Online study for international students
We believe education transcends physical boundaries. For the past 40 years, CQUniversity has been offering quality distance and online education, making us perfectly placed to deliver this study mode as we adapt to the challenges of COVID-19.
With our innovative and flexible online learning and teaching environments, there's never been easier to get a qualification, further your study or upskill to get ahead in your careers – all online.
Quick Glance
There are many benefits of studying online:
- graduate with the same qualification
- flexible study load (part-time or full-time)
- professional recognition will not be affected
- 24/7 access to online learning tools and study materials
- shape your studies around your lifestyle and existing commitments
- if you choose 100% online, no student visa is required and you could save A$21 041 per year on living expenses (Study in Australia website).
Explore how online study works at CQUniversity.
The Australian Government announced a number of changes to student visa arrangements. One of the changes is that if you commence your studies online due to COVID-19 with the intention to transition to on-campus study when borders open, you will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Why CQUniversity
Our reputation as a leader in online delivery backed by our decades of experience means your online study experience will be one of the best there is.
We offer hundreds of units and courses online spanning many fields, from allied health, accounting, business, digital media, engineering, IT, medical science, psychology, service industries to transport and safety science. These courses are reviewed regularly so they stay current and in line with industry practices and online trends.
Online Courses
Find our full range of online courses within our study guide.
Online + Residential Schools
Some online courses have compulsory residential schools or similar. A residential school involves a period of time that you must spend onshore in Australia to fulfil a practical experience requirement of your course, either on a CQUni campus or at a CQUni nominated location. You can find more information regarding residential schools on our handbook and below.
We are proud of our strong history in delivering online education. Over the years, we continue to evolve our online offerings and online learning capability so students anywhere in the world can gain a world-class Australian qualification from their home country.
In response to COVID-19, for most of 2020 and 2021, the University transitioned to online study. The flexibility of the university systems, past investment in online infrastructure as well as our already strong record and experience in distance education, have allowed for our staff and students to adapt to a remote, online learning and working model with minimal impact.
We utilise advanced online learning technologies including Moodle learning management system, Zoom video conferencing for meetings and online live classrooms, and other online tools to maximise staff and student interaction. Our online learning capability boosted when we migrated the Moodle learning management system to cloud infrastructure, resulting in a much faster and responsive web experience and consistent user experience for our students.
During a real-time lecture, you can use digital tools to ask a question or participate in a discussion, as you would in a physical classroom. Our library expanded its digital reach of services and collections, enabling increased student access regardless of location. Online video Ask-a-Librarian consultation sessions for students are also available to complement services offered in library spaces.
An extensive range of virtual support systems is available to you, including but not limited to the following:
- extensive electronic library resource collections (over 500 000 eBooks and electronic database collections)
- online or hard copy study materials
- recorded lectures
- study groups and online discussion forums
- weekend or online orientation sessions
- access to lecturers and experienced online education mentors.
Our Orientation Online platform is driven by short-form video content, featuring real CQUniversity students and employees advising students on key information such as navigating CQUniversity systems, participating in student mentoring, acquiring study skills, and accessing student support.
Our friendly team at the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) also provides online support through workshops, review of assignments, quick online query and one-on-one consultations with an adviser via Zoom. The ALC also offers resources in a few discipline areas on the ALC Moodle site, such as academic communication, computing, mathematics and statistics and science. Get a comprehensive overview of the ALC services.
Our complete A-Z Guide of Online Study contains all the tips and tricks you need to stay motivated, informed and connected.
We offer three terms per year: Term 1 in March, Term 2 in July and non-compulsory Term 3 in November. A number of courses also have three intakes which gives you the added flexibility of starting at a time that suits you best. Many of our students have chosen to study in the non-compulsory Term 3 to fast-track their studies and get ahead sooner.