Who we are and what we do
Study Queensland (SQ) is a business unit of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). Our mission is to build a strong, sustainable International Education and Training (IET) sector that attracts talent from around the world to study and live in Queensland. We promote Queensland as a leading destination for education, training, research and innovation, and we support all IET providers in the state. We are committed to delivering a positive, supportive student experience that contributes to social cohesion and community inclusion across Queensland.
Some of our key responsibilities include:
- Implementing the Queensland International Education and Training Strategy 2022-2027, identifying key opportunities across priority markets
- Delivering events and programs that enhance the student experience, mobility, and employability in Queensland
- Delivering onshore and offshore marketing and promotion
- Advocating in policy forums to advance Queensland’s international education sector
- Supporting collaborative initiatives to deliver projects aligned with the Strategy goals, leveraging further investment in the sector
- Managing the Study Queensland Regional Funding Framework (SQRFF) which supports regional development through annual grants for study clusters.
Across the globe and throughout the state, the Study Queensland team offers on-the-ground support to Queensland IET providers seeking opportunities to establish or grow their international presence. Students in Queensland also benefit from Study Queensland’s comprehensive support services, including 1800QSTUDY (1800 778 839) - a 24/7 hotline for international students studying in the state – and services delivered by regional study clusters under the SQRFF.
Queensland International Education and Training Strategy 2022-2027
The Queensland International Education and Training (IET) Strategy 2022-27 sets a bold vision to build a strong, sustainable sector that builds global engagement, nurtures lifelong ambassadors and is a catalyst for attracting and developing talent through:
- Quality education
Position Queensland as the educational destination of choice. When you choose Queensland, you choose excellence. - Meaningful experience
Foster sector growth across the regions. Whether you’re in the capital city or studying in one of Queensland’s many incredible regional cities, the opportunities here open doors everywhere. - Global networks
Facilitate market development opportunities. Here, education goes hand-in-hand with building connections that will shape your future. - Career pathways
Link to priority industries. In Queensland, your education is more than a qualification – it’s the start of a career that can take you anywhere.
The Strategy recognises that the power of education lies in its partnerships. Through study clusters and regional forums, Study Queensland collaborates with education and training providers, research institutions, business, and industry across the state. These partnerships ensure that the sector evolves in line with both student needs and market opportunities, helping Queensland remain competitive on the world stage.
By aligning with the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy, the Queensland Workforce Strategy, and Queensland’s broader economic strategy, the IET Strategy reinforces Queensland’s commitment to attracting and developing global talent. This helps foster exports and investment for the state, supporting its growing international education and training sector. Together, Queensland’s education providers, industry leaders, and government bodies are building an international education hub where every student can find their pathway to success. From research partnerships to work-integrated learning opportunities, students in Queensland benefit from an education ecosystem that is geared toward innovation, global networks, and real-world impact.
Study Australia Partnership
The Study Australia Partnership (SAP) is a cooperative partnership between Austrade (Study Australia) and all Australian state and territory study promotion agencies. SAP members work collaboratively on the effective promotion of Australia's education offerings and mechanisms to support the growth of the IET sector in the nation.
Through the partnership, Study Queensland collaborates with our Federal and other state and territory colleagues on projects that gather insights and vital data, drive student experience improvements and promote a sustainable sector.
Through this partnership there are also a range of collaborative events and initiatives, find out more by visiting Study Australia.
The IET Sector in Australia
The Australian Government regulates the international education sector through the ESOS Act 2000 and its associated instruments, which together constitute the ESOS Framework. The ESOS Framework safeguards and enhances Australia's reputation for quality education, provides tuition protection and supports the integrity of the student visa program.
Under the ESOS Act, it is a requirement for all education providers to be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) if they deliver education to students in Australia on a student visa.
The ESOS Framework also supports the integrity of the student visa system by ensuring that education providers collect and report information relating to student visas.
The agencies responsible for regulating the international education sector are referred to as ESOS agencies and are accountable to the Minister for Education. A provider's ESOS agency depends on which sector they are from:
- the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) regulates the higher education sector and manages higher education providers
- the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national VET regulator, and manages VET and standalone ELICOS providers
- the Department of Education manages schools.
Resources for the IET Sector
Study Queensland offers a range of services and resources to support the growth and success of Queensland’s international education and training sector and foster the best possible student experience. These include:
- 1800QStudy: a 24/7 hotline offering assistance to international students and their networks, including parents, agents, and homestay providers. Whether it's academic, accommodation, or lifestyle-related, the support team is here to help.
- International student hubs: located in the major centres of the Gold Coast and Cairns, these hubs provide on-the-ground support for students. From practical information to cultural integration, these centres make settling in Queensland easier.
- Study clusters and regional forums: Study Queensland coordinates regular forums that bring together education providers, industry partners, and regional stakeholders to promote collaboration and drive sector-wide initiatives.
Pathways and partnerships: Queensland’s educational institutions offer structured pathways across secondary schools, vocational education and training (VET), and universities. Partnerships with industry leaders ensure that these pathways align with the skills and knowledge needed in a fast-evolving global economy.