Supporting your safe return to UQ

If you have received an exemption to return to Australia, please make sure you complete The University of Queensland Quarantine registration form to advise Student Services that you have an exemption and are planning to return to Australia.

To prepare for the experience, all students will receive a detailed guide to provide you with information on what to expect from pre-departure through to arrivals and transition to the accommodation. This will also include useful information on your health and wellbeing at this time. You will receive this after completing your quarantine registration. 

Your quarantine accommodation and transportation will be arranged for you by the Australian Government. You are not required to book your own hotel or organise private transportation when you arrive.

All people arriving in Australia under the current COVID-19 conditions will be required to undertake a mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine period. The arrival process and transfer to your quarantine hotel will vary depending on your arrival airport, but to help you prepare for your travel to Australia, please note the following:

What can I expect will happen on my arrival in Australia at the airport?

• Once you disembark off the plane, enhanced health checks such as non-contact temperature checking will take place
• You’ll be required to wear a mask at all times from your arrival to the hotel quarantine
• You may be approached by people in uniform that are either from the Australian Defence Force or the Queensland Police. They are there to assist all International arrivals with their entry process. They will also ask people to maintain social distancing and will help you get to your transport and hotel safely

Arriving at the Hotel

• Once you arrive at the Hotel, you will be escorted to your allocated hotel room
• You will not be allowed to leave the room for any other reason than a medical emergency, escape from harm, or as otherwise directed by public health officials
• Hotels will have staff / security to ensure your safety and the safety of others
• You will receive an information pack at your hotel that lists the hotel services available to you, such as housekeeping and entertainment options
• You may have daily visits from official personnel such as Police to check you are safe and are still in your room  
• You may also have daily contact from a Nurse who will phone you to check on your health  

How will I receive meals during Hotel Quarantine?

• During your stay you will have all meals delivered to your room and hotel staff will provide further instructions about meal delivery times and the process for delivery. Meals will usually be delivered to your room around 8am, 12.30 pm and 6 pm. These meals will be dropped off at your hotel room by hotel staff. You will need to answer the door after they knock to deliver the food.
• You will be allowed to order takeaway food, eg Uber Eats if you prefer at your own cost
• Daily meals are included as part of the Australian Government quarantine fee. There is no option to exclude these meal fees 
• All accommodation providers cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements, please let the hotel staff know if you have any special dietary requirements on arrival to the Hotel.

Can I go outside during quarantine?

• You will not be allowed to go outside unless there it is an emergency situation

Can I upgrade or change my hotel room?

• You will not be able to change or upgrade your hotel accommodation, this is pre-arranged by the Australian Government and changes cannot be made by guests.

Can I visit my friends staying in the same hotel or can they visit me?

• During the 14 days, you will not be allowed any visitors or visit friends staying in the same accommodation. You can use the phone but are not allowed person to person contact at any time.

What can happen if I do not follow the quarantine rules?

• A person to whom the direction to undertake a mandatory 14 day quarantine period applies commits an offence if the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the directions to remain in quarantine. Penalties for breaking quarantine are serious. Please refer to the Australian Government Department of Health for further information.

UQ will support you throughout your quarantine experience so you are connected to all the right programs, people and support networks. 

Support when you arrive

• The UQ Student Services team will be in touch once you have settled into quarantine. They will arrange regular check-ins via phone and email and can connect you with any support services you may need during quarantine.

Regular Contact 

• The UQ Student Services team will arrange with you regular contact via phone / text / email 
• Other support such as health and wellbeing sessions will also be provided
• After hours support will be provided by the UQ Crisis counselling support line - 1300 851 998

Specialised appointments will also be offered via phone or zoom for the following support:

• International Student Advisers
• Counselling
• Learning skills Advisers
• Diversity, Disability & Inclusion 
• Peer support initiatives

Other Online support available will include:

• Virtual Village (peer to peer and community support)
• Counselling self-help, podcasts, workshops and other support
• Physical exercise – videos
• Welfare check process
• Community support and engagement e.g. arts & crafts
• Support for learning online

Accommodation support

• Students may be required to provide a proposed residential address before entering Australia or you may need to arrange this whilst you are in quarantine. If you need support to arrange this please contact accommodation@uq.edu.au or speak with the Student Services staff member whilst in quarantine.  

Financial support for international students

• As an international student, you are eligible for a grant of up to $2000 to assist with the cost of state government quarantine fees. This grant is for commencing international students and for those international students who have been unable to enter Australia.