Destinations

Queensland is a state rich in contrasts. From bustling CBDs to serene coastal towns, to ancient rainforests and so much more. Every city in Queensland brings with it an intriguing blend of tourist attractions and cultural immersion, many of which are also the perfect base for your international studies. Explore our major cities across Queensland to find the best fit for your lifestyle and educational goals.

What Queensland cities can you study in?

Discover the diverse regions and vibrant cities across Queensland. Each city comes with vast opportunities for your education, as well as a focus on tourism and plenty of nature to explore during your downtime! Here are some of Australia’s most popular places to live and study.

Brisbane Brisbane
Brisbane
Cairns Cairns
Cairns
Gold Coast Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Mackay & Whitsundays Mackay & Whitsundays
Mackay & Whitsundays
Rockhampton Rockhampton
Rockhampton
Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
Toowoomba Toowoomba
Toowoomba
Townsville Townsville
Townsville
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Brisbane Image 1 Brisbane Image 2

Brisbane

The buzzing capital city of Queensland, Brisbane is home to sunny skies, a lively arts scene and a culturally diverse population. It’s also the state’s largest city, which makes Brisbane a popular destination for international students. From the bustling South Bank precinct to scenic Moreton Bay just north of Brisbane, this warm and welcoming city is a great meeting point for both education and entertainment.

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Cairns Image 1 Cairns Image 2

Cairns

Cairns is located in Far North Queensland and is perhaps best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Beyond its unparalleled beauty and warm, tropical weather, Cairns offers a variety of high-quality study experiences that allow students to immerse themselves in the living laboratories on their doorstep.

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Gold Coast Image 1 Gold Coast Image 2

Gold Coast

World-famous for its stunning beaches and unstoppable nightlife, the Gold Coast is a city that’s top of the list for locals and international visitors alike. From the iconic Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach and beyond, you’ll find plenty to love here – like the fantastic educational facilities for students from around the world, or the lush Hinterland for a laid-back retreat.

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Mackay & Whitsundays

Mackay is set right in the heart of Queensland. Like many coastal cities, here you’ll find entrancing beaches and an abundance of natural beauty. Mackay is also the gateway to the Bowen Basin region, known for its significant coal mining industry, and is also a key hub for the sugar industry in Queensland. But it’s also the ideal destination for those who want to escape the crowds and explore unspoiled landscapes, especially around the Whitsunday Islands.

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Rockhampton

Rockhampton in Central Queensland is a city rich with history and natural surrounds. Known as the Beef Capital of Australia, in Rockhampton you’ll find a combination of city folk and those who embrace more country-style living. The nearby Capricorn Coast and secluded reefs are stunning places for outdoor adventures.

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Sunshine Coast

More laid-back than its southern cousin the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is where you’ll find amazing beaches and freshwater rivers, as well as subtropical forests just a short drive away. It’s the perfect place to live if you are after a more relaxed lifestyle, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and students alike.

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Toowoomba

Part of the sprawling Darling Downs region, Toowoomba is one of Queensland’s most picturesque inland cities. Just a short 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane, Toowoomba is best known for its hundreds of beautiful gardens (a core part of its annual Carnival of Flowers event), as well as historic architecture, museums, and plenty of festivals year-round. Toowoomba is fast becoming a renowned centre for agricultural technology innovation.

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Townsville

Townsville makes its mark as one of North Queensland’s most popular destinations. With plenty of national parks and historical sites nearby, as well as the giant pink granite Castle Hill that overlooks the entire city, Townsville has natural and cultural attractions in abundance. Its world-class educational institutions, and access to the North West Minerals Province, sugar and defence industries also make it an ideal place for students who want hands-on experience outside of the largest cities.

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Student stories

Want to know what studying in Queensland is really like? Explore stories from students and alumni who have studied in Queensland.

Explore student stories