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.

Australian international border update

From 15 December 2021, fully vaccinated international students holding a valid student visa are no longer required to apply for a travel exemption to enter Australia.

Now that 90 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, international students can now travel directly to Queensland without the need to quarantine on arrival.

Students must still:

Be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Hold a valid visa, and if a student visa holder, also hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Provide proof of their vaccination status
Complete pre-depature COVID testing as required
Take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arriving and isolate until you receive a negative result.

To take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival you can:

Enter Australia with a TGA approved rapid antigen test (RAT)
Attend a testing centre and receive a PCR test, there may be costs associated with this
Contact your accommodation provider for advice on obtaining a RAT upon arrival in Australia

Find a local chemist/pharmacy when you arrive regarding RAT availability and supply.

Attend an online Preparing to Start at UQ information session

Students commencing studies in 2022, who have arrived or are soon to arrive in Queensland, are invited to register for our Preparing to Start at UQ information sessions.

UQ campuses open

Our campuses are open and operating under COVID-19 safe conditions. From 14 February 2022 anyone attending UQ campuses, sites or facilities are required to be fully vaccinated, with a TGA-approved vaccine, against COVID-19.

While on campus, students are required to adhere to the following conditions:

Maintain physical distancing where possible (1.5m)
Wear a face mask when you are indoors, and outdoors where physical distancing is not possible
Maintain good hand hygiene
Stay at home when you are sick
Use the QLD Check-in app on campus.

Refund of visa application charge

Students who are fully vaccinated, arriving to Australia on a student visa before 19 March 2022, can apply to the Australian Government for a refund.

The Department of Home Affairs has information on how to apply.

The Study Australia website has updated information on support and initiatives for new and returning students.

Register your arrival

Please let UQ’s Student Services team know your plans and travel arrangements via our online registration form when you are ready to travel to Queensland.

Student Services can also provide transport from the airport to your accommodation on your arrival, but you must book this service so we can organise to collect you. For further advice, please contact Student Services at student.services@uq.edu.au or phone +61 7 3365 1704.

The Queensland Government is continually updating its website and students are encouraged to check the website regularly. If conditions change, UQ will provide further updates via email so students are encouraged to continue to check their emails.

UQ has an exciting Orientation Program prepared and is very much looking forward to welcoming students to our campuses soon.