Interested in living and studying abroad? There are few places as warm, welcoming and entertaining as the beating heart of South East Queensland: Brisbane. There’s a reason why it’s been named the happiest city in Australia and one of the happiest on the planet. Praised around the world for its sunny climate, sprawling parks, fantastic arts scene and multicultural population, Brisbane is an engaging city that will be more than happy to host you.
Whether you’re strolling along the Brisbane River, exploring the Brisbane Botanic Gardens or enjoying world-class dining in the inner city, Queensland’s capital has something for everyone. There’s a reason it’s regarded as a premier destination for international students, with some of the best educational institutions in the country and a welcoming community.
Where is Brisbane?
Brisbane city is tucked away in the southeastern corner of Queensland, Australia. Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane is the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations – from nearby Moreton Bay to the beginnings of the Great Barrier Reef and even up to the Whitsunday Islands.
Getting to the Brisbane region is easy thanks to a number of different transportation options. By air, Brisbane Airport is a major international and domestic hub, with dozens of flights arriving from countless destinations around the world every day. The airport is just 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD by car, bus or train. For those travelling to Brisbane city by road, you can take the Pacific Motorway from the south, the Warrego Highway from the west, or the Bruce Highway from the north. There are also interstate coaches that offer regular services to and from Brisbane.
Trains are another convenient option, with Queensland Rail’s extensive services connected to other major cities in Queensland and interstate. Once here, you’ll appreciate Brisbane’s efficient public transport system made up of buses, trains and ferries – so you can take advantage of all that Brisbane has to offer.
Study in Brisbane
As a thriving educational hub, both Brisbane and nearby Ipswich are home to some of Australia’s top universities, high-quality schools, fantastic training providers and other educational institutions. It’s a city that is proud of its academic excellence and broad research initiatives, so you’ll find that Brisbane has many programs and courses to suit your preferred field of study. International students are welcomed into an inclusive community that makes it easy to smoothly transition into your new academic journey.
There are three major universities that many students choose when studying in Brisbane: The University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Griffith University (GU). But there are also smaller university campuses around the city, including James Cook University (JCU), Australian Catholic University, Torrens University and Victoria University Brisbane. You’ll also find campuses for the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) in Springfield and Ipswich, as well as TAFE Queensland campuses in Southbank, Grovely, Acacia Ridge and more.
Each institution is backed by world-class facilities, experienced faculty and a wide selection of programs from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. Campus life is exciting and communal, and combined with strong industry connections which means you will get invaluable networking opportunities and practical experience.
Brisbane’s universities are set in different parts of the city, which can be helpful for those living outside the central business district. UQ’s St Lucia campus, for example, is situated in a beautiful riverside suburb with expansive grounds. QUT’s Gardens Point campus, on the other hand, is located in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Brisbane River and Botanic Gardens. Griffith University’s multiple campuses are then set up across various parts of the city.
Living in Brisbane while studying means you’ll get to enjoy a high quality of life with affordable accommodation options that range from on-campus residences to private rentals. And thanks to Brisbane City Council and its excellent public transport system, daily commutes to and from class are quick and cost-effective, with students getting to enjoy cheaper concessions.
Overall, Brisbane’s welcoming atmosphere and multicultural community make it the perfect place for international students to get set up. With extensive student support services on hand, it also means you’ll be able to thrive both academically and personally.
What to do in Brisbane
In short, it’s a city bursting at the seams with all sorts of activities and attractions. So no matter how common or obscure your interests are, you’ll find something fun to do around town. From the lively cultural scene to its outdoor adventures and popular tourist attractions, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Brisbane.
Top attractions
For an inexpensive but uplifting adventure, visit the South Bank Parklands in South Brisbane. Here you can relax by the man-made Streets Beach, enjoy some fantastic casual and high-end dining, or explore the Queensland Cultural Centre. Don't miss the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for panoramic views of the city or head a little further out to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and get up close with Australian wildlife.
Outdoor escapes
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha have arguably the most stunning landscapes and walking trails in the entire city. The nearby D’Aguilar National Park is a great spot for hiking, picnicking and spotting local wildlife. Just a short drive away, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island are where you’ll find pristine beaches and heaps of water activities like snorkelling and diving.
Eat and drink
Don’t be fooled by Sydney and Melbourne – Brisbane’s food scene is one of the best in the country, with something to suit every palate. Head to Eat Street Northshore on the weekend for a different type of dining experience. For something a little more refined, visit Howard Smith Wharves, which has a variety of restaurants and bars with stunning river views. Don't miss trying local favourites like the fresh seafood – especially Moreton Bay bugs!
Arts and culture
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) often plays host to impressive collections and international exhibitions. For live performances, head to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) for everything from ballet to musical theatre. There are also lots of events and festivals that happen throughout the calendar year, like Riverfire and the Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Living in Brisbane
There’s something truly magical about being able to live and study in Brisbane. It’s a city that has that ideal blend of vibrant city life and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. While most people know the city for its sunny weather year-round and plenty of green spaces for outdoor living, knowing what to do in Brisbane will allow you to uncover its secrets and experience so much more. International students enjoy a high standard of living with excellent healthcare, top-tier educational facilities and a great public transport system. There are also so many diverse suburbs dotted around Brisbane, each of them adding their own charm to the city.
Then there’s the affordability factor compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which might make it a more attractive place to live. With plenty of accommodation options to choose from, whether you want to live alone in a modern apartment or share a spacious house with others out in the suburbs, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to join a welcoming community that’s rich in cultural diversity and has lots of activities to enjoy year-round? Brisbane is calling.