Figures are consistent with head count methodology used by Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) for publication purposes.

Prior to 2002, number of students was calculated as an unduplicated head count of enrolments in Semester 1 as at 31 March census date. This method is often referred to as "DEST 93 Scope".
From 2002-2004, number of students was calculated as an unduplicated head count of enrolments between 31 August and 1 September of the previous year.

From 2005 onwards, number of students is calculated as an unduplicated head count of enrolments across all census dates in the calendar year 1 January to 31 December. These 2 methods are often referred to as "Whole Year” or ‘Full-year Scope".

Student number tables with data 2002 onwards are presented on the Reportal using both the whole year method and the earlier 31 March Semester 1 method to enable consistent comparison to earlier years.

Students enrolled in multiple programs or dual degrees are counted once only under all methods, and are generally counted against the program that generates the most EFTSL across the reporting period.

Inclusions:
 - At one or more of the census dates in the DEST reporting period, the student was enrolled in, and consumed load in a higher education award or non-award program at The University of Queensland.
Exclusions:
 - Incoming International Exchange, Cross-Institutional, Off-shore, Gatton certificate, TESOL and Continuing Education, Institute of Modern Language enrolments.
 - Research students on approved interruption or thesis under examination.
 - For historical tables prior to 1999, extended Higher Degree Research students who have exceeded the then DEST time limits for program completion (5 years equivalent full-time for Doctorates and 3 Years equivalent full-time for Masters Research).

• a person employed by the institution or one of its controlled entities on a full-time, fractional full-time or casual basis; or
• an employee of another institution who is working at the institution or one of its controlled entities as either:
  • "visiting" staff; or
  • "exchange" staff; or
  • "seconded"; or
• a person who works for the institution or one of its controlled entities on a regular basis but who receives no remuneration (eg members of religious denominations, unpaid visiting fellows).

A student is a person who has been admitted to an award program, non-award program, cross-provider program or Bridging for Overseas Trained Professionals at The University of Queensland at the census date; and the person is still entitled to continue with their studies and has not formally indicated before the census date that they have withdrawn from or deferred their studies.Persons taking certificate programs at Gatton campus, or undertaking TESOL programs or university extension classes such as those provided for the general public are not included in the analyses of university students.

Student load in Australian Higher Education Providers is measured in Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL). The EFTSL for a full-time student completing one full year of study comprising the standard student load for a program would normally generate 1 EFTSL. Students doing an additional workload would generate EFTSU values of more than 1; students doing less than the standard workload would generate EFTSL values of less than 1.
For Research Higher Degree students, a blanket weight of 1.0 EFTSL is normally given if full time in each semester over the full year and 0.5 EFTSL if part time in each semester over the full year.
Prior to 2005, the term EFTSU (Equivalent Full-Time Student Units) was used.