Biology Study Abroad Programs in Cairns, Australia

Experience the best of North Queensland at James Cook University in Cairns, where small classes and a balanced workload let you fully enjoy the outdoors. This campus offers a unique setting—nestled between lush rainforests and the coast—perfect for students who thrive in nature. Embrace the region’s deep connection to indigenous culture through campus life, activities, and excursions that highlight local traditions. Explore world-renowned natural wonders with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforests, all while pursuing your academic goals in a supportive, adventurous environment.

Close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical savannahs, bushlands, and rainforest Established in 1961 and currently home to more than 20,000 students, James Cook University, located in Townsville in tropical north Queensland, is ranked number one in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology - a fitting designation for a university with close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding tropical savannahs, bushlands, and rainforest. JCU draws strength and inspiration from Australia’s rich and diverse environment, and many courses offer fieldwork components to maximize your experience with hands-on learning. With stellar rankings for student support, skills development, research (with 26 specialized research centres and institutes), and learner engagement, students from over a hundred countries enjoy JCU’s extensive range of course offerings, with additional strengths in biodiversity, tropical environmental studies, earth sciences, tropical health, and a special focus on ecotourism, along with cultural heritage management and Asia-Pacific community development.