The University of Queensland

Brisbane, Queensland

Details

University Location Brisbane, Queensland
Address Brisbane St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
Main Campus St Lucia
City Population 2.5 million
Student Population 55,044
Int'l Student Population 21,000
Semester 1 Start February
Semester 2 Start July

Overview

Ranked in the top 50* universities in the world, The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s finest higher-education institutions with

  • more national awards for teaching excellence than any other Australian university;
  • world-class indoor and outdoor learning environments and outstanding facilities;
  • extensive choice across a wide range of study areas at undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree by research levels;
  • opportunities for students to gain practical experience and make valuable connections with prospective employers through internships and work placements; and
  • the chance to study part of your degree overseas at one of the University’s many highly ranked partner institutions.

With campuses based in and around the city of Brisbane, you will enjoy a diverse community of more than 55,000 students, including over 21,000 international students from 137 countries.

UQ’s outstanding 311,000-plus global alumni include a Nobel laureate, the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, an Academy Award winner, and leaders in government, law, science, public service, and the arts.

UQ is one of only three Australian members of the global Universitas 21; a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities; a member of Universities Australia; and one of only two Australian charter members of the prestigious edX consortium, the world’s leading not-for-profit consortium of massive open online courses (MOOCs).

The university has eight world-class research institutes and more than 100 research centres, attracting researchers whose innovations are having a global impact. Research highlights include Gardasil®, the cervical cancer vaccine; Triple P – Positive Parenting Program; world-leading MRI technology; discovering the new disease HBSL; and developing microalgae as a green-power biofuel.

Why Study Here?

UQ students enjoy one of the best campus experiences in the world in a location renowned for its relaxed and safe lifestyle, subtropical climate and vibrant and diverse culture. UQ’s campuses have a reputation as some of the world’s most beautiful, with everything you need to study, live and relax.

As a UQ student you will benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities during your studies. UQ Employability offers you the opportunity to further your skills beyond the classroom by participating in a broad range of activities in areas of volunteering and work experience to lay a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ Ventures supports students to grow their entrepreneurial potential by collaborating and connecting students with experts in the startup space.

There are also exchange opportunities to more than 130 partner institutions in 30+ countries and access to more than 220 clubs and societies.

UQ Rankings
UQ ranks among the world’s top universities, as measured by several key independent rankings, including

  • Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities (NTU Ranking) 2022 (33)
  • U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings 2023 (36)
  • CWTS Leiden Ranking 2022 (32)*
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022 (47)
  • QS World University Rankings 2023 (50)
  • Times Higher Education World University Rankings (53)
  • Nature Index tables Top Academic Institutions (76)**

* Measured by the impact indicator P(top 1%), ordered by P(top 1%) using fractional counting.
** Measured by fractional count

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, UQ ranks top 50 in the world in 16 subjects, while holding its position of 2 subjects in the global top 5.

Globally, UQ is in the world’s top 30 universities in 8 subject areas, including

  • 2nd Sports-related Subjects
  • 5th Mineral & Mining Engineering
  • =19th Agriculture & Forestry
  • 20th Environmental Sciences
  • 20th Petroleum Engineering
  • 23rd Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • =27th Hospitality & Leisure Management
  • =30th Psychology

Popular University of Queensland programs for Canadian students include medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, veterinary science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, audiology, teaching, and law.

Location Details

UQ Campuses
UQ has three campuses in and around Brisbane, the capital city of the state of Queensland. Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, after Sydney and Melbourne, and it has a multicultural population of around 2.4 million people.

Brisbane’s lower cost of living (compared to cities such as Sydney and Melbourne) attracts new residents, as does the weather. The clear skies, warm, sunny days and mild nights promote an outdoor lifestyle, as does the 300-plus days of sunshine a year!

Students can take advantage of UQ’s location as a springboard to Queensland’s much-loved tourist destinations. Golden beaches, ancient rainforests, scenic mountains, and charming outback towns are all within an hour or two’s drive away.

Weather
Summer maximum average temperatures hover around 29°C and these months (December to February) do feature some hot and humid days. Winter months are mild and pleasant with average maximum temperatures of around 22°C and minimum averages around 9°C.

1/45

“…professors are extremely approachable”

Likes - fairly close to city center (15 min bus), large beautiful campus like back in Canada, the weather, supplemental exams are given so you can have a second chance before officially failing a course, if you fail a course you can still repeat and continue in medicine (lots of worst-case backup plans if things don't go as planned), professors are extremely approachable and helpful, libraries open 24/7.

Ty S
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2023

“I like the vibe of the campus”

I like the vibe of the campus and the focus in our university programs. I like the class sizes and materials, but I dislike the organization of the class as it seems my previous university in Canada was much more organized.

