Who we are and what we do
Study Queensland (SQ) is a business unit of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). Our mission is to build a strong, sustainable International Education and Training (IET) sector that attracts talent from around the world to study and live in Queensland. We promote Queensland as a leading destination for education, training, research and innovation, and we support all IET providers in the state. We are committed to delivering a positive, supportive student experience that contributes to social cohesion and community inclusion across Queensland.
Some of our key responsibilities include:
- Delivering events and programs that enhance the student experience, mobility, and employability in Queensland
- Delivering onshore and offshore marketing and promotion
- Advocating in policy forums to advance Queensland’s international education sector
- Supporting collaborative initiatives to deliver projects aligned with the Strategy goals, leveraging further investment in the sector
- Supporting Queensland's regions through close collaboration with five regional study clusters to undertake a wide range of activities in their region, including Student Ambassador programs, regional specific promotional activity, industry events, student events, training, and employability programs to connect students with industry.
Across the globe and throughout the state, the Study Queensland team offers on-the-ground support to Queensland IET providers seeking opportunities to establish or grow their international presence. Students in Queensland also benefit from Study Queensland’s comprehensive support services, including 1800QSTUDY (1800 778 839) - a 24/7 hotline for international students studying in the state.
Study Clusters
In Queensland, there are five regional Study Clusters dedicated to supporting international students:
Study Queensland works collaboratively with each Cluster to support an enhanced student experience across the state.
Each of the Study Clusters offer employability courses and programs to help students understand and be prepared to compete in the Queensland job market. Additionally, dedicated student hubs in Cairns and the Gold Coast provide spaces for students to connect, learn and meet new people.
Study Australia Partnership
The Study Australia Partnership (SAP) is a cooperative partnership between Austrade (Study Australia) and all Australian state and territory study promotion agencies. SAP members work collaboratively on the effective promotion of Australia's education offerings and mechanisms to support the growth of the IET sector in the nation.
Through the partnership, Study Queensland collaborates with our Federal and other state and territory colleagues on projects that gather insights and vital data, drive student experience improvements and promote a sustainable sector.
Through this partnership there are also a range of collaborative events and initiatives, find out more by visiting Study Australia.
The IET Sector in Australia
The Australian Government regulates the international education sector through the ESOS Act 2000 and its associated instruments, which together constitute the ESOS Framework. The ESOS Framework safeguards and enhances Australia's reputation for quality education, provides tuition protection and supports the integrity of the student visa program.
Under the ESOS Act, it is a requirement for all education providers to be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) if they deliver education to students in Australia on a student visa.
The ESOS Framework also supports the integrity of the student visa system by ensuring that education providers collect and report information relating to student visas.
The agencies responsible for regulating the international education sector are referred to as ESOS agencies and are accountable to the Minister for Education. A provider's ESOS agency depends on which sector they are from:
- the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) regulates the higher education sector and manages higher education providers
- the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national VET regulator, and manages VET and standalone ELICOS providers
- the Department of Education manages schools.
Resources for the IET Sector
Study Queensland offers a range of services and resources to support the growth and success of Queensland’s international education and training sector and foster the best possible student experience. These include:
- 1800QStudy: a 24/7 hotline offering assistance to international students and their networks, including parents, agents, and homestay providers. Whether it's academic, accommodation, or lifestyle-related, the support team is here to help.
- International student hubs: located in the major centres of the Gold Coast and Cairns, these hubs provide on-the-ground support for students. From practical information to cultural integration, these centres make settling in Queensland easier.
- Study clusters and regional forums: Study Queensland coordinates forums and events that bring together education providers, industry partners, and regional stakeholders to promote collaboration and drive sector-wide initiatives.
Pathways and partnerships: Queensland’s educational institutions offer structured pathways across secondary schools, vocational education and training (VET), and universities. Partnerships with industry leaders ensure that these pathways align with the skills and knowledge needed in a fast-evolving global economy.