Study at the University of Queensland
Study at one of Australia's leading research universities, recognised globally for innovation, engineering, medicine, business, environmental sciences, and world-changing discoveries.
Research Excellence, Global Impact
The University of Queensland (UQ), founded in 1909, is Queensland's first university and one of Australia's leading research-intensive institutions. As a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight and Universitas 21, UQ consistently ranks among the world's top 50 universities, renowned for its research excellence, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
With over 56,000 students including more than 22,000 international students from 140+ countries, UQ offers a truly global learning environment across its picturesque campuses. The university is particularly celebrated for its strengths in life sciences, engineering, environmental science, business, and biomedical research — including its pivotal role in developing molecular clamp vaccine technology.
UQ's main St Lucia campus, set along the Brisbane River with heritage sandstone architecture and subtropical gardens, is widely regarded as one of Australia's most beautiful university campuses. Brisbane's subtropical climate, affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and thriving innovation ecosystem make UQ an exceptional choice for international students seeking world-class education in an outstanding lifestyle setting.
Academic Programmes
6 faculties offering world-class programmes across engineering, science, business & more
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture & Information Technology
St Lucia
Faculty of Business, Economics & Law
St Lucia
Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences
St Lucia/Herston
Faculty of Medicine
Herston
Faculty of Science
St Lucia/Gatton
Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
St Lucia
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024–2025)
Undergraduate
- engineering: AUD 49,000–54,000/year
- computer science it: AUD 49,000–52,000/year
- business commerce: AUD 46,000–50,000/year
- science: AUD 46,000–50,000/year
- arts humanities: AUD 36,000–40,000/year
- medicine: AUD 78,000–84,000/year
- law: AUD 46,000–49,000/year
- veterinary science: AUD 62,000–66,000/year
Postgraduate
- masters coursework: AUD 40,000–52,000/year (varies by faculty)
- mba: AUD 87,000+ total (full-time)
- juris doctor: AUD 46,000–49,000/year
- research masters: AUD 40,000–50,000/year
- phd: AUD 40,000–50,000/year (most funded via RTP or UQ scholarships)
- medicine postgrad: AUD 70,000–84,000/year
Living in Brisbane
- accommodation: AUD 180–500/week (on-campus colleges or private rental in St Lucia/Toowong area)
- meals: AUD 80–160/week
- health insurance oshc: AUD 600–700/year (compulsory for international students)
- transport: AUD 30–50/week (go card — buses, trains, ferries; UQ has its own bus & ferry stops)
- books supplies: AUD 500–1,000/year
- personal expenses: AUD 80–140/week
- total living estimate: AUD 21,000–30,000/year
Tuition fees are indicative for international students (2024–2025 academic year) and are subject to annual increases. Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) applies. UQ operates on a two-semester system with some programmes offering summer semester. Always verify current fees on the University of Queensland website.
Funding Your UQ Education
From 50% tuition waivers to fully funded research scholarships
UQ International High Achievers Scholarship
AUD 10,000 tuition fee reduction per year (for the degree duration, up to 4 years)
Eligibility: High-achieving international students receiving an offer for an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme at UQ
Merit-based. Automatic consideration upon admission. Based on prior academic achievement (typically equivalent to GPA 6.0+/7.0). Renewable each year subject to academic performance.
UQ Excellence Scholarship
25% or 50% tuition fee waiver for the degree duration
Eligibility: Exceptional international students with outstanding academic records receiving an offer at UQ
Highly competitive. Two tiers (25% and 50%). Automatic consideration upon admission application. Based on academic excellence.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
Full tuition fee waiver + living stipend (AUD 35,000+/year tax-exempt) + OSHC + relocation allowance
Eligibility: International PhD and research Master's students with outstanding academic and research records
Australian Government funded. UQ is one of Australia's top RTP allocators. Includes generous living allowance and thesis allowance.
UQ Graduate School Scholarship (UQGSS)
Full tuition fee waiver + living allowance for research degree students
Eligibility: International research students with outstanding academic records who narrowly miss RTP
University-funded. For PhD and MPhil candidates. Combines with other top-up stipends available through institutes and centres.