Kyrollos G
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2023

“Instructors and staff are fantastic and open.”

Facilities on campus have been great. Educational materials are also great. (Personally) dislike how small the campus is compared to Canadian universities. Instructors and staff are fantastic and open. I wish class sizes would be smaller.

William C
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“Big North American cohort.”

Big North American cohort. I truly like Brisbane as a city and think it is a great city to do a med degree. Almost all classes and lectures can be done async. The admin is pretty terrible.  The course material is fine. No school truly has great lectures or resources. Most depend on online material. I think it is flexible enough that lets you get what you need out of it. I think exams are pretty fair, there are no tricks.

Christy C
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“Its very comprehensive and attentive to the students”

It has a beautiful campus but its far from the ocean compared to others. Its very comprehensive and attentive to the students, but I feel like some of the exam questions they use are very specific to the program and not useful anywhere else

Brett B
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“…there’s so many resources given to the students”

The UQ campus and Brisbane are beautiful and I love studying and living here. UQ has so many supports in place for students like myself with accessibility needs, even more so than Canadian unis I think. There's less Canadian-specific support or clubs than I expected, at least in the med program, but that doesn't mean guidance and information don't exist. A lot of the lectures and activities are online coming out of COVID, which can't really be helped, but on the plus side it's ... Read More

Alec C
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“Tutors for Case Based learning and Clinical practice are amazing and so knowledgeable.”

Instructors do care. They put in effort in improving their delivery based on our feedback - very receptive to our feedback. Teaching methods are ok - a little inconsistent sometimes with what is "expected" to cover in a sub-module vs what a specific clinician teaches. Tutors for Case Based learning and Clinical practice are amazing and so knowledgeable.

Pukhraj
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“…lots of other international students”

Great community, lots of events, lots of other international students; class sizes are a bit big.

Maya B
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“…there’ an Anki deck in the Drive which is amazing”

The program is standard, and I think it teaches you everything you need to know. You will have to self-study anatomy (there' an Anki deck in the Drive which is amazing) and keep up with it so you can find the Gross Anatomy Facility useful. The professors are clinicians and academics, so sometimes they can be a hit or miss with regards to their teaching style. The professor (Suja) who teaches Pathology, which is a huge part of the curriculum, is one of the best teachers I have e... Read More

Garry K
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2022

“…the professors are very knowledgeable”

The campus is beautiful and people are really friendly! Class sizes are really great and the professors are very knowledgeable. The placements are a bit stressful but I think a lot of the other universities are struggling with that too.

Allison B
Master of Nursing Studies
The University of Queensland, 2022

“It is hands on right away”

I love the closeness of the student body.... It is hands on right away.

Kennedy J
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2022

“UQ has a really nice facilities”

UQ has really nice facilities with lots of great, caring professors.

Ting-Yu L
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2022

“Very supportive program”

Great program! Very supportive program with professors always keen to help. So much cool stuff to learn!

Brett L
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2019

“The program is very professional”

Love it,  UQ is beautiful and a top university.  The program is very professional and my professors are super helpful. Content is also very interesting. Review your anatomy.  

Haeley K
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“I’m learning a ton and well on my way to becoming a Physio”

Great program I'm learning lots and great campus with lots to do all the time. it's difficult but I feel I'm learning a ton and well on my way to becoming a Physio. I would suggest doing some [anatomy] review before starting because it with help with every class down here.

James D
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“I get lots of hands on practical classes”

I like my university as it has a great atmosphere to study and the campus is also great. I am enjoying my program because I get lots of hands on practical classes which helps deepens my knowledge.

Konnie C
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“I love my program, so much hands on activity already in our first year.”

I love the university! Great atmosphere, beautiful campus, and well developed programs. I love my program, so much hands on activity already in our first year. It's a bit more difficult than I had imagined but I'm loving the challenge. Get ready to work hard but also enjoy yourself along the way! Make time to meet people and build relationships so you have a good foundation to put the hard work in.

Bronte B
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2019

“…the hands-on practical component is invaluable”

[The university] has an excellent reputation and has provided me with excellent locations for clinical practicums. The program itself is interesting, and the hands-on practical component is invaluable. Also, there is a heavy emphasis on "self-directed learning," which is understandable at this level of education. ...the course conveners are all very approachable, and understanding of the limitations of the program, and so are usually keen to help in any way they can.

Jan P
Master of Nursing Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“Love the content we are learning”

Love it. Weather is great, the cohort is friendly and the campus is really nice. Cons: I recommend self learning (recommended readings on your own and using additional resource like boards and beyond/pathoma even if you are not going to do USMLE). Also, the campus needs more study space. Love the content we are learning and I have a greater appreciation for the medical profession. You will see that some kids in the program are absolutely brilliant and are willing to help you out if you ask.

