Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (CRICOS course code 026853G) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by James Cook University over 1 year. This program is designed for international students seeking advanced knowledge in public health with a focus on tropical medicine, a field particularly relevant to Australia's northern regions and global health challenges. As a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS provider code 00117J), it meets rigorous Australian quality standards. Townsville, where the course is delivered, is a hub for tropical health research, home to the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses available, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate this landscape. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (CRICOS course code 026853G) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by James Cook University over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 qualification sits between a bachelor's degree and a master's, providing advanced study in health. The field of education is 060199 Medical Studies, n.e.c., under the broader Health category. It focuses on public health principles and tropical medicine, preparing graduates for roles in health policy, epidemiology, and disease control in tropical settings. James Cook University, a government-owned institution, is ranked among the world's top universities for tropical health. The CRICOS registration ensures the course meets Australian Government standards for international students, with ESOS Act protections in place.
While specific unit offerings are determined by James Cook University, this Graduate Diploma typically covers core public health disciplines such as biostatistics, epidemiology, health promotion, and health systems management, with a specialised focus on tropical diseases like malaria, dengue, and neglected tropical diseases. Students develop skills in research methods, program evaluation, and policy analysis relevant to low-resource and tropical settings. The curriculum aligns with the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 8, emphasising critical analysis and application of knowledge. Graduates are prepared for roles in government health departments, non-governmental organisations, and international health agencies. For exact unit details, consult James Cook University's official website.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification; it does not include foundation studies or a dual qualification. The full-time structure typically involves two semesters of study. Students should plan for a study load of around 40 hours per week including classes, independent study, and assessment. James Cook University may offer part-time options subject to visa conditions, but student visa holders are generally required to maintain full-time enrolment. The Townsville campus provides access to modern facilities, including the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine.
The indicative tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is A$42,477 for the full 1-year program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, giving an estimated total of A$42,477. Please note: fees are set by the institution and subject to change. This amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fees and any additional costs (e.g., materials, field trips), always check James Cook University's website (www.jcu.edu.au). As a guide, estimated living expenses in Townsville (excluding tuition) are around A$25,000 per year, including rent (approx. A$200–A$300/week), groceries (A$80–A$120/week), and transport (concession rates apply).
Entry requirements are set by James Cook University. Typically, a Graduate Diploma requires completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent. English language proficiency is a common requirement; the CRICOS register indicates an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Some applicants may need to meet higher requirements depending on their background. Foundation or pathway options: if you do not meet direct entry, consider a pre-master's program or English language courses offered by the university or affiliated institutions. Always verify the latest requirements with James Cook University, as they may change. HeadStart Academy does not provide assessment of individual eligibility; consult the provider's international admissions page.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa holder, you may be eligible to work part-time during your studies. For more details on work rights, refer to the student visa section below.
This course is delivered at James Cook University's Townsville campus in Queensland. Townsville is a major city in North Queensland with a population of approximately 180,000, including a significant international student community. The city is known for its tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse courses. The campus is located in Douglas, about 12 km from the city centre, accessible by public bus services (Translink). Living costs in Townsville are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it an affordable study destination.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key conditions: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, and hold valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled holidays. You must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. The Department of Home Affairs provides a calculator for living costs (approx. A$21,041 per year for a single student). Always check the latest visa requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Health), and location (Townsville). Verify the course's CRICOS registration (026853G) and provider details (00117J). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit James Cook University's international admissions page (www.jcu.edu.au/international). Review entry requirements, English language test scores (IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent), application deadlines, and required documents such as academic transcripts, passport copy, and proof of English proficiency. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, James Cook University will issue your CoE. Use it to apply for a student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have valid OSHC and sufficient funds.
Start your study journey at James Cook University — find out more at www.jcu.edu.au.
Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is a CRICOS-registered programme at James Cook University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.