Uq College

UQ College (UQC) is an integral part of the University of Queensland (UQ), one of Australia's leading teaching and research institutions which is ranked 40^th in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2025). It supports international students to meet the entry requirements and pathway to UQ , and offers standalone English language programs and study tours. It also provides a portfolio of programs to support domestic students to pathway to UQ.

Located on UQ's St Lucia campus, UQC students enjoy inspirational surroundings and access to all campus facilities. Students benefit from easy access to accommodation, transport, entertainment and sporting facilities in and around Brisbane, as well as being in close proximity to the famous Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Great Barrier Reef.

UQC offers a supportive environment with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and skill-building. It has its own learning centre where students can receive one-on-one support from their teachers, learning advisors and student support services. Students have plenty of opportunities to make friends by joining the UQC activities program as well as any of the university's more than 220 clubs and societies.

Furthermore, UQC offers a comprehensive calendar of extra-curricular activities and workshops to provide an enriching experience for students so they can easily meet people from all around the world. As such, students quickly make long-lasting friendships and connections while studying at a world-renowned university.

Foundation Program

The UQC Foundation Program enables international students to meet the entry requirements for their chosen UQ undergraduate program. When students are accepted into their Foundation Program, they receive a conditional offer for their chosen undergraduate program.

Students can choose between the Standard Foundation Program (10 months) or the Accelerated Foundation pProgram (4 months).

Both programs include 20 to 25 hours of class contact per week. Students study five courses for the duration, including two core courses (Academic English and mathematics) and three electives based on the target undergraduate program.

Bridging English

If students meet the academic requirements for entry into a UQ program but still need to meet the English language proficiency requirements, they can package Bridging English with their program.

Depending on their existing level of English and the entry requirements for their program, students may be required to study bridging English from anywhere between 10 and 30 weeks.

Bridging English offers two options:

• BE Advantage finishes at least 6 weeks before the start of semester, it allows students to have a second chance to sit their end-of-program assessment and undertake BE Extension so they can start their UQ program without delay.
• BE Standard finishes immediately prior to the semester starting.

Integrated English

UQC offers a suite of English language classes focusing on practical reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Streams include General English, Academic English, and Business English. Students can add an elective such as IELTS preparation, Business English or Oral Communication Skills.

Taught in five-week blocks, there are nine start dates throughout the year. Students spend 20 hours in class each week, plus homework.

Study Tours

To enable students to have a taste of what it is like to study and experience life in Brisbane, UQC also offers a portfolio of two, three and five-week study tours.

At UQC, curriculum and teaching excellence is a priority. Course content is designed with input from UQ academic staff. This ensures alignment with undergraduate and postgraduate program requirements and supports students to be well-prepared for the academic rigour of university studies after they complete their UQC program.

Teaching staff at UQC bring enthusiasm and expertise to their classes and are committed to helping students build confidence and strong academic foundations. All teachers are highly qualified, and many have postgraduate qualifications such as master's degrees or PhDs. Several also teach in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at UQ.

UQC also emphasises continuous improvement, regularly reviewing course content, teaching methods and assessments to align with best practices. Its approach to tuition and assessment includes using the latest teaching technologies in addition to traditional classroom instruction.

Students regularly engage in hands-on learning and benefit from academic skill-building workshops and small class sizes, which foster personalised learning experiences and close mentorship from UQC's teachers.

UQC offers a range of pathways for students aiming to progress to UQ, as well as standalone English study. Entry requirements vary between programs:

Foundation Program

Applicants need to meet both academic and English language entry requirements. A minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5 with no sub-score lower than 5.0 (or an equivalent qualification) is required.

If students do not meet the English language proficiency requirements, they may have the opportunity to package an Integrated English program with the Foundation Program, or complete the standalone Integrated English program.

Bridging English packaged with a UQ program

Students need to meet the academic requirements for their UQ program and have a minimum overall IELTS score of 5.0 with no sub-score lower than 5.0 (or an equivalent qualification).

Integrated English

Students need a minimum overall IELTS score of 3.5 with no sub-score lower than 3.5 (or an equivalent qualification).

If students have not completed an English language proficiency assessment at the time of application, they can take the UQC placement test so that they can be placed in the correct class level.

UQ College recognises the financial challenges faced by many students and works hard to provide accessible pathways into higher education for students.

To support international students from diverse backgrounds to pathway to the University of Queensland, UQC offers the Foundation Program High Achiever Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship is granted automatically, so students do not need to apply directly.

This scholarship offers eligible students a 20 percent reduction in tuition fees for the semester two (2025) and semester one (2026) intakes. To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet the eligibility criteria, which include:

• Academic results of 80 percent or higher for their top four subjects in their final high school academic transcript
• Holding a passport from an eligible country
• Receiving an unconditional offer from an eligible program

Integrated English

Streams include:

• General English helps build confidence and the ability to understand conversations, as well as speak and write with more fluency. It is ideal for those who want to learn English for travel.
• Academic English supports those who want to study at university. Students develop their ability to express facts, ideas and opinions in academic writing and presentations.
• Business English develops English skills for business. Students experience real-life business scenarios, become familiar with business terminology and practices, and learn to write real-world business documents.

Study tours

English and Entrepreneurship: 2 weeks

Designed to enhance English language proficiency and introduce students to entrepreneurship concepts. Ideal for business students, working professionals, or anyone with an interest in learning English with a specialisation in entrepreneurship.

Business Communication and Entrepreneurship: 3 weeks

Designed to help students to improve their business English and nurture entrepreneurial ideas and plans. Ideal for business students, working professionals, and those in international business.

English Language and Cultural Immersion: 5 weeks

Combining 20 hours a week of English with a cultural immersion program, students study general English in the mornings and spend afternoons doing cultural activities to get a taste of the Australian way of life.

Online Bridging Courses

Starting April 2025, UQC's online Bridging courses in pure maths (mathematical methods) and general maths will enable students to meet UQ mathematical prerequisites.

Students are provided with all learning materials via an interactive digital learning portal. Weekly check-ins provide learning support from highly qualified teachers.

Foundation Program Field Trips

Studying biology as part of a Foundation program includes a multiple-day excursion to a UQ research station, either on the Great Barrier Reef or North Stradbroke Island.

UQC is a top provider of English language and pathway programs, and offers the most reliable pathway to the University of Queensland. Studying at UQC enables international students to transition smoothly into programs at UQ, and to markedly improve their English language proficiency.

All UQC students benefit from being fully immersed in campus life from day one of their program, while the college's mindfully created transfer programs and academic support ensure every learner is well-prepared for further study.

For those who progress to UQ, student and graduate prospects are strong. The QS Graduate Employability Rankings (2022) highlighted UQ as producing the most employable graduates of all Queensland universities.

In 2023, 81 percent of graduates from the university's undergraduate courses secured full-time employment within four to six months of completing their studies.