UQ welcomes students from all corners of the globe. Moving to a new country or state to study can be daunting especially if you are living away from family for the first time. That is why we offer a wide range of services that support you before and after you commence at UQ.
This page outlines our support services specifically targeted to international and interstate students to help you get the most out of your time here.
Preparing to start at UQ
Visas
Do you know how to apply for a student visa? Are you under the age of 18? Do you need to bring your family with you to Australia?
Overseas health cover
You must purchase overseas student health cover (OSHC) as part of your student visa conditions. Find out what it is, who it's for and how to apply.
International student supervision program
This program provides accommodation and support for international students under the age of 18.
Airport Pick-up
Arrange for UQ airport pick-up to get you from the airport.
Information sessions
Attend a number of live, online information sessions before orientation that cover settling into UQ, transitioning to life in Brisbane, guides to enrolling and how to navigate university life.
Get to know your new home
Get more information about what it's really like living and attending university here, including accommodation options and informative area guides.
Living in BrisbaneBrisbane and Gatton area guidesInformation sessionsSettling in and OrientationBeach safetyCampus safety
Important Information
Before you arrive take some time to complete a few important steps to make sure you are prepared to commence your studies.
Your first few weeks at UQ
To ensure you get the most out of Orientation and the first few weeks of university life, make sure you follow the below steps to help you set up, make friends, attend key sessions and know where to find support.
Your life at UQ
You life at UQ is an exciting one full of events, activities, learning opportunities, friendships and much more! There are plenty of ways you can connect into the community and get amazing experiences during your time here!
While at UQ make sure you
- Visit the UQLife website, your one-stop-shop for events and experiences at UQ
- enhance your employability through workshops, internships, global experiences and much more!
- Work on your English language skills with on and off campus opportunities!
- Find a student club or society with the UQ Union like the International Collective
- Get Involved with the UQ community with volunteering and mentoring
- Connect with Uni Wellbeing, a program specifically to enhance the experience of CALD students
Helpful Resources
Connect with an Accessibility and Welfare Adviser
Accessibility and Welfare Advisers can assist you with many of the situations you may be facing as a student studying in Brisbane or online. They provide a professional, confidential service to both international and domestic students
Our Accessibility and Welfare Advisers are here to assist you with
- Settling in to Brisbane and life at UQ (homesickness, culture and social)
- Accommodation concerns or work related problems
- Financial concerns and budgeting
- Health and wellbeing
- Personal and family issues
- English language support information
- Advice about services available and where to get help
- Understanding UQ policies and procedures
- Support during or after an incident (crime, accidents, scams)
- International Student Supervision Program
- For all visa advice and support please visit UQ Union
Appointments with our advisers are available by Phone, Zoom and Skype.
Workshops
Compulsory for all international students (Start of semester)
- Getting Started - your first few weeks at UQ
- Safety in Australia
Ongoing workshops (offered all year)
- OSHC and Medical help for international students
- Health and wellbeing walks
- Working while studying on a student visa
- Living on a student budget
- There is more to life than 2 minute noodles
- Accommodation and renting in Brisbane
Workshops are delivered in person or via Zoom.
Book an appointment
Phone Student Support and Wellbeing Services on 1300 275 870
Email student.services@uq.edu.au
Visit Student Central (Building 42, St Lucia campus)
Visit Gatton Student Central (8101-A, Gatton campus)
Live chat with us (8.30am—4.30pm)
Contact us
Accessibility and Welfare Advisers
Our advisers can provide information on moving to Australia, living in Brisbane, English language, OSHC and student visas.
International Student Supervision Program
We provide supervision and support for international students who are under 18.
Need more help?
Medical student support
If you're a med student and need advice or a referral, book an appointment to speak with one of our advisers: