Academic English support
If you want to improve your English language skills, UQ has free opportunities on and off campus.
You can attend the free courses listed below if you are:
- currently enrolled in a UQ degree program, and/or
- a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) student, or having English as an additional language (EAL).
These short courses are held each semester and are designed to fit your study.
| Course | Description | Targeting Cohort |
This online course helps you to:
| All international students | |
| WRITE101x: English Grammar and Style | This online course helps you to:
| All students |
Free modules that help you build the skills to succeed with your assignments and excel in your studies at UQ. Participate in interactive workshops and learning activities with opportunities to practise your academic language and receive feedback. Offerings include:
and many more! | All EAL/CALD students | |
| ACE201x: How to Write a Thesis | This online course helps you to:
| All HDR students inc honours, MA coursework, Mphil and PHD |
| IELTS Academic Test Preparation MOOC | Provides you with IELTS preparation practice which covers:
| All international students |
Faculty Specific
Business, Economics and Law
| Course | Description | Targeting Cohort |
| Management Communication (MGTS7610) | PG course which develops oral and written communication skills in a business context. Students will:
| Master of Business students |
Health and Behavioural Sciences
| Course | Description | Targeting Cohort |
| Psychology Student Support Tutors (PSST) | Runs throughout the semester. Open to all students enrolled in a psychology course. | Psychology students |
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
| Course | Description | Targeting Cohort |
| Academic Writing for HDR Students | This course helps HDR students to:
| New HDR students (HASS) |
Designed for UG international and CALD students. This course helps students to:
| All UG EAL students (HASS) | |
HASS Academic English and Thesis Writing for International Students (WRIT6001) | Designed for UG international and CALD students. This course helps students to:
| All PG EAL students (HASS) |
Other Resources
| Course | Description | Targeting Cohort |
Online course from IEEE focusing on English for technical professionals. This includes units focusing on:
| All students (EAIT) | |
Academic and conversational English language skills (LinkedIn Learning) | Free courses on LinkedIn Learning to support:
| All students |
You can also attend classes or join groups to improve your conversational English skills. For example:
- the Your English Corner website lists free English classes held around Brisbane
- the Brisbane ESL English as a Second Language Group runs events where you can practice your English and improve your social and professional networking skills
- English conversation groups meet at Brisbane libraries regularly. To find a group near you, search the Brisbane City Council Library events calendar and select 'English conversation groups' as the subtype.
For more UQ offerings:
| Item | Description | Targeting Cohort |
UQ Union clubs and societies for students to:
| International students | |
Mentoring programs are available to students to:
| Domestic and international students | |
Peer Writing Drop-In | Get writing support from trained peers at the university. You can drop into to Workshop A, opposite Student Central. Check times on the window at the start of each semester. | Domestic and International Students |
Develop your leadership skills further in this online/F2F program which helps you to:
| All students, by application | |
UQ Science Gatton International Students Association (UQGISA) | Student-run international association that:
All students are welcome to participate. | International students at Gatton |
Volunteer opportunities that help you to:
| Domestic and international students |
Other Resources
| Course | Description | Targeting Cohort |
Online course from IEEE focusing on English for technical professionals. This includes units focusing on:
| All students (EAIT) | |
Academic and conversational English language skills (LinkedIn Learning) | Free courses on LinkedIn Learning to support:
| All students |
Academic Skills Advisers
Our advisers can help undergraduate and postgraduate students in all programs clarify ideas from workshops, help you develop skills and give feedback on assignments.
Student Support and Wellbeing Services
If you're having trouble booking online, contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Phone 1300 275 870
Email student.services@uq.edu.au
Vist Student Central (Building 42, St Lucia campus)
Live chat with us (8.30am—4.30pm)