If you're enrolled in a course at another university but want to study a unit at QUT for credit towards your course, you can apply as a cross-institutional student.
Who can apply?
You can apply for cross-institutional study if you are enrolled in a course at another Australian university. To study units for personal or professional development please complete a single-unit study request.
What can I study?
You can search for specific units, or browse units in the study areas you're interested in. You can apply for up to four units at a time.
To study some units you need to have completed particular subjects as prerequisites, or have a certain level of background knowledge (which we call 'assumed knowledge'). Check the previous study requirements for the units you're interested in. If you have any questions, contact HiQ.
Certain units, such as education practicums, are not open to cross-institutional students. Check the information page for the unit(s) you're interested in studying, to find out whether you can apply.
How much will it cost?
Your fees will depend on:
- which units you enrol in
- whether you're a Commonwealth supported student, a domestic fee-paying student or an international student at your university.
I'm a Commonwealth supported student
Check the student contribution amount in your unit information.
If you’re offered and accept a Commonwealth Supported Place for your cross-institutional QUT units, you must submit a Commonwealth Assistance form (eCAF) in eStudent and provide your tax file number (TFN) and Unique Student Identifier (USI) before the census date of the first teaching period. Failure to do so will result in your enrolment being cancelled.
I'm a domestic fee-paying student
Check the domestic fee-paying student fee in your unit information.
If you're offered a cross-institutional tuition fee place and you wish to use FEE-HELP (subject to eligibility) for your studies at QUT, you must submit a Request for FEE-HELP assistance form and provide your tax file number (TFN) and Unique Student Identifier (USI) before the census date of the first teaching period. Failure to do so will mean that you'll need to pay your tuition fees upfront and in full.
I'm an international student
Check the international student fee in your unit information.
When to apply
The deadlines for applying depend on when you plan to start studying.
Check our key dates for applying for cross-institutional study
2026
2027
How to apply
If a unit is open to applications for cross-institutional study, you'll need to get approval from your university and then apply to QUT.
Approval from your university
Before you apply, you need approval from your university (we call this your 'home institution'). This will ensure that you get credit for your QUT studies towards your course.
You'll need an authorised officer at your home institution to complete the home institution approval form (PDF file, 149.9 KB).
Units that require prerequisites or background knowledge
If the units you want to study require particular prerequisites or background knowledge, you'll need to provide documents that demonstrate that you meet the requirements as per the unit outline. This may include academic transcripts or proof of work experience.
English language proficiency requirements
If your previous studies were not in English, or were completed in a country where English is not the first language, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English proficiency requirements when you apply.
Submit your application to QUT
We can only process your application if it's complete, including any required supporting documents. Submit a cross-institutional study application:
What happens next?
We'll email you to let you know we've received your application.
It usually takes us about three weeks to process applications.
After we've processed your application, we'll email you to let you know the outcome. If approved you will be advised what you need to do to get started at QUT.
How to request a review
If you believe the outcome of the decision to be incorrect or unjust, you can request a review of the decision by emailing Student Administration at sa.hubengagement@qut.edu.au stating your reasons and including any additional supporting documentation.
Review requests must be submitted within 10 days of receiving your original outcome. Late requests will not be accepted unless you can provide evidence to demonstrate that exceptional circumstances prevented you from submitting your request on time.
We'll email you to confirm we've received your review request.
What happens after you request a review
The Director (or delegate) of Student Administration will consider your original application, any information you included in your review request and the requirements of policy and legislation.
The Director (or delegate) of Student Administration will then choose to either:
- confirm the original decision
- change the decision
- set the decision aside and make a new decision based on a new rationale.
You'll normally be emailed with the outcome of your review request within 20 working days. The original decision remains in effect until your appeal is finalised.
If you’re unhappy with how we handled your review
If you are unhappy with the outcome from QUT or believe a decision was made in error, you have the right to seek external review from an agency such as the National Student Ombudsman. If you hold an international student visa, you also have the right to contact the National Student Ombudsman if you believe that procedures outlined in the National Code have not been correctly followed by the University.
If you decide to apply for an external review from the National Student Ombudsman or other agency, please advise the QUT Student Ombudsman of your application by sending an email to ombudsman@qut.edu.au. Please note that the QUT Student Ombudsman can only assist current students or those who were enrolled within the last six months and cannot influence external review processes.