International Student Program FAQs
- Why study in Australia?
- What is so great about studying in a Queensland Government school?
- What is the difference between Study Abroad and the Graduate Program?
- Do I have to enrol in High School Preparation (HSP)?
- What is the structure of the education system in Queensland?
- Who can participate?
- Where can I study and for how long?
- How do I apply to study in a Queensland Government school?
- When do I need to apply?
- Can I apply individually or do I have to use an agent?
- What happens after I submit my application?
- Will I need a visa?
- How do I get a student visa and how long will it take?
- Do I need to be fluent in English?
- When I have finished Year 12, can I continue to further my education here in Queensland?
- Can I graduate from school whilst here in Australia?
- Will my studies here in Queensland be recognised in my home country?
- What if I have graduated?
- How much does it cost to study in Australia compared to other overseas countries?
- What does the program fee include?
- What is not included in the program fee?
- Why do I need overseas student health cover?
- Can I transfer schools?
- Can I extend my study program?
- How do I withdraw from an International Student Program?
- Will somebody meet me at the airport when I arrive in Queensland?
- What are the schools hours?
- What happens on the first day of school?
- Do students have to wear school uniforms?
- How will I get to and from school on my first day?
- What support will I receive from my host school?
- Will I be homesick or experience problems?
- Will I be able to take all the subjects I choose?
- Can I join a sports team at my school?
- What do Australian students do in their free time?
- What will I do during the school holidays?
- What about safety – local, national, worldwide?
- Where can I live when I attend high school in Queensland?
- How much does homestay cost?
- What should I expect from my homestay experience?
- What will my host family be like?
- What are Blue Cards and why are they used?
- When will I get the details of my homestay family?
- What happens if I have a problem with my host family?
- Can I live independently?
- Can I travel while I am overseas?
- Can I work in Australia while I study?
- Will someone take me to the airport after I finish my program?
Why study in Australia?
Studying overseas provides international students with a unique opportunity to meet, study and share knowledge with other students, both Australian and other international students. This opportunity fosters the development of international friendships and networks that can last a lifetime. International students who live and study in Australia can further improve their English skills and learn about Australia's unique way of life. Students have the opportunity to learn about themselves by acquiring self-confidence and independence.
Australia is a multicultural nation which hosts residents from many different countries. As an international student you will never feel out of place because you are from another country, in fact, you may be mistaken for an Australian!
Find out more... Queensland
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What is so great about studying in a Queensland Government school?
Queensland Government schools are internationally recognised for providing a high quality education to all students. Our Government schools are also world leaders in providing English language courses for international students. The Australian Government requires education providers to have strict quality standards in place so that international students and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unique to Australia.
The Queensland Government schools available to international students are located near major transport routes and have the latest equipment and facilities. Queensland also offers excellent value for money and a high standard of living. For further information about receiving an education in Queensland please visit the Department of Education Training website.
Find out more... Queensland Schools
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What is the difference between Study Abroad and the Graduate Program?
The Graduate Program is an academic program that provides students studying in junior and senior high school with long term educational opportunities. Students completing years 11 and 12 in Queensland schools will receive a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students enrolling in the Graduate Program could be eligible to graduate with an Overall Position (OP) score and FP (Field Position) which are used as a benchmark for entry to Queensland universities. The Study Abroad Program is a program that provides a shorter educational experience for students from 3 to 12 months duration. This program provides students with a cultural experience that allows them to continue to develop their English language proficiency whilst continuing in high school studies.
Find out more... High School Graduate, Study Abroad
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Do I have to enrol in High School Preparation (HSP)?
Unless an English test result is provided at the time of application, most students should expect to undertake an average of 2 school terms (approx 20 weeks) of HSP prior to commencing mainstream studies at their host school. If you feel you will not need to participate in HSP you may need to undertake an English Language test (either ISLPR or IELTS) to demonstrate your English proficiency and to meet your student visa requirements. For further information do not hesitate to contact the International Student Program team in EQI to clarify this issue.
Find out more... High School Preparation
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What is the structure of the education system in Queensland?
