JCU Postgraduate study

Boost your career opportunities

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Looking to stand out in your career? Whether you’re aiming to progress your current career, embrace a new opportunity or are passionate about contributing further to your chosen field, a JCU postgraduate qualification can support you to be ready today, for tomorrow.
Flexible, online study options support you to continue working while you study for your next career move. Multiple pathways to entry are available, with some courses providing credits from subjects studied at other institutions and informal learning, such as work experience.

Benefit from dedicated support for your success, with staff specialising in both support services and academic advice. Get expert career advice from both academic staff and advisory staff to help you achieve your professional goals.
Why study a postgraduate degree at JCU?
  • Gain in-demand, industry-relevant knowledge and qualifications
  • Access flexible online or blended study options
  • Build your network through strong industry and research connections
  • Receive personalised support throughout your study journey
  • Advance or change your career with a range of entry and exit points
1. 2025 Good Universities Guide, PG study area | 2. 2025 Good Universities Guide

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Levels of postgraduate study


Graduate Certificate

12 credit points - 6 months full-time study load.*

Graduate Diploma

24 credit points - 12 months full-time study load.*

Master's Degree

36 credit points - 18 months full-time study load.*

*Some courses may have varying completion time, please consult the relevant course page for more information.
Frequently asked questions

In many postgraduate qualifications you can enter directly into the master's or professional master’s degree. Alternatively, you may use the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma as a stepping stone towards the higher qualification.

Yes, you can fast track with advanced standing. Credit is often available for formal learning such as previous study and informal/non-formal learning such as work experience, which can help you complete your course in a shorter timeframe. Talk to us about your options.

Coursework involves undertaking a selection of subjects, potentially including a study major, in a similar structure to undergraduate degrees. Study options include:

• Graduate Certificates
• Graduate Diplomas
• Master's degrees.


Research degrees, also known as Higher Degree by Research (HDR), involve a program of supervised, original research in a chosen discipline. Study options include:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Professional Doctorate.

Online learning gives you the flexibility to study around your existing commitments. Whether you choose to advance your career from the comfort of your living room or a remote worksite, you'll receive the same high-quality education and support as you would on-campus.

As an online student, you will benefit from immersive and dynamic e-learning environments. JCU’s online learning resources will allow you to engage and connect with your peers, lecturers and industry professionals like you're in the same room. With course content available 24/7 you can choose where and when you study, whether it be during your morning commute, in between the school runs, or after work.

Fee subsidies are available through a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which is essentially a student place on a select university or higher education course which is heavily subsidised by the Australian Government. The majority of undergraduate courses are Commonwealth supported as are a growing number of postgraduate courses. If your course is not listed as Commonwealth supported, you will be required to pay full tuition fees, however you may be eligible for other financial assistance.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place on an available course you must be an Australian citizen and complete at least one unit of study contributing to your course of study whilst residing in Australia. Permanent visa holders (including those on humanitarian visas) and New Zealand citizens are also eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and again, must reside in Australia, but for the entire duration of their studies.

To learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places please visit the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.

How to apply
Apply today via the link below using the QTAC or course code on the relevant course page.
1
Explore your options

Chose your JCU course, confirm that you meet the entry requirements, and note the QTAC code or course code.

2
Check the application dates

Refer to the application due dates on the QTAC or JCU websites to ensure you apply before the deadline. 

3
Apply online via QTAC or JCU

If applying for entry into a bachelor's degree please submit your application via QTAC. For all other applications please apply via the JCU Application Portal.

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