Entry requirements
No formal school or university qualifications are necessary.
No formal school or university qualifications are necessary.
January, May, September
3-12 months full-time (or part-time equivalent) dependent on study load.
Free*
*Students are required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSA Fee).
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.
JCU Prep is a flexible enabling program helping mature students and school leavers alike gain the skills and knowledge they need to enter their preferred undergraduate degree at JCU.*
This fee-free** program is designed to meet the individual needs of each student, meaning you will only study the subjects you need to meet the entry requirements for your chosen bachelor's degree.
Upon successfully completing 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.
**Students are required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSA Fee) of $52.65 per 3 credit points, to a maximum of $351.00 per calendar year.
1 2024 Good Universities Guide
in Australia for sustainable education1
university in the world2
for full-time employment3
1. 2023 QS Sustainability Rankings | 2. 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings| 3. 2024 Good Universities Guide
Embrace flexibility and receive dedicated support in this pathway program designed to prepare you to begin a JCU Bachelor’s degree.
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 2024 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.
Only choose the subjects you need.
JCU Prep is an enabling course designed to equip you for success in various 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.
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.
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.
JCU Prep has no associated course fees however, a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSA Fee) is payable, the cost of which depends on the number of subjects you enrol in. In 2024, the fee is $52.65 per subject, with a maximum fee of $351.00 for the full calendar year.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to seek Government financial assistance through Austudy or ABSTUDY when you enrol in three or more JCU Prep subjects.
Your application for JCU Prep depends on your previous educational experience:
If you wish to use JCU Prep as a pathway into a JCU Bachelor’s degree
You should apply for your preferred bachelor’s course through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), using the QTAC code for that course. If you do not meet the entry requirements, JCU may offer you a QTAC packaged offer, where you receive an offer into JCU Prep and your preferred bachelor’s course at the same time.
If you want to start with only JCU Prep, and:
Check the JCU application due dates to ensure you meet the deadline for your chosen trimester.
"Pathways will open your world to a new and exciting way of thinking and learning. We will prepare you to enter into your degree and walk into your dream job as a capable and competent 21st century professional."
Jaimee Hamilton
JCU Pathways - Lecturer
"JCU Prep is great way to start tertiary studies. The staff are experts in their subject areas and they are also friendly and supportive. You can choose a study plan that suits your time and skill requirements. JCU Prep subjects focus on Academic Skills, IT Literacy and Numeracy and will help you prepare for further study in areas like Nursing, Teaching, Science and Engineering."
Andrew Higgins
JCU Pathways - Lecturer