All Queensland Government schools are coeducational day schools. In Queensland, it is compulsory for students of school age to attend school. Students aged 5 can enrol in a preparatory year prior to primary school. Students study for 7 years at primary school and then 5 years of high (secondary) school before graduating. At high school there are 3 years of junior high school (Years 8 to 10) and then 2 years of senior high school (Years 11 and 12). At the end of Year 12, most students will receive a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and may also be eligible for an OP (Overall Position) and FP (Field Position). Students may then choose to study at tertiary level to continue their education at a university, TAFE college or other private college after completing high school.
Find out more... School System
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Who can participate?
The most successful participants in the International Student Program are young people who are bright, flexible, open-minded and ready to learn about the world. They should be mature and in good health. Students must have a satisfactory pass in all core subjects in their previous 2 years of schooling. International students are required to have sufficient English to undertake the course of study in which they are enrolled. More information about specific courses and their individual requirements can be found on our website.
Find out more... Programs
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Where can I study and for how long?
You can choose from a range of more than 50 different Queensland Government high schools or 10 different Queensland Government primary schools throughout Queensland from Brisbane (Queensland's capital city) in the south to Cairns in Far North Queensland. Over half of the schools available are in Brisbane, while the remainder are located in the major regional centres of Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
International students can choose to come to Australia for as little as 3 months (one school term) or for as long as five years. The average program is one to three years in length.
Students will need to meet the visa requirements for their country of origin. Please contact the Australian embassy in your home country for information on the terms and condition for obtaining a student visa or more information can be obtained from the Department for Immigration and Citizenship 
website.
Find out more... Queensland Schools
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How do I apply to study in a Queensland Government school?
You will need to complete an application form found on our website. Once you have completed the form in English you will need to send it to EQI (either scanned via email, by fax or by post) with the required supporting documentation attached. Applications are assessed primarily on the basis of a student's academic records and English language proficiency. Students who have limited English proficiency may be made an offer on the condition that they first successfully complete an intensive English language course (High School Preparation) prior to enrolment in mainstream schooling.
Find out more... How to Apply
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When do I need to apply?
We encourage all interested students to submit their completed applications with the necessary documentation as early as possible to ensure that we have sufficient time to process the applications. "Important Dates" in the Application Form provides the cut-off dates for entry to each school term. The application cut-off dates refer to lodgement of complete applications for Assessment Level 1 or 2 countries or PVA approval for all Assessment Level 3 and 4 countries. Students need to allow 3 months for Assessment Level 4 eVisa applications.
Find out more... School Calendar
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Can I apply individually or do I have to use an agent?
Prospective international students can apply directly for enrolment in our programs or they can apply with the assistance of an agent.
Find out more... How to Apply
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What happens after I submit my application?
EQI officers assess student applications within 5 working days of receiving them. Students will be advised by email of the outcome of their application to join the international student program. If you are successful, you will receive an offer letter (normally by email) called "Offer of a place in a Queensland Government School". The information sent with the offer will tell you what to do next.
Find out more... How to Apply
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Will I need a visa?
Yes, students applying to join EQI's international student programs will require a valid student visa (subclass 571) for the duration of their study program. If you accept a place in a Queensland Government school and pay the required fees, you will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment which you must submit to the Australian Embassy in your home country to enable the processing of your student visa.
Find out more... Visas
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How do I get a student visa and how long will it take?
The Australian student visa requirements vary according to the student's country of origin. Please contact the Australian embassy in your home country for information on obtaining a student visa and information on the length of time your application may take.
Find out more... Visas
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Do I need to be fluent in English?
The success of your application to enter a Queensland Government school depends on your academic performance and your level of English language competency. If your English Level is not high enough to meet our direct entry requirements, you may be offered a conditional "Offer of a Place". This means that you may have to complete one term (10 weeks) or two terms (20 weeks) of High School Preparation (HSP) first. For more information please refer to our website.
International students who are offered a place at a Queensland Government school are required to have sufficient English to undertake the course in which they are enrolled.
