The James Cook University Summary shows there are 2 paths to medicine at James Cook. These are:-

• Path 1 - direct entry for high school leavers and

• Path 2 - for graduates (with a Bachelor degree or higher from any university) that is either complete or incomplete.

Entry Requirements - The full details regarding entry requirements for medicine at James Cook University are given in the table below.

This table shows, not only the requirements to obtain a place in the undergraduate medicine degree, but also details how each of the 2 paths flow into the medicine degree and what you need to keep in mind, not only for medicine, but also when applying for your undergraduate degree should you decide to pursue the graduate entry path. 

How James Cook University Compares with Other Universities - Scroll further down, below the table  and you'll also see the James Cook University Comparitor. This tool enables you to compare the 2 paths to medicine at James Cook, with other university paths to medicine (offered by 19 Australian universities).  

james cook university detailed entry Requirements

There are a number of notable aspects in how James Cook structures its undergraduate medicine degree and how the 2 entry paths flow to it. 

No UCAT and no GAMSAT

James Cook is one of the very few universities that don't require a UCAT. Equally, graduate entrants don't need to sit the GAMSAT (and to be specific - also don't need to sit the UCAT).

By comparison, Bond University also doesn't require students to sit the UCAT, but do require applicants to undertake a separate Bond University-specific psychometric test. James Cook, by contrast, have not replaced the UCAT with their own psychometric test and, therefore, is the only university that does not include a UCAT/GAMSAT-type of psychometric test as part of its entrance assessment. 

James Cook can afford to be lenient (to graduates).

James Cook's medical program is of moderate size - accepting 170 students and even though there are 2 paths to medicine, JCU stresses there are only limited places (30) offered to graduates (with a Bachelor degree or higher, that can be either complete or incomplete).  

It is possibly for this reason, and the fact that JCU is an undergraduate medicine degree aimed at school leavers, that JCU are not particularly prescriptive about the types of degrees non-school leavers are required to have. Many other universities are specific about the types of degrees and the currency of these degrees, specifying, for example, a 10 year currency requirement. Not JCU.

Instead, JCU describes their graduate path as being for applicants with Bachelor or higher degrees, that may be complete or incomplete. The grade point average (GPA) calculation, which is part of the selection criteria, simply states the GPA is calculated on the most recent course (commenced or completed) - which means higher degrees can be included in the GPA calculation. JCU also state, however, that other studies that do not generate a GPA score will not be taken into consideration when selecting applicants for interview.

Be careful of JCU's application requirements - don't leave it too late 

JCU might not require the UCAT, but it does have an extensive application process. This includes a Prediction of Academic Performance form that needs to be provided by an official from your school (i.e. not you!) - so it's worth remembering this will take time.  You also need to fill in JCU's Application form. Recent changes to this mean applicants no longer need to provide responses to set questions. 

You can also submit letters of support as part of your application (up to 3) - with none of these from a family member. All of this takes time, so make sure you've got your application act together. 

If you're an international applicant, there's also additional requirements regarding provision of a range of information including certificates, transcripts and English proficiency information, etc. 

Selection Criteria Specifics

JCU does not disclose the relative weightings of their selection criteria used to offer a place in the medicine program. As JCU also doesn't include a UCAT/GAMSAT assessment component, the information JCU uses to determine who's offered an interview comes down purely to your academic results (actual/predicted) and the written information you provide as part of your application.

The JCU interview involves a panel but the relative weighting of this interview component is not disclosed. JCU admissions advises everything is of the same importance so make sure you put equal effort into all components.