Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia
Overview
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia is one of the country’s largest and most inclusive public universities, recognized for its strong focus on accessibility, robust Cost of Education to study in Australia, employability, and real-world learning.
Established in 1967, CQU has expanded into a multi-campus institution with locations in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Rockhampton, and regional Queensland.
The university offers an extensive range of programs or Courses to Study in Australia across business, engineering, IT, health sciences, education, environmental science, and creative industries. CQU’s practical learning model and partnerships with global industries make it a preferred destination for students seeking career-ready education.
With over 30,000 students, including 5,000 international learners or inbound learners from more than 80 countries, CQU is known for its versatile, larger than life and diverse, multilingual and multicultural environment. It consistently and year by year ranks high for graduate employability and student satisfaction, thanks to its flexible study options and innovative teaching methods.
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia continues to be a giant leader in applied research, community engagement, and online learning, offering students the dexterity and skills and opportunities to thrive in today’s global workforce.
Highlights
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Total International Students: 5,000+ from 80+ countries
- Programs Offered: 300+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Scholarships: Up to 50% tuition fee waivers
- Placement Percentage: 93% graduate employability rate
Rankings
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia has indeed built a solid and strong reputation for student support, employability, and research excellence. CQU’s focus on industry engagement, externship programs, steadfast learning and applied learning has made it one of Australia’s fastest-growing universities.
It consistently performs well in global rankings and national quality indicators for learning and teaching and known for producing well-prepared graduates.
| Ranking Agency | Rank / Recognition |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | Top 600 globally |
| Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024 | Top 400 worldwide |
| QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2024 | Top 200 globally |
| QILT Student Experience Survey 2024 | Top 10 in Australia for Student Satisfaction |
Intakes
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia indeed offers superb and highly flexible and very resilient intakes across the year for foreign students, catering to international or inbound students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
February Intake: The main intake, available for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
July Intake: Mid-year intake covering a wide range of business, health, and engineering courses.
November Intake: Smaller intake for select postgraduate, diploma, and short-term programs.
Courses & Fees
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia indeed offers a diverse, and vivid comprehensive range of degrees designed to combine or amalgamate academic excellence with hands-on industry experience or outside classroom learning experience. Its programs emphasize innovation, sustainability, and global employability.
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1.5 – 2 Years | AUD 33,000 – 36,000 per year |
| Master of Engineering | 2 Years | AUD 34,000 – 38,000 per year |
| Master of Information Technology | 2 Years | AUD 32,000 – 36,000 per year |
| Master of Public Health | 2 Years | AUD 31,000 – 35,000 per year |
| Bachelor of Business | 3 Years | AUD 28,000 – 31,000 per year |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 3 Years | AUD 30,000 – 33,000 per year |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | AUD 32,000 – 36,000 per year |
Cost of Studying at Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia
Studying at Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia is considered pocket friendly and indeed affordable compared to many other major Australian universities. CQU’s flexible and resilient programs, scholarship opportunities, affordable cost of study programs, and regional campus options make it accessible to a broad range of international students.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees | AUD 31,000 – 38,000 per year |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | AUD 28,000 – 33,000 per year |
| Accommodation | AUD 1,000 – 1,800 per month (≈ AUD 12,000 – 21,000 per year) |
| Food & Groceries | AUD 400 – 700 per month (≈ AUD 5,000 – 8,000 per year) |
| Transportation | AUD 150 – 250 per month (≈ AUD 1,800 – 3,000 per year) |
| General Expenses | AUD 300 – 500 per month (≈ AUD 3,600 – 6,000 per year) |
Scholarships
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia offers a wide range of Scholarships to study in Australia and financial awards or financial aids to support high-achieving or outstanding international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, holistic wellbeing, leadership, and overall community contribution.
| Scholarship | Value / Waiver | Details |
|---|---|---|
| International Student Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition waiver | Awarded for strong academic achievement |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship | AUD 5,000 – 10,000 | For high-performing undergraduate and postgraduate students |
| Destination Australia Scholarship | AUD 15,000 per year | For students studying at regional campuses |
| Women in STEM Scholarship | Up to 30% tuition waiver | Encourages female students in science and engineering |
| Alumni Scholarship | 20% tuition discount | For CQU graduates pursuing higher degrees |
Admissions
The admissions process at Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia is straightforward and student friendly that students are astonished. The university welcomes with open attitude and invites applications from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners.
