From enrolment to graduation and beyond, students come first at JCU

Learning flows seamlessly between James Cook University’s Australian and Singapore campuses, as part of the institution’s JCU First approach.

University exchange semesters, while rewarding, often entail daunting paperwork and processes for students. At James Cook University (JCU), however, the process has been redesigned for maximum ease.  

As part of the JCU First approach, the university’s Singapore campus and its Australian counterparts in Townsville and Cairns are now more tightly integrated than ever.

While JCU Singapore students have all along had the opportunity to spend two semesters in Australia studying the same curriculum while paying fees in Singaporean currency, the academic schedules in both countries have now been synchronised, facilitating seamless movement for students among the three locations.

“By bringing together all JCU campuses, we present as one university to our diverse markets,” explained Dr David Craig, JCU’s chief marketing officer and vice president international. “Beyond cost efficiencies gained by streamlining operations, JCU First means that wherever a student is enrolled, our promise is that we will be consistent, inspiring, supportive and engaging as they journey towards success.”

DEVELOPING THE PROFESSIONALS OF TOMORROW

By further empowering students in deciding where they want to study, the JCU First approach prioritises students’ choices. This strategic emphasis ensures that JCU – which is ranked among the global top 2 per cent – continues to cultivate graduates who possess future-oriented skills through their learning in a nurturing and rewarding environment.

“At JCU, we are not a degree factory,” said Dr Craig. “Our business is to transform lives and foster talent to meet the needs of industry – existing, new and emerging.”

He noted that employers today want critical thinkers, independent thinkers and problem solvers who are willing to challenge norms with a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. “Perhaps even more so, they want individuals to have the ability to unlearn and relearn,” he shared.

For universities like JCU, the challenge lies in adapting to real-world needs, equipping students with the flexibility and growth mindset needed to succeed in a world rapidly reshaped by emerging technologies, Industry 4.0, and geopolitical and climate-related shifts.

JCU First focuses on readying students for this future by developing their intercultural competencies through the intercampus exchange programme and honing their employment potential, whether they opt for careers at home or elsewhere in the world.

According to Dr Craig, being able to access both Australian and Singaporean experiences on-campus will enrich JCU students with opportunities to learn about other cultures, help them build international professional connections and develop the skills essential for engaging effectively with global communities.

PLACING STUDENTS FIRST

Drawing from his extensive experience in higher education since 2008, and his research on university brand communication and development during his PhD studies, Dr Craig highlighted the profound impact of new online competitors and disruptive technologies on the traditional university business model.

“These technologies require a higher level of transparency and agility than universities have been accustomed to,” he explained, adding that stakeholders such as industries and employers, governments and students now wield greater influence over university programmes, funding and research initiatives.

To meet these evolving expectations, the JCU First approach reviews the university’s operations through the lens of its key customers – students. Said Dr Craig: “Too often, big institutions organise themselves around internal processes and structures. JCU is student-focused, from initial contact through enrolment, campus life, and ultimately, graduation.”

As the only Australian institution locally recognised with ‘university’ status, EduTrust Star-awarded JCU has been in Singapore for over 20 years, offering degree programmes in a broad range of disciplines, including psychology, business, accounting, games design, tourism and hospitality, and environmental science. With courses delivered via a trimester system, students can accelerate their learning by completing a bachelor’s degree in two years and a master’s degree in one year.

Reflecting on the institution’s legacy in Singapore, Dr Craig said that through engagement with global partners, he has witnessed the unique opportunities afforded to JCU students in Singapore, including access to skilled industry professionals and immersive multicultural experiences.

“The graduates talk to me about the opportunities we provide, how well we prepare them for their careers, the care and support we offer – not only during their time on campus, but beyond that, as proud alumni and global citizens.”

Learn more about James Cook University and the suite of university-level programmes offered at its Singapore campus.