The University of Queensland (UQ)

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions internationally-renowned for its highly-awarded teaching staff, world-acclaimed researchers and superior campus facilities and services.

The University has a longstanding reputation for quality that is reinforced by affiliations with prestigious national and international groups, including the Australian Group of Eight (Go8) - a leading group of Australian universities - and Universitas 21, a select international network of comprehensive, research intensive universities committed to world-best quality and practice.

UQ also consistently performs well in respected rankings of university academic and research performance. In 2006, the University ranked 45th in the world in a ranking compiled by the prestigious Times Higher Education Supplement. At a national level, UQ was awarded the maximum five-star rating in six major categories by the Australian Good Universities Guide 2007 (including student demand, positive graduate outcomes, staff qualifications and research intensivity).

UQ has more than 2,200 academic staff dedicated to teaching and research. Many are recognised internationally as leaders in their fields. Their ability and dedication is proven by the fact that UQ academics have won more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other university.

UQ is also one of the leading research universities in Australia and leads industry collaboration and research funding. UQ researchers constantly push the boundaries of research to achieve world-acclaimed research breakthroughs, including the recent development of a vaccine for cervical cancer, pioneered by UQ researcher and 2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer. UQ’s impressive research portfolio includes over 130 research centres, including the Queensland Brain Institute, Sustainable Minerals Institute, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, and the Institute for Social Science Research, as well as many teaching and research sites throughout Queensland.

Today, more than 37,500 students, including 6,607 international students from approximately 120 countries, study across three superb south-east Queensland campuses at St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton. UQ St Lucia – the university’s largest campus - is situated in Brisbane, a dynamic capital city known for its excellent climate, safe environment and affordable quality of life.

Students choose from a comprehensive range of high quality programs, with more than 380 programs and 4,000 courses available.

History and Special Features

The University of Queensland was established by an Act of State Parliament on December 10, 1909 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queensland’s separation from the colony of New South Wales. Its foundation four months later made it the first university in the State and the fifth in the nation.

In 1911, 83 students (including 23 women) attended the first classes in Government House, George Street, Brisbane.

The First World War slowed development but afterwards, research and teaching burgeoned as demand for higher education increased. The fledgling University outgrew the buildings in George Street, and the search for a larger campus began.

A site at Victoria Park (now partially occupied by the Mayne Medical School) was secured by statute in 1922 as a possible permanent home for the University. In 1927 Dr James O’Neil Mayne, in association with his sister Miss Mary Emelia Mayne, provided $380,000 to enable the Brisbane City Council to resume 274 acres of land at St Lucia and provide it to the University as its permanent home.

The first building, later named the Forgan Smith Building after the Premier of the day, was completed in 1939. The Second World War diverted its use to military purposes and it served first as advanced headquarters for the Allied Land Forces in the South West Pacific. The University's move from George Street to St Lucia was accomplished between 1946 and 1972.

In 1990, the University merged with Queensland Agricultural College (now UQ Gatton) as part of a unified national system abolishing the binary system of universities and colleges of advanced education. And in 1999, UQ Ipswich opened as one of the first purpose-built, completely Web-enabled campuses in Australia.

Location

The University of Queensland is located on Australia’s east coast, in the state of Queensland. Its capital, Brisbane, is Australia’s third largest city – offering a safe, affordable and relaxed lifestyle in a sunny sub-tropical climate. Brisbane is also the gateway to some of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions, including Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands and the Daintree Rainforest.

The University has three world class campuses in - or very near to - Brisbane.

UQ St Lucia, the University’s largest campus, is located on the Brisbane River just a few minutes from Brisbane’s city centre. With a great tradition of academic excellence, outstanding resources and facilities, UQ St Lucia has just about everything students need on site.

35 minutes to the west is the UQ Ipswich campus - one of the most technologically advanced in the world, with a mix of heritage-listed buildings and excellent facilities.

UQ Gatton, an hour west of Brisbane, offers Queensland’s most extensive range of animal and veterinary science, environmental, agribusiness, food science, horticultural and agricultural programs.

Queensland also has many natural attractions such as the Gold Coast beaches, Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island and the Daintree Rainforest. Students who have the time to explore further will enjoy many wonderful and unique experiences.

Student Numbers and Staff

Students:

Domestic: 30,911
International: 6,607

Total: 37,518

International to domestic ratio: 1:5
Undergraduate: 26,855
Graduate: 9832
Non-award: 831
Male: 16,857
Female: 20,661

Staff:

Academic staff: 2,292
General staff: 3,181

Total staff: 5474

Academic staff to student ratio: 1:16
Total staff to student ratio: 1:7

Faculties / Fields of Study

A comprehensive range of high quality programs are offered to UQ students, which are career-focused, exciting, and relevant to industry. UQ offers:

• More than 380 full-degree programs at undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and research higher degree levels. Some popular areas of study include: Accounting & Finance, Agriculture & Horticulture, Architecture, Arts (Humanities), Audiology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Business Management, Communication, Dentistry, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental, Science/Management, Equine, Event Management, Food Science, History, Hospitality, Human Movement, Information Technology, International Relations, Journalism, Languages, Law, Marine Science, Medicine, Multimedia Design, Music, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Politics, Psychology, Sciences, Social Sciences, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Tourism, Veterinary Science, and more.
• Study Abroad and exchange to UQ programs - available for students who are studying at overseas institutions and who wish to come to UQ for up to two semesters to undertake some of UQ’s exciting courses as part of their home degree.UQ programs are administered through 7 faculties: Arts; Biological and Chemical Sciences; Business, Economics and Law; Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture; Health Sciences; Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science; and Social and Behavioural Sciences.

