Changing Universities International FAQs

What should I do first if I wish to change my institution?

Refer to the Study in Australia website for detailed information regarding changing your course, level of qualification or institution. If you have an authorised recruitment agent, your agent can assist with further information. CQUniversity authorised agents are listed on our Find an Agent page. Please submit an application to CQUniversity and our International Admissions team will advise on any documentation required.

Will transferring to another institution impact my student visa?

If accepted to CQUniversity, you will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is required to lodge your student visa application for study in Australia. If you change your level of qualification, you may need to apply for a new student visa as your visa subclass may change. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs for further information.

Do I need a release letter from my current institution?

If you have not completed six months of your principal course of study, you will need to contact your current institution to apply for a letter of release. You will require a letter of offer from CQUniversity in order to apply for a letter of release from your current institution. Once you’ve applied to study at CQUniversity, International Admissions will assess your application and if a letter of release is required, you will be issued an offer conditional upon obtaining the letter of release from your current institution.

How do I apply?

Apply directly online through iStart. If you need more information on how to apply, please visit our Apply page.

How long will my application take to be assessed?

If you are applying for credit assessment as part of your application, International Admissions will also review this during assessment of your application. Applications without credit assessment generally take less than 5 business days while applications with credit assessment may take an additional 5-10 business days.

Can I apply for a scholarship and what does the scholarship offer?

CQUniversity has a number of scholarships available to international students. The most popular scholarship for international students is the CQUniversity-funded ISS which provides a 25% reduction in course fees.

If you have successfully completed your most recent studies, you will be automatically considered for the ISS.

Are my onshore partial studies assessed towards the scholarship criteria?

You must meet the relevant scholarship criteria as outlined for the ISS with your most recent completed studies. If you obtained below a Pass grade in your onshore (within Australia) partially completed studies, you will need a strong Statement of Purpose to be considered for the scholarship. You will be advised of this by International Admissions at the time of application.

My grade average is not published as a percentage. What is the grade point average (GPA) out of 4 or 7 I need to have obtained to be eligible for the scholarship?

Currently there is no minimum GPA to receive the ISS. You will only need to have successfully completed your most recent studies.

I will be moving city/state to study with CQUniversity. Does CQUniversity offer a travel or relocation bursary to assist me?

CQUniversity does not offer a travel or relocation bursary to students. However, you may be eligible for the government-funded Destination Australia Scholarship, which provides up to $15 000 per year for students studying and living in regional Australia.

Please check the Destination Australia Scholarships page for information on the 2023 round of scholarships.

Will I receive the same amount of credit recognised by my current institution?

You can apply for credit during the application process. Instructions are provided on the relevant screen in iStart during the application. Your transfer credit will be assessed and may vary due to the varying course structures for different degrees across universities. A database of existing credit precedents exist within the CQUni Credit Calculator however, please note the calculator is not exhaustive and you should submit your credit application regardless in your application.

I’ve already studied a year at my current institution. Can I receive credit for units/subjects studied?

Please see response above.

I am struggling in my studies at my current institution and failing some units/subjects. Will I still receive an offer from CQUniversity?

We understand everyone’s circumstance may be different. We recommend you submit an application to CQUniversity with a strong Statement of Purpose for assessment by International Admissions and attach all supporting documentation including evidence of enrolment. Guidelines for writing a Statement of Purpose can be obtained from International Admissions at the time of application if required.

I am currently excluded at another institution. Will I still receive an offer from CQUniversity?

Students currently excluded or restricted from study at other institutions must meet those restriction periods first in order to be eligible to meet entry requirements to CQUniversity. If you are unsure if you are eligible, please submit an application to CQUniversity and International Admissions will assess your application.

I cannot take an English test. What can I do?

CQUniversity’s English requirements remain unchanged. We recommend you submit your most recent English test results and/or academic transcripts in your application. In some cases, onshore (currently in Australia) students may meet CQUniversity’s English entry requirements based on your studies undertaken within Australia. Find out more on CQUniversity English requirements.

Do I have to complete a Statement of Purpose?

A Statement of Purpose is not required from all applicants. International Admissions will advise at the time of application if this is required.

I am a tourist visa holder in Australia. Can I apply onshore (within Australia) to CQUniversity or do I have to return home to apply?

CQUniversity is currently accepting applications from all tourist visa holders onshore. You will not need to return home to apply.

How much deposit is required to accept my offer and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment?

If you are applying onshore (currently in Australia), you will be required to pay A$8 000 and the cost of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your course(s), if you require it through CQUniversity. If you are applying offshore (outside of Australia), please refer to your Letter of Offer for the required deposit to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Do you have a payment plan for paying tuition fees?

Typically, students must pay the balance of the term fees by Census Date each term. Term dates can be found in our Academic Calendars.

CQUniversity has been offering payment plans for continuing students. There may be different plans available for different terms.

Students can contact International Student Engagement directly by emailing studentengagement@cqu.edu.au to discuss their options.

Is there a financial check/declaration required by CQUniversity on my access to funds?

In some cases, you or your agent will be required to complete a Financial Declaration Form. International Admissions will advise at the time of application if this is required.

What incentives or discounts are available to international students?

You may be eligible for the International Student Scholarship, provided you’ve successfully completed your previous studies. This is a saving of 25% of your course fee which could equate to thousands of dollars. Continuing students may also also eligible for payment plans if you need more time to pay your tuition fee.

We also do not charge an application fee. This may be a small cost, but every saving can add up and help reduce some financial pressure so you can just focus on your studies.