By Lincoln Tran and Anh Nguyen, 24 April, 2025
What is studying Information Technology at QUT like? Vietnamese students Lincoln and Anh run us through their time studying IT at QUT. Lincoln studied postgraduate IT with an English language pathway and Anh is halfway through their bachelor degree.
Master of Information Technology with Lincoln
I chose the Master of Information Technology because this course leads me to new and more knowledge in software development. I am confident I will be an advanced developer with full-stack skills after I graduate.
When I went abroad to study, I worried about adapting. However, QUT provided me with a course combining English communication and IT major units, which helped me completely change after one semester. From then on, I was confident to move onto the Master of Information Technology course.
I chose QUT because the university offers an exceptional study environment with fantastic hands-on labs, I was awarded the International Merit Scholarship which provided a 25% reduction in tuition fees, and Brisbane boasts a comfortable cost of living, a welcoming community, and fantastic weather year-round.
My favourite parts of the course are that it is clear and has an intuitive structure that QUT follows, meaning you have a strategy and foundation for the upcoming semesters. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for challenges, especially after graduation. I am confident in my skills and entering the workforce. Additionally, I enjoy the facilities on campus, such as the advanced computer systems at the library and collaborative spaces, which enhance the learning experience. The HiQ student support team are also incredibly helpful and always ready to assist with any queries or concerns. Additionally, if you want to find a casual job, QUT can help you with workshops to improve your CV and interview skills.
I have worked as a software engineer at a duct-work company, where I successfully implemented various patterns and frameworks that I had studied during my time at QUT. The practical application of the knowledge gained from QUT's curriculum played a crucial role in streamlining our software development processes and enhancing the efficiency of our systems. I often work for internal projects that change a traditional company to a digital company, helping them save labour, cost and time. For example, I engineered a real-time job management mobile application, resulting in a substantial 25% labour cost reduction. This experience allowed me to directly apply classroom learning at QUT to real-world scenarios, highlighting the value of a well-rounded education and reinforcing the importance of practical, hands-on skills in the field of software engineering.
Bachelor of Information Technology with Anh
My decision to study the Bachelor of Information Technology (Computer Science) is fuelled by a deep fascination with technology and its potential in the modern world. Problem-solving and coding has captivated me since I was young. The potential of computer science is constantly evolving, expanding the boundaries of what's possible. I want to be a part of this revolution, to contribute my knowledge to create innovative solutions for current and upcoming problems in the real world with technology.
I chose QUT because the university has a strong focus on practical learning and industry engagement. I believe that I will feel confident when entering the industry with less fear of being surprised or bewildered in the workplace after studying at QUT. The location of both QUT campuses also helped me to choose to study at QUT. The campuses are located in the heart of Brisbane, a developing city, offering me easy access to everything. Brisbane has a warm subtropical climate, which is similar to my home country, so I can enjoy my life without worry. The best thing of the city is its affordability of living costs.
Both campuses have libraries with extensive collections of resources that help me to get through my assignments and exams. The computer labs are open 24 hours a day so I can study or finish my assignments at a time that suits me. I also love the aquatic centres at both campuses because I can wake myself up just by going for laps before classes. The price to access the pool is very affordable for students, especially for international students like me.
Student support sessions at the Learning Hub are a lifesaver for me. I was struggling with one subject for nearly half of the semester. However, I still achieved a very high score for that subject with the help of the Student Support Group in the Learning Hub. The support team gave me a very detailed explanation and had patience with me for every week's topic. Despite me asking (what I thought were) very obvious questions, the support team was very friendly and kind. They have saved my semester with a tonne of support - I could never thank them enough.
I cannot stop being surprised about how practical our assignments are. We learn by analysing and working on real-world case studies and simulations, which is extremely helpful with developing problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The projects that I have completed as part of my studies were similar to 'real world' projects people in industry would work on. With guided instructions, I was able to complete many applications that I would never expect to complete at such an early stage in my journey at university, such as security camera integrated in a password management application or finding the best way to escape a map. Group projects support the development of my communication and project management skills. All of the skills required to succeed, from technical to soft skills, are well-taught in every subject, even the 'theoretical' subjects.
I received an International Merit Scholarship which covers 25% of my tuition fee. It significantly reduces the amount of financial stress for me and motivates me to strive in my academic journey. The scholarship also brings me into a great network of people with academic excellence who teach me many things that I would otherwise never know.
I highly recommend QUT to others because I can see the potential of having a bright career and future with the knowledge I gain from my course. QUT's reputation for academic excellence combined with the well-equipped facilities, make the perfect environment to start your academic journey here!
