When applying to James Cook University’s School of Medicine, one of the most important components of your application is the Letter of Support. This guide will walk you through what makes a strong letter, who should write it, and how it can boost your application. Before we get into the specifics, let’s cover some key entry requirements and important submission dates.
JCU Medicine Course Overview
James Cook University offers a six-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program for Year 12 students who are ready to begin their journey into medicine. By the time you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA, allowing you to practice as a medical doctor in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
Unlike most universities, James Cook University does not require the UCAT for entry into its undergraduate medical program. Instead, applicants are assessed using their ATAR or an equivalent ranking (for those without an ATAR), along with the information provided in the written application.
JCU looks at your entire academic journey, with the most weight given to your most recent studies. For non-school leavers, you'll need to have completed tertiary education, ideally at the Bachelor level or higher, and have a GPA from within the last 10 years.
How to Apply to JCU Medicine?
- Applications for the 2027 intake open 5 August and closes 30th September*, 11:59 AEST.
- Applicants are required to provide applicant statements, academic history, and letter of support.
- Applications are submitted through both the QTAC Portal and JCU Application Portal.
Note that applicants are generally advised to organise their applications early on, as some things takes time to prepare and confirm.
*Dates are from 2025 and are subject to change.
What Is A JCU Letter Of Support?
An important aspect in your application is your Letters of Support from supervisors, teachers, employers, or other referees included with the application.
Most undergraduate medical schools use their own selection methods to identify students who best fit their values and approach. At JCU, this includes the use of Letters of Support, which offer a more personal way to understand your character, strengths, and who you are beyond your academic results.
With this letter, you want to demonstrate that your personality and extra-curricular experiences are best suited for a career in the medical profession.
Types Of References That Are Useful For Your Letter Of Support
As a student, it is your responsibility to liaise with individuals whose references can make a considerable difference to your application. For example, if you shadowed a doctor for three days but have three months worth of experience working as a research assistant in a field outside medicine, a reference letter from the latter adds more value and seems more reliable.
This is because of two reasons:
- The supervisor has observed your work ethic and professionalism.
- You’ve built a rapport, allowing them to comment on your interpersonal skills.
Potential referees include:
- High school teachers, or principals.
- Supervisors from extra-curricular activities.
- Employer or supervisors from your previous/current place of employment
Note: letters of support from family members can’t be accepted, since they’re considered biased.
How Many Letters Of Support Do I Include?
You can submit up to three letters of support with your application. Make sure each letter includes the referee’s name, contact details, and the nature of your relationship.
Remember to attach the letters directly to your application form. Don’t submit them separately, as they could get misplaced! Letters should be addressed to the Selection Committee (or any relevant title) and uploaded as PDFs.
What Can A Teacher Include In The Letter Of Support?
As a teacher, if you are writing a recommendation for your student interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, your intention should be focused on the student’s classroom behaviour and work ethic, as they significantly display the student’s interpersonal skills crucial for medical practice.
The purpose of these letters of support is to highlight your student's inner potential, which you, as a teacher, would have observed first-hand, so your statement will be held in high regard by the medical school.
Key Elements To Highlight
- Your Role and Teaching Credentials. Mention your professional role and how you know the student. Highlight day‑to‑day interactions to add credibility.
- Student’s Academic Progress. Emphasise performance in relevant subjects and any academic achievements that demonstrate readiness for medical studies.
- Work Ethic and Leadership. Discuss leadership skills, personality traits, and examples from extra‑curricular activities or internships. Include the student’s ability to tackle challenges and pursue goals with determination.
How Can Internships Or Employment Contribute To The Letter Of Support?
As previously mentioned, extra-curricular activities are a great way to demonstrate a student's strong work ethic, practical skills, and personal development. Therefore, JCU's admission committee closely examines an employer or supervisor’s letter of support, focusing on anything that can underline the student's interest in community engagement, practical skills and decision making skills.
Key Elements To Highlight
- Highlight Work Ethic. Discuss commitment to improvement, receptiveness to feedback, punctuality, professionalism, and maturity.
- Discuss the Student’s Character. Highlight motivation, independence, empathy, respect, and ability to thrive in group settings.
- Collaboration. Highlight their key contributions and the skills they brought to the team that enhanced productivity and fostered a positive working environment.
You can also take this as an opportunity to include the student's receptivity to constructive criticism, an essential skill expected in medical students and future doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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