Representatives from James Cook University’s Singapore campus were in the country recently to conduct a scholarship test. Edex spoke to Det Fischer, international marketing director, and Stephen Naylor, academic dean, from JCUS on what’s on offer for international students.
What was the purpose of your visit?
Our university aims to create a better life for people in the tropics. We strive hard for quality education, which empowers you with the ability to upgrade your life. Singapore is becoming an international hub for job opportunities and our programmes are top class including the research-oriented ones, which are up-to-date. We are here to offer the JCUS advantage to Indian students
to enhance their careers.
How popular is JCUS among Indians?
In 2003, we started with an overall intake of 50 students. Now, it has grown to 2,500, of which 40 per cent are Indians. We get a large chunk of students from India, Indo-China, China and Singapore. JCUS is a multicultural university with students from over 50 countries.
Tell us about the scholarship test
In order to encourage applications to JCUS, we’ve announced a scholarship, which will offer you a tuition fee waiver of up to 50 per cent. This comes to SD14,997 (`6 lakh approx) and SD22,316 (`9 lakh approx) for bachelor’s and master degree respectively. The interested will need to take up a test in Mumbai on April 29 at St Xaviers College and on May 6 in Kolkata’s St Xaviers College.
What would I be tested on?
The two-hour test (11am to 1pm) will comprise objective-type questions on the following aspects — verbal ability, quantitative aptitude and general knowledge. There is no negative marking. Application enquiries for the scholarship test and other general queries can be cleared with Suman Subbiah, regional head, JCUS, at suman@jcu.edu.sg.
Can I study at the Australian campus?
JCU encourages exchange semesters. Singapore and Australia are starkly different from each other in terms of people, culture, etc. Since the curriculum at both campuses are same, student exchange is facilitated easily.
What subjects can I study?
You can pursue your bachelor’s in psychology, business, accounting, marketing, tourism, IT and environmental science. In the master’s arena, courses are offered in psychology, guidance and counselling, business, accounting and IT. Doctorate programmes in psychology are also offered. At the pre-university level, English language preparatory programmes are offered.
What facilities are available?
Apart from state-of-the-art classrooms, we have lecture and seminar rooms, a fully equipped library, computer laboratories, an on-site bistro and sports facilities. We pride ourselves for being in the top four per cent of universities in the world for academic and research performance, according to academic ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2011.
Do you assist with placements?
We don’t guarantee placements but help with vital factors like constructing a proper resume, where to look for jobs, etc. Recruiters glance at a resume for hardly 10-15 seconds. The info you put there must be precise.
shilpa.vasudevan@newindianexpress.com