Making the decision to study abroad is a big one, both for you and your child. You want to know that they will be safe, supported and well-positioned for future career success.
At The University of Queensland (UQ), we are committed to helping parents feel confident their child will learn from world-leading academics and receive dedicated support that will open strong career opportunities, whether they decide to come home or move on to new adventures after their study.
We spoke to former international students Stephanie Chu and Bernice Tang to answer common concerns and questions of parents who are sending their child to study overseas for the first time.
Will my child receive a high-quality education?
We’re proud to be ranked the #1 university in Australia by Time Magazine and top 40 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2027. UQ has consistently placed in the top 3% of ranked institutions in the world.
“I chose UQ because of its strong reputation and the flexibility of its communications program,” says Stephanie.
“My mum likes that UQ is a part of the Group of Eight (Go8), which is a big plus for my future employment.”
Go8 is Australia’s version of the Ivy League, representing Australia's leading, research-intensive universities. UQ is also home to Australia’s most awarded teachers, recognising the quality of the teaching and the learning experience we provide students.
UQ is ranked highly by several independent rankings, which is a strong indicator of learning and teaching quality, world-leading research and future employment outcomes.
Bernice said UQ's global reputation helped her when she was making a decision where to study abroad.
“UQ’s excellent global reputation and its vibrant campus life made it the perfect choice for my international adventure.”
Will this degree help my child succeed in their career?
Of course, the ultimate goal of a student’s university experience is to launch an exciting, successful career.
At UQ, we focus on career readiness. Many UQ programs include opportunities for students to gain industry experience before they graduate through work-integrated learning, internships, industry placements, and hands-on entrepreneurship opportunities. Plus, they have access to a huge range of other career support, such as research experiences and networking events.
Take advantage of extracurricular opportunities, networking events and UQ's careers and employability resources to jumpstart your career early.
For Stephanie, one of the highlights of her time at UQ was participating in the student-run agency, Newish Communications. Here, she got the chance to work with real clients and learn from industry leaders, giving her practical experience she could leverage as a graduate.
Bernice adds: “My Bachelor of Communication was engaging, practical and highly collaborative. The course structure allowed me to dive deep into media and strategy, which gave me a realistic preview of the professional communication world.”
“UQ didn't just teach me theory. I learned how to collaborate across cultures and think critically. These soft and hard skills gave me the exact foundation and confidence I needed to transition smoothly into content marketing.”
And the results speak for themselves. In 2024, almost 80% of our graduates (undergraduate) secured full-time employment within 4 to 6 months of completing their studies.
Will my child be safe in Brisbane?
Brisbane is located on Australia’s east coast and is the capital city of the state of Queensland. It is well-loved for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and its vibrant multicultural communities.
Bernice, who is originally from Singapore, says she’s always felt incredibly safe here.
“Brisbane is very walkable, peaceful and student-friendly," she says.
"This gave both me and my parents great peace of mind when we made the decision to study at UQ.”
Originally from Hong Kong, Stephanie says that Brisbane offers a relaxed lifestyle.
“The people are really friendly and the climate is warm and sunny for most of the year,” she says.
“UQ’s campus is well maintained and designed with student safety in mind, with 24/7 on-campus security, emergency help points and well-lit pathways, especially around main study and accommodation areas.”
Students also have access to the UQ SafeZone app, which connects them with security and emergency services during emergency situations on UQ campuses and sites. The app lets the UQ community make emergency calls, request first-aid assistance, ask for help when they’re lost or locked out of a room, or report suspicious activities.
International students studying on a student visa must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to ensure they are covered in cases of emergencies. Parents can rest assured that when they get OSHC through UQ, their child is covered for 24-hour emergency assistance and ambulance services.
What support is available if my child needs help?
We know it can be difficult to have your child so far from home. That’s why UQ supports international students from before they arrive through to graduation.
“I remember my mum and I had a conversation with the UQ representatives when we were still deciding and they were very helpful. They guided us through the entire application process,” says Stephanie.
“UQ offers fantastic support, from pre-arrival information and orientation programs that help you navigate a new country to academic workshops and dedicated international student advisers who ensure you never feel lost,” Bernice adds.
For an easy transition to new life on campus, international students commencing at UQ can also request complimentary airport pickup at both international and domestic terminals.
For students who want to improve their English language skills, UQ has free courses and groups where they can practise their academic and conversational skills. This includes structured online courses and modules, IELTS preparation practice, advisers and international clubs to support the student journey at the University.
For many international students, their time at UQ was a great chance to improve their communication skills.
Stephanie shares that her mum was happy about the communication skills she developed at UQ.
“Being able to strengthen my English language skills in a supportive environment is a plus at UQ. My mum knows it will create strong opportunities for my future career.”
“Knowing support is always available makes a huge difference, especially when adjusting to a new country far from home.”
Will my child feel at home at UQ?
Establishing a new home away from home and making new friends from all over the world are some of the highlights of studying at UQ.
1 in 3 residents in Brisbane has a multicultural background. This diversity is reflected at UQ, so international students quickly find a sense of belonging among the student community and the University’s 200+ clubs and societies.
Parents can feel confident knowing their child will join a diverse and inclusive community. Multicultural events like mahjong nights, Latin dance days, Holi Festival of Colours celebrations and the Songkran water festival help students celebrate their cultural heritage and share their traditions with the University’s supportive community.
Stephanie says the UQ community was really welcoming and the lifelong friendships she’s made have been a highlight of her time here.
Steph and Bernice with their fellow international students at the Mount Coot-tha lookout
“Through involvement in ambassador programs and student initiatives, I was able to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and settle into life in Brisbane.”
How will studying at UQ help my child grow?
Studying at UQ isn’t just about getting a great education. It’s also about the life experiences that students will gain along the way.
Stephanie shared that her mum was very happy with the time she spent studying at UQ.
“My mum said, ‘The best thing about sending your child to study abroad is that it becomes a learning experience, not just for them, but for me as a parent as well. It’s about learning to let go and trusting them to thrive as a young adult. UQ provided a safe and supportive environment for Steph to grow and study’,” says Stephanie.
Bernice also said her parents are incredibly proud to see how she’s grown, and that they would encourage other parents to consider it, too.
“Trust the process. Encourage your children to take the leap. UQ provides such a safe, supportive, and world-class environment that parents don't need to worry about their children finding their footing.”
Interested in studying in Australia? Let us introduce you to Brisbane.
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