Venturing Into the Land Down Under- Discovering Unseen Potential with James Cook University!

Australia has always been the go-to destinat i o n for Sri Lankan students and has the reputation for academic excellence and one of the best countries in the world to study and live. There are well over 9,000 Sri Lankan students studying in Australia at any given time with diverse range of study options to choose from 22,000 courses on offer.

However, it isn’t all sunshine and clear skies as student migrants have to be particularly responsible while selecting the ideal university. James Cook University located in close vicinity to the wet tropics of Northern Queensland is an alluring destination for many. James Cook University gives a blended aura of excellence, opening up prosperous horizons on a plethora of options to specialize through a diversified portfolio of courses. David Samuel, Regional Head- Sri Lanka Maldives, Future Students and International / Global Strategy and Engagement of James Cook University shared some light on the evident potential of the university.

How did James Cook University get acquainted with Sri Lanka?

James Cook University has been a dominant factor within the market for quite a long tenure. Sri Lanka entered into a paradigm shift after the 30 year internal conflict, with the implementation of several development processes. That created a favorable condition for James Cook University to officially make its presence known within the local circuit. As an institution, James Cook University always believed that it required quality students and that is the sole reason for the penetration into the Sri Lankan market.

What are the options available for anyone who opts to enroll within James Cook University?

Cairns Region, approximately 4,000 students, including more than 470 international students, study at JCU Cairns. JCU Cairns houses state- of- the- art teaching and research facilities including the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine (AITHM), the Cairns Institute, an impressive library, JCU’s Dentistry teaching facilities and dental clinic, and other health and science laboratories and teaching spaces.

Townsville Region, more than 13,000 students, including 1,500 international students study at JCU Townsville which was established almost 50 years ago. JCU Townsville’s facilities include the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, Education Central, the Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct, the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, a multitude of other science, computing, health science, medical and veterinary teaching spaces, cafes, fitness, sporting and accommodation facilities.

Several courses are on offer from undergraduate, post graduate to PhDs. The courses are diversified, with specialisations in:

Undergraduate level: Arts, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Clinical Sciences, Creative Arts and Media, Dental Surgery, Education, Engineering, Environmental Practice, Geology, IT, Laws, Marine Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Nursing, Occupat i o n a l T h e r apy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Planning, Psychology, Science, Social Work, Sports and Exercise Science, Veterinary Science and Speech Pathology. Postgraduate level: Accounting, Conflict Management and Resolution, Educat i o n , Governance and Leadership, Guidance and Counselling, Health and Medicine, IT, MBA, Planning, Science, Social Work and Social Science, and Veterinary & Animal Science. Professional Doctorates in Education, Medicine, Pharmacy, Clinical Psychology, and Public Health.

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture, Environmental and Re l a t e d Studies, Architecture and Building, Creative Arts, Education, Engineering and Related Technologies, Health, IT, Management and Commerce, Medical and Molecular Sciences, Natural and Physical Sciences, Society and Culture. ( all above through Masters by Research as well).

James Cook University refuses to claim that it is specialised in one individual discipline and It believes that students deserve the best options, and rightfully it sticks to its core belief by extending the ideal solutions for its students to pursue.

James Cook University has great pride in its Research elements, since it is located in a tropical destination and heaven for any researchers. Cairns is a beautiful location which attracts abundance of tourists and as a result students at different levels (ethnicities and cultures) are charmed by the University’s promise. Such a diversity of students exploring countless possibilities is always a pleasant sight.

How updated is James Cook University on the latest trends and technologies?

James Cook University is not just inclined to its individual presence. It has established collaborations with research institutions and leading conglomerates across the globe. Programs are designed in such a way that it meets future market demands while adapting into working environments in industries. What is offered fits to the demand for both developed and developing countries. In a nutshell, James Cook University is an institution committed towards creating human capital with world class qualification and recognition upon graduation, who are brimming with employment potential.

What is the prestige that a student gets by getting recognised as a student of James Cook University?

Every student holds a dream which resides within him or her; which is to earn a world class qualification. Australia has always been a sought after destination for higher studies. There 39 universities in Australia and each have its own capacity and prestige. What James Cook University takes pride is the manner in which it honed its graduates to transform into employable, highly sought after individuals whose skills, knowledge and expertise is used for the betterment of each organisation which they belong to, as well as to develop the economies around the world.

Any idea on the performance of Sri Lankan undergraduates of James Cook University, compared to their international peers?

Sri Lankan students have always been quite exceptional. It is fitting to state that the Sri Lankan representation has always been one of the best cohorts that reside within Australia. That is due to the commitment and dedication showcased. They realize that they are from a different background and stature, and they are aware of the fact that they need to receive the qualification. That sense of responsibility gives them a chance to earn a stand within the society. As an institution, James Cook University takes it upon themselves to give these students a qualification from a learning environment, which is one of the best in the world. The University is located in one of the best cities in Australia, so learning and adapting into the new lifestyle is simplified considerably.

What guidance will those enrolled receive during their stay at James Cook University?

A solid team is ever- present at different levels to keep a keen eye on the students, starting from the application/enrollment process till graduation. Student welfare (both physical and mental welfare) and accommodation are given severe attention. At the end of the day, James Cook University isn’t merely a place where students learn, it is also a place which nurtures those who grow under its branches. It is fitting to state that it is similar to a parental commitment towards their children. That is the commitment made by the University for the betterment of its students.