JCU Prep
Your fee-free pathway into university study
Flexible study
Choose to study on-campus or online, full-time or part-time
Choose when to study
JCU Prep has 3 yearly intakes
Free entry to uni
A pathway program with no hidden costs
- Build the skills and confidence to take the next step into your chosen degree – whether it’s Science, Business, Health, or beyond.
- Follow a personalised study plan that prepares you for university-level study, and is designed around your goals.
- Study your way, whether it be on-campus in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa, Emerald, or online.
- Experience university before commencing your undergraduate studies with our fee-free program, and find out if university is right for you.
- Finish your studies and be eligible for your chosen undergraduate degree* in as little as three months.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa, Emerald
Starts: February, May and September
Duration: 3 – 12 months full-time (or part-time equivalent) depending on your individual study plan.
Entry requirements**: To be eligible for JCU Prep applicants must: be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or humanitarian visa holder and be living in Australia; and be 18 years of age or older in the year of enrolment. Applicants can apply at 17 years of age, provided they turn 18 in the same calendar year as their enrolment.
**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2027 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 (choose what you need)
Introduction to Academic Learning
Sharpen your study habits and learning strategies, and practise essential skills such as academic writing, researching for essays, critical reading, and time management.
Developing Academic Skills
Learn how to effectively communicate ideas through academic writing, how to construct coherent arguments and how to apply academic referencing conventions.
Discover Maths
Revisit foundational concepts such as fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, graphing and basic statistics.
Develop Maths
Deepen your understanding of arithmetic and algebra, applied geometry (e.g. perimeter, area, volume, etc.), trigonometry, Pythagoras and the Cartesian plane.
Preparatory Mathematics
Extend core arithmetic and algebra into linear and quadratic functions, graph sketching, trigonometry and simultaneous equations.
Essential Science
Gain introductory knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology and earth science, providing the base needed for health-related degrees.
Preparatory Chemistry
Meet the chemistry prerequisite for specific bachelor programs by studying fundamental chemical principles and earning credit toward your degree.
Preparatory Physics
Gain the necessary knowledge and skills, both computational and practical, to analyse real physical problems and to solve them using sound physical principles and mathematics.
Learning in a Digital Environment
Develop digital literacy, selecting and using the right tools and technologies, including mobile devices, for research, learning and information sharing.
Cultural Intelligence for Professionals
Cultivate cultural, emotional and social intelligence so you can create and maintain inclusive spaces in both academic and professional settings.
What career possibilities are there?
JCU Prep is a stepping-stone to a bachelor’s degree. Once you complete a JCU undergraduate program you can move into roles across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, from rural and remote communities to major metropolitan centres and global markets. While you study, the JCU Careers and Employability team offers résumé reviews, application advice, interview coaching and personalised career planning, so you graduate ready for a wide range of opportunities.
To be eligible for JCU Prep applicants must: be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or humanitarian visa holder and be living in Australia; and be 18 years of age or older in the year of enrolment. Applicants can apply at 17 years of age, provided they turn 18 in the same calendar year as their enrolment. No previous qualifications are required to enrol.
There is a wide range of degrees – including Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Laws, and Bachelor Engineering (Honours) – that you will be eligible to enter by completing JCU Prep. But for competitive degrees such as the Bachelor of Advanced Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) [Embedded], JCU Prep can only be used to fulfil subject prerequisites, not ATAR entry.
For the Bachelor of Science (Animal and Veterinary Science), students will not receive an automatic offer upon meeting the requirements of JCU Prep; this course has limited places and additional admissions processes apply.
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 JCU Prep, 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
“JCU Prep is just a really good way to ease into uni life and brush up on all the essentials you need to study a degree. And the best part is, it’s completely free. I was supported by lecturers, student advisors and peer mentors who actually cared about the outcome.”
Shontelle Skinner
JCU Prep — Alumni
Bachelor of Commerce — Student
"It had been 35 years since I was at school. I did JCU Prep, which taught me everything I need to know. I’ve since gotten into the Bachelor of Pharmacy, which after exams and my internship next year, will see me become a pharmacist. It’s never too late."
Bevan Donaldson
JCU Prep — Alumni
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) [Embedded] — Student
"The JCU Pathways program was more than just a stepping stone; it was a comprehensive journey. It enriched my academic understanding and honed my skills in research, critical analysis and collaboration. Owing to the nurturing environment of faculty and peers, I transitioned into a bachelor's with clarity and enthusiasm."
Jordan Dickson
JCU Pathways — Alumni
If you were not born in Australia, or previously studied at JCU and your name has changed, you will need to upload supporting documentation.
Visit the JCU Application Portal and follow the prompts to submit your application — ensure you apply before the deadline.
You'll receive your offer for JCU Prep and a conditional offer for your selected Bachelor's degree via email shortly after submitting your application.
Ready today for tomorrow
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