UQ Destination Australia Scholarship
AUD 15,000/year for study at UQ Gatton campus
Eligibility: International and domestic students studying eligible programmes at UQ's Gatton campus (agriculture, veterinary, environmental)
Australian Government funded. For regional campus study. Encourages study in regional areas.
UQ Science International Scholarship
AUD 10,000 per year tuition reduction
Eligibility: International students admitted to Faculty of Science programmes with strong academic credentials
Faculty-level award. Automatic consideration. Renewable based on academic performance.
How to Get In
Deadlines: Semester 1 (February): closes late January. Semester 2 (July): closes late June. Some programmes close earlier due to demand. Summer Semester: limited programmes available.
- Completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12 (QCE) with required ATAR equivalent
- Meet programme-specific academic entry requirements and prerequisite subjects
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each band (standard); some programmes require 7.0+
- Prerequisite subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Sciences, English) for STEM, health, and engineering programmes
- Apply via UQ Direct Application portal or authorised agent
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
- Personal statement (selected programmes)
- Portfolio (Architecture, Design, Music)
- UCAT/interview (Medicine, Dentistry)
- Passport copy and evidence of English test results
UQ assesses international qualifications against Australian equivalents. Foundation programmes (UQ College) and diploma pathways are available for students not meeting direct entry. Requirements vary significantly by programme and faculty. Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate programme at UQ. Always check the UQ admissions website for specific requirements.
Life at UQ
Beautiful riverside campuses in subtropical Brisbane
St Lucia Campus
UQ's stunning main campus — 114 hectares along the Brisbane River featuring heritage sandstone Great Court, subtropical gardens, modern research facilities, and the iconic UQ Lakes.
Great Court
The heart of UQ — a heritage-listed sandstone cloister dating from the 1930s surrounded by jacaranda trees. An iconic gathering place for students and a symbol of UQ's history.
UQ Lakes & River
The picturesque UQ Lakes precinct and Brisbane River foreshore offer peaceful study spots, walking paths, and the UQ ferry terminal connecting directly to the city.
Libraries & Study Spaces
UQ's library network includes the Social Sciences & Humanities Library, Biological Sciences Library, and 24/7 study spaces with extensive digital resources and collaborative areas.
Student Clubs & Societies
Over 220 clubs and societies through the UQ Union spanning academic, cultural, sports, political, sustainability, and social groups. Active international student community with dedicated cultural societies.
UQ Sport & Recreation
World-class sporting facilities including the UQ Aquatic Centre (Olympic training venue), tennis courts, athletics track, gyms, and over 40 competitive sports clubs.
Residential Colleges
On-campus living at historic colleges including St John's, Emmanuel, King's, Cromwell, and Union College, plus modern student apartments. A collegiate experience with pastoral support and social life.
Brisbane Lifestyle
Subtropical climate with 280+ sunny days per year. South Bank, riverside dining, outdoor adventures, vibrant arts scene, and one of Australia's most affordable capital cities for students.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Biomedical & Vaccine Research
UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN) and Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) are world leaders. UQ developed the molecular clamp vaccine platform and leads in drug discovery.
Environmental Science & Sustainability
UQ is a global leader in environmental science, marine biology, conservation, and climate science. Home to leading research in the Great Barrier Reef, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.
Engineering & Advanced Materials
Cutting-edge research in mining engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, robotics, and sustainable energy technologies through dedicated research centres.
Agriculture & Food Science
UQ Gatton campus is a hub for agricultural innovation — crop science, animal production, food technology, and sustainable farming systems for global food security.
Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Computing
Strong research programmes in AI, machine learning, computer vision, and quantum technology with industry partnerships and ARC-funded centres of excellence.
Social Science & Public Policy
Leading research in education, psychology, social work, political science, and public policy. UQ's Institute for Social Science Research addresses society's most pressing challenges.
