Study at the University of Queensland
Founded in 1909, the University of Queensland (UQ) is 42nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Located in Brisbane, Queensland’s subtropical east coast capital, UQ welcomes about 55,000 students on a main campus (St Lucia) regularly ranked among Australia’s most beautiful. For students seeking calmer, more affordable student life than Sydney or Melbourne without sacrificing academic quality, UQ is often the best Go8 option.
Why choose UQ
UQ stands out in three ways. Excellence in biotech and environmental sciences — the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the Queensland Brain Institute, and AIBN (Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology) are globally recognised. UQ is where the Gardasil HPV vaccine was developed. Brisbane as setting: subtropical climate (hot summers, mild winters), proximity to the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef, more relaxed atmosphere than Sydney. Significantly lower cost of living than Sydney/Melbourne — 15 to 25% cheaper depending on category.
Programmes
- Biological Sciences — biotech, molecular sciences, neuroscience
- Environmental Sciences — marine ecology (Great Barrier Reef), environmental management
- Engineering — chemical, mechanical, civil, biomedical
- Business and Economics — Bachelor of Commerce, Business Management
- Medicine — Doctor of Medicine after Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Veterinary Science — one of the world’s top veterinary schools
- Architecture, Design and Planning — architecture, urban planning
- Arts — social sciences, communication, languages
Admission requirements
- Strong academic results, distinctions recommended for Medicine and Veterinary
- IELTS Academic 6.5 minimum, 7.0 for Medicine and certain health programmes
- Application via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) or directly via UQ for international
- Application fee: AUD 150
Tuition and cost of living
2026 international fees: Fees vary by program for Bachelors. Most Arts/Business/Science programmes between AUD 35,000–50,000/year. Medicine and Veterinary at the top. Brisbane living costs: AUD 22,000 to 28,000 per year — significantly cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne. Student accommodation at St Lucia or shared housing in nearby suburbs.
Application calendar
- Semester 1 — starting February, international deadline ~December of previous year
- Semester 2 2026 — starting July, deadlines that vary by program
Rolling admissions on non-saturated programmes. Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Engineering are first to close.
See our complete guide on Subclass 500 visa and the Australian system.
How YourDreamSchool supports you
Since 2011, YDS has supported students applying to UQ and the other Group of Eight universities. We help structure your Statement of Purpose, prepare you for IELTS, build your Subclass 500 visa application, and anticipate life on the ground. Book a free orientation call with a YDS coach, or contact us with any questions.