Named after the British explorer Captain James Cook, James Cook University (JCU) is Australia's leading tropical research university and Queensland's second oldest university offering excellence in teaching and research. JCU was one of the first Australian universities to offer tourism studies, and is recognised as a global leader in tourism education. The university's scholars have been ranked among the world's top tourism academics by the prestigious Tourism Management Journal.

Main campuses are based in the coastal northern Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns, and in Singapore – the heart of Asia. JCU also offers courses in Brisbane through Russo Higher Education. Over 17,000 students including 5,000 international students from 100+ nationalities currently study with JCU.

JCU has been consistently ranked in the top five tropical universities of the world for research performance in our areas of research excellence: ecology/environment, plant and animal science, geosciences, coral reef science and tourism. Further attest to our quality teaching and research expertise.
JCU offers a comprehensive selection of exciting and career-relevant courses at undergraduate, postgraduate (coursework and research) and short term/semester level. Many courses include practical, hands-on experience.

• Arts and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Creative/New Media Arts
• Education
• Engineering
• Health Sciences/Medicine
• Information Technology
• Science
• Tourism and Hospitality

JCU offers a unique study experience in the "Real Australia", where students can experience a true safe and friendly Australian lifestyle, culture, language immersion and affordable cost of living, with a more personalised teaching environment.

JCU provides a student-focused learning environment. JCU's support services and friendly campuses help students to make the most of their time at university. Whether it is help with an assignment, finding accommodation, or just need someone to talk to, there are dedicated services on campus to assist students.

JCU's academics are highly qualified, win national teaching awards and are world leaders in their fields. 4 of the top 50 Tourism scholars in the world are at JCU, giving the university one of the highest concentrations of top tourism research. Innovation in teaching styles and leading technologies are fundamental to JCU's approach to teaching.

A leading research university, JCU attracts more than $27 million in research funding annually. Students benefit from outstanding facilities, access to island and rainforest field stations, innovative courses and valuable work-placement opportunities. JCU research has a tropical focus, with recognised expertise in: marine science, environmental studies, tropical agriculture, tropical biology, tropical health and medicine, and tourism.