MBBS
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Learning Mode
Full Time
Duration
6 Years
Start date
Semester 1 (February)
Qualification
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Fees
AUD 71,383
Location
Townsville / Cairns, QLD
About the Course
The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at James Cook University (JCU) is a distinctive and highly respected program designed to produce compassionate, skilled, and culturally competent medical practitioners. With a strong focus on rural, remote, tropical, and Indigenous health, this program prepares graduates to address unique healthcare challenges in underserved communities. You will gain extensive clinical experience from the early stages of the program, developing diagnostic, therapeutic, and communication skills essential for a successful medical career.
Career prospects
Graduates of the JCU MBBS program are highly sought after, particularly in rural and regional healthcare settings, but are well-prepared for diverse medical careers anywhere in Australia or internationally. The program leads to provisional registration as a medical practitioner and provides the foundation for further specialist training across all medical disciplines, including general practice, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and public health. Our graduates are equipped to make a significant impact on health outcomes, especially in tropical and remote areas.
Why choose James Cook University for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery?
Industry connected
JCU’s strong partnerships deliver early, hands-on clinical experience in regional, rural, and Indigenous health settings across Northern Queensland.
Global opportunities
Focus on tropical and regional medicine equips graduates with globally relevant skills for impactful careers in international healthcare environments.
Professional accreditation
AMC-accredited, JCU’s MBBS meets national and international standards, enabling graduates to pursue medical registration and global practice pathways.
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at James Cook University is a six-year, full-time program designed to cultivate highly capable, community-oriented doctors. The curriculum integrates basic medical sciences with clinical learning from the very first year, emphasizing problem-based learning and early patient contact. A distinctive feature of the JCU MBBS is its focus on the health needs of tropical, rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Students will undertake extensive clinical placements in a variety of settings across Northern Queensland, providing broad exposure to diverse healthcare challenges and practices.
Course Duration
Length of the course
- 6 years full-time
Mode of Study for international students:
- Full-time
Course Curriculum
The MBBS curriculum is structured thematically, integrating medical sciences with clinical practice throughout the six years. It emphasizes problem-based learning and early and continuous clinical exposure.
- Years 1-3: Foundations of Medical Practice and Early Clinical Exposure
- Focus on biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology), public health, clinical reasoning, communication skills, and initial clinical placements in general practice and hospital settings. Emphasis on rural and Indigenous health.
- Years 4-6: Advanced Clinical Rotations and Specialization
- Extensive block rotations through various medical and surgical specialties (e.g., general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, emergency medicine). Further development of advanced clinical skills, critical decision-making, and professional practice. Extended rural and remote clinical placements.
Admission Requirements
- Academic qualifications
- Successful completion of a recognized secondary education qualification equivalent to the Australian Year 12, with an exceptionally high Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent international score. MBBS programs are highly competitive.
- Specific prerequisite subjects typically include English, Chemistry, and Mathematics (Methods or Specialist). Physics or Biology are also highly recommended.
- Selection Process
- Admission is highly competitive and involves a multi-faceted assessment:
- Academic Merit: Based on ATAR or equivalent.
- Written Application: May include personal statements and responses to specific questions demonstrating interest in rural/remote health or Indigenous health.
- Interview: A structured interview (e.g., MMI – Multiple Mini Interview) assessing communication skills, empathy, teamwork, ethical reasoning, and suitability for the medical profession and JCU’s unique focus.
- Admission is highly competitive and involves a multi-faceted assessment:
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- For international students, demonstrated English language proficiency is critically important. Acceptable tests include IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0) in all four components, or equivalent TOEFL iBT scores.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees:
- AUD 71,383 for 1 yr full-time
Scholarships and Bursaries:
- James Cook University offers various scholarships for high-achieving and deserving students, including those pursuing medicine. These may be based on academic merit, equity, or a commitment to rural/regional practice. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to explore the JCU scholarships website for detailed information on eligibility and application processes, as these opportunities can significantly assist with the substantial costs of medical education and living expenses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the JCU MBBS program are eligible for provisional registration as medical practitioners and embark on highly impactful careers across the healthcare sector. Potential roles include Junior Doctor (Intern, Resident Medical Officer), General Practitioner, Specialist Physician (e.g., Cardiologist, Oncologist), Surgeon, Pediatrician, Psychiatrist, Public Health Doctor, Rural Generalist, Medical Researcher, or roles in medical education and administration. Our graduates are particularly well-suited for practice in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia, as well as in tropical and developing countries globally, addressing unique and often underserved health needs.
Contact Us
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