The University of Queensland in Brisbane is a Group of Eight university ranked equal 40th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Russian school leavers usually enter through the Foundation program at UQ College, which asks Russian applicants for a grade of 4 in their best four academic Year 11 subjects; the program costs $27,510 (AUD 39,172) including all fees for 2026 and 2027 starts. Bachelor's tuition for international students in 2027 runs from $33,770 to $42,810 (AUD 48,080–60,952) a year. Every international applicant is automatically considered for the 25% UQ International Excellence Scholarship.
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| City and campuses | Brisbane, Queensland; main campus St Lucia, second campus Gatton |
| Codes | CRICOS 00025B, TEQSA PRV12080 |
| Ranking | QS 2027: equal 40th |
| Russian certificate | via UQ College Foundation: grade 4 in best four academic Year 11 subjects |
| UQ College Foundation | Standard $27,510 (AUD 39,172) all-in; Accelerated $19,310 (AUD 27,490) |
| 2027 tuition | bachelor's $33,770–42,810 (AUD 48,080–60,952); MBA $48,540 (AUD 69,112) a year |
| English | IELTS Academic 6.5, no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 87; PTE 64 |
| 2027 semesters | 22 February and 26 July |
| Scholarship | UQ International Excellence Scholarship: 25% for the whole program, automatic |
| Catered colleges | $440–670 (AUD 633–958) a week at St Lucia |
Entry after a Russian or CIS school
The main route for Russian school leavers is the Standard Foundation Program at UQ College, the university's pathway college. For Russia the college requires completion of Year 11 with a grade of 4 in the best four academic subjects, plus IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0.
| Item | Standard Foundation Program |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 months: 30 teaching weeks plus exams and breaks |
| Next intake | 15 February 2027 |
| Content | five courses: academic English and mathematics throughout, plus electives matched to your target degree |
| Tuition (2026 and 2027) | $25,480 (AUD 36,280) |
| Enrolment fee | $180 (AUD 260) |
| Student services fee | $650 (AUD 922) |
| Textbooks and materials | $1,200 (AUD 1,710) |
| Total | $27,510 (AUD 39,172) |
These prices apply to offers made after 1 July 2025 for 2026 or 2027 commencement. An Accelerated Foundation Program costs $19,310 (AUD 27,490) all-in but has higher entry requirements, which you should confirm with the college.
Choose electives around your target degree. UQ College advises students heading to Computer Science, IT, Design or Urban Planning to skip physics and chemistry in favour of subjects such as business, IT or psychology; mathematics can be swapped if the degree has no maths prerequisite.
If you have completed two or more years of full-time bachelor-level study, UQ assesses you on that study only, even if your school rank was higher. Other routes are compared in studying in Australia after Year 11.
Degrees and 2027 tuition
UQ program pages show an approximate yearly fee for a full load of 16 units. The fee depends on the courses you take and is reviewed annually.
| Degree | Length | Tuition per year, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | 3 years | $33,770 (AUD 48,080) |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 3 years | $39,900 (AUD 56,800) |
| Bachelor of Business Management | 3 years | $39,900 (AUD 56,800) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | 3 years | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science | 3 years | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 4 years | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Master of Commerce | 1.5–2 years | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Master of Data Science | 1.5–2 years | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Master of Computer Science | from 1 year, depending on prior study | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Master of Civil Engineering (Professional) | 2 years | $42,810 (AUD 60,952) |
| Master of Business Administration | 1.5 years | $48,540 (AUD 69,112) |
What the table shows:
- Technical and science degrees share one price; arts is roughly AUD 12,900 a year cheaper.
- Engineering takes four years and includes Honours, so its total cost is higher.
- International students start twice a year in every program listed: 22 February and 26 July 2027. The MBA's summer start on 29 November is open only to domestic students continuing from the UQ Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
For comparisons see the cost of studying in Australia; for payment routes from Russia see how to pay for studies abroad from Russia.
Master's entry
UQ admits coursework master's applicants with a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and program length depends on your background. A Russian specialist or bachelor's degree qualifies if UQ assesses it as equivalent.
| Program | 2-year option | 1.5-year option | Also note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Commerce | bachelor's in any field with GPA 4.5/7 | relevant bachelor's | credit can shorten the degree further |
| Master of Data Science | relevant bachelor's (or one with the required content) with GPA 5.0/7 | relevant bachelor's with a deeper set of courses | full-time only for international students |
| Master of Business Administration | — | bachelor's in any field with GPA 4.5/7 plus 4 years of relevant work experience | international applicants need GMAT 550+ |
The 2-year option costs about AUD 30,000 more than the 1.5-year one, so check whether your degree qualifies for the shorter version. See also master's degrees in Australia.
English requirements
For the programs above UQ requires:
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5; reading, writing, speaking and listening 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT (incl. Paper Edition) | 87; listening 19, reading 19, writing 21, speaking 19 |
| PTE Academic | 64, no section below 60 |
Some programs set a higher bar, so always check the program page.
UQ International Excellence Scholarship
UQ's main award for international students starting in 2027:
- Value: 25% of tuition each semester for the whole program.
- Number: varies.
- Eligibility: international students applying for full-time study commencing in 2027 in an eligible program who meet all offer conditions and achieve a competitive score among offer holders for their commencement semester.
- Application: none; assessment is automatic.