Ranko S
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2019

“…lots of good instructors and lecturers”

Yes UQ and the people there are great. There's some stuff that the students complain about, but I've never been to another med school, and I imagine each has their flaws. I realize the rankings are relatively irrelevant, and what you put in is what you're going to get out anyway.... Certainly some room for improvement, but overall, lots of good instructors and lecturers, and very comprehensive information is supplied.

Karson S
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2019

“They have a lot of resources and help for international students”

I like that they have tailored particular parts of the program to the Canadian students as we are the majority of our program. They have a lot of resources and help for international students at UQ. There are 'heaps' of other Canadians at UQ, especially in the health care professions.

Angela R
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“Not only is the teaching staff great, but I have also found that the campus life at UQ is outstanding.”

I chose The University of Queensland to pursue my education because I have always wanted to study abroad and experience Australian culture in a fun and positive way. The University of Queensland stood out to me after I learned about the comprehensive content of my degree as well as the exciting campus life. I learned that UQ has a reputation built on research, and evidence-based-practice is something that is very meaningful to me. UQ pretty much checked off all the boxes in ter... Read More

Sarah R
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“I liked how the classes are smaller and every course also has a practical class”

I wanted the opportunity to study abroad and UQ has a really good reputation it also helps that the campus is gorgeous! The GEMS physio program is two intense years, but through those two years you make some really good friends... I liked how the classes are smaller and every course also has a practical class, meaning you get to take what you learned in the lecture and try them out yourself.  When they recommend you brush up on your anatomy, it really does help! Also you really... Read More

Julia P
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“There’s certainly a lot of support though with fellow class mates and the small group tutors if you need it.”

I love the university and program. The university has a lot of events and things on campus to help you destress during exam time. It's also very beautiful with lots of cute coffee shops to do homework at. The one awful thing about UQ is how unbelievably crowded it is. Finding a place on campus to study can be impossible and the place for medical students on the main st. Lucia campus is too small and almost always full to capacity. This is my own big problem with the university.... Read More

Katherine H.
Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2018

“I have found the peer tutorials at UQ valuable part of my learning.”

The program always teaches me something new everyday. I enjoy hearing from doctors in various disciplines. I have found it valuable to learn about epidemiology and Australian healthcare system. I have found the peer tutorials at UQ valuable part of my learning. I wish there was more teaching done in anatomy practicals rather than self-learning. Also more time in anatomy facility would be awesome.

Harsh D.
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2018

“UQ is rated one of the highest in Australia and I’m hoping to take a lot back home especially manual handling skills which is years ahead of Canada.”

I like that our class is of 38 which means we have greater exposure with professors and they teach us handling techniques themselves. UQ is rated one of the highest in Australia and I'm hoping to take a lot back home especially manual handling skills which is years ahead of Canada.

Tony K
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2018

“In the 8 months I’ve studied here I feel like I have learned so much.”

I love UQ and this program. It’s intense but so fulfilling. In the 8 months I’ve studied here I feel like I have learned so much. The professors are awesome and you really feel as if you are getting the best most up to date evidence presented to you every day.

Joel T.
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2018

“I’m surprised at the resources UQ pours into its students.”

Everything is actually really really good. I'm surprised at the resources UQ pours into its students. Like, my old university was technically higher ranked on a lot of global indexes, but they didn't really care as much about students as they do here.

Paul C.
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2018

“The clinical coaches and tutors are all great.”

I like the way the program is set up, and the administration seems very open to feedback and suggestions. The clinical coaches and tutors are all great.

Justin Andrew T.
The University of Queensland, 2018

“The program takes student feedback regularly and seriously and is constantly making changes to accommodate our needs.”

Living in Australia is incredible and I’m so happy with my decision to move here. The warm weather, and great people, close friendships have all been worth it. The university of Queensland is a beautiful large campus. Very clean, lots of activity, and feels very vibrant. There’s lots to do on campus to get involved with events, food, etc. It’s a little quiet on late evenings/weekends. The program is great! It’s certainly challenging but very well organized. The program takes st... Read More

Mauricio M.
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Queensland, 2018

“We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.”

Studying dentistry at UQ has been such a rewarding experience. I have the pleasure of studying with classmates coming from so many diverse backgrounds. Because of strong emphasis on hands-on clinical activities here at UQ, we have learned to work as a team, with each of us precisely aware of our role, whether that may be assisting, operating, or being a patient. We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.... I look forward to spending the next 4–5 years with my amazing cohort.

