Visiting Research Students

Students from overseas institutions who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to undertake training to either enhance their skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study or field of expertise or to observe and participate in research can become Visiting Research Students.

Find an adviser
For the duration of your visit, you will need to be supervised by a UQ academic staff member. To find an academic staff member please search in accordance to the relevant area of interest.

What to do after I find an adviser
Read through the information listed below and send an email to qaafi_hr@uq.edu.au with the following information: 

• Name of academic adviser;
• Name of visiting research student;
• Country of origin;
• Which visa you will apply for;
• All details are listed under the Documents Required by QAAFI HR section.

Note: Due to the lengthy processing time outlined in the Visa Options below, we will require at least 6 months’ notice of potential Visiting Research Students.

What does the academic adviser need to provide?

• Completed Visiting Research Student (Supervisor Form B)
• Details of the living allowance to be paid, if applicable.
• Account number for living allowance/s, if applicable.

Documents Required by QAAFI HR from Visiting Research Students

1. Completed Visiting Research Student (Visitor Form A) 
2. Passport
3. Curriculum vitae (CV) containing the following:

• Full name
• Address
• Telephone number/s including country and area code
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Country of citizenship
• Qualifications
• Name of course currently being studied

4. Letter of support from your University (on their letterhead) stating the activities you in will be involved in at QAAFI at The University of Queensland, is relevant to your degree and will count towards the completion of your degree. You will be asked to provide extra documentation in your application to the Department of Home Affairs. These are all listed in the Documents Checklists on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Visa Options
There are two options when applying for a visa. The preferred visa option is the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).  

If you are from an eligible country and the placement is less than 6 months, you may be able to apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Please note, if you come from a sanctioned country, there is additional paperwork that will need to be completed.

Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
This visa allows you to come to Australia on a temporary basis to participate or observe in an Australian research project. A UQ nomination is not required, however, you may be requested to provide a Sponsorship Letter if your stay is for longer than 3 months (please contact QAAFI HR to assist).

Eligibility Requirements
Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website, and check the Eligibility Requirements.

Time Frame

The visa will take 46 – 68 days to be approved once all documentation has been submitted and received.
If you apply and have not provided all documentation, you will receive an email requesting the information and the visa will take another 2 – 3 months to be approved. Therefore, please ensure you have prepared all documentation before submitting your application.

How to Apply
Visa applications must be made online. After you have gathered and scanned the documents that support your application, apply using the online application system ImmiAccount. Some documents may take you several weeks to obtain. You should have all the required documents ready to lodge with your application to reduce any delays in processing. The department will contact you if it needs other documents or more information.

What is the cost?
From AUD $280 upwards depending on individual circumstances. Please check Australia's Department of Home Affairs website for the current cost of individual visa applications www.homeaffairs.gov.au 

Working Holiday Visas (Subclasses 417 & 462)
For eligible countries, you may be able to apply for a working holiday visa. A UQ nomination is not required. Your stay at UQ is limited to 6 months and cannot be extended on these visas.

Eligibility Requirements
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) 

Applicants from Belgium, Canada, the Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

Applicants from Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the USA, Uruguay and Vietnam.

Time Frame
These visas can be approved in less than two weeks. Please check Australia's Department of Home Affairs website for the current processing time for visa applications www.homeaffairs.gov.au 

How to Apply
Visa applications must be made online. After you have gathered and scanned the documents that support your application, apply using the online application system ImmiAccount. Some documents may take you several weeks to obtain. You should have all the required documents ready to lodge with your application to reduce any delays in processing. The department will contact you if it needs other documents or more information.

What is the cost?
From AUD $440 upwards depending on individual circumstances.  Please check Australia's Department of Home Affairs website for the current cost of individual visa applications www.homeaffairs.gov.au 

Sanctioned Countries
If the applicant is from a sanctioned country, please ensure you advise QAAFI HR in your notification email. We will then email some instructions and documentation that will need to be completed. The list of the sanctioned countries may be added or removed at any time by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the United Nations (UQ). Visit the DFAT website to view the current list of sanctioned countries.  LINK: http://dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/sanctions-regimes/pages/sanctions-regimes.aspx

In January 2020, DFAT established the Australian Sanctions Office (ASO) and rolled out changes to the website and launched a new sanctions platform called Pax.  LINK: https://pax.dfat.gov.au/sncPortal/s/ 

How UQ handles individual training agreements
The University is not in a position to sign external training agreements from overseas institutions. The general rule is that external agreements will not be signed as the intention is that UQ determines the conditions under which we accept Visiting Research Students.

Now I have a visa, what do I need to do before I arrive in Australia?
You will need to ensure that you complete the following prior to arrival in Australia:

• Contact your academic adviser and QAAFI HR once your visa has been issued and confirmed.
• Book your flights and accommodation.
• Organise travel insurance.
• If you are self-funded, ensure you have sufficient financial resources to support your stay.
• Confirm the date of commencement with your academic adviser.
• If there is a change in any details, please ensure you advise QAAFI HR.

What do I need to do on my first day/week?
Meet with your academic adviser and Centre Administration Officer, who will advise QAAFI HR that the Visiting Research Student has arrived. HR will send an email outlining the necessary inductions. Complete the OH&S modules and attend a building and OH&S induction. Review the safety procedures and ensure that you are aware of the evacuation points and who to contact in case of an emergency.

Finding accommodation 
There are three main accommodation options for International students, including Visiting Research Students, at the University of Queensland. 

The following link to the Study Abroad and Incoming Exchange Accommodation page provides some information on these three main options and can be used as an initial reference to accommodation at UQ.

LINK: http://www.uq.edu.au/studyabroad/find-accommodation

The following sections provide more specific information and links to accommodation options.

On-Campus Accommodation
UQ has a number of residential colleges on campus at St Lucia and one at Gatton. Please click on the link below to see availability and inclusions. Prices and other information can be found on each individual college's website.
LINK: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/colleges

Accommodation Options
For students looking for accommodation in Brisbane and Gatton please see the link below. For any other areas, you will need to contact your UQ supervisor.
LINK: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/other-options

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions in relation to accommodation, please read through the FAQ’s website first. If you cannot find the answer, please contact HR or your UQ supervisor.
LINK: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/faq

Transport at UQ
For students located in Brisbane or on the Gatton Campus, please see the transport guide below.
LINK: http://www.uq.edu.au/about/transport

Contact
QAAFI Human Resources: qaafi_hr@uq.edu.au

Process flow