International Student Program FAQs
Q. How do I get a student visa and how long will it take?
A. The Australian student visa requirements vary according to your country of origin. Please contact the Australian embassy in your capital city for information on obtaining a student visa and on how long your application will take.
Q. Will I have to wear a school uniform and how much will it cost?
A. Most Education Queensland schools ask students to wear a school uniform. Each school has its own uniform that includes a jumper, shirt, skirt/trousers/dress (females) and trousers (males). Visit individual school websites to find out the details and costs of school uniforms.
Q. Why do I need overseas student health cover?
A. The Australian Government requires all international students to have overseas student health cover for the duration of their studies and this is usually arranged by EQI as part of your enrolment. Make sure you are fully aware of the basic medical and hospital services covered by this insurance.
Q. How will I get to and from school on my first day?
A. Your homestay family will make sure you get to school and home again on your first day. When you are comfortable with travelling to school on your own, your homestay family will show you how to use the appropriate public transport.
Q. Can I work part-time while I study?
A. You will be able to work for up to 20 hours per week depending on your age, but remember that study must be your first priority.
Q. Where can I study?
A. You can choose from a range of more than 41 EQ schools throughout Queensland from schools in Brisbane (Queensland's capital city) to Cairns in Far North Queensland. About half of them are in Brisbane while the rest are located in the major regional centres of Cairns, Townsville, Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
All schools taking part in the International Student Program have been selected and quality assured to ensure they meet the special needs of overseas students. The schools are centrally located, near major transport routes and have all the features of modern education systems. (See Study Locations)
Q. Do I need to improve my English before I arrive?
A. The success of your application to enter Education Queensland schools depends on your academic performance and your level of English language competency.
If your English level is not high enough but you meet our academic level, you may be offered a conditional offer of a place. This means that you may have to first complete a English Language High School Preparation (HSP) program.
Q. What happens after I submit my application?
A. Education Queensland International officers assess your application within 10 working days of receiving it. We tell you in a letter whether we are able to offer you a place in an international student program. If you are successful, we send you a letter called 'Offer for a course place in a Queensland government school'. The information sent with the offer will tell you what to do next.
Q. Will somebody meet me at the airport?
A. If you want somebody from Education Queensland to meet you at the airport, complete an Airport Reception form. This form will be sent to you after your application has been processed.
Q. What happens on the first day at school?
A. On the first day of school, the school International Student Program Coordinator will meet you. They will conduct an orientation session for you, introduce you to other students, take you for a tour of the school and help you select subjects and buy your school uniform.
Q. I do not know where I can live when I attend high school in Queensland. What should I do?
A. Many international students choose to live in homestay accommodation while studying at high school in Queensland. If you would like to live in a homestay, write this in your application form. Students are required to either live with a close relative or in an approved homestay arranged by the school. Your Queensland school will organise the homestay for you and we will send you details about your host family. When you pay your fees in advance the school will pay your host family every fortnight on your behalf.
Q. Are there any additional costs to what I will pay to Education Queensland International?
A. All the fees charged by Education Queensland are listed in the application form. The tuition fee covers all compulsory costs of schooling. You will need to buy your own stationery and uniforms and pay for any non-compulsory aspects of your program (for example, a school skiing trip). Additional costs include transport to and from your school everyday and your accommodation costs.
Q. Is there a limit to the amount of time a group can spend in integration with local students?
A. EQI recommends a maximum of 70% of program time be spent in integration with local students. This ensures that visiting students have a variety of interesting activities during their stay and does not place undue stress on the regular school routine of school buddies.
Q. Can I contact a school directly if I already know the school name and contact details?
A. It is a requirement that all enquiries are directed to EQI before contacting a school. After consultation regarding program details, EQI will locate a school suitable to the needs of the group.
Q. If the group size is less than ten students can we still come?
A. While it is possible for EQI to accept a group smaller than ten participants, the minimum charge will be based on a group size of ten. If the group is less that six participants, it may be more suitable for students to enroll as individual Visitor Visa students, however homestay is not available in this case. Please refer to the Visitor Visa section of this website for further details.
Q. I operate my own Tour Operator company, can I arrange the excursions and transport myself?
A. Yes. EQI can arrange all study tour components for the group, or coordinate only the school based activities, with excursions, accommodation, lessons etc. being arranged by another party.
Q. Is it necessary to have insurance to participate in EQI study tour programs?
A. All EQI study tour participants are required to take out travel insurance prior to arrival in Australia.
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