The University of Queensland (UQ), founded in 1909, is a prestigious public research institution in Australia known for its focus on teaching excellence and impactful research. It is located in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and consistently ranks among the top 50 universities worldwide (QS 2024: 43rd). UQ offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs across various disciplines. Most bachelor’s programs last 3-4 years, while master’s programs range from 1-2 years. Application deadlines are typically May and October for semester intakes in July and February.
Location:
The University of Queensland (UQ) is located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with its primary campus at St Lucia. UQ also has additional campuses at Gatton (agriculture) and Herston (medicine and health).
Ranking:
- QS World University Rankings 2024: 43rd globally
- Times Higher Education (THE) 2024: 53rd globally
- US News & World Report 2024: 36th in the world
Application Time:
- Semester 1 (February intake): Applications close in October of the previous year
- Semester 2 (July intake): Applications close in May of the same year
Study Areas: Program List
- Business, Economics, and Law
- Bachelor/Master of Business
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor/Master of Economics
- Bachelor/Master of Laws (LLB, LLM)
- Engineering and Information Technology
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering
- Master of Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Public Health
- Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Science and Mathematics
- Environmental Science
- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Marine Science and Biotechnology
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Sociology, History, and Political Science)
- Journalism and Communication
- Education (Primary, Secondary, and Special Education)
- International Relations
- Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
- Bachelor/Master of Veterinary Science
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Science
- Food Science and Technology
- Architecture, Planning, and Design
- Bachelor/Master of Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Landscape Architecture
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- Environmental Management
- Renewable Energy
- Climate Change Science
UQ offers dual degrees, enabling students to combine two disciplines, such as Business and Law, for a well-rounded education. Additionally, flexible learning options, including online and part-time study, are available in some programs.
Admission Requirements (Bachelor, Masters, PhD)
Bachelor’s Programs:
- GPA: Minimum equivalent of 65% or above in high school
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no sub-score below 6.0) / TOEFL iBT 87
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT not mandatory but helpful
Master’s Programs:
- GPA: Minimum 4.5/7.0 (65%) from a recognized university
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 87
- GRE/GMAT: Some business programs require GRE/GMAT
PhD Programs:
- GPA: Minimum 5.0/7.0 (70%) in postgraduate degree
- English Proficiency: IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 100
- Research Proposal and Supervisor Confirmation required
Required Documents to Apply
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates
- English Proficiency Test Results
- Passport Copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume/CV (for postgraduate programs)
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants)
- Letters of Recommendation
Tuition Fees for International Students at the University of Queensland (UQ)
Tuition fees vary based on the program and field of study. Below is a general range of annual tuition fees (AUD) for international students:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business, Commerce, and Law: AUD 40,000 – 45,000
- Engineering and Technology: AUD 45,000 – 50,000
- Health and Medicine (MBBS, Nursing): AUD 50,000 – 80,000
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: AUD 36,000 – 42,000
- Science and Agriculture: AUD 38,000 – 46,000
Postgraduate Programs (Master’s)
- MBA: AUD 80,000 (total program)
- Business, Economics, and Law: AUD 40,000 – 45,000
- Engineering and Technology: AUD 45,000 – 50,000
- Public Health, Biomedical Science: AUD 38,000 – 48,000
- Arts, Social Sciences, and Education: AUD 36,000 – 42,000
PhD and Research Programs
- PhD (All fields): AUD 40,000 – 45,000 per year
Note: Many PhD programs offer tuition waivers or scholarships for international students.
Additional Costs:
- Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): AUD 300 per year
- Books and Study Materials: AUD 500 – 1,000 per year
Payment and Refund Policies
- Students are required to pay their tuition fees in advance before the start of each semester.
- Refunds may be available if students withdraw before a certain deadline, as per UQ’s policy.
Summary of Tuition Fees (Annual Range)
- Bachelor’s Programs: AUD 36,000 – 80,000
- Master’s Programs: AUD 36,000 – 50,000
- PhD Programs: AUD 40,000 – 45,000 (often waived with scholarships)
Living Expenses for International Students at the University of Queensland (UQ)
The estimated living costs in Brisbane range between AUD 20,000 – 25,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. Below is a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Accommodation:
- On-campus: AUD 280 – 450 per week
- Off-campus (shared apartments): AUD 180 – 300 per week
- Homestay (with families): AUD 250 – 350 per week
Tip: Living off-campus in shared apartments can help reduce housing costs.
- Food and Groceries:
- AUD 80 – 150 per week
Cooking at home is cheaper than dining out, where meals can cost AUD 15 – 25 per meal.
- AUD 80 – 150 per week
- Transportation:
- AUD 40 – 70 per week
Public transport options include buses, trains, and ferries. UQ students receive discounts with a GoCard (student concession).
- AUD 40 – 70 per week
- Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.):
- AUD 30 – 60 per week (for off-campus living)
- Health Insurance:
- AUD 500 – 700 per year (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC is mandatory for international students)
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous:
- AUD 50 – 100 per week
This includes activities like movies, sports, gym memberships, and social events.
- AUD 50 – 100 per week
Total Estimated Monthly Living Expenses:
- Low Range: AUD 1,700 – 2,000 per month
- High Range: AUD 2,500+ per month
Why Choose the University of Queensland?
- Global Reputation: UQ is ranked in the top 50 universities globally.
- Research Excellence: Leading-edge research facilities and collaborations with industries.
- Support Services: Dedicated programs for international students, including mentorship and job support.
- Diverse Campus Life: Located in Brisbane, a safe, vibrant, and student-friendly city with a warm climate.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Apply Early: Start the application process 6-8 months before your intended intake.
- Prepare English Test Scores: Take IELTS or TOEFL well in advance.
- Organize Finances: Prepare for both tuition and living expenses and explore scholarship opportunities.
- Health Insurance: Ensure you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as it is mandatory.