International Student Support
Over 22,000 international students from 140+ countries
- UQ International Student Services (dedicated support hub)
- Pre-departure webinars and comprehensive orientation
- Airport pickup service for new international students
- Multi-day Orientation Week (O-Week) programme
- English language development (UQ ICTE bridging programmes)
- Academic skills support and peer-assisted study (PASS)
- Counselling, wellbeing, and disability support services
- UQ Careers — dedicated international student career support
- Student visa compliance and renewal guidance
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) arrangement
- International student mentoring and buddy programmes
- Global mobility — exchange and short-term programmes with 200+ partner universities
Your Path to UQ
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate UQ's 6 faculties and extensive programme offerings, identify the best fit for your background and career goals, and plan your pathway including Summer Semester options.
Application Strategy
Expert guidance on UQ's competitive admissions — personal statement writing, prerequisite planning, document preparation, and meeting semester deadlines across all faculties.
Scholarship Guidance
Identify and maximise your chances for the Excellence Scholarship (25–50% waiver), High Achievers Scholarship, Destination Australia, faculty-specific awards, and RTP research funding.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at UQ, craft research proposals aligned with strengths in biomedical science, environment, engineering, and AI, and navigate RTP applications.
Visa & Accommodation
Australian student visa (subclass 500) guidance, OSHC arrangement, residential college applications, and off-campus housing advice for the St Lucia and Toowong areas.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing, go card and transport guidance, Brisbane orientation, bank account setup, airport pickup coordination, and ongoing support throughout your time at UQ.
Apply to UQ
Free expert guidance — no hidden fees
Hear From UQ Students
“UQ's Software Engineering programme combines rigorous theory with industry projects. The Brisbane tech scene is growing fast, and UQ's career support helped me land a graduate role at a leading firm before I even finished.”
“Studying marine biology at UQ means access to the Great Barrier Reef research station. The hands-on field work and world-class facilities made this the best decision I've ever made. Brisbane's lifestyle is incredible.”
“My RTP scholarship at UQ covered everything — tuition, living costs, and research expenses. The AIBN facilities are world-class, and my supervisors are genuinely invested in my success. UQ has transformed my research career.”
Frequently Asked Questions
UQ is ranked #40 globally (QS 2025) and is a Group of Eight member with particular strengths in environmental science, biomedical research, engineering, business, and sports science (#2 globally). Its stunning Brisbane riverside campus, subtropical climate, affordable living costs, and excellent graduate outcomes make it an outstanding choice for international students.
Undergraduate fees range from AUD 36,000–84,000/year depending on programme (engineering: ~AUD 49,000–54,000; business: ~AUD 46,000–50,000; medicine: ~AUD 78,000–84,000). Postgraduate coursework ranges from AUD 40,000–84,000/year. The MBA is AUD 87,000+ total. Fees are subject to annual increases.
UQ offers the Excellence Scholarship (25%–50% tuition waiver), International High Achievers Scholarship (AUD 10,000/year), Destination Australia Scholarship (AUD 15,000/year at Gatton), Faculty-specific scholarships, and Research Training Program (RTP) for PhD students. Most merit scholarships are assessed automatically upon admission.
Standard requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Some programmes (Law, Medicine, Education, Nursing) require IELTS 7.0+. TOEFL iBT (min 87), PTE Academic (min 64), and Cambridge English are also accepted. UQ College pathway programmes have lower entry points.
UQ offers residential colleges at St Lucia (St John's, Emmanuel, King's, Cromwell, Union College, Grace College) with a traditional collegiate experience. Modern student apartments are also available. Costs range from AUD 180–500/week. Off-campus options in St Lucia, Toowong, and surrounding suburbs are popular and more affordable than Sydney/Melbourne.
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with 280+ sunny days, is significantly more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, offers excellent public transport (buses, trains, ferries — UQ has its own stops), a thriving food and arts scene, proximity to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches, and is consistently ranked among Australia's most liveable cities.
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, application strategy, scholarship identification, document preparation, SOP writing, visa support, OSHC arrangement, accommodation guidance, and pre-departure briefing. We support you from initial enquiry to arrival in Brisbane.
UQ has a 90%+ graduate employment rate within 4 months. The university has strong industry partnerships, compulsory work-integrated learning in many programmes, and UQ Careers provides extensive support. Brisbane's growing tech, biotech, mining, and services sectors offer excellent career pathways.