- Restrictions: cannot be combined with another UQ scholarship or fee reduction (except the UQ English Language Scholarship) or with full external sponsorship; partial sponsorship may still be considered.
The award arrives with an unconditional offer or once conditions are met, and eligible programs are listed in the 2027 terms and conditions. UQ distributes more than AUD 16 million across 1,700 scholarships and prizes each year for many student groups. See also scholarships in Australia.
How to apply
- Pick the route: UQ College Foundation for school leavers, direct master's entry for graduates.
- Choose the program and check prerequisites and English on its page.
- Prepare documents: certificates and transcripts, official translations, English results, passport.
- Apply to UQ College or UQ. For a February start, begin 6–9 months ahead to leave time for documents, visa and housing.
- Meet offer conditions, pay the first tuition instalment and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and receive your CoE.
- Apply for the subclass 500 student visa.
Housing and living costs
From UQ's cost-of-living page:
| Option | Weekly price |
|---|---|
| Residential colleges at St Lucia (fully catered, utilities included) | $440–670 (AUD 633–958) |
| Kev Carmody House, St Lucia (not catered) | from $290 (AUD 414) |
| Walcott Street, St Lucia | from $310 (AUD 439) |
| Gatton Halls of Residence (partially catered) | from $280 (AUD 401) |
UQ also estimates books and supplies at about $850 (AUD 1,212) a year and OSHC at about AUD 1,200–1,400 a year, and suggests public transport because driving and parking can exceed AUD 150 a week. Accommodation at Gatton is usually cheaper than at St Lucia.
Visa and work
- Student visa (subclass 500): online via ImmiAccount after your CoE; charge from $1,760 (AUD 2,500) since 1 July 2026. Home Affairs tells you whether and where to give biometrics.
- Funds: first-year tuition, travel and $20,870 (AUD 29,710) for a year of living costs for one student.
- Work: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods; no limit for research master's and PhD students once their course starts.
- 485 visa: 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, 3 years after a research master's or PhD, for applicants aged 35 or under (under 50 for research degrees); charge $4,040 (AUD 5,750).
Visa decisions belong to Home Affairs. See the Australian student visa guide and working while studying and the 485 visa.
Who UQ suits
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Group of Eight, equal 40th in QS 2027 | Russian school leavers need 10 months of Foundation costing AUD 39,172 |
| A clear Foundation threshold for Russia | Technical degrees cost almost AUD 61,000 a year |
| Automatic 25% reduction for the whole program, no citizenship limit | The reduction is competitive, not guaranteed |
| Two intakes a year: February and July | Catered colleges start at AUD 633 a week |
| Non-catered residences from AUD 414 a week | Foundation requires IELTS 5.5 before you start |
UQ suits applicants who want a Group of Eight university with a clear Foundation route and an automatic scholarship chance. Compare it with the University of Melbourne, UNSW and Monash University, or start from universities in Australia and studying in Australia.
Costly mistakes
- Choosing Foundation electives without a target degree. Electives must match the degree's prerequisites.
- Taking physics and chemistry for an IT or design pathway. UQ College recommends other subjects.
- Confusing annual and total cost. Engineering takes four years, the MBA one and a half.
- Treating the 25% award as guaranteed. It goes to competitive scores.
- Showing only AUD 29,710 for the visa. First-year tuition and travel are also required.
FAQ
What grades do I need for UQ College Foundation?
For Russia, a grade of 4 in the best four academic Year 11 subjects, plus IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0.
How long is Foundation and when does it start?
The standard program lasts 10 months (30 teaching weeks plus exams and breaks); the next intake is 15 February 2027.
How much is a UQ bachelor's degree in 2027?
From AUD 48,080 a year for Arts to AUD 60,952 for engineering, computer science and biomedical science; Commerce and Business Management cost AUD 56,800.
Can Russian citizens receive a UQ scholarship?
The UQ International Excellence Scholarship has no citizenship restriction; all international applicants starting in 2027 in eligible programs are assessed automatically for the 25% reduction.
Can I live on campus?
Yes: catered St Lucia colleges cost AUD 633–958 a week, non-catered residences start at AUD 414, and Gatton halls at AUD 401.
How does StudyU help?
Under a service agreement we help choose the program and Foundation electives, prepare applications to UQ College and UQ, documents and the visa file. The university decides on admission and scholarships; Home Affairs decides on the visa.
Sources
- UQ program pages for international students (2027): Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Business Management, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Computer Science, Master of Commerce, Master of Data Science, MBA, Master of Civil Engineering (Professional)
- UQ: Review entry requirements, Cost of living
- UQ College: Standard Foundation Program, Fees
- UQ International Excellence Scholarship, UQ Scholarships
- QS: University of Queensland
- Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500), Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Study Australia: visa charge increase
Dollar amounts are converted at the ECB reference rate of 28.09.2026 (AUD 1 = $0.7024) and rounded to the nearest $10.
If you want to know which Foundation electives lead to the UQ degree you want, send us an application.
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.
Next steps
- Master's Degrees in Australia: Program Types, Degree Requirements, 2027 Costs and the 485 Visa
- Australian University Entry After 11 Years of School: Foundation, Diploma or a Year at a Home University
- Working While Studying in Australia and the 485 Graduate Visa in 2026: Hours, Pay, Tax and Post-Study Stay
- Scholarships in Australia for International Students in 2026–2027: What Is Actually Available
- Scholarships abroad 2026: where international students study for free
- How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026
