Close to 3,000 students study at JCU Cairns, including 335 international students.

These students are immersed in a dynamic learning environment with opportunities available for study, work, and play. With academic staff committed to student support and success, a careers team ready to assist students with work both during and post study, and a myriad of academic and sporting clubs on offer, students at JCU Cairns have a world of experiences available to them.

JCU Cairns, Smithfield campus has been named Nguma-bada (pronounced nom-ah-bud-ah), which means belonging to tomorrow: "Place for tomorrow's learning, knowledge and wisdom" from the Yirrgay (Yirrganydji) coastal dialect of Djabugay.

Studying in Cairns provides access to two World Heritage-listed natural environments – the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics ancient rainforests. Students can develop specialised skills during field trips and expeditions to distinctive research locations.