Find out more... High School Preparation
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When I have finished Year 12, can I continue to further my education here in Queensland?
If you wish to continue your education at a Queensland university you need to complete Year 11 and 12 to obtain a Queensland Certificate of Education. A huge variety of undergraduate degree courses are available to international students at all nine universities in Queensland. Students also have an option to apply to attend a TAFE College or a private provider for vocational education and training (VET). Students should consult with the guidance officer at their school of choice for information on their individual options for study after completing high school. Further information on tertiary education options is available on the Study Queensland website .
Find out more... Study Queensland
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Can I graduate from school whilst here in Australia?
Many international students graduate from our high schools each year. Most of these students wish to further their education at a tertiary institution after they finish Year 12. To be eligible for further study here in Australia you will need to consider your choice of subjects carefully so that you are eligible for an (Overall Position) OP score. Further information about subject choice and tertiary options after high school will be available at your host school via the guidance officer here in Australia.
Find out more... Queensland School System
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Will my studies here in Queensland be recognised in my home country?
Queensland qualifications are respected internationally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. It is important to speak with individual education institutions directly to ascertain their entry requirements. You will be provided with written progress reports at the end of each school term and all assistance possible will be given to help you to achieve your best potential whilst studying in a Queensland Government school. It is possible for you to receive credit for your studies undertaken in a Queensland Government school. Please check with your home country school before undertaking your overseas studies to make sure that they will recognise your overseas studies.
Find out more... Queensland School System
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What if I have graduated?
EQI will accept applications from students for the international student program provided the period between graduation and entry to our program is no greater than six months.
Find out more... How to Apply
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How much does it cost to study in Australia compared to other overseas countries?
An Australian Government survey showed that in terms of total costs – including tuition fees and living expenses – Australia was consistently less expensive than the USA and UK. Tuition fees will vary depending on the course and its duration. Living costs too will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
Find out more... Program Fees, Homestay
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What does the program fee include?
All the fees charged by Education Queensland International are listed in the application form and on our website. The tuition fees cover all compulsory costs of schooling, including all tuition costs, textbook hire and compulsory school excursions. To confirm your application for enrolment you will need to pay the cost of your tuition for one year (or duration if your program is shorter than one year), the cost of your homestay for one year (or duration if staying less than one year) and the cost of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Find out more... Program Fees
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What is not included in the program fee?
The fees do not include homestay accommodation, school uniforms, materials such as pens, calculators and similar items of stationery and all non-compulsory activities (for example, a school skiing trip). The fees also do not include passport and visa fees, personal spending money, and any charges for public transport costs to and from school.
Find out more... Program Fees
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Why do I need overseas student health cover?
The Australian Government requires all international students to have overseas student health cover for the duration of their studies as part of their visa conditions. Make sure you are fully aware of the basic medical and hospital services covered by this insurance. More information can be obtained at Department of Immigration and Citizenship .
Find out more... Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
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Can I transfer schools?
International students enrolled in Queensland government schools are advised to select their school carefully prior to lodging their application. Students are not permitted to change from one school to another except in compassionate and compelling circumstances. Students who wish to transfer schools are required to have their parents apply in writing. A transfer fee may apply to any approved transfer.
Find out more... Complaints and Appeals Process
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Can I extend my study program?
Yes, you may extend your program provided that your school and your family approve the extension. EQI requires a written request from your parents at least 2 months prior to the end of your current study program. EQI can provide you with an extended Confirmation of Enrolment which you will need to take to the Department of Immigration to extend your student visa.
Find out more... Support Team
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How do I withdraw from an International Student Program?
Students wishing to withdraw from an EQI course are required to give notice in writing from their parents outlining the reason for withdrawing.
Find out more... Support Team
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Will somebody meet me at the airport when I arrive in Queensland?
Yes, the first time you arrive in Queensland, our airport meet and greet service is provided as part of your program fees for no additional cost to international students and their immediate family members. If you want to be met on arrival you need to complete an Arrival Details form. This form will be sent to you after your application has been processed.
