Arriving in Australia

Before we welcome you to Australia, here's what you need to consider when planning your arrival.

Planning your arrival

Before you leave home, we recommend that you book temporary or short-term accommodation for your first few weeks in Brisbane.

You should plan to arrive in Brisbane about 2 weeks before classes begin so you can attend Orientation, settle in and arrange your long-term accommodation.

Most major airlines have direct flights to Brisbane Airport. There are also 9 other international airports in Australia with regular connecting flights to Brisbane.

A popular alternative to Brisbane Airport is the Gold Coast Airport, which has shuttles, buses and trains to Brisbane.

Airport welcome

During peak periods the International Student Welcome Crew will greet you at the airport and make sure you have a smooth arrival.

Learn more about airport welcomes

Late arrivals

Email iaslatearrivals@uq.edu.au if you cannot commence by Friday, 7 March 2025 for reasons beyond your control.

In your email, provide:

• a reason for the late start request
• the date you will be able to begin classes.

Late starts are limited and can't always be approved. For some programs, late arrivals are not allowed at all. Arrivals are not usually permitted after the first week of classes, but we can work with you to find an agreed new start date.

Programs excluded from late arrival

Psychology postgraduate programs

• Master of Psychology
• Master of Clinical Psychology
• Master of Business Psychology
• Master of Organisational Psychology
• Master of Clinical Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology

Nursing and midwifery undergraduate and postgraduate programs

• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
• Bachelors of Nursing / Midwifery
• Bachelor of Midwifery
• Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours)
• Master of Nursing Studies

Other programs

• Bachelors of Agribusiness / Agricultural Science
• Bachelors of Agribusiness / Wildlife Science
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science
• Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
• Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology (Honours)
• Bachelor of Wildlife Science
• Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
• Doctor of Medicine
• Doctor of Medicine (Ochsner)
• Master of Agricultural Science
• Master of Animal Science
• Master of Audiology Studies
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Counselling
• Master of Dietetic Studies
• Master of Finance and Investment Management
• Master of Laws

Entering Australia

Entering Australia is simple if you follow the rules. The Australian Government provides information that will help you to enter Australia. Before you arrive, you should read more about:

• crossing the border
• what you can and can’t bring with you.

We recommend bringing at least A$250 cash into Australia – this will make your arrival much easier. The simplest option is to buy Australian currency in your home country.