or in subsequent tertiary studies as provided through QTAC.
- Evaluation of the written component of the application form
For entry into James Cook University’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree, applicants must have successfully completed four semesters at Year 12 level and achieved an exit level of at least Sound Achievement in English, Mathematics B and Chemistry or interstate or overseas equivalent. The study of Physics and Biology is highly desirable.
In 2022, there are approximately 80 places in the first year of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. A limited number of places are allocated to non-year 12 applicants. Applicants will be selected for entry into the James Cook University Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree based on their application and their academic results.
Full information about Bachelor of Dentistry at JCU.
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