Find out more... Airport Pickup
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What are the schools hours?
Most Queensland Government schools hold classes from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays, school holidays and student-free days. More information on terms dates and school holidays can be found on the EQI website.
Find out more... School Orientation
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What happens on the first day of school?
On your first day of school, the school International Student Coordinator will meet you. The school will conduct an orientation program for you, introduce you to other students and school staff responsible for international students, take you for a tour of the school, help you select subjects and buy your school uniform.
Find out more... School Orientation
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Do students have to wear school uniforms?
At most Queensland Government schools it is compulsory for students to wear the school uniform. The uniform for each school is different but most Queensland school uniforms include a jumper, shirt, skirt/short or long trousers/dress (females) and short or long trousers (males). You can visit individual school websites to find out the details of their student dress code and costs of the uniforms. Most schools also provide second hand uniform shops as a cost effective option.
It is the student's responsibility to purchase the school uniform as these costs are not included in the tuition fees paid prior to enrolment.
Find out more... School Orientation
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How will I get to and from school on my first day?
Your homestay family will make sure you get to school and home again on the first day. When you are comfortable with travelling to school on your own, your homestay family will show you the best way to travel on your own. The method of travel will vary depending on the location of your homestay and the distance to your school. Students may walk, catch a bus/train/ferry, cycle or be driven by car to school. Students are required to cover the cost of their transport to and from school each day. Costs may vary depending on distance travelled but usually it costs between AU$15.00 and $20.00 per week.
Find out more... Homestay
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What support will I receive from my host school?
An International Student Coordinator and/or a Homestay Coordinator based at your host school are available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for personal or school related support issues. A member of the International Student Program team will make contact with your family prior to your arrival to introduce themself, the school and provide details of the host school and your homestay family. During orientation at the school, emergency numbers are provided to each student for their information and use as necessary. If you require any assistance with English, school or personal issues during your stay, these team members will be happy to help. EQI also provides a back up support for schools in emergency situations.
Find out more...Care and Support, Support Team
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Will I be homesick or experience problems?
It is normal for students to feel homesick for a short period of time and to experience some problems adjusting to a different environment and school. Learning to manage these situations yourself, with the support of your homestay family, staff and teachers at the school and the team members at EQI, is one of the benefits of enrolling in EQI's International Student Program. It builds self-confidence and maturity. Assistance is always available to international students from both their school staff and EQI officers, so do not hesitate to seek additional help if you need help or advice.
Find out more...Care and Support, Support Team
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Will I be able to take all the subjects I choose?
Subject availability will vary from time to time (depending on whether you join the program at the beginning or during the Queensland academic year). We recommend you check with your agent and school to ensure your subject needs are met.
Find out more...Care and Support, Support Team
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Can I join a sports team at my school?
Queensland schools have many sports teams and students may join these based on their ability and whether there is room for additional players in the team. In Queensland, there are different seasons for sports so it is important to check if your sport will be available during the period of your stay. Many students have access to a wide variety of sports by joining local sports clubs in their school or homestay area.
Find out more...Care and Support, Support Team
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What do Australian students do in their free time?
There are many activities available to students outside of school, such as joining sports clubs (soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball, skating, swimming, surfing, dancing, etc) or visiting the numerous public parks for picnics, swimming, walking, hiking, and cycling. Queensland is also well-known for its national parks and beaches, as well as its thriving music and arts scene allowing students to enjoy cinema, theatre and concert events. There are also many shopping malls that cater for all types of interests.
Find out more... Homestay
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What will I do during the school holidays?
EQI runs school vacation trips to various destinations to offer international students to have the opportunity to travel and see parts of Australia. These trips are fully supervised by Education Queensland staff and include fun activities for young people. We recommend you check with your agent and school to learn what options are available.
Find out more... Holiday Adventure Programs
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What about safety - local, national, worldwide?
The safety of all students in Queensland Government schools is always the highest priority. Parents can be assured that every possible effort will be made to ensure that their son or daughter will be safe for the duration of their study until their return home. Queensland is well known as a safe destination with well developed systems for ensuring the wellbeing of young people.
