James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU) is a public university located in North Queensland, Australia. Established in 1970, a PhD at James Cook University is designed for high performing university graduates. A postgraduate research degree with a supervised project of original research at its core, will develop high level independent research skills while making an original contribution of knowledge to a specific discipline or area of practice. As a JCU PhD candidate, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake focused research in the tropics. You’ll explore and generate new knowledge to meet the social, environmental and sustainability challenges facing tropical communities.

James Cook is the proud recipient of Excellence in Research Australia, 2018. With State-of-the-art facilities, it is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide. James Cook is focused on addressing the critical challenges facing the Tropics, in areas as diverse as Arts, Dentistry Engineering, Marine Science, Medicine, Nursing and Society.

JCU boasts a range of world-class facilities and infrastructure that provide students with exceptional opportunities to learn alongside experts and contribute to cutting-edge research. 

To name a few – Orpheus Island Research Station (OIRS) The OIRS is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Daintree Rainforest Observatory (DRO) One of five long-term ecological sites in Australia, the DRO provides unique canopy crane access to the world’s oldest rainforest.

James Cook University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, particularly for its research impact and excellence in areas related to the tropics. It is recognized for its contributions to marine biology, environmental science, and tropical health, and it holds a strong position in global university rankings at 544, reflecting its commitment to research, teaching, and community engagement.
JCU Doctor of Philosophy graduates are internationally recognised as experts who discover valuable new knowledge in their fields. The future for PhD graduates is diverse. The skills you develop during your PhD allow you to gain a toolkit for theoretical and practical approaches to problems and innovation with social and commercial impact. This will allow you to take on leadership roles across industry, government and academic sectors in a range of roles and contexts including researcher, practitioner, and research manager.
JCU offers a range of HDR scholarships for domestic and international applicants. Each of these scholarships is available to help support domestic and international candidates with living costs while dedicating themselves to a research degree at JCU. All candidates can also apply for a competitively-awarded stipend to help with living and tuition costs. Scholarships available- JCU International Excellence Scholarship Australia Awards Scholarships JCU Research Scholarship International Research Training Program Scholarship Postgraduate Research Scholarship AIMS@JCU Scholarship JCU Singapore Postgraduate Research Scholarship Externally funded scholarships Applications for 2026 HDR scholarships for International Candidates close 31 August 2025
International students require a Student visa.
Offered Courses
PhD in Information Technology

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Artificial Intelligence

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

PhD in Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Science

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

PhD in Architecture and Building

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Science

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a... Read More

PhD in Creative Arts

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a... Read More

PhD in Education

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Education and Training

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a... Read More

PhD in Engineering and Related Technologies

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Engineering and Applied Science

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a... Read More

PhD in Health

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Health Sciences

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a... Read More

PhD in Indigenous

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Education and Training

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

PhD in Management and Commerce

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Business Management

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

PhD in Medical, Molecular and Veterinary Sciences

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

PhD in Natural and Physical Sciences

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

PhD in Society and Culture

Duration

4 years full-time (Maximum 8.5 years, Maximum leave of absence 6 months) Full time candidates: 35-40 hours per week for 48 weeks per year

Mode of Education

Offline

Specialization

Social Sciences

Start Date

All year round

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of... Read More

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