- Requirements: Recognized college or bachelor’s degree in a related field of your choice; relevant work experience preferred for some programs.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) / TOEFL iBT 90 / PTE Academic 58+.
- Documents: Transcripts are a must, passport, English test results, CV, statement of purpose, and references.
- Requirements: High school or alma-mater qualification or equivalent with satisfactory grades.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80 / PTE Academic 50+.
- Documents: High school transcripts, passport copy, and English test results.
Accommodation
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia provides flexible accommodation options to suit every budget and lifestyle, across all its major campuses.
On-Campus Housing
CQU offers fully furnished residences with Wi-Fi, study spaces, shared kitchens, and recreation areas. Residences are conveniently located within walking distance of academic buildings and facilities.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Students can also rent private apartments, share houses, or homestays. Average rent ranges from AUD 1,000 – 1,800 per month, depending on the city and accommodation type.
Placements
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia has earned a good reputation of graduate employability, with 93 per cent of the students securing places of employment or continuing education within six months after graduating.
The Career Services department of the university offers professional development training, resume writing, as well as placement in some of the top employers in Australia. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs are the hands-on experience students can obtain in most degrees.
Top Recruiters
- BHP Billiton
- Deloitte Australia
- PwC Australia
- Rio Tinto
- Queensland Health
- IBM Australia
- Accenture
- Telstra
- KPMG
- Australian Government Agencies
Student Essential Services
Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia has a structure of comprehensive support services to make sure that students excel in their academic, social, and personal life in all the campuses.
Student Affairs & Support: The Student Life team at CQU also conducts mentorship programs, workshops, and orientations so that the students settle in the university life with ease. Academic and personal wellbeing is also advised by advisors.
Student Success Centre: This centre offers academic counselling, study aids and workshops in writing. Students have personal assistance in assignments, time management, and exam preparation.
Careers & Internships: The Career Services office provides career counselling, job fairs and internships. The collaboration with the leading corporations in Australia assists students in obtaining a beneficial experience in the industries.
Counselling & Accessibility: Students with personal challenges or disabilities can get confidential counselling and accessibility services. In each campus, mental health assistance is a priority.
Health & Safety: Typically, on-campus services include first aid, healthcare counseling, and emergency services. Healthy and safe student environment is encouraged through wellness programs.
Clubs & Recreation: CQU has numerous clubs and student associations. Participation and leadership are promoted in sports, cultural and professional clubs.
Learning Resources: The present-day libraries, laboratories, and online services provide the students access to international journals, online database, and e-learning materials.
Visa & Housing Assistance: The International Office helps in visa applications, renewal and accommodation guidance, which ensure there is complaisance and comfort among international students.
Events & Cultural Activities: CQU also has festivals, volunteer drives, and cultural exchange events which encourage inclusivity and networking among students.
Location of Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are open for February, July, and November intakes. It’s recommended to apply 3–6 months early for visa processing.
Undergraduates or novice learners need a recognized high school qualification, while postgraduates must hold a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
CQU accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. IELTS 6.0 is required for undergraduate, and 6.5 for postgraduate programs.
Yes, CQU offers on-campus residences and assists students in finding affordable off-campus housing near all major campuses.
Yes, scholarships of up to 50% tuition waivers are available for high-achieving international students.
CQU offers internships, job placements, and personalized career coaching through its Career Services team.
Students choose CQU for its global rankings, practical learning approach, affordable tuition, and strong employability outcomes.
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