The Complete Guide To Central Queensland University (CQU)

1. Introduction to Central Queensland University

1.1 Background

Central Queensland University (CQU) is a huge education provider network that began in Rockhampton. It took its first steps in 1967 as the Queensland Institute of Technology, Capricornia. Then, it gained full University status in 1992 with its earliest footprints in Gladstone, Mackay and Bundaberg.

CQU now has 12 campuses across Queensland, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne. It received a 5+ QS Star rating and stands among the world’s top 500 institutions. Plus, there are over 250 degrees and VET courses to choose from!

Join this guide and see how you can, as the uni says. “Be What You Want To Be”.

Total student population	33,000+
% of international students	Around 16% from over 50 different countries (2023)
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	Approximately 1:26

1.2 Central Queensland University  Rankings 2025

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Central Queensland University ranks #495 globally. Among its courses that ranked on the QS Subject Rankings:

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Nursing	#151 – 225
Agriculture and Forestry	#351 – 400
Education and Training	#401 – 450
Medicine	#601 – 650

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1  Central Queensland University Campuses

Central Queensland University showcases Mother Nature’s hidden gems and beauty. Its 12 campuses lie within tranquil greeneries and waters. As such, you get terrific views and plenty of wildlife during your stay.

With the university scattered across many locations, you will discover new places too. Have you heard of Bundaberg? It marks the Great Barrier Reef’s starting point and is next to some of Australia’s amazing islands. Plus, it is also known as the

• Historical “Sugar Cane City” for its sugar plantation in the 1870s
• “Rum City” for housing Bundaberg Rum Distillery
• Largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the southern hemisphere.

In addition, CQU is located in four of the world’s top student cities: Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. These places have diverse communities, exciting city lives, and gorgeous natural wonders.

So what are you waiting for? Put on some shoes and start exploring.

Rockhampton Campus

Key Highlights

• Founded in 1967 and is now the university’s main campus 
• There are 2 campuses in this city: Rockhampton North and Rockhampton City.
• The Rockhampton North Campus houses many of its studies while the Rockhampton City focuses on VET education.
• Both campuses have lush greeneries and tranquil gardens.
• Bonus: Rockhampton North is home to the friendly university dog, ‘Nala’.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ 15-minute drive from Rockhampton CBD to CQU Rockhampton North

• Travel by bus, car, or by bike.
• The nearest bus stop from the Rockhampton North campus is Yaamba Road near Carlton Street, about a 10-minute walk away.
• The nearest bus stop from the Rockhampton City campus is Canning Street, about a 2-minute walk away.

Melbourne Campus

Key Highlights

• A 6-level campus that was founded in 1997 and is the largest among the 12.
• Being well-connected, you can visit Melbourne’s energetic sports scene and beautiful natural attractions.
• Key subject areas: Business, Management, Public Health, Engineering, Information Technology & Information Systems
• It also runs hands-on programmes, such as sonography and paramedic science.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ 2 km and a 16-minute walk from Melbourne

• Travel by bike, public transport, or on foot!
• The campus is across the Southern Cross Station transport hub.
• It is also connected to many tram routes.

Brisbane Campus

Key Highlights

• A 9-floor campus that was founded in 1998.
• This campus has a diverse and easy-going environment.
• Key subject areas: Business & Accounting, Information Technology (IT), Health, Science, Engineering, Digital Media, Communications & Arts
• Bonus: You can get free city hopper ferry rides at the Sydney Street Ferry Terminal.

How To Get Around?
🗺️1 km and a 10-minute walk from Brisbane.

• Travel by train, bus, bike, or on foot.
• The Brisbane Central train station and King George Square bus station are within a 5-minute walking distance.
• Free buses circle the city every 10 minutes.

Sydney Campus

Key Highlights

• Founded in 1994, it is now one of CQU’s largest campuses.
• A centralised space for professional programmes and corporate engagements.
• This campus is just as lively as the Sydney city and is a 5-minute walk from the Darling Harbor.
• Key subject areas: Business, Information Technology (IT), Health, Science, Engineering, Media & Communications

How To Get Around?
🗺️2 km from Sydney, a 9-minute walk away

• Travel by bike, public transport, or on foot!
• The closest train stop is a 5-minute walk away at Town Hall station.
• Other stations within a 10-minute walking distance include Central Station and King George Square bus station.

Adelaide Campus

Key Highlights

• This modern campus was founded in 2012
• Key subject areas: Psychology, Paramedic Science, Occupational Health & Safety
• It houses the Appleton Institute, a multidisciplinary research hub where students join its research projects.

How To Get Around?
🗺️A 15-minute cycle to Adelaide

• Travel by public transport or by bike.
• The closest bus stop is a minute’s walk from campus, at Greenhill Road.
• The Adelaide Railway Station links you to other public transport options.

