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Study at the #1 university in Queensland for graduate starting salary1

Would you like to enrol in university study but are missing the required ATAR or prerequisite subjects?

Whether you are a recent school leaver, a Year 12 graduate or a mature student, JCU Prep can help put you on the pathway to success.

Build academic skills and gain the subject-specific knowledge to equip you for your chosen undergraduate degree with JCU Prep. In this fee-free enabling program, you’ll create an individualised study plan containing only the subjects you need to progress into your chosen JCU course.

You’ll have the flexibility to study your way, with online and on-campus options and three intakes annually. All subjects run every trimester, so you can set the best schedule for you.

Once you have successfully completed your JCU Prep subjects, you will not only be eligible to apply for direct entry into your chosen degree,* you will also be familiar with JCU’s campuses, facilities, technologies and support services. 

*For students wishing to apply to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery; Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Physiotherapy; or Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours), JCU Prep can only be used to fulfil subject prerequisites, not ATAR entry.

1. 2024 Good Universities Guide | 2. 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings

  • Flexible learning

    Choose to study full-time, part-time, on-campus or 100% online. Many of our courses offer flexible study options to fit around your work and family commitments.

  • Small class sizes

    With one of the lowest teacher-to-student ratios in Australia*, you can enjoy access to lecturers who have a vested interest in supporting you through your studies.

  • Transferable skills

    Expand employability opportunities. JCU students gain valuable communication and creative thinking skills, applicable to various career pathways.

*5 stars for student teacher ratio. 2024 Good Universities Guide

Course information

JCU Prep

Embrace flexibility and receive dedicated support in this pathway program designed to prepare you to begin a JCU Bachelor’s degree.

Fast facts

Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: January, May, September
Duration:
3 - 12 months full-time or part-time equivalent. Duration is dependent on the student’s individual circumstances and study plan.
Entry requirements**:
The program is open to all students who meet the residency/citizenship requirements as per DESE Guidelines for Enabling Courses.

**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2025 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.


Subjects

Only choose the subjects you need.

  • Introduction to Academic Learning
  • Hone your personal study skills and explore academic writing techniques, including referencing conventions and essay writing techniques.

  • Developing Academic Skills
  • Develop your learning, thinking, critical reading and writing, and time management skills, all are essential for successful university study.

  • Mathematics A1
  • Learn basic mathematical concepts and techniques, including fractions, decimals, percentages, measurements, graphs, and measures of central tendency.

  • Essential Maths
  • Develop your mathematical understanding of Foundational Mathematics [Arithmetic and Algebra], Applied Geometry [Perimeter, Area, and Volume], Trigonometry, Pythagoras, and Cartesian Plane.

  • Preparatory Maths
  • Extend your understanding of basic arithmetic and algebra. This subject covers functions including linear and quadratic with graph sketching, trigonometry, and simultaneous equations.

  • Essential Science
  • Supplement your learning in the recognised science disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science. Completing this subject will prepare you with the foundational science knowledge required for study in the health disciplines.

  • Preparatory Chemistry
  • If you are missing the chemistry prerequisite for entry into your chosen bachelor's degree, successfully completing this bridging subject will provide you with the knowledge and credit required.

  • Learning in a Digital Environment
  • Develop your digital literacy skills so you can choose and use the appropriate tools and technology for research, learning and information sharing, including mobile devices.


What career possibilities are there?

JCU Prep is an enabling course designed to equip you for success in a variety of Bachelor’s degrees.

When you graduate with a JCU Bachelor’s degree, you’ll emerge into the workforce with targeted knowledge and skills designed to align with current employer demands. JCU graduates excel in roles within government, private and not-for-profit organisations and embrace the diverse challenges associated with careers in rural and remote communities, major metropolitan areas and overseas markets.

The JCU Careers and Employability team can provide you with resume and application support, interview coaching and a career-ready plan while you are still studying. Benefit from subjects, services and industry connections designed to ensure that your JCU studies prepare you for a range of exciting career opportunities.


How do I find out more?

Chat to us, we’re here to answer your questions if you need help.

Contact us by:
Email - study@jcu.edu.au
Phone - 1800 246 446

Or, visit the JCU Prep course page on our website.

Take your next step with confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. JCU Prep is available to both mature students and recent school leavers (students must be turning 18 in their first year of study) who are Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. No previous qualifications are required to enrol.

The duration of study is dependent on your individual circumstances. For example, a recent school leaver who may be missing a subject prerequisite can complete their study in three months when studying full-time, whereas a mature student may take up to twelve months to complete their study depending on their individual study plan.

JCU Prep has no associated course fees.

Applications for JCU Prep can be submitted directly to JCU rather than through QTAC, whether you have an ATAR score or not.

Using the JCU Application Portal

To apply for the JCU Prep course, you may need to prepare supporting documentation. If you were not born in Australia, you will need to provide your citizenship documents (e.g., passport, visa, citizenship certificate). If you have previously studied at JCU and have since changed your name, you will need to provide change of name documents.

Once your documents are ready, open the JCU Application Portal and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Upon Your Application

Once you have submitted your application, you will automatically receive an Offer for entry to JCU Prep as well as a conditional offer for your chosen Bachelor’s degree via email.

You can accept your offer using the JCU App. You can also reach out to Pathways Student Advisors for assistance with accepting your offer and subject selections.

Note: Check the JCU application due dates to ensure you meet the deadline for your chosen trimester.


Apply via JCU
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