Find out more... Care and Support
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Where can I live when I attend high school in Queensland?
Many international students choose to live in homestay accommodation while studying at high school in Queensland. Living in homestay accommodation provides students with a blend of independence and care as well as the opportunity to live with an Australian family. It you would like to live in a homestay, write this in your application form. Your Queensland school will organise the homestay for you and will send you the details of your host family. Please note: students under the age of 14 must live with a parent or close relative for the duration of study at a Queensland Government school. Students who have turned 14 years of age may choose to live with a parent or a close relative or request homestay accommodation with a Queensland family.
Find out more... Homestay
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How much does homestay cost?
The cost of living in a homestay varies between AU$190-$230 a week depending on the location. This includes single room accommodation with a bed, desk and wardrobe and three meals per day, seven days per week. Students should be prepared to pay for the cost of their telephone calls and internet access at the homestay.
Find out more... Homestay
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What should I expect from my homestay experience?
In most homestays you will be sharing bathroom facilities with other members of the family. Students should understand that water is a very important resource in Australia and Australians are very careful with water use. Your host family will expect you to take quick showers so as to conserve water.
In Australia all family members help out with household chores. Students may be expected to do their own ironing, clean their own room and help out in the kitchen.
Find out more... Homestay
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What will my host family be like?
The host families who volunteer to host international students are carefully screened and selected. The families are diverse. They may have children of any age (not necessarily teenagers) or they may not have children at all. There may be other relatives living in the home. They may live in urban, suburban, or rural areas, and they may live in an apartment or on a larger property.
They will have one feature in common - a desire to welcome you into their home and to treat you as a member of the family. Our host families are keen to open their home to an international student and be part of their learning experience. Students are matched with host families based on common interests and activities. All homestay families are required to obtain a Blue Card before students are placed in their homes. The application process for a Blue Card includes a police identity and criminal history check.
Find out more... Homestay
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What are Blue Cards and why are they used?
The Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian is responsible for issuing Blue Cards to people working with children to help protect the interests and wellbeing of children and young people in Queensland. The application process includes a police identity and criminal history check. View more information about the Blue Card process.
Find out more... Homestay
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When will I get the details of my homestay family?
Schools are required to provide detailed homestay family information to all students at least 4 weeks prior to the student's arrival.
Find out more... Orientation
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What happens if I have a problem with my host family?
Most problems with host families occur due to miscommunication and culture shock. You will have a Homestay coordinator based at the school to assist you. This person is there to help you solve any problems you feel you have with your family. If after discussions, meetings and negotiations your problems cannot be solved, then a change of host family is possible. We want to make sure you feel comfortable with your homestay family.
Find out more... Complaints and Appeals Process
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Can I live independently?
Students enrolled in an EQI International Student program are required to remain living in homestay or with a parent or approved close relative for the duration of their course. No students are allowed to live independently at any time during the course of the studies, even if you are over 18 years old.
Find out more... Homestay
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Can I travel while I am overseas?
EQI has a safe travel policy for all international students. It is the student's responsibility to request all travel on the appropriate form and it is your school principal's responsibility to approve travel requests while you are studying in a Queensland Government school. Travel under the supervision of a relative over the age of 21 years, your host family, school or on an organised trip arranged by EQI or another approved organisation is considered appropriate. Travel will only be permitted during school holidays.
Find out more... Travel Policy
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Can I work in Australia while I study?
Yes. International students under 16 years of age may work up to 12 hours per week during course time and up to 20 hours per week during vacation periods. Students over 16 years can work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods. You will need to speak to school staff about your wish to work after you have started school. This permission to work will be reviewed by your school principal if working has a negative impact on your studies or academic results.
Find out more... Support Team
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Will someone take me to the airport after I finish my program?
In most cases, someone from your host family will take you to the airport on departure to say goodbye. In the event that this is not possible, a staff member from your host school will provide this service.
Find out more... Support Team
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Last updated 6 April 2009
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