HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

RMIT University vs James Cook University

RMIT University Logo
RMIT University

Melbourne, Australia

QS World: #11922% Admit
James Cook University Logo
James Cook University

Townsville, Cairns, Australia

QS World: #438
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between RMIT University and James Cook University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

RMIT University boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. James Cook University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose RMIT University for classical academic standing, and James Cook University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 0 Advantage
Comparative DimensionRMIT UniversityJames Cook University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#119 (2027)+319 places
#438 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#239 (2027)+87 places
#326 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#301 (2026)
#301 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#173 (2027)+209 places
#382 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
22%
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
A$27,720
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1887Lead
1970
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
90,000
22,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
88 / 100Lead
80 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

RMIT University: 1 leads·James Cook University: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)RMIT UniversityJames Cook University
Geography#51#201

RMIT University · Specialist Subject Standings

Architecture and Built Environment#15
Art and Design#19
Library and Information Management#29

James Cook University · Specialist Subject Standings

Earth and Marine Sciences#51
Hospitality and Leisure Management#51
Agriculture and Forestry#101
Discipline Focus: Geography
Clear Filter ×

RMIT University Programs

Refer to the official RMIT University course catalog for current intake fees.

James Cook University Programs

Refer to the official James Cook University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Melbourne vs Townsville, Cairns alongside annual international tuition.

Major Urban Hub

RMIT University (Melbourne)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$27,720/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$61,080/yr
Upper-Moderate Index

James Cook University (Townsville, Cairns)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International TuitionSee Official Portal
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$25,680/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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