Before you arrive
International students
Preparing to study abroad is exciting!
To make your journey to Brisbane and UQ College as smooth as possible, please use this checklist to finalise your arrangements before leaving your home country.
- Enrol at UQ College: Ensure you have received your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment at UQ College, as this is required for your student visa application.
- Get health cover: Organise your Overseas Student Health Cover, which is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay in Australia when travelling on a student visa.
- Apply for a Visa: Apply for a student visa using the confirmation and health cover details to complete your application.
- Plan your travel: Book your flights to Brisbane, ensuring your arrival date is well in advance of your course commencement.
- Book accommodation: Secure temporary or long-term housing before you arrive, considering options near the UQ St Lucia campus.
- Suitable device: To study at UQ College, you are required to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) that meets our minimum specifications.
- Budget: Budget appropriately for your time in Australia, ensuring you have access to funds for initial setup costs (eg. bond, furniture) and living expenses.
Visa compliant health cover
It is a legal visa requirement that all international students maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
OSHC provides affordable access to medical and hospital treatment, and subsidises most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport. Please note that standard OSHC typically does not cover services like routine dental treatment or physiotherapy.
The UQ College preferred provider of OSHC is Allianz Care Australia. Alternatively you may organise your own OSHC through any other government-approved provider.
Student Visa applications
If your study program with UQ College is longer than three months, you are required to obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500) as your official ticket to study in Australia.
Once you have accepted your offer and paid your initial tuition and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) fees, you need to apply for your Student Visa. You can apply at your closest Australian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission.
If your course is shorter than three months, you'll need to check out other options, such as a Visitor Visa. You must have the correct visa type before you start your travel.
Tips for your Visa application
- Apply ASAP: Processing times can vary, and you cannot commence your studies in Australia without a valid visa, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure timely processing.
- Passport validity: Ensure your passport is current and valid for the entire duration of your proposed stay in Australia.
- Know your conditions: You must take time to read and understand all conditions of your student visa. The Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system is a great resource for checking your entitlements and conditions once your visa is granted.
- Travel tip: Don't forget to print a copy of your granted visa and keep it with you when you travel!
Need help with the application process?
Planning your journey and arrival in Brisbane
Once your visa is approved, the next exciting step is booking your flights to Brisbane Airport (BNE)! We strongly recommend arriving at least one week before your scheduled orientation or start date to allow you to settle into your accommodation and adjust to the time difference.
Travel options from Brisbane Airport to your accommodation
- Airtrain: A fast and direct train service that connects BNE to Brisbane City Central Station and other major inner-city stations.
- Taxi or Rideshare: Available from designated pickup points outside the arrivals hall.
- Public Transport: Brisbane's Translink network (buses and trains) is reliable. You will need to purchase a 'go card' or use a contactless payment method to travel.
- Free UQ Shuttle Service: Available exclusively to UQ package students (combining a UQ program and a UQ College program). Bookings can be made up to three days prior to departure. Book now.
Where you live plays a big role in your student experience. UQ College students have fantastic accommodation options to choose from, whether you want to live near the action or in a quiet private space.
On-Campus Community
For a truly immersive experience, UQ offers a range of living options on or adjacent to the St Lucia campus, where UQ College is based:
- UQ Residential Colleges: The classic university experience, offering full support, meals, and a built-in community.
- UQ Residences: Modern, purpose-built apartment-style living exclusively for UQ students.
Off-Campus Independence
You can also explore options to live independently off-campus:
- Private Rentals: Search for houses or apartments with friends or independently in suburbs with easy access to the St Lucia campus (like Toowong or St Lucia).
- Approved Provider Accommodation: UQ works with approved providers of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) throughout Brisbane.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
You are required to bring your own Personal Electronic Device and (wired) headphones to all classes. This device is essential for accessing learning materials and participating in activities inside and outside the classroom.
We recommend purchasing and setting up your device before you arrive, so you have one less thing to worry about while settling in.
Recommended Device Type A laptop or notebook computer is considered the most appropriate device for all academic study. Phones, iPads and Android tablets are not permitted to use for online assessments.
Things to consider:
- Your device should be practical and easy to carry around campus. It is recommended that the weight not exceed 2 kilograms (2kg).
- Devices should have sufficient battery life (8 hours+) to operate throughout instructional periods without requiring external power.
- Your device must meet or exceed these minimum specifications to ensure compatibility with our learning platforms, especially for online assessments.
