James Cook University— Townsville	James Cook University— Cairns	University of Melbourne	University of Wollongong
City Population	160,000	140,000	3.5 million	330,000
Location	Townsville, Queensland	Cairns, Queensland	Melbourne, Victoria	Wollongong, New South Wales
Total undergraduate enrollment	11,000	3,000	40,000	20,000
# of int'l students	1,400	300	8,000	3,300
# of US students	315	40	400	250
Rural or urban	Rural		Urban	Combination of urban and rural
Average program fee	See program fees		See program fees	See program fees
GPA requirement	2.8		3.0	3.0
Academic strengths	Marine biology, environmental and rainforest studies, education, nursing, psychology, engineering, IT, economics, earth sciences/geology, health, creative arts, social sciences (especially anthropology, maritime archaeology), indigenous Australian studies		Science, engineering, business, liberal arts, women's studies, English, agriculture, anthropology	Multimedia studies, information technology, telecommunications engineering, materials engineering, Asia-Pacific studies, health sciences, and international business

What makes this university unique?

James Cook University: One of the most unique things about James Cook University is its natural environment. Located in tropical North Queensland, the Townsville and Cairns campuses offer easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, the Daintree Rainforest, and more. By studying at James Cook University, you will enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with about 10,000 students at the Townsville campus, and approximately 3,000 students at the Cairns campus.

University of Melbourne: Whether you seek culture, sports, beaches, sidewalk cafés, or art, you will find all you are looking for and more in Melbourne. As Australia's second largest city and the capital of Victoria, there is plenty for you to explore. With its large student body, you will be able to meet Australian students, as well as students from all over the world.

University of Wollongong: If you are looking for a mix between small city friendliness and big city accessibility, then Wollongong may be the place for you. This coastal city has a population of about 300,000 and is 50 miles from Sydney—just over an hour-long train ride away. The University is close to Mt. Keira, as well as Royal National Park, the second oldest park after Yellowstone!

Last modified on April 9, 2009