If you're an international student looking for a short-term study experience in Australia, the Study Abroad (CQUGlobal Inbound Program) at Central Queensland University (CQU) offers a flexible 26-week Non AQF Award. This program, registered under CRICOS course code 081021B, is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in Australian education and culture without committing to a full degree. Delivered across multiple CQU campuses including Adelaide, Brisbane, Mackay, Melbourne, and Rockhampton, it provides a taste of university life in diverse Australian cities. As part of Australia's extensive CRICOS register – which lists over 26,000 courses across 1,556 providers – this program is fully registered and complies with ESOS Act protections. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Below you'll find details on fees, entry requirements, locations, and how to apply.
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Study Abroad (CQUGlobal Inbound Program) (CRICOS course code 081021B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Central Queensland University over 26 weeks (~6 months). This program is categorized under Mixed Field Programmes (Field of Education 12, detailed code 129999), meaning it provides a broad, interdisciplinary learning experience rather than specializing in one discipline. It's ideal for students who want to explore multiple subject areas, improve their English, and gain cross-cultural skills in an Australian university setting. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets all Australian Government standards for international education, including those under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. Central Queensland University (CRICOS 00219C) is a public university with a strong reputation for flexible learning and student support. You can visit their website at www.cqu.edu.au for the most up-to-date information on this program.
As a Non AQF Award within the Mixed Field Programmes category, this course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification (like a certificate, diploma, or degree). Instead, it focuses on providing a broad educational experience that can include subjects from various disciplines such as business, humanities, science, and social sciences. Students typically have the opportunity to choose elective units that match their interests, allowing them to customize their study abroad experience. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability – skills highly valued in a globalized world. While specific syllabi are set by Central Queensland University, you can expect a mix of lectures, tutorials, group projects, and assessments typical of Australian higher education. The language of instruction is English, so the program also helps improve English proficiency through academic immersion.
The program runs for 26 weeks (~6 months) according to the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and is not classified as foundation studies or a VET course (VET national code: N/A). The language of instruction is English. Study mode is typically full-time on campus, with classes held during standard academic semesters. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment as per visa conditions. There is no work component included in this course.
The indicative tuition fee for this program is A$9,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$9,000. Please note that this is an indicative figure sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Actual fees are set by Central Queensland University and may change. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website (www.cqu.edu.au). The following costs are NOT included in this estimate: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory for international students, living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For example, OSHC can cost around AUD $500–$700 per year for single cover, and living costs vary by city: Adelaide (approx. AUD $350–$450 per week), Brisbane ($400–$500), Mackay ($300–$400), Melbourne ($450–$550), and Rockhampton ($300–$400). These are rough guides only.
Entry requirements for this program are set by Central Queensland University and typically include: completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12, and meeting the English language proficiency level. English language requirements vary by provider – for this level, a common range is IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). The university may also require a minimum age (often 18) and evidence of genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status for visa purposes. As this is a Non AQF Award, prior qualifications such as a bachelor's degree may not be necessary, but check with the provider. If you don't meet the English requirement, pathway options like ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) may be available. Contact Central Queensland University directly for detailed entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help offset living costs but should not be relied upon for tuition fees. Work rights are granted by the Department of Home Affairs; see the /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 page for details.
This program is delivered at five CQU campuses across Australia: Adelaide C.Q.U. Campus (Wayville, SA), Brisbane C.Q.U. Campus (Brisbane, QLD), Mackay C.Q.U. Campus (Mackay, QLD), Melbourne C.Q.U Campus (Melbourne, VIC), and Rockhampton C.Q.U. Campus (Norman Gardens, QLD). Each city offers a distinct lifestyle and cost of living. Adelaide is known for its affordability and vibrant cultural scene; Brisbane offers a subtropical climate and strong job market; Mackay provides a relaxed coastal lifestyle; Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital with higher living costs; and Rockhampton is a regional hub with lower costs and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. All campuses are accessible by public transport. Consider which environment suits your preferences and budget. For more on studying in South Australia, visit our /states/sa guide.
To study this program as an international student in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (plus a short period after). You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory – see our /visa/oshc-health-cover page for details. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least AUD $21,041 per year from October 2023), and travel. Work rights are as mentioned above. Visa conditions can change; always check the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Applying for the Study Abroad (CQUGlobal Inbound Program) at Central Queensland University involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to explore this and other courses. Filter by study level (Non AQF Award), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location to find programs that suit you. Verify that the provider and course are still registered on the CRICOS register.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Once you've selected this program, submit an application to Central Queensland University. Ensure you meet entry requirements (academic and English) and provide necessary documents (transcripts, English test results, etc.). Deadlines and application process details are on the CQU website (www.cqu.edu.au). Some courses may require a separate application via the university's portal.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – If accepted, CQU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to provide evidence of OSHC, GTE statement, financial capacity, and pay the visa application charge. After visa grant, you can travel to Australia and begin your study abroad experience.
The Study Abroad (CQUGlobal Inbound Program) is ideal for students wanting a short-term, flexible study experience in Australia. However, consider your goals: if you need a formal qualification for future study or employment, this Non AQF Award may not be sufficient on its own. It is best as a gap year experience, cultural immersion, or preparatory step. Also, think about location – each campus city has different living costs and lifestyle. For instance, Rockhampton offers a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne but fewer city amenities. Review the CRICOS register for similar programs at other providers if you want more options. Remember that ESOS Act protections apply, so you have rights regarding tuition protection and refunds. Lastly, always confirm fees and entry requirements directly with the university before applying – the figures here are indicative and from the official register as at April 2026.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Use HeadStart Academy to find more CRICOS-registered courses and apply directly to providers. Explore thousands of options across Australia.
Study Abroad (CQUGlobal Inbound Program) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Central Queensland University. 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.