Bachelor of Dental Surgery (CRICOS course code 073997A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by James Cook University over 5 years. This program is designed for international students seeking a career in dentistry, offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice. Located at JCU's Cairns campus in tropical North Queensland, the course prepares graduates to diagnose, prevent, and treat oral diseases, with a strong emphasis on community health. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00117J), it meets Australian government standards for international education. JCU is a government-funded institution known for its research in tropical health and dentistry. With an indicative tuition fee of A$427,828, students should budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. Entry typically requires IELTS 6.0-6.5 and prior academic qualifications. Graduates are eligible for professional registration with the Dental Board of Australia. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All CRICOS-registered providers must comply with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, ensuring international student protections.
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This Bachelor of Dental Surgery (CRICOS 073997A) is a 5-year AQF Level 7 degree that qualifies graduates as dental practitioners. The program integrates biomedical sciences, clinical skills, and professional development, with a mandatory work component of 105 weeks (approximately 2,331 hours) providing hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings. JCU's dentistry program is unique for its focus on rural and remote health, preparing students to work in underserved communities. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is available to international students who meet entry requirements. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of the few dentistry programs in Queensland. Always verify current details on the CRICOS register.
The field of education is Dentistry (060701), which covers the study of oral health, dental diseases, and their treatment. At the bachelor level, students learn to perform dental examinations, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and carry out procedures such as fillings, extractions, root canals, and preventive care. The curriculum typically includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, dental materials, radiology, periodontology, orthodontics, and paediatric dentistry. Clinical placements ensure graduates have practical competence. Note: This is a general description; the exact syllabus is determined by James Cook University. For detailed course structure, refer to the provider's website.
The course duration is 5 years (260 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to study full-time on campus at JCU's Cairns facility. The program may involve evening or weekend clinical sessions to meet the work component requirements. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$427,828, with no non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, giving an estimated total of A$427,828. Please note that these fees are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are set by James Cook University and subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$20,000–25,000 per year in Cairns), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm the latest fees with the provider at www.jcu.edu.au.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (exact requirements vary; check with JCU). Academic entry requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent with prerequisite subjects such as Chemistry and Biology. Some applicants may need to complete a foundation or pathway program. James Cook University may also consider personal statements or interviews. Since entry is competitive, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. For precise details, consult the university's international admissions page. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the provider directly.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 105 weeks, which equates to approximately 2,331 total hours based on 22.2 hours per week. This integrated learning involves clinical placements in JCU's dental clinics and external health settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge under supervision. These placements are essential for developing clinical competence and are a requirement for professional registration. The work component may also include community outreach programs in rural and remote areas. International students must ensure their visa allows for such placements; Student visa (Subclass 500) work rights apply.
The course is delivered at James Cook University's Cairns campus, located in Smithfield, Queensland. Cairns is a major city in tropical North Queensland with a diverse student population. The city has approximately 20,000 university students and hosts 3 other CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs are moderate: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–300, groceries A$80–120, and public transport A$30–50. The campus is accessible by bus from the city centre. JCU's Cairns campus features modern dental simulation labs and a teaching clinic, providing an excellent learning environment.
International students must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course; maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC); demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status; and having sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The visa also requires you to inform your provider of any change of address and achieve satisfactory course progress. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, including access to tuition protection if your provider closes. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered (JCU is 00117J, course 073997A). 2. Apply directly to James Cook University: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS), and any required documents. Check application deadlines and entry requirements on JCU's website. Some programs may require an interview or portfolio. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once JCU issues a CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC evidence and a Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent for visa assistance.
Dentistry is a demanding and rewarding field. Key considerations include: high course fees (A$427,828 indicative), the 5-year commitment, and the mandatory clinical work component (105 weeks). Graduates must register with the Dental Board of Australia to practice. The profession offers strong job prospects and salary potential. Studying in Cairns means adapting to a tropical climate and a smaller city compared to Sydney or Melbourne. However, JCU's focus on rural health provides unique opportunities. International students should also plan for OSHC, living costs, and the student visa process. Ensure you meet English language requirements and academic prerequisites. Finally, ESOS Act protections give you rights as a consumer of education services.
Ready to pursue your dentistry career? Follow the 3-step application process above and apply directly to James Cook University. Use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered courses.
Bachelor of Dental 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.