International Students
International 
The School places a high value on the participation of international students in its undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. International students bring new and different experiences into the School, and the exchange of perspective between international and Australian students and staff greatly enriches the School's intellectual life. The School regularly attracts international undergraduate and postgraduate students, and welcomes applications for study from international students.
Students wishing to study at UQ should also consider the additional opportunities available to them, including articulation programs, exchange/study abroad programs and programs offered off-shore.
It values its links with the international community of academics and practitioners in social work and social policy. The School is a member of the Asia and Pacific Association of Social Work Education (APASWE), and participates in a range of international social welfare activities. In 1999 the School was a major sponsor of the international conference of APASWE and the International Federation of Social Workers (Asia Pacific Region), held in Brisbane.
The staff are continually developing links with universities and social work and social policy organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The School is committed to addressing international issues and including an international comparative dimension throughout its educational programs.
International students choose the School of Social Work and Human Services for their undergraduate and postgraduate study for a number of reasons. Some are seeking degree qualifications, such as the Bachelor of Social Work, in order to take up career positions within their own countries. Others are seeking higher level professional qualifications such as Masters of Social Work or Masters of Human Services, in order to enhance their professional qualifications and capacity for professional leadership within their own country.
The School has a number of specific attractions for international students. It is recognised as one of the leading schools of social work and social policy in Australia, and is located within one of the best universities in Australia. Brisbane, where the School and University are located, is often called Australia's most livable city. It is a pleasant, safe, multi-cultural, modern city, with a mild, sub-tropical climate and excellent transport and communication links with the Asia-Pacific region. Brisbane is close to beautiful surfing beaches and sub-tropical countryside. Many international students enjoy visits to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian outback during their stay at The University of Queensland.
The University provides a small number of scholarships available to postgraduate research higher degree students, and the Australian Government offers scholarships to enable international students from selected countries to study in Australia. For information on the Australian Development Co-operation Scheme awards, contact your local Australian Education Centre or Diplomatic Mission.
How to Apply- Entry Requirements
- Advanced Standing/Credit Transfer Information
- UQ International Website
- Guide for International Students
- Representatives in your Country
- Download our Prospectus for International Students
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Our Students Other Opportunities- Scholarships for UQ students to go abroad
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Contact Us Prospective International Students
Student TestimonialsCompleting a PhD in Social Policy (2005)
Mr Sunil Selvarajan
Master of Counselling Program
Making the decision to study the Master of Counselling program at the University of Queensland was the best decision that I had made in my twenty-nine years of existence as it gave me a professional qualification that ranks among the highest in its field and also because the course itself transformed me as a person.
The Master of Counselling program course structure is very comprehensive and many different and diverse aspects of counselling are covered. For example, counselling children and young adults as well as gerontology are covered in this program. The assignments are challenging and some are introspective forcing potential counsellors to look at blind spots that may impinge on their subsequent practice. Lastly, it must be said that some assignments such as the “infamous” management committee report forces trainee counsellors to consider how financial, geographical and other constraints affect counselling practice.
The lecturers and tutors for the current program were wonderful teachers and also great people. Three lecturers/tutors made a big impression on myself. Dr Judith Murray, the program’s director, is an extremely knowledgeable individual who could very well be the CEO of a multi – national corporation if she were not already a lecturer/program director. Dr Brian Sullivan is a very passionate individual who livens up the class with his humour and sharp comments. Last but not least, Ms Susan De Campo, injects tutorials with a dose of reality as she is a practicing counsellor. Her useful hints during tutorials and her vivacious personality makes every tutorial enjoyable and something that students look forward to.
Lastly, it must be said that the course itself and the whole “Australian” experience itself changes you. For example, before embarking on this program, I was an introvert who preferred solitary activities. However, by the end of my course, I could be described as an extrovert with “bagloads” of confidence. The dynamics of my class was wonderful and we had a great mixture of personalities and people from various parts of the world that made social events an absolute joy. Till this day, some of the best friends that I have ever made were either from the course or are other UQ students.
The Australian or rather the UQ experience has in fact been very beneficial and my Master of Counselling certificate occupies a special place in my room.
To a large extent, I see myself returning to UQ probably in the next 3 to 4 years to pursue a PHD in either counselling or social work and possibly even living in Brisbane within the next 10 years.
Yours Sincerely
Sunil Selvarajan
UQ Alumni