Bundaberg Campus

Key Highlights

• This relaxed campus was founded in 1988 and sits on the Burnett River.
• The small class size gives more personalised learning experiences.
• The campus is tree-studded and filled with green open grounds.
• The region is a wildlife hotspot so you often catch kangaroos grazing the grassy areas.
• Key subject areas: Allied Health, Engineering, Psychology, Education

How To Get Around?
🗺️6 km and an 11-minute drive from Bundaberg City

• Travel by bus or car.
• Buses run frequently from Bundaberg City to the campus 
• You can catch a bus ride at the front of the campus entrance.

Cairns Campus

Key Highlights

• Founded in 2015, it is one of the newest campuses.
• The beautiful campus is near modern, cultural and natural attractions, including the Cairns Lagoon.
• It has strong ties with the local communities and industries. One of its longtime partners is Taipans, a professional basketball team.
• Key subject areas: Health, Aviation, Engineering, Education, Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Sports & Exercise Science, Creative & Performing Arts, Digital Media

How To Get Around?
🗺️1 km and a 15-minute walk from Cairns

• Travel by bus, bike, or walk.
• It takes 6 minutes to walk from campus to the Cairns City station.
• Travel tip: Use the Kinetic bus to plan your journey.

Gladstone Campus

Key Highlights

• Established in 1978 as one of the earliest campuses.
• This picturesque campus is close to the Gladstone Harbour and stunning beaches.
• Researchers here provide developmental research for the industry and monitor the area’s environmental health.
• With the area’s service industries flourishing, it also offers TAFE courses in Automotive, Hair, Beauty, and Hospitality.
• Key subject areas: Engineering, Environmental Science, Service Industries
• Bonus: The region is big on sports, including archery, fishing, and yachting.

How To Get Around?
🗺️2 km and a 5-minute drive from Gladstone

• Travel by bus, rail, or by car.
• The closest train stop is the Gladstone Railway station, around 3 km from campus.
• Otherwise, you can get around by taking the local buses.

Mackay Campus (City and Ooralea)

Key Highlights

• CQU Mackay has 2 campuses: Mackay City (est.1987) & Mackay Ooralea (est. 1992) 
• Before the merger in 2014, the Mackay City campus was once CQ TAFE.
• The campuses live among Mackay’s tropical lands and thriving small city.
• Key subject areas: Education, Engineering, Performing Arts, Health, Digital Media, Service Industries 

How To Get Around?
🗺️ The Mackay City campus is a 5-minute walk from Mackay.
🗺️ The Mackay Ooralea campus is 2 km from Ooralea, a 15-minute walk away.

• Travel by bus or by car.
• The closest bus station to the Mackay Ooralea campus is Service Rd at Bernborough Avenue (CQU), a 6-minute walk away.
• The Sydney St at Alfred Street bus stop is a minute’s walk away, the closest station to the Mackay City campus.

Townsville Campus

Key Highlights

• Founded in 2015, it has 1,000 students studying there.
• This campus houses modern classrooms and learning facilities.
• Moreover, it is a 5-minute walk from the scenic banks of the Ross Creek, Townsville CBD.
• Key subject areas: Information Technology (IT), Psychology, Health, Education

How To Get Around?
🗺️1 km and a 15-minute walk from Townsville

• Travel by public transport, bike, or on foot.
• Flinders St at Fletcher Street is the closest bus stop to this campus. It’s a 2-minute walk away.
• You can also take a 13-minute walk and travel by train at the Townsville Railway station.

2.2 Learning Resources

CQU campus grounds have many hidden gems for learning and sharpening your skills. A whole list of them, including

2.3 Recreational Facilities

CQU sees you working hard each day. Hence, it prepared several places to recharge after a long day, such as

So, find a place you feel comfortable. You can spend your me-time or hang out with a mate.

2.4 Student Activities

Student Life At Central Queensland University

You Only Live Once, #yolo. So why not do something that enriches you? You can connect with people of the same interest, help someone or try something new.

CQU has all the good stuff for a colourful uni life, including

• Clubs and Societies (C&S)
• Sports and Fitness
• Student leadership events
• Student mentoring
• iChange, social innovation programme and the annual Festival of Change
• Community events

2.5 Student Services

Who do you call when you need help? CQU is well-prepared with a well-rounded support system (and services), such as

• International student support
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Mentoring and leadership programs
• Counselling services
• Disability and inclusion services
• Career support
• Employability training
• Campus Life Committee (CLC)

2.6 Central Queensland University Accommodation

Studying abroad isn’t complete without house hunting. This Australian university has on-campus stays for students studying in Rockhampton and Mackay. They are

• Safe and secure
• Welcomed by enriching activities
• Easily accessible 
• Well-connected to the university, nearby amenities, and public transport

And, you have the option to have your meals catered too. Yumz!

