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You're a domestic student if you are:

  • a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

You're an international student if you are:

  • intending to study on a student visa,
  • not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • not an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.
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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.

UQ offers guaranteed accommodation for students on our St Lucia and Herston campuses, to help you secure accommodation before you arrive in Brisbane.

Learn more about our guaranteed accommodation providers

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 pick-up service

We offer an airport pick-up service from Brisbane Airport for new international students. A greeter will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

This service is free in most cases, but fees apply for some destinations. You must book your pick-up at least 3 days before your flight.

Friends or family who aren't UQ students will have to pay a fee. More information is provided during the booking process.

Learn more about airport pickups

Late arrivals

Email iaslatearrivals@uq.edu.au if you can't commence by the start date on your offer letter 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.

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:

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.