Student visas

All international students must have a valid visa to study in Australia.

Most international students who are accepted to study full-time at UQ will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500).

When to apply for a student visa

Apply for a visa as soon as you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UQ.

It can take a long time for visa applications to be processed by the Department of Home Affairs, so make sure you apply as soon as possible. It's your responsibility to make sure you receive your visa in time to travel to Australia and start your program. 

How to apply for a student visa

Australian visas are issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

To apply for a visa you can:

• apply online yourself, or
• use a UQ agent in your country to help you prepare and submit your application.

To help prepare your application: 

• Understand the Student visa (subclass 500) requirements and conditions, including eligibility, required documents, costs, the application process and your obligations as a visa holder.
• Read about the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for advice on meeting this core requirement.
• Learn more about living in Queensland, including the cost of living, working in Australia and bringing your family.

Make sure you have sufficient Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

If you're under 18 and not staying with a parent or guardian, you'll also need to register for the International Student Supervision Program.

What you need from UQ:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy number and details – if you arranged your health cover through UQ, your OSHC Certificate of Insurance will be sent to you directly by UQ’s OSHC provider, Allianz Care Australia. You will receive the Certificate of Insurance via email approximately 3 business days after you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) – if you have registered for our International Student Supervision Program for students aged under 18.

HDR students

If you are an HDR student on a scholarship, you may also need to provide: 

• the funding source for your scholarship – whether it is funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia or another source
• a contact person for your scholarship provider.

If you have a UQ scholarship: 

Check your scholarship offer letter for this information:

• funding source: labelled as 'Name'. If it doesn't say 'Commonwealth Government of Australia', your scholarship is funded through another source
• contact person: the person who signed your scholarship offer letter.

Complying with visa conditions 

If you are granted a student visa you must also comply with all visa conditions. These may include:

• maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered program
• maintaining satisfactory course progress and attendance
• holding approved Overseas Student Health Cover while you're in Australia
• telling UQ immediately if you change your Australian address or contact details.

See full student visa requirements and conditions

UN sanction countries

If you're from a country where the Australian Government has put restrictions (sanctions) on financial transactions, we have to ensure any restrictions aren't breached through the financial arrangements of your study.

Further information is available through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Further visa information

For more information about visas, contact the:

• Department of Home Affairs, or
• Australian Embassy, High Commission or diplomatic mission in your country.