International students: update on returning to campus

UQ is partnering with the Australian and Queensland governments to ensure the safe return of international students to study on campus in 2022.

We can’t wait to welcome you back and we look forward to seeing you on campus in 2022. Thank you for your patience.

Border update

In response to Omicron, the Australian Government has announced Australia’s international border will remain closed to international travellers (including international students) until 15 December 2021.

Under the international safe travel zones program, students who are citizens of Singapore and New Zealand are permitted to travel to Australia during this time - subject to individual Australian and state government requirements.

We understand this will be disappointing news for some students who had begun making plans for their return to Australia.

Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

Update: 12.00pm 30 November 2021

Queensland Student Arrivals Plan (QSAP)

Starting in January 2022, the Queensland Student Arrivals Plan will provide an option for students to return direct to Queensland.

Over the coming months, the government will confirm the:

full eligibility criteria
costs for the program
process for booking flights and quarantine accommodation.

To ensure you're eligible to participate, you must:

be over 18 and enrolled to study at UQ in Semester 1, 2022
hold a valid Australian Student Visa and overseas student healthcare cover
be fully vaccinated with a TGA-recognised COVID-19 vaccine
return a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure
agree to adhere to all Australian Government COVID-19 regulations.

Attend an online information session

Our student advisers will provide information on:

visas, vaccination requirements and travel documents
flights and accommodation
overseas student health cover.

You only need to attend one session. There's no need to register – just join the session that suits you.

Tuesday 7 December 2pm AEST – Accommodation session
Attend: https://uqz.zoom.us/j/83833440663
Wednesday 8 December 2pm AEST – Preparing to travel session
Attend: https://uqz.zoom.us/s/82826309900
Thursday 9 December 2pm AEST – Accommodation session
Attend: https://uqz.zoom.us/s/89705055684
Friday 10 December 2pm AEST – Preparing to travel session
Attend: https://uqz.zoom.us/s/86204706471

What is the process for QSAP?

The first groups of international students will return to Queensland, and if required by the Queensland State Government, will need to undertake 14 days quarantine in a newly-built and specially designed facility.

Your flights to Queensland and quarantine arrangements will be managed by a Queensland Government appointed travel management company.

You should not book your own travel nor should you book your own quarantine arrangements.

What will QSAP cost?

You will need to pay all costs associated with returning to Queensland, including quarantine costs.

Returned students will be eligible to apply for a grant of up to $2000 to assist with the cost of government quarantine.

What countries can I travel to Australia from?

Under the international safe travel zones program, eligible and fully vaccinated citizens from Singapore and New Zealand are permitted to travel to Australia as part of the program – subject to individual state requirements.

Different entry rules apply for Queensland and the Queensland Student Arrivals Plan.

What if I already have a travel exemption?

If you have an exemption to return to Australia, you should continue to follow the exemption process. Make sure you:

complete the UQ quarantine registration form
book your own travel
liaise with your travel provider regarding quarantine arrangements or seek advice from the relevant government authority.