Our virtual private network (VPN) extends the UQ network to anywhere in the world.

The VPN acts as a 'secure tunnel' from your computer to the UQ network. Once connected, your computer will behave as if it is on the UQ network.

If you're off campus and have a stable internet connection, you can use the VPN to access certain UQ resources.

When to use the VPN

Only connect to the VPN when you have to. Please disconnect when you have the resources you need. This will ensure that the service is available to everyone.

The following require a VPN connection:

  • Aurion
  • Citrix applications
  • Content Manager (TRIM)
  • FileMaker
  • Network drives (excluding OneDrive)
  • Raiser's Edge
  • SharePoint (on-premise) sites
  • SiPass
  • Student Management System (SMS)
  • UniFi
  • UQeMarket
  • Some library information and databases
  • Websites that are only accessible to computers on the UQ network.

You don't need the VPN to access UQ email.

Data is sent both ways over a VPN. This means that when you are connected to the VPN, data is used on both your local account and on your UQ account.

Access and cost

UQ staff and students have access to the VPN and can use it free of charge. Staff from UQ affiliates need to apply for VPN access.

Installing the VPN

All ITS-managed UQ computers should already have the VPN client software installed. If not, you can use the Microsoft Software Centre (Windows) or Self Service (Mac) to self-install Cisco AnyConnect software.

If you are using your personal computer, you'll have to install Cisco AnyConnect software to access UQ's VPN:

  1. Go to vpn.uq.edu.au
  2. Log in with your UQ username and password on the UQ Authenticate screen.
  3. Click the button to download Cisco AnyConnect for your computer.
  4. Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install Cisco AnyConnect.

If you are using a mobile device, download the Cisco AnyConnect app from Google Play or the App Store.

How to connect

To connect to the VPN, follow the instructions below for the operating system you are using.

Windows

  1. Click the 'Start' menu and open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
  2. In the address box, type vpn.uq.edu.au, then click 'Connect'.
  3. Log in with your UQ username and password on the UQ Authenticate screen.

macOS

  1. Open 'Finder' and select 'Applications'.
  2. Open the 'Cisco' folder, then open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
  3. In the address box, type vpn.uq.edu.au, then click 'Connect'.
  4. Log in with your UQ username and password on the UQ Authenticate screen.

iOS

Setting up for the first time

  1. Open the AnyConnect app on your device.
  2. Toggle on the switch next to 'AnyConnect VPN'.
  3. Fill out the following details:
    • Description - UQ
    • Server Address - vpn.uq.edu.au
  4. Tap 'Save'.
  5. Tap 'Allow' on the pop up 'AnyConnect would like to add VPN configurations'.
  6. Depending on the type of device you're using, confirm adding the VPN configuration with your password, touch ID, or face ID.

Connect

  1. Open the AnyConnect app on your device.
  2. Toggle on the switch next to 'AnyConnect VPN'.
  3. Log in with your UQ username and password on the UQ Authenticate screen.

Android

Setting up for the first time

  1. Open the AnyConnect app on your device.
  2. Tap 'Connections'.
  3. Select 'Add New VPN Connection'.
  4. Fill out the following details:
    • Description - UQ
    • Server Address - vpn.uq.edu.au
  5. Tap 'Done'.

Connect

  1. Open the AnyConnect app on your device.
  2. Toggle on the switch next to 'AnyConnect VPN'.
  3. Enter your UQ username and password on the UQ Authenticate screen.

Using multi-factor authentication

If you're a UQ staff member or student, you'll need to authenticate using multi-factor authentication each time you connect to the VPN. 

If you authenticate using notifications on a mobile device, log in and accept the notification as usual.

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