Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offers a unique environment for international students pursuing health studies. Currently, there are 2 CRICOS-registered Health courses delivered by 1 provider in Cairns: Central Queensland University (CQUniversity). These programs range from a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) to a Master of Public Health, providing both undergraduate and postgraduate pathways. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can explore all options filtered by field and city, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Whether you’re drawn to clinical practice or population health, studying in Cairns means access to tropical research settings and a growing health sector. Read on for course details, provider insights, and practical guidance for international students.
Counted from the official register for Cairns: 2 non-expired CRICOS courses across 1 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Health in Cairns on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-05). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Central Queensland University is a government CRICOS provider with 2 active courses matched to Health in Cairns. Indicative course totals on register from A$71,520 to A$170,400. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00219C, Government, 2 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-05).
| Course | Level | Institution | Duration | Indicative Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (075753E) | Bachelor Honours Degree | Central Queensland University (00219C) | 4 years | A$170,400 |
| Master of Public Health (097511G) | Masters Degree (Coursework) | Central Queensland University (00219C) | 2 years | A$71,520 |
As of April 2026, Cairns offers exactly 2 Health courses (ASCED Field 06) across 1 CRICOS-registered provider. The sole provider is Central Queensland University (CRICOS 00219C), a government university with campuses in Cairns and other QLD locations. These two courses represent both bachelor and master levels, covering physiotherapy and public health. While the number of options is small, each program is well-established and designed to meet local and national workforce needs. The small offering reflects Cairns’ niche as a regional health education hub, complementing larger offerings in cities like Brisbane or Sydney. For international students, this means smaller class sizes, closer connections with faculty, and opportunities to engage with Cairns’ unique health challenges – from tropical diseases to Indigenous health services.
Cairns is the major centre for Far North Queensland’s health services, home to Cairns Hospital (the regional referral hospital) and numerous community health clinics, private practices, and research institutes like the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine. The region’s health industry clusters around tropical medicine, Indigenous health, aged care, and tourism-related health needs (e.g., diving medicine). Studying here means you can gain practical experience in a diverse, multicultural environment with direct exposure to public health challenges found in tropical and remote settings.
Career outcomes (general guidance only): Graduates may pursue roles such as physiotherapist, public health officer, health promotion specialist, or hospital administrator. Employment can be found in public hospitals, private clinics, government health departments, non-profit organisations, or research institutions. Cairns offers a slower pace of life compared to big cities, lower living costs, and unparalleled natural attractions (reef, rainforest). However, the job market is smaller, so graduates may need to consider moving to other parts of Australia for wider opportunities.
Below are the two Health courses available in Cairns from CQUniversity. Tuition fees are indicative and sourced from CRICOS; always confirm with the institution.
Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) is the only CRICOS-registered provider offering Health courses in Cairns. CQUniversity is a government-owned university with multiple campuses across Queensland, including a presence in Cairns. It is known for its flexible study modes, strong industry partnerships, and focus on regional development. The university’s health disciplines are supported by modern facilities, including simulation labs and research centres. For students seeking a supportive learning environment with smaller cohorts, CQUniversity in Cairns is an excellent choice. While just one provider, it offers quality assurance under the ESOS Act and meets all Australian standards for international education.
In Cairns, Health courses are offered at two levels: Bachelor Honours Degree (equivalent to an undergraduate degree with honours) and Masters Degree (Coursework). Specifically: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) – a 4-year program leading to professional registration as a physiotherapist; Master of Public Health – a 2-year program for graduates seeking careers in population health. No Certificate, Diploma, Graduate Certificate, or Doctoral programs in Health are currently listed in Cairns. Students seeking other levels may consider online study or relocating to larger cities.
Typical career outcomes for Health graduates in Cairns include physiotherapist, public health officer, health policy analyst, health promotion coordinator, and research assistant. Employers range from public hospitals (Cairns Hospital, Torrens Health), private physiotherapy clinics, Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, government agencies (Queensland Health), and universities. Cairns also has a growing aged-care and disability sector. Note: Career outcomes depend on individual qualifications, experience, and the labour market. Physiotherapy graduates must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Public health graduates may work across many settings. International students should check skilled occupation lists for post-study work options. This guidance is for informational purposes only – consult career professionals and the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Ready to study Health in Cairns? Explore the courses above and connect with CQUniversity to start your application. For more information on visas and study pathways, check our student visa guide or contact a registered migration agent.
Showing 2 CRICOS-registered Health courses from 1 provider with delivery in Cairns.