Queensland University of Technology
Ranked in the top 225 universities worldwide, study in QUT's highly ranked media, design, kinesiology, and drama programs in one of the world's most vibrant young cities.
Founded in 1908, QUT has 3 campuses; Gardens Point Campus - located right in the centre of Brisbane across from Streets Beach, Kelvin Grove Campus - located in the hip inner-city creative village of the same name, and Caboolture Campus, which sits between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Ranked #19 globally for the top 50 institutions under 50 years of age (QS 2020), in the in the top 110 universities worldwide for graduate employability, QUT has a student population of 45,575 students, including more than 6,000 international students.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Sebastian Vasquez Gutierrez (2023 QUT Exchange)
Caelan Hilferty (2018 QUT Exchange)
Program details
QUT offers an extensive array of units (courses), including Acting, Animation, Architecture, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Creative Writing and Literary Studies, Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, Education, Engineering (Civil, Computer & Software, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Medical, Electrical, Electrical/Aerospace, and Process), Fashion, Film and TV, Games and Interactive Entertainment, Human Movement and Exercise (Kinesiology), Information Systems, Information Technology, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Journalism, Landscape Architecture, Languages (Mandarin), Mathematics, Media and Communication, Medical Sciences, Music and Sound, Nutrition and Dietetics, Philanthrophy & Non-Profit Studies, Physics, Property Economics, Psychology and Counselling, Social Work and Human Services, Technical Production, Urban Development and Planning, Urban Design, Visual Arts, Visual and Interactive Design.
Closed Programs: Students do not have access to Business courses at QUT.
Course requirements: At QUT a course is called a "unit", whereas a program of study (a degree) is called a "course". Exchange students are generally expected to take 4 QUT units (equivalent to 5 UCalgary courses), per semester. The minimum academic load is typically 3 QUT units (equivalent to 3 UCalgary courses).
The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.
- Semester 1 runs from late February to late June
- Semester 2 runs from mid-July to mid-November
Students can start in either semester, however full-year students must start in February (Semester 1).
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
It is recommended that students budget around AUS$400 per week to pay for accommodation and living expenses. Additional financial information can be found online. QUT also offers a free shuttle between its campuses.
Additionally, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all students studying in Australia and will be applied for at the time of application to your host university. You will be required to provide evidence of OSHC for the duration of your Student Visa at the time of your visa application. Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.
Brisbane cost comparison vs. Calgary: Click Here
NOTE: As of July 1 2024, the Australian government has increased the cost of the student visa to $1600 AUD (approx. $1500 CAD). There is advocacy happening within Australia for the fee to be reduced for semester exchange students, however, it is uncertain at this time whether the advocacy will be successful. Please ensure you budget $1600 for the visa to be safe. If the visa fee is reduced, we will provide an update as soon as possible.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
QUT does not provide any on-campus housing to students. However, the Accommodation Services office will help exchange students to find suitable housing. For example, there are several student accommodation blocks rented out by private providers.
Students may also want to rent a private or shared apartment, or can apply for a homestay with a local family. Because of the range in housing types, rental fees can vary drastically. Accommodation Services lists many recommendations to different housing providers to fit students' interest. Students are encouraged to look into the detailed information availableonline for their desired housing type.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
QUT has a smoke-free campus policy. Smoking on campus is not permitted.
What resources are available for new students?
QUT arranges an Orientation Week prior to the start of each semester, with a combination of informative and social events.
Exchange students can also sign up for airport reception. For a fee, QUT provides 24-hour pickup service to transport incoming international students from the airport terminal to their arranged accommodation. Since getting to/from the airport can be somewhat expensive, so this pickup service is highly recommended.
Additionally, QUT offers a wide variety of clubs, including ones unique to Australia such as surf, dive, or rugby league clubs: http://qutguild.com/clubs/
There is also a gym on campus, but this is not included with your student fees. However, with student discount it costs roughly $64-80/month, but students can also look into other gym options.
Students also have access to discounted fortnightly day/overnight trips organized through the international office at QUT.
What supports or services are available at QUT?
QUT provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities.
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Saniya Korhalkar
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.