Founded in 1970, James Cook University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Townsville (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Queensland. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Cairns, Brisbane, Singapore, Mackay, Beijing, Thursday Island, Mt Isa and Fiji. Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, James Cook University (JCU) is a large coeducational Australian higher education institution. James Cook University (JCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 52 years old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. JCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.