CQUniversity
CQUniversity is ranked in the world's top 1000 unis. It performs best in QS while ranking lower in Times Higher Education and Webometrics.
James Cook University
JCU is a world top 500 university but is about average by Australian standards. It is ahead of CQUniversity and other regional unis.
How many universities are in Cairns?
Cairns has campuses for two universities: James Cook University (JCU) and CQUniversity (CQU). JCU offers more programs and has two campuses. CQU has one campus in the city centre and focuses on blended and online learning.
JCU’s main campus, Nguma-bada, is in Smithfield, 15 km from the city centre. It is surrounded by rainforest and close to the northern beaches. The campus supports 3,000 students, including 335 international students. JCU’s second campus, Bada-jali, is in the Cairns CBD and provides flexible study options.
CQU’s Cairns campus is in the city centre, near the Esplanade and lagoon. It supports over 2,000 students, most of whom study online. The campus offers resources, support, and facilities for nursing, engineering, and more.
Does Cairns have good education?
Cairns offers quality education through James Cook University (JCU) and CQUniversity (CQU). The universities provide on-campus learning across a variety of fields, with degrees available in business, arts, science, nursing, engineering, and more.
JCU’s Smithfield and CBD campuses host programs in medicine, law, marine science, and other areas, alongside popular degrees like business and science. Students gain practical experience through research labs, a moot court, and access to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest.
CQU’s Cairns campus offers degrees in business, nursing, engineering, and IT, as well as vocational training. Facilities include nursing labs and creative studios to support hands-on learning.