It's essential that you give careful consideration to the financial planning required to support your academic and personal needs while living in Brisbane. The Australian Department of Home Affairs mandates that all Student Visa applicants demonstrate the financial capacity to cover living expenses amounting to just under $30,000 per year, (excluding tuition fees). This minimum amount is to make sure you can pay for things like rent, food, transport, and utilities, so it's smart to plan to allow for a little extra wiggle room!
Preparing for your journey to Brisbane? Since you'll be calling Australia home for a while, double-checking your packing list is vital. We've compiled the must-have items—from critical paperwork to clothes for the Queensland weather—to ensure your arrival and first weeks are smooth.
Essential travel & immigration documents
It is absolutely crucial to keep these original or printed documents in your carry-on luggage (a dedicated document folder is best) for easy access upon arrival at Immigration and Customs:
- Valid Passport (and remember to leave a copy secured at home).
- Student Visa Information and Grant Letter (printed).
- UQ College Documents (printed copies of your Offer Letter, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and Orientation Letter).
- Academic Records (Original academic transcripts).
- Financial Proof (Tuition payment receipts and bank account details from your home country).
- Identification (Multiple forms of official ID, e.g. driver's license/ID card).
- Arrival Details (Important contact numbers and details of pre-arranged accommodation).
Study and electronics
- Your laptop or notebook computer and wired headphones (as required by the BYOD policy).
- Chargers for all your electronic devices (phone, camera, laptop).
- A Power Adaptor/Converter for Australian power outlets (230 volts AC).
Health and finance
- Initial funds: Have about A$2,000 accessible for your first few weeks of expenses. This can be Australian cash, a travel card, or accessible credit/debit card funds.
Health supplies
- Any essential medication (with the original prescription or a doctor's letter).
- Your prescription for glasses and a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses.
- Basic toiletries for immediate use, though you can buy everything once you arrive.
- Travel sickness medication, if you need it for the flight.
Clothes and Brisbane weather gear
- Clothing: Brisbane is in a subtropical climate, meaning hot, humid summers and mild winters. Pack a mix of clothes for multiple different seasons—layers are key!
- Rain gear: Brisbane can experience sudden, heavy downpours. A compact umbrella is an absolute necessity.
Domestic students
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
You are required to bring your own Personal Electronic Device and (wired) headphones to all classes. This device is essential for accessing learning materials and participating in activities inside and outside the classroom.
We recommend purchasing and setting up your device before you arrive, so you have one less thing to worry about while settling in.
Recommended Device Type A laptop or notebook computer is considered the most appropriate device for all academic study. Phones, iPads and Android tablets are not permitted to use for online assessments.
Things to consider:
- Your device should be practical and easy to carry around campus. It is recommended that the weight not exceed 2 kilograms (2kg).
- Devices should have sufficient battery life (8 hours+) to operate throughout instructional periods without requiring external power.
- Your device must meet or exceed these minimum specifications to ensure compatibility with our learning platforms, especially for online assessments.
Planning your commute to campus
Travel options to UQ St Lucia
- Train: The closest train stations to campus are Boggo Road Station and Toowong Station. You will then need to catch a bus or walk.
- Bus: UQ St Lucia has two major bus terminals on campus, UQ Lakes and UQ Chancellor's Place.
- Ferry: Frequent ferry services run from the UQ St Lucia Ferry Terminal to various spots in Brisbane such as West End, South Bank, and North Quay.
- Taxi or Rideshare: Drop-off zones are available close to Building 14.
- Driving: Paid parking is available on-campus, although we recommend getting here early to secure a place.
- Walking or cycling: Enjoy the nature and arrive to campus via St Lucia or across the Eleanor Schonell Bridge.
Where you live plays a big role in your student experience. UQ College students have fantastic accommodation options to choose from, whether you want to live near the action or in a quiet private space.
On-Campus Community
For a truly immersive experience, UQ offers a range of living options on or adjacent to the St Lucia campus, where UQ College is based:
- UQ Residential Colleges: The classic university experience, offering full support, meals, and a built-in community.
- UQ Residences: Modern, purpose-built apartment-style living exclusively for UQ students.
Off-Campus Independence
You can also explore options to live independently off-campus:
- Private Rentals: Search for houses or apartments with friends or independently in suburbs with easy access to the St Lucia campus (like Toowong or St Lucia).
- Approved Provider Accommodation: UQ works with approved providers of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) throughout Brisbane.
UQ College Limited | CRICOS Provider Code: 04039H