Master of Engineering (Professional) (CRICOS course code 098486G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by James Cook University over 2 years. This program is designed for international students seeking advanced engineering skills in Australia, combining coursework with a 10-week work-integrated learning component. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00117J), it meets Australian Government standards for international education. The course is offered at James Cook University's campuses in Cairns (Smithfield) and Townsville, Queensland — two vibrant cities with strong industries in mining, renewable energy, and tropical infrastructure. HeadStart Academy presents this page as a free resource, sourcing data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you compare your study options.
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The Master of Engineering (Professional) (CRICOS 098486G) is a postgraduate coursework degree at AQF Level 9, classified under the field of education 039999 - Engineering and Related Technologies, n.e.c. This broad field encompasses emerging and interdisciplinary engineering areas not elsewhere classified, such as environmental engineering, systems engineering, and engineering management. Graduates typically develop advanced technical knowledge, project management skills, and the ability to solve complex engineering problems in real-world contexts. The program includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (approximately 130 hours total), offering students practical industry exposure. James Cook University, a government-funded institution, has a strong reputation for research and teaching in tropical and environmental sciences, making this course particularly relevant for engineering challenges in northern Australia and similar regions worldwide. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
While specific syllabus details are set by James Cook University and may change, the Master of Engineering (Professional) typically covers advanced engineering principles, project management, risk assessment, and sustainability. Students engage in coursework that deepens their understanding of engineering design, systems integration, and professional practice. The field of education (039999) indicates that the program may incorporate a range of engineering disciplines, allowing for customisation based on student background and career goals. The work-integrated learning component (10 weeks) provides hands-on experience through industry placements, internships, or applied research projects, often with local engineering firms, government agencies, or research centres. This combination of theory and practice is designed to enhance employability and prepare graduates for roles such as engineering project manager, systems engineer, or technical consultant. Students are expected to have prior qualifications in engineering or a related field, as detailed in the entry requirements.
The course runs for 2 years full-time, equating to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual degree), and no foundation studies are integrated. Students are expected to attend classes in person at one of the two delivery locations in Queensland. Part-time study may be possible depending on visa conditions, but international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) typically must maintain full-time enrolment. The workload includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and the work placement, requiring a commitment of around 40 hours per week during term time. Campuses are well-equipped with modern engineering labs, computer suites, and library resources.
The indicative total tuition fee for the Master of Engineering (Professional) is A$86,653 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, meaning no additional compulsory charges are recorded on the CRICOS register. Therefore, the estimated total cost comes to A$86,653. Important: This figure does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Queensland cities vary: in Cairns, weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around A$300–A$400, while in Townsville it is about A$250–A$350. Budget for groceries (A$100–A$150 per week) and public transport (A$30–A$50 per week). Always confirm current fees with James Cook University at www.jcu.edu.au before applying, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy displays indicative data sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
International students must meet English language proficiency levels. The indicative requirement for this course is IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). Additionally, applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field, typically with a GPA equivalent to a Queensland pass level. Specific prerequisites may include prior study in certain engineering sub-disciplines. James Cook University may also consider applicants with relevant work experience. There is no foundation studies component for this course; however, pathway programs (e.g., Graduate Certificate or Diploma) may be available if you don't meet direct entry. We recommend you check the university's website or contact their admissions office for the most current requirements. Note: Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission — places are competitive.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 10 weeks, with total hours around 130. The exact hours per week are not specified on the CRICOS register but are typically full-time during the placement period. This component may take the form of an industry placement, internship, or a supervised engineering project with an external organisation. It is designed to give students practical experience and professional networking opportunities in Australian engineering settings. For example, in Cairns and Townsville, placements may involve local councils, mining companies, renewable energy firms, or tropical infrastructure projects. The work component is integrated into the course structure and assessed as part of the degree. Students must secure their own placement, often with support from the university's industry liaison team.
The Master of Engineering (Professional) is delivered at two campuses in Queensland: James Cook University - Cairns (Smithfield) and James Cook University - Townsville (TOWNSVILLE). Cairns is a tropical city with a population of about 150,000, known for tourism and agriculture, but with growing engineering opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure. Townsville (pop. ~180,000) is a major regional centre for mining, defence, and ports. Both campuses offer modern facilities and are accessible via public transport. Cairns campus is about 15 km north of the city centre; Townsville campus is in the suburb of Douglas, about 12 km from the city. Living costs differ slightly: Townsville is generally more affordable for rent. Queensland has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering a range of courses, and this course is one of many engineering postgraduate options available.
International students studying this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC must be held for the entire visa duration. HeadStart Academy recommends you review the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website and consider consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. We do not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Engineering (Professional) at James Cook University: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's search tools to filter by course level (Masters Degree (Coursework)), field (Engineering and Related Technologies), and location (Cairns or Townsville). Verify that the course CRICOS code 098486G matches your interest. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Review James Cook University's entry requirements, including your academic transcripts and English test scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0). Check application deadlines (typically semester-based: February and July intakes). Submit your application through the university's online portal with all supporting documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once James Cook University offers you a place, they will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and sufficient funds.
Ready to advance your engineering career in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy's free search to compare more CRICOS-registered engineering courses in Queensland.
Master of Engineering (Professional) 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.