Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) [End-on] (CRICOS course code 095901K) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by James Cook University over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 course is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in a related field and wish to deepen their knowledge through advanced coursework and a research project. Offered at the Townsville campus in Queensland, this program provides a pathway to higher research degrees or professional careers in medical research, healthcare, and biotechnology. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00117J), international students can enrol and benefit from Australia's ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and student support. HeadStart Academy sources all course data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), providing you with accurate and up-to-date information to plan your study journey in Australia.
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Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) [End-on] (CRICOS course code 095901K) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by James Cook University over 1 year. This course (AQF Level 8) builds on prior undergraduate study in medical science or a related discipline, offering advanced theoretical and practical training. The program emphasises research skills, critical analysis, and specialised knowledge in medical science fields such as disease mechanisms, biomedical technologies, and clinical research. Graduates are prepared for roles in medical research institutions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or further study at PhD level. James Cook University is a government-owned institution with a strong focus on tropical health and innovation, making this an ideal choice for students interested in medical challenges specific to tropical and remote regions. The course is delivered in English and requires a high level of academic commitment. With no dual qualification or foundation studies, it is a straightforward pathway to a recognised honours degree. CRICOS registration 095901K confirms this course meets Australian standards for international student enrolment.
The field of education for this course is Natural and Physical Sciences (01), specifically Other Natural and Physical Sciences (0199) with a specialisation in Medical Science (019901). At the Bachelor Honours Degree level, students typically engage in advanced study beyond a bachelor's degree, focusing on research methodology, independent research projects, and critical evaluation of current literature. While the exact syllabus is set by James Cook University, general learning outcomes include developing a systematic understanding of medical science, designing and conducting experiments, analysing data, and communicating findings effectively. Students also gain skills in ethical research practices and evidence-based medical reasoning. This level of study is designed to produce graduates who can contribute to knowledge creation and solve complex problems in medical science. The university's location in Townsville offers unique opportunities to study tropical diseases and Indigenous health, areas where James Cook University is a recognised leader.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (no dual qualification). The full-time study load typically involves coursework and a research thesis or project. International students must maintain a full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The course is delivered on-campus at the Townsville campus, providing face-to-face interaction with faculty and access to university facilities. As a Bachelor Honours Degree, it is structured to be completed over one academic year, building on a completed bachelor's degree. No foundation studies or VET components are attached to this program.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The tuition fee is A$42,477 for the full program (non-tuition fees: A$0), resulting in an estimated total of A$42,477. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current and exact fees, always check the James Cook University website (www.jcu.edu.au) as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Indicative additional costs include OSHC (approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover), living expenses in Townsville (rent A$150–A$250 per week, groceries A$80–A$120 per week, public transport A$50–A$70 per week), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). These are estimates only and can vary based on lifestyle and exchange rates. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide; always verify with official sources.
Entry requirements for this course are set by James Cook University. General guidance based on the CRICOS register indicates a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (with no band below 5.5–6.0). Since this is an Honours program, students are expected to have completed a related bachelor's degree (e.g., Bachelor of Medical Science or similar) with a strong academic record. Some prerequisite coursework or a specified GPA may be required. No foundation studies are offered as part of this course, so students must meet the entry criteria directly. We recommend checking the James Cook University website for detailed admission requirements, including specific prior qualifications and any additional selection criteria such as an interview or portfolio. For visa purposes, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency and sufficient academic preparation.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. As per the CRICOS register, there is no work component (such as internships or placements) embedded in the program. However, students may choose to engage in voluntary or paid work outside of study hours, subject to their visa conditions. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work experience can be beneficial for building a resume, but it is not required for the completion of this degree.
This course is delivered at James Cook University's Townsville campus in Townsville, Queensland. Townsville is a vibrant coastal city in North Queensland with a population of approximately 190,000, including a large student population due to the presence of James Cook University and other institutions. The city is home to several CRICOS-registered providers offering a variety of courses. Living costs in Townsville are generally lower than in major capitals like Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$150–A$250. The campus is accessible by public transport (bus network) and offers modern facilities including libraries, laboratories, and student support services. Studying medical science in Townsville provides unique exposure to tropical health issues and Indigenous communities, enriching your learning experience.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (1 year) and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance requirements, and hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate genuine intent to temporarily stay in Australia for study. Financial capacity must be shown to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. OSHC can be arranged through the university or private providers. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) [End-on] at James Cook University: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Medical Science), and location (Townsville). Compare courses and read our provider pages for James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J) to ensure it meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit James Cook University's website (www.jcu.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Submit your application online through the university's admissions portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, James Cook University will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for your student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and meet the GTE requirement. Apply well in advance of your course start date.
Townsville is Australia's largest city north of Brisbane, known for its sunny climate, outdoor lifestyle, and strong ties to the Great Barrier Reef. With a population of around 190,000, it offers a close-knit community while still providing city amenities. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to Sydney or Melbourne: rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages A$300–A$400 per week, and a monthly public transport pass costs about A$120. The city has a diverse student community, with James Cook University being the main higher education provider. For medical science students, the region offers unique research opportunities in tropical health, marine biology, and Indigenous health. Consider your preference for a smaller city with a relaxed pace versus a larger metropolitan hub. Townsville also has a warm, humid climate (average summer highs 31°C, winter 25°C), which may appeal to those from tropical regions.
Start your journey towards a career in medical science—explore this course on HeadStart Academy and connect with James Cook University today.
Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) [End-on] 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.