Queensland

Overview

Queensland is home to more than five million people, and has 10 universities across 32 campuses. These include the internationally renowned Bond, Griffith and James Cook universities.

You can live and study in large cosmopolitan cities, in major regional towns close to some of Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders, or in regional centres where you can experience the authentic culture of Australia.

Queensland is one of the most affordable places to study in Australia. Gold Coast is the most affordable student city in Australia with rental prices 40% lower than other cities like Sydney. Brisbane is Australia’s 4th most affordable student city. Queensland also offers students a 50% discount on public transport across the state.

The state is run by a regional government which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. Universities in the state focus on helping students to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, and develop their professionals skills to become more employable. As part of this, the 'Study Queensland Talent Program' is Australia’s largest employability initiative for students, and helps to connect them with alumni and employers.

Queensland is home to diverse landscapes and natural environments including the outback, the tropical and sub-tropical coasts, mountains and farmland. It has become a hub of expertise in marine science, ecotourism, agribusiness, biological science and the built environment.

Queensland has a number of support services for international students, helping them to achieve their academic, social and personal goals. These include the 'Queensland Student Hub Network', 'Brisbane Rainbow Hub', and an international student hotline.

Brisbane

Brisbane is ranked as one of the 20 best student cities in the world, and is in the top 50 for employer activity (QS). With a population of 2 million, Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia and the largest economy between Sydney and Singapore. It is home to 100,000 students, and is the base for Griffith and James Cook universities.

Brisbane is the perfect setting for students seeking a balance between urban and outdoor living. It has stunning beaches, a sunny climate and sporting culture, as well as a cosmopolitan down-town area with a thriving nightlife and arts scene. It’s also more affordable than the other Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

The city is ranked 7th in the world for both “student mix” (QS), proving that it’s a top desitination for students from all over the world. In the 2022 QS survey, students praised Brisbane for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly people and convenient public transport – the sunny weather was also a top attraction. The weather is also a big attraction for students, with subtropical summers and mild winter.

The city hosts a number of festivals including Paniyiri, Oktoberfest, BrisAsia festival and the Festitalia. It’s also home to Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Brisbane and the Queensland Museum and The Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The area around Brisbane offers a huge variety of amenities and attractions such as the South Bank Parklands, Surfers Paradise, Sunshine Coast and Great Barrier Reef.