International students
Queensland has long held a reputation for providing a safe, friendly and quality experience for international students. With a network of universities located across regional and metropolitan areas, Queensland's universities offer the highest quality of education while you enjoy living in a state with a fantastic climate, relaxed lifestyle and diverse leisure activities. There are also a large and diverse number of agencies and business groups that provide support to students.
International students currently studying an Australian Year 12 qualification may be eligible to apply for university through QTAC. Read more about applying for university following completion of Year 12.
International students can search and compare courses offered by Queensland universities on the Queensland Government Course finder.
South East Queensland
The south east corner of the State, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, hosts 67 per cent of the Queensland's population. It is well-resourced and boasts a sub-tropical climate. Brisbane is a large, liveable city and, as Australia's new world city, it is a destination of choice for business, investment, and major events. It has the following world-class comprehensive public universities and specialist private universities:
Public
- Griffith University
- Queensland University of Technology
- The University of Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Southern Cross University
Private
Regional Queensland
Universities in regional Queensland offer innovative and high-quality education across a diverse range of specialised research areas. Students can take advantage of excellence in teaching and research while also experiencing the unique lifestyle of regional Queensland.
Townsville and Cairns offer a unique opportunity to study in a natural, tropical environment, with the Great Barrier Reef to the east, the Daintree Rainforest to the north and Australia's outback to the west. James Cook University (JCU) hosts several pockets of world-leading research excellence in marine sciences and tropical ecology with growing prominence in tropical medicine. JCU is currently positioned in the top 10 Australian universities and top 50 Asia-Pacific universities on the Nature Publishing Index, which reflects its strong academic profile in the life sciences. In fields such as tropical coral reef ecology, the university ranks among the world's best universities:
Central Queensland University and the University of Southern Queensland have world-class strengths in agriculture, with unique sectoral partnerships emerging with the region's agricultural colleges. Central Queensland University became Queensland's first dual sector university on 1 July 2014:
Regional universities are a popular choice for international students seeking a traditional Australian rural experience. Many towns in these regions offer value in terms of living and education costs. Central Queensland University and the University of Southern Queensland have also developed reputations for excellence in the delivery of distance education.
Apply for university
Go to your preferred university website for information about their international student application process.
International students currently studying an Australian Year 12 qualification may be eligible to apply for university through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
Credit transfers and recognition of skills
See overseas skills recognition for information about having your overseas qualifications recognised in Australia.
Learning English
Some courses may require a minimum level of English language skills.
Contact your preferred university to see what English language skills are required for the course you want to study.
English courses are available to help you get the language skills you need.
Your university may also offer programs to help improve your English language skills.
Document translation
Any existing qualifications or documents that may be needed as part of your tertiary application will need to be translated into English.
Contact your preferred tertiary institute international student office to see if they offer document translation services.
Study Queensland
The Study Queensland website explores opportunities for international students to live, study and work in Queensland.