English Language Courses

Students can prepare for their degree at UQ by learning English at the University’s on-campus Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ). ICTE-UQ offers a range of short-term English programs for general, academic and business purposes, as well as IELTS testing, English teacher training and professional development programs.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate

For admission into undergraduate programs at UQ, applicants must have:

• completed recognised upper secondary or equivalent Year 12 studies to the required standard;
• satisfied individual program requirements (ie, specific subject/course prerequisites, audition or interview); and
• satisfied English language requirements.

Postgraduate

For admission into postgraduate programs at UQ, applicants must have:

• completed to a satisfactory level previous tertiary study. Generally, Graduate Certificates require a Bachelor degree, a Graduate Diploma requires a Bachelor degree or a Graduate Certificate, a Masters by Coursework requires a Bachelor or Honours degree, a Masters by Research (MPhil) requires a Bachelor degree with Honours II or better, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) requires a Bachelor degree with Honours IIA or better; and
• satisfied English language requirements.

Important Dates / Academic Year

2008 Academic Calendar

Semester 1 Orientation Week: 18-22 February
Semester 1 begins: 25 February
Semester 1 ends: 21 June
Mid-year break: 21 June-20 July
Semester 2 Orientation Week: 14-18 July
Semester 2 begins: 21 July
Semester 2 ends: 15 November
Summer Semester: 24 November-January 2009
The UQ Academic Calendar is available at: www.uq.edu.au/events/ 

Foundation Studies

Students who require ‘bridging’ studies between secondary (high school/year 12) studies and undergraduate university study can take advantage of the UQ Foundation Year offered by Brisbane-based International Education Services (IES). Students who achieve the specified standards in the Foundation Year program are guaranteed an offer into undergraduate program at UQ.

Support Services and Facilities

Across all campuses, UQ offers first-class services and facilities, with students benefiting from excellent academic and support services, fully-equipped libraries and up-to-date IT facilities.

Support for international students includes:

• Student Centres at each campus and a dedicated office for international students;
• Airport reception for new students;
• Free assistance with finding temporary and longer-term accommodation;
• A choice of free academic and communication preparation programs;
• A Getting Started and Orientation session for international students;
• Access to International Student Advisors, who provide advice, counselling and learning support:
• An opportunity to join more than 130 student clubs and societies in areas including sports, travel, religion, international, adventure/travel, food and more; and
• International alumni chapters in many countries around the world, so graduates can easily keep in contact.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary between programs and courses chosen. Up-to-date information about fees and the UQ fee structure is available on the UQ website.

Accommodation Costs

Students studying at UQ generally live in three types of accommodation: on-campus residential colleges, off-campus student housing, and off-campus rental houses or units. Accommodation costs vary depending on the type and location of accommodation chosen. UQ’s Accommodation Services can assist students with finding temporary and permanent accommodation at all UQ locations. For more information, visit www.accommodation.uq.edu.au

Scholarships and Grants

There are a number of scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students to make their time at UQ easier and more affordable, including Australian Government Scholarships and UQ Faculty and School Scholarships. Many students who study at UQ also source scholarships from their home governments and through multinational organizations. For more information, visit www.uq.edu.au/international/scholarships

Student Achievements

UQ graduates form a powerful international network of success. Since the University’s foundation in 1910, UQ has graduated more than 160,000 graduates from 140 countries, including a Nobel Prize winner, an Oscar winner and leaders in government, the law, science, public service and the arts. Graduates hold a globally valuable qualification and are in strong demand by both Australian and international employers.

Alumni Association

UQ believes that maintaining excellent relations with graduates is mutually beneficial. The University has various alumni networks and associations in many countries which provide a means for graduates to stay in touch with their disciplines and colleagues. UQ alumni groups gather around the world, renewing friendships and taking an active role in the rich community life of UQ through social, educational and intellectual activities. For more information, visit www.alumni.uq.edu.au.

Overseas Agents

UQ has official education representatives around the world that can assist students with information about studying at UQ, entry requirements and applications. Please contact our representative, Auscon at Suite 3, First Floor, Benazir Plaza, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad Pakistan.

Web: www.auscon.org
Email: info@auscon.org
Phone: +92 51 280 3242
Fax: +92 51 280 3243
Cel: +92 321 8560190