Sean C.
Bachelor of Dental Science Honours
The University of Queensland, 2018

“I like how it gets right into the pharmacy stuff, so you can experience what it will be like when you are done.”

I like how it gets right into the pharmacy stuff, so you can experience what it will be like when you are done. I dislike how we still have to do some courses which are very similar to the ones I did back home during my Bachelor of Sciences.

Kajal G.
Bachelor of Pharmacy Honours
The University of Queensland, 2018

“I also really like that we are a class of 35 students”

Occupational Therapy is all about bettering the lives of others through their daily occupations. I love that I will soon be qualified to help people who experience challenges in their every day life and I love that everyone in my class has the same mindset as me in that we are all very helpful towards each other. I also really like that we are a class of 35 students because in less than a month we are all friends with each other and kind of feel like a family.

Alina K
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2017

“[I love] the amount of handling I get to do with animals”

[The amount of work] is as expected. [I love] the amount of handling I get to do with animals. The courses and practical aspects of the program is great. Just expect to be working with a lot of animals and be prepared to get your hands dirty! There's a lot of studying that is involved with the program but also a lot of hands on! It's quite a heavy load, but very rewarding when you get through a semester.

Jessica T
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2017

“The teachers are all professionals in the industry”

I love the quality of my program. The teachers are all professionals in the industry, we have a fully functioning dairy, piggery, poultry and equine unit on campus so all the resources we need to become the best vets are at our fingertips.

Lia B
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2017

“… you really get to know your profs and the upper years”

I love it. UQ is a great school, great location and a beautiful campus. My program is great because the size is so small, you really get to know your profs and the upper years. Everyone is very approachable and are happy to help. 

Marlee R
Master of Audiology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2015

“UQ provides students with a lot of practicals and clinical experience”

UQ provides students with a lot of practicals and clinical experience during the degree. Which allows us to interact with animals we perhaps never have before. For example, students from cities likely don't know how to properly handle and provide adequate husbandry for cows or sheep. This degree and UQ specifically is one of the only in Australia that has all of their teaching animals on 1 campus. Other unis require you to move to a different location during your final 2 years ... Read More

Reiko Y
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2015

“I chose The University of Queensland because of their excellent standing”

I chose The University of Queensland because of their excellent standing. At the Gatton campus, there are dedicated facilities on hand besides UQ Veterinary School’s small animal and equine hospitals.  The program so far has been more challenging than I expected. The hours are long and you have to give a 100% commitment. That being said, there is a great camaraderie and support from your course mates who are in every single class with you, and their high motivation pushes me to keep striving.

Nur S
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2014

“I like how much the professors at the vet school want us to succeed.”

The weather, the people and I am really loving my program. I like how much the professors at the vet school want us to succeed. I dislike not having a car and being on a fairly rural campus. But there are lots of events on campus to fill up your week. Friends always offer to take me into town, so I don't feel that isolated. 10 out of 10!

Julia C
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2014

“The people are so friendly and accommodating”

The people are so friendly and accommodating. The weather is AMAZING I am in love with my program.

Tyler H
Master of Audiology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2014

“… the coordinators have been very accommodating for helping Canadian students”

UQ is beautiful, the teachers have been amazing, the curriculum is interesting, and the coordinators have been very accommodating for helping Canadian students keep on top of our placement hours. It's an AMAZING experience, I'm having a great time the school is better than I imagined and I felt comfortable right away, the transition was much easier than I had expected.

Lauren U
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“UQ is a highly regarded university that has many international students”

UQ is a highly regarded university that has many international students. The professors are very accommodating and take all students opinions into consideration.  University life is much more pleasant and enjoyable in Australia. People are very friendly, which makes moving to Australia quite easy, being away from home!

Lidia H
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“The professors at UQ in the Speech Pathology program are wonderful”

I really like UQ's campus. It is absolutely beautiful and there's plenty of green space where you can sit and hang out. The professors at UQ in the Speech Pathology program are wonderful and most of them take an interest in you as a student. The University of Queensland is a wonderful university with a beautiful campus and is extremely advanced in terms of its use of technology (ie. Apple Computers in all the libraries and study rooms!). The program is really small, with a clas... Read More

Saira B
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“… hey help with hours for Canadian students”

Beautiful campus, great classmates, lovely how they help with hours for Canadian students!  It's a great opportunity to study speech abroad and experience life in a new place. 

Tran N
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“… it’s a great learning experience and I’m so glad I’m here!”

I love how diverse it is and I find my program very interesting. I am not a fan of the humidity.... UQ is a beautiful campus, and it's huge! My program is very interesting, but pretty intense. All in all, it's a great learning experience and I'm so glad I'm here!

Miriam P
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012