Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) (CRICOS course code 062729A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by University of Southern Queensland over 1 year. This programme is designed for international students seeking a short-term study experience in Australia, focusing on society and culture. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00244B), it meets the Australian Government's standards for international education. The programme is available at USQ campuses in Ipswich, Springfield, and Toowoomba, Queensland. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring that students are protected under the ESOS Act. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ registered providers, making it a top destination for study abroad. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, visa guidance, and application steps—all sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; always consult a MARA-registered agent for visa advice.
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Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) (CRICOS 062729A) is a Non AQF Award classified under field of education 090000 - Society and Culture (n.f.d.). This short-term programme is tailored for international students who wish to immerse themselves in Australian academic and cultural life for up to one year. While the course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification, it provides a valuable opportunity to earn credit towards home institution degrees, develop intercultural skills, and experience studying at a public Australian university. The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a government-owned CRICOS-registered provider (00244B) with a strong reputation for supporting international students. As with all CRICOS courses, students are protected by the ESOS Act, guaranteeing quality education and tuition fee protection. Australia hosts over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, and this course is one of 26,433 available to international students.
As a Non AQF Award in Society and Culture, the Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to select subjects from USQ's broad range of disciplines within the society and culture field. Typical learning outcomes include enhanced critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and analytical skills. Students engage with Australian and global perspectives on social issues, humanities, and cultural studies. While the exact syllabus is set by USQ, the programme is designed to complement students' home degrees and provide a foundation for further study. Graduates often return to their home institutions with a broader worldview and improved English proficiency. The course is taught in English, and no dual qualification or foundation studies are offered. This structure makes it ideal for students seeking a focused, short-term international experience without committing to a full degree.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the programme is a single qualification (not a dual award). Study mode is typically full-time on-campus at one of USQ's Queensland campuses. While CRICOS does not specify part-time options, international students on a Student visa must generally maintain full-time enrolment. The 52-week period includes scheduled breaks, during which students may travel or work (subject to visa conditions). USQ offers a supportive learning environment with modern facilities, libraries, and student services. For detailed study mode options, direct inquiry with the provider is recommended.
Indicative fees for Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) at University of Southern Queensland, sourced from the CRICOS register as of April 2026, are as follows:
Please note that these fees are indicative only and subject to change by the provider. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fees, always check USQ's website at http://www.usq.edu.au/study/international. International students should budget approximately A$21,000–A$27,000 per year for living expenses, depending on location (Queensland cities are generally more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne). OSHC costs around A$600–A$800 per year for single cover. The student visa (Subclass 500) application fee is currently A$1,600.
Entry requirements for Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) are set by University of Southern Queensland. Generally, applicants need to have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12. English language proficiency is required—typical IELTS scores range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the course level and provider. Some universities may accept alternative tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English. As this is a Non AQF Award, prerequisites may be less strict than for degree programmes. USQ may also consider prior academic performance and motivation. This course does not offer foundation or pathway options internally, but students who do not meet direct entry may consider pathway programmes at other institutions. Always verify specific requirements with USQ's international admissions office.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students may, however, undertake paid work during their studies in accordance with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Generally, work is limited to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited during scheduled holidays. Any work must not compromise course attendance or progress. For more details, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
The Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) is delivered at three University of Southern Queensland campuses:
1. USQ (Ipswich) — Ipswich, QLD: Ipswich is a growing city with a population of over 200,000, located about 40 km west of Brisbane. It has several CRICOS-registered providers and a lower cost of living compared to the state capital. Indicative weekly rent for a share house: A$150–A$200. The campus is accessible by train and bus.
2. USQ (Springfield) — Springfield Lakes, QLD: Springfield is a planned suburb in the City of Ipswich, with a population around 30,000. It offers modern infrastructure and is well-connected to Brisbane via the Centenary Highway and public transport. Living costs are similar to Ipswich.
3. USQ (Toowoomba) — Toowoomba, QLD: Toowoomba is a regional city with about 180,000 residents, situated 125 km west of Brisbane. It is known for its lower living costs and strong community feel. Weekly rent for shared accommodation: A$130–A$180. The campus is a major employer and has excellent student support services.
All three locations are in Queensland, a state with over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant international student community. HeadStart Academy data shows Queensland offers 6,700+ courses across all study levels.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from USQ - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement demonstrating genuine intent to study - Sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa - English proficiency evidence
Student visa work conditions allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependents may also have work rights. Upon course completion, students may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if they meet requirements. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs. As HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent, we provide only general guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) at University of Southern Queensland:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Society and Culture), and location (Queensland). Confirm that USQ (CRICOS 00244B) meets your needs.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit USQ's international admissions page at http://www.usq.edu.au/study/international. Check specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English proficiency evidence, and any required documents. USQ offers multiple intake periods.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, USQ will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for the visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid passport. For visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state by area, known for its warm climate, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. It hosts over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and 6,700+ courses. The cost of living is generally lower than in New South Wales or Victoria. For example, average weekly rent in Brisbane is around A$220–A$300 for a share house, while Toowoomba is cheaper. Queensland's public transport includes buses, trains, and ferries (in Brisbane). The student population is diverse, with large communities from Asia, the Americas, and Europe. USQ's campuses offer a balance of urban and regional experiences. Consider your preferences for city size, climate, and lifestyle. Always research accommodation and transport options before arriving.
Ready to experience Australian education? Research this Study Abroad Programme (CRICOS 062729A) on the official CRICOS register, then apply directly to University of Southern Queensland. For visa guidance, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Study Abroad Programme (1 Year) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of Southern Queensland. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.