Preparing your child for university

Help your teen find their future with this parents’ guide to university.

Paving their next path

Choosing an initial academic or career path is a big decision. Naturally, your support and encouragement are essential during this time – you have a key role to play in preparing your child for university.

Your teen might know exactly what they want to do after high school. Or maybe they have no idea. Either way, that's okay. Plenty of us are still working it out as well.

Luckily, UQ graduates enjoy the best outcomes in the state. So, with your child going to university here, you can rest assured they’re on the right path for success.

Five students sitting along a bench, looking at laptops and reading

Navigating the QTAC application process

Your teen’s application and offer to study at UQ will go through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).

The QTAC process is important, but it can be a little intimidating at first. Watch our video for insights into how other parents have helped their teens through this application.

You can also check key QTAC dates (and fixed closing dates for some courses) to make sure your teen doesn’t miss any deadlines.

How to apply for UQ programs

Read our step-by-step guide to get familiar with the application process, including pathways, fees and deferring an offer.

How to apply

How UQ will support your teen

When your teen chooses UQ, you’ll know they’re in good hands. While there are still things you can do to support your child at university, they’ll also receive dedicated support from our staff – emotionally, academically and financially.

This support comes in the form of mental health events, disability support, accessible student services and much more. Going to university looks like a daunting and solitary experience to many teens, but every student at UQ is welcomed and supported from day one.

Scholarships and loans

A big part of preparing your child for university is understanding the costs. Questions to consider include whether they should live on or off campus, as well as whether they should look for part-time work while studying.

UQ students have access to both FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP loans to make studying affordable. We also offer a wide range of scholarships.

Explore UQ scholarships

Starting university is daunting for any teen. Share this advice with your teen to help them know what to expect and how to adjust to their next life stage.

Getting ready for UQ

Sports and fitness. Events and workshops. Clubs and societies. Get a glimpse into what life at UQ will be like for your teen.
Warning: you may get jealous.

Life at UQ

Take a walk around the campus and explore some of our classrooms, labs and workshops.

Virtual tours

Stay up to date

Get monthly UQ news and advice for supporting your teen on their journey to university.

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Multiple locations

Choose the right university

If your child is going overseas to study, you want to make sure they choose the right university.

UQ's diverse study options, and safe and supportive learning environment will encourage your child to find their future success.

Ranked in the world's top 50
One of only 3 Australian members of Universitas 21
Founding member of the Group of Eight
Member of Universities Australia

Learn more about UQ's profile

Programs that suit their goals

With the largest range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Queensland, your child will find a program to interest them at UQ.

Student standing in front of Forgan Smith building

Choose from a huge range of bachelor programs, with customisable and specialised majors, elective courses and dual degree options.

View undergraduate programs

UQ offers a number of graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master's degrees for students looking to further their education.

View postgraduate programs

Students standing in front of Forgan Smith building

In Australia, a higher degree by research is the academic entry qualification for most academic and professional research careers.

View research programs

How to apply

Download our guides

Our guides provide an overview of UQ's undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as information about English language courses at UQ.

Undergraduate International student guide (PDF, 10MB)

Postgraduate International student guide (PDF, 11.2MB)

ICTE English language courses guide (PDF, 2.5MB)

Three students sitting on the UQ Great Court.

There's more to UQ than study

From accommodation options to clubs and societies, our campuses offer events, facilities and more to ensure your child will receive a rich and rewarding learning experience.

Your child will find a place to call home with multiple accommodation options available to suit their needs, both on campus and off.

Accommodation options

There's always something going on at UQ! See what student life is really like and the experiences available to your child.

Life at UQ

We care about your child's safety. Our on-campus security services will ensure your child feels safe and comfortable.

Safety on campus