Rockhampton Accommodation

On-campus	Off-campus
Capricornia College Rockhampton Cost: From AUD 250 – AUD 450/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Suburbs Near the Rockhampton City Campus- Wandal, West Rockhampton, Rockhampton City, Allenstown, Repot Hill Suburbs Near the Rockhampton North campus– Parkhurst, Kawana, Frenchville

Mackay Accommodation

On-campus	Off-campus
Capricornia College Rockhampton Cost: From AUD 250 – AUD 450/week *The cost covers for a 1-person stay.	Suburbs Near the Rockhampton City Campus- Wandal, West Rockhampton, Rockhampton City, Allenstown, Repot Hill Suburbs Near the Rockhampton North campus– Parkhurst, Kawana, Frenchville

Nearby Suburbs of Other Campuses

New to the area? Fear not, we compiled a list of nearby locations for your reference and other off-campus accommodations.

• Adelaide campus – Millswood, Wayville, Goodwood, Keswick, Ashford, Everard Park
• Brisbane campus – Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, Woolloongabba
• Bundaberg campus – Kensington, Norville, Svensson Heights, Avoca
• Cairns campus – Cairns, Cairns North, Parramatta Park, Portsmith, Manunda, Manoora
• Bundaberg campus – Kensington, Norville, Svensson Heights, Avoca
• Gladstone campus – Gladstone, South Gladstone, West Gladstone, Barney Point, Callemondah
• Sydney campus – Ultimo, Darlinghurst, Glebe, Chippendale, Surrey Hills, Paddington
• Townsville campus – Townsville, Hermit Park, South Townsville, West End, Castle Hill, Pimlico, Corrajung

Cost Of Living In Australia

Your weekly living expenses can cost AUD370 – AUD 1,190 and may vary depending on your lifestyle at CQU. The estimated amount covers your rent, food/ groceries, utilities (gas and electricity), transportation, and telecommunication services (wifi and phone).

*Note: You may need to declare your financial capacity when you apply for a Student Visa.
So, budget at least AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living expenses and document it.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At Central Queensland University

CQU has many Foundation, Diploma, and Degree options to kick-start your success. The possibility is unlimited.

Fields Of Studies	Courses
Allied Health	Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Oral Health, Science (Chiropractic)
Business & Accounting	Accounting, Business & Management
Creative, Performing & Visual Arts	Music, Theatre
Digital Media, Communication & Arts	Arts, Digital Media
Education, Teaching & Childcare	Early Childhood Education, Primary Education
Engineering, Built Environment & Aviation	Aviation, Airline & Airport Operations, Engineering,  Commercial Pilot, Engineering Technology
Information Systems & Technology	Information Systems, Information Technology (Co-op), IT, Information & Communication Technology
Nursing, Paramedicine & Health	Exercise & Sports, Nursing, Public Health
Psychology, Social Work & Community Services	Psychological Science, Psychology
Safety Sciences	Occupational Health & Safety
Sciences, Environment & Agriculture	Agriculture
Service Industries	Hospitality Management

3.2 Course Fees At Central Queensland University

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of CQU’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 Central Queensland University Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by CQU to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

International Student Scholarship

Value: 25% off your tuition fee throughout your course, For new commencing International students, who have completed most recent studies.

3.4 What Are The Popular Courses At Central Queensland University

Psychology

CQU’s Psychology courses are well-rounded and catered to different brains. The degree covers various settings, including

• Personal and Professional Development
• Allied Health and Sports
• Social from both main and critical views

Moreover, your classes combine different mediums to make lessons engaging. Yay! Some of the learning mediums are

• online quizzes

• small group works
• presentations
• case studies
• learning logs/ diaries/ journals
• annotated bibliography

If you are considering a Master’s, you can train at CQU Wellness Centre. This is where staff and intern psychologists offer their services to the public. They provide assessments and treatments for struggles like learning difficulties and ageing-related disorders.

Bonus fact: The Appleton Institute has a Sleep lab for research in, well, sleep, fatigue and circadian rhythms. The lab has 6 bedrooms and time-isolation capabilities. 

Above all, the University was accredited by the Australian Psychology Council (APAC). It received a thumbs-up for its versatile curriculum and amazing resources. Our next discipline has many stamps of approval on that topic.

Health and Medicine

CQU’s Health and Medicine studies are recognised by many experts, including

• Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)
• Occupational Therapy Accreditation Council of Australia (OTACA)
• Australian Dental Council (ADC)
• Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC)
• Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)
• Council on Chiropractic Education Australia (CCEA)

Now, you may wonder what makes them special. We got you.

