Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (CRICOS course code 043052K) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by James Cook University over 6 years. This program prepares students for a career as a medical doctor, combining theoretical medical knowledge with extensive practical clinical placements. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00117J), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. James Cook University (JCU) is a public university with campuses in Cairns and Townsville, Queensland, offering a unique focus on tropical health and rural medicine. With an indicative total fee of A$473,482, this is a significant investment in your future. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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Field of Education: 06 - Health → 0601 - Medical Studies → 060103 - Surgery. Graduates develop competencies in medical diagnosis, patient care, surgical techniques, and health promotion. The curriculum covers biomedical sciences, clinical skills, and professional ethics, preparing students for internship and medical practice.
The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University covers a comprehensive range of medical and surgical disciplines. Students learn human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine. The program emphasises problem-based learning and early clinical exposure. In later years, students rotate through major medical specialties including surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and general practice. JCU’s focus on tropical health means additional training in infectious diseases, indigenous health, and rural medicine. Graduates are equipped to meet the Australian Medical Council's standards for medical education and are eligible to apply for internship positions in Australian hospitals.
The course duration is 6 years (312 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification — there is no dual qualification pathway. Foundation studies are not offered for this course; applicants must meet entry requirements directly. Students are expected to commit to full-time study, with significant time spent in clinical placements. The standard study load is 40 weeks per year, with breaks aligning with the academic calendar.
Tuition fee: A$473,482 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total: A$473,482. These fees cover tuition only. Other costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. For current fees and any additional costs (e.g., uniforms, textbooks), always check James Cook University’s official website at www.jcu.edu.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0 (exact requirements may vary). Applicants must have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent with strong academic performance, particularly in science subjects (e.g., chemistry, biology). Some applicants may need to complete foundation studies or a pathway program. JCU also considers personal statements and interviews. Always refer to JCU’s official entry requirements for the most current information.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 114 weeks (approximately 3423 total hours). This consists of clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings across Queensland, including rural and remote locations. These placements are integral to the curriculum, allowing students to apply medical theory in real clinical environments under supervision. Students develop diagnostic, procedural, and communication skills necessary for medical practice. The work component is not separately paid; it is part of the course requirements.
This course is delivered at two campuses: James Cook University - Cairns (Smithfield, QLD) and James Cook University - Townsville (Townsville, QLD). Both campuses are located in North Queensland, a region known for its tropical climate and diverse communities. Townsville is a major regional city with a population of about 180,000, while Cairns is a popular tourist destination with approximately 150,000 residents. Living costs are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Indicative weekly expenses: rent A$200–350, groceries A$80–150, transport A$30–50. The campuses are accessible by public bus and bike paths. For context, there are over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia offering more than 26,000 courses. In Queensland alone, hundreds of providers serve international students.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance and academic progress requirements, and holding valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion must be satisfied. Financial capacity requirements include tuition fees, living costs (A$21,041 per year), and travel costs. For detailed information, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Filter courses by study level (Bachelor Degree) and location (Queensland) to find JCU. Confirm CRICOS registration status on cricos.teqsa.gov.au. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit an application through JCU’s international admissions portal. Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), personal statement, and references. Note application deadlines — medical programs often have early closing dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once JCU issues a CoE, apply for your visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements.
Queensland offers a unique environment for medical studies. JCU’s program emphasises tropical and rural health, preparing students for diverse practice settings. Townsville and Cairns have student populations of around 20,000 each, with vibrant communities and access to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests. Consider the cost of living: rent in Townsville averages A$200–300 per week, Cairns A$250–350. Both cities have international airports and reliable public transport. Queensland has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses in health fields. The state government supports international students with orientation and support services. However, clinical placements may require travel to remote areas, so flexibility and a driver's licence are advantageous.
Ready to start your medical journey? Explore more medicine courses on HeadStart Academy, or contact James Cook University directly for application details.
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery 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.