CQUniversity Australia

CQUniversity (CQU) is a modern university with 12 campuses for international students based in both metro and regional cities across Australia. It is one of the largest, fastest growing and most inclusive universities in the country. Through its broad range of innovative English language, vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and research study courses, students can tailor a degree to their interests and ambitions. CQUniversity is:

• 74^th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, 2023
• 124^th in the THE Young University Rankings, 2024
• 5* ranking in the QS Stars University Ratings, 2024
• Top 500 University in the World in the QS World University Rankings: Overall
• Nursing courses rank in the top 200 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024)

Courses are led by award-winning teaching and research staff, and students benefit from the university's outstanding range of state-of-the-art facilities and resources at every campus.

CQU's student body of more than 33,000 students includes over 5,200 international students from more than 50 countries. Student support is exemplary, with CQU prioritising accessibility and social equality — in fact CQU are ranked #1 in Australia for social equity. A range of English for Academic Purpose language courses are provided, alongside more than AUD 20 million in international scholarships to ensure its courses are accessible to all.

All courses are career-focussed and industry-aligned, with a heavy emphasis on work-integrated learning and social innovation. With more than 300 global partners, CQU boasts the #1 in Australia for postgraduate and #3 in undergraduate employment (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey - Longitudinal 2022), and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country for graduate starting salaries (Compared 2023, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022).

CQUniversity ranks among the world's best universities and has earned a QS Stars five-star overall rating. The university's insistence that higher education should be accessible to everyone has transformed it into one of Australia's most accessible and engaged universities.

CQUniversity's commitment to providing high-quality support, facilities and resources leads to an excellent student experience. The university is recognised locally and globally for its teaching, graduate outcomes, research and social innovation. In the 2024 Good Universities Guide ratings, the university has earned a five-star for teaching quality in study areas such as computing and information systems, allied health, education, psychology and creative arts.

CQUniversity is also among Australia's most inclusive universities, meaning students feel welcomed, have access to outstanding student support, learn from award-winning faculty and acquire industry-relevant experience.

The university's flexibility, support services and wide range of TAFE and university courses help students be what they want to be. CQUniversity has also earned five-star ratings for overall experience, employment outcomes and more. The award-winning teaching and research staff at the university not only teach work-integrated and industry-aligned courses, but also make a real impact on the communities and industries they serve.

Eligibility criteria to gain admission to various courses at CQUniversity may differ from course to course. Students will need to satisfy the minimum academic requirements for the course of their choice.

For certificate courses, students should have successfully completed the equivalent of an Australian Year 10 qualification. Entry to diploma requires the successful completion of the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 or AQF Certificate IV.

Entry to undergraduate courses also requires students to have completed the equivalent of an Australian Year 12. The eligibility criteria for postgraduate coursework degrees are the completion of a bachelor's degree with the equivalent to an Australian pass grade average in the final two terms, from a recognised institution of higher education.

While applying for postgraduate research courses, in addition to meeting the academic entry requirements, students must also select their area of research interest.

Students can visit CQUniversity's website for details on country specific academic requirements.

English requirements

CQUniversity recognises several English tests whose scores can be presented as proof of English language proficiency.

Students who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements can study an English language course offered by CQUEnglish Language Centres located on the Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney campuses.

CQUniversity provides approximately AUD 20 million worth of scholarships annually to assist international students in pursuing their educational goals, to have as many deserving individuals as possible benefit from a CQUniversity education.

Some of the popular international scholarships include:

International Scholarships

Scholarships are available to all new international students in degree, vocational, research and English packaged with academic courses. The scholarship carries up to a 25 percent reduction in tuition fee. Those commencing their course at CQUni as a new student will be automatically assessed for the scholarship.

Additionally, CQU provides the Live, Earn, Learn Scholarship, a fantastic opportunity for students based at Rockhampton North campus. This scholarship not only offers paid casual employment on campus or within the community but also grants recipients a generous 35 percent discount on their on-campus accommodation at our Capricornia College.

Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship

Those undertaking a research higher degree could be eligible for the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship, which aims to assist with students' living costs. The scholarship value is a maximum of AUD 34,000 per year.

There are other scholarships that international students who are enrolled at CQUniversity's regional campuses in specific study areas might be eligible for. Students can visit the scholarship database for more information on these.

CQUniversity offers students various accommodation options, each offering different benefits and costs. On-campus accommodation at the university is available at the Mackay Ooralea and Rockhampton North campuses.

The Mackay Student Residence is home to modern facilities with rooms built in block-style accommodation. The Rockhampton Student Residence provides a supportive community environment with accommodation for more than 300 students. The residence offers easy access to all facilities including academic buildings, the sports centre, the library, food outlets and shops.

Room options include budget, newly renovated, ensuite, shared bathroom, self-catered and fully catered. Students are advised to secure their spot early as on-campus accommodation is in high demand and is offered based on availability.

Some benefits of securing on-campus accommodation include:

• 24-hour on-site assistance and security
• Free gym and sports facilities
• Volleyball courts, basketball/netball half court
• Res Life Program with organised activities each term
• Free weekly bus trips to a shopping centre

CQUniversity strives continuously to make students feel supported when on campus. The university offers a range of support services, from academic and financial assistance to services to help with health and well-being.

The Academic Learning Centre (ALC) provides students with academic guidance to assist them in evolving into confident and independent learners. The ALC acts as a network of support for students, providing information and resources to assist with many of the study requirements at CQUniversity. ALC advisers offer on-campus and online services that include workshops, individual appointments and resources. Discussions happen in a relaxed, friendly environment where students can seek academic support for completing assessment tasks and preparing for exams.

The CQUniversity Careers team supports prospective and current students with career development and achieving their professional goals, through career guidance and information. The team helps build employability and job search skills as students prepare to be work-ready in their chosen careers. The careers team also offer prospective employers the opportunity to recruit graduates by promoting vacancies and connections through employer and industry engagement events.

The Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023 has revealed that CQUniversity graduates earn some of the highest salaries and secure jobs faster post-graduation compared to graduates of other institutions.

Average undergraduate salaries for CQUniversity graduates are found to be more than AUD $7000 above the Australian average salary. Undergraduate alumni are also among the most employable, placing fifth in Australia and second in Queensland in terms of full-time employment.

Postgraduates also rank very high in terms of employability, placing number one in Queensland and number three in Australia for median salary and number eight nationally for full-time employment.

"CQUniversity has long been a leader in graduate outcomes and the latest GOS results are a testament to not only our graduates, but to our exceptional teaching staff who equip our students with the essential skills to become some of the best employees in the country." Nick Klomp, CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor

New course on offer

CQUniversity is set to offer a brand-new Master of Social Work course. The course will be available at the Sydney campus from Term 2 in 2025.