For one, there are opportunities for clinical placements on campus. The university has health clinics across its Rockhampton, Mackay, and Brisbane campuses. You get to work with patients and gain those experience points from up to 1,000 hours of training. And, you will receive guidance from experienced lecturers and professionals.

Plus, this Australian university explores many healthcare disciplines. It has courses for

• Paramedic Science
• Nursing
• Exercise and Sports Sciences
• Medical Science
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Oral Health
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic

Business and Management

“Take business. You can work in any industry.” 

Is that the only reason why Business and Management courses are popular? Let CQU tell you more.

A business programme is indeed versatile. You can venture into 20 majors and minors at Central Queensland University alone. The University covers many aspects of the field, from financial planning to managing people. Yet, it also builds your foundation knowledge with its core subjects, such as

• Business Analyses
• Principles of Economics
• Marketing
• Foundation of Business Law

Bonus Fact: CQU also offers Indonesia and Commerce Studies Minors to Business undergraduates. Among them are Banking & Finance, management and Hospitality Management. 

Moreover, this Australian university is in Tier 1 of the CEO Magazine’s 2022 Global MBA Rankings. This means that it is among the top business schools worldwide! Hence, many students pursue a degree here for better employability. Among its popular courses are

• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Business
• Master of Business Management
• Master of Management for Engineers
• Master of Project Management

“And what do Business students do in class?” Outside of reading on theories from books and slides, you will also have

• case studies
• Portfolio creation
• group work
• online quizzes
• poster sessions
• take home exams
• reports

Above all, CQU has built innovative facilities to spice up your learning experience. Take the Advanced Technology and Innovation Centre (ATIC) as an example. It has VR headsets, drones, and robotics for students to engage in the topics. There are also co-working spaces that connect local businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, students and staff.

Engineering

Are you someone curious who also loves solving problems and creating new things? Central Queensland University’s Engineering courses may interest you. For example, the Engineering Technology degree allows you to specialise in Aircraft Maintenance. You heard it right. You will learn about the

• common materials for transmissions, control cables and electrical hardware
• design and construction of aerospace vehicles
• hardware used for structure and systems

As a student, you will get hands-on practice through Work Integrated Learning and projects, with over 300 hours of Engineering Professional Practice throughout your degree. Plus, an industry project with practising engineers in your first year.

Furthermore, the University has impressive facilities to help you study. If you are at the Melbourne campus, check out the Advanced Engineering Lab. It has

• the civil and mechanical engineering equipment
• a mining lab for rock and mineral testing
• a traffic movement cycle simulator.

The best part is that you qualify to become a registered engineer upon graduation. CQU is accredited by Engineers Australia (EA), a signatory of the Washington Accord. This recognition proves that your degree upholds high standards which boosts your employability.

3.5 Industry Partners

CQU’s motto: Be What You Want To Be extends to students, staff, the wider community and the workforce. This Social Enterprise University works with many people to help others reach their goals and create positive change. Among them are

Thanks to their hard work, they have successfully

• provided students with the latest tech for their studies 
• developed pathways and training programmes
• built a residential school
• kickstarted research projects

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 Central Queensland University Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for a Diploma:

• STPM – Grade C (2.0) average in General Studies and 2 other subjects 

Minimum entry requirements for a Degree:

• STPM – Grade C (2.0) average in General Studies and 3 other subjects 
• UEC – C8 Grade in 5 academic subjects
• A-levels – CCC Grade in 3 A-level subjects
• IB Diploma – 24 points 
• SACE/WACE – ATAR 60
• Canadian Programme (OSSD) –  Successful completion

Minimum English requirement (IELTS)

• Diploma: 5.5 Overall
• Degree: 6 Overall

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2  Central Queensland University Intake Periods For 2025

If you plan to apply, these are important periods to note.

• Diploma:  March, July, November
• Degree: March, July, November
• Postgraduate:  March, July, November

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process To Australia

Studying in Australia can be tedious especially when applying to various universities before their application deadlines and ensuring proper documents are submitted to procure your student visa.

Here are some more helpful articles to help you navigate:

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Education Consultants And The 8 Steps To Study Abroad
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

Check out testimonial videos from CQU’s very own graduates!

6. Conclusion

You don’t have to hide yourself. Instead, learn more about your potential at Central Queensland University. It has 12 campuses and over 250 courses for various interests. As Australia’s first social enterprise campus, it also developed curriculums to grow change-making.

Furthermore, CQU spans across many locations. Hence, you can enrich your uni life with different sights and sounds. Your experiences may change your worldview and help you grow.

So, take the first steps with us to become what you want to be. Our Study Abroad Consultants will be there throughout the process.

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

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And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

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