Application time: At least 5 days plus internal processing time at UQ. Can take longer if further investigation is needed.
NOTE: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MUST ARRIVE IN QUEENSLAND BEFORE APPLYING FOR YOUR BLUE CARD. You will need to attend in person to obtain your CRN at the Department of Transport & Main Roads offices (details below). Please arrive in QLD with enough time to complete this before your placement commences. The off-shore application process takes too long and is not guaranteed to be approved before you commence placement which is why it is no longer recommended.
Cost: $0 (students are classed as volunteers)
Applications should be completed online.
Please see the QLD government website for videos on how to navigate the Blue Card system to complete your application as detailed in the steps below.
Step 1:
You will need a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) customer reference number (CRN) in order to prove your identity to Blue Card Services.
You may already have a TMR customer reference number
Do you already have a TMR customer reference number (CRN)? Your customer reference number is shown on a range of TMR products including a Queensland driver’s license or proof of age card. You can find your customer reference number in the top right area on the front of your card.
Example:
Don’t already have a TMR customer reference number? *THIS APPLIES FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS*
If you don’t already have a Queensland TMR customer reference number, you will need to obtain one before you can progress your Blue Card application.
To obtain a TMR customer reference number, check which identity and Queensland residential address documents you will need, then take these documents to a TMR centre in person and request a customer reference number. Let the staff take your photo and wait for the letter/email confirming your CRN and keep it in a safe place.
You must attend a TMR centre in person. If you are a student who is currently offshore and unable to return to Brisbane, it is possible to apply for a CRN using a Remote Pack, however this is a lengthy process and we no longer recommend this method.
Step 2:
Once you have your CRN, you will need it to register for a Blue Card Services online account before you can apply for your Blue Card. You only need to register once. You can register here for a Blue Card Services online account. Take note of your Blue Card account number when you register for your account. You can see the step by step process in this video -
Step 3:
Once you register for a Blue Card Services online account, you will receive a Blue Card account number. This account number will be used by us to link you to UQ.
You need to tell us your Blue Card account number by entering the number into InPlace:
The HMBS Placement Ready team will then verify your Blue Card account number in the Blue Card Services organisational portal and link you to UQ. You won’t be able to progress your Blue Card application until this step has been completed. You will be notified by Blue Card Services when you have been linked to UQ and you can then progress to the next step in the application process.
IMPORTANT: Do not email or phone the HMBS Placement Ready team to advise us of your account number or to ask for a Blue Card status update. Our team experiences a high volume of Blue Card applications during peak periods, and we will link you to UQ as quickly as we can
Step 4:
Once you have been notified by Blue Card Services that you have been linked to UQ, you need to log in to the Blue Card applicant portal and apply for a Blue Card.
How to Apply for a Blue Card as a Volunteer/Student.
NOTE: You should select the Student Placement option when you are asked to choose a card type. Do not select Volunteer.
Once Blue Card Services have approved your application, you should receive a Positive Notice via email and your new Blue Card will be mailed to your nominated address. UQ will also be notified that your card has been approved so there is nothing further for you to do.
Your placement provider may ask to see your Blue Card at any time, so you should carry it with you at all times while on placement.