
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is a popular destination for international students. Ranked 25th in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list, Brisbane offers a high quality of life, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and a low cost of living compared to other Australian capital cities. The city is known for its cultural diversity, with a significant proportion of its population born overseas and speaking languages other than English. Queensland is home to a large number of international students from various countries, and Brisbane, as the gateway to the state, provides easy access to its stunning natural attractions, including the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brisbane's ranking in QS Best Student Cities 2025 | 25 |
| Number of international students in Queensland | 73,000 |
| Number of countries represented by international students in Queensland | 158 |
| Brisbane's population | 2.2 million |
| Percentage of Brisbane's population born outside Australia | 21.7% to 33.3% |
| Percentage of Brisbane's population with a first language other than English | 16% to 25% |
| Brisbane's ranking among Australian capital cities in terms of cost of living | Lowest |
| Number of universities in Brisbane | 3 |
| Number of universities in Queensland | 10 |
| Number of campuses in Queensland | 32 |
| Number of private registered training organisations in Queensland | 100+ |
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What You'll Learn

Queensland's international student hotline and other support services
Queensland is home to 73,000 international students from over 158 countries. The state offers a diverse range of study locations, from major cities to coastal towns and the outback. Brisbane, one of Queensland's cities, is a thriving hub of laneways, green spaces, and cultural experiences. It offers a high quality of life, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a mix of unique precincts to explore.
To support international students in Queensland, the state offers a 24-hour hotline, 1800 QSTUDY, providing phone support and information related to studying in the state. This service is free of charge and available to students around the clock. Additionally, there are student hubs in Cairns and the Gold Coast, with dedicated staff for student support across various education providers.
International students can also take advantage of airport reception services, where they can be met at the domestic or international airport upon arrival and escorted to their accommodation. This service is provided free of charge and is available 24/7, but students must book it in advance.
Queensland's universities also offer their own support services for international students. For instance, QUT encourages international students to join student clubs to meet like-minded people and broaden their experience of Queensland. Additionally, universities like UQ have an International Student Society, acting as a social hub for international students to connect and form communities.
With a welcoming multicultural community and a range of support services, Queensland ensures that international students have a safe and enjoyable study experience. The state ranks highly on the International Safe Cities Index, providing a stable political climate and a culturally rich environment for students to thrive.
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Brisbane's diverse culture and inclusive nature
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is a diverse and inclusive place to live and study. Ranked 25th in the QS Best Student Cities 2025, it attracts students from all over the world. The city is known for its thriving arts and entertainment scene, with frequent festivals, exhibitions, and performances showcasing its vibrant culture.
Brisbane has a population of nearly 2.2 million people, with a significant proportion born overseas. According to the 2021 Census, the most common countries of birth for residents, excluding Australia, were England, New Zealand, India, China, South Africa, and Vietnam. The city also has a high percentage of households where a language other than English is spoken, contributing to its multicultural nature.
The city boasts a mix of unique precincts, laneways, green spaces, and local experiences. It offers a range of dining options, cultural activities, and urban adventures. Brisbane is particularly renowned for its food scene, with a wide variety of international cuisines available. The city also has cultural hotspots like Fortitude Valley and Sunnybank, known for their authentic Asian markets and restaurants.
Brisbane is also within easy travel distance of other major Australian cities and attractions. It is just a short flight from international destinations like New Zealand, Bali, and Southeast Asia. The city has a safe and friendly reputation, with an easy-to-navigate public transportation system. Students can take advantage of student discounts on public transport, making it even more affordable to get around and explore.
With its diverse population, inclusive atmosphere, and numerous cultural offerings, Brisbane provides international students with a welcoming and enriching environment to pursue their academic goals and immerse themselves in a vibrant community.
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Brisbane's universities and their extracurricular activities
Brisbane is a popular destination for international students, with over 50,000 calling the city home. The city boasts a mix of distinctive precincts, laneways, green spaces, and local experiences, offering a high quality of life. With an average of 283 sunny days per year, Brisbane is perfect for outdoor activities, and its subtropical climate and vibrant culture make it an attractive study destination.
Brisbane's universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to enhance the student experience. James Cook University (JCU) offers a vibrant student life with clubs, sports, and recreational activities on campus. Additionally, JCU provides homestays, short-stay options, and off-campus renting solutions to accommodate international students' diverse needs.
Central Queensland University (CQUniversity Australia), distinguished as the most prominent regional university in the country, offers top-class education and a range of accommodation options, including shared housing, guest houses, private rentals, and hostels on its Brisbane campus.
John Fisher College, located in Brisbane, is known for its focus on both academics and extracurricular activities, fostering a supportive environment for international students.
The University of Queensland (UQ) has a strong cultural focus on sports, live music, and the performing arts. UQ encourages students to socialise and meet people through its International Student Society and various sports clubs. Students can also take advantage of the many events happening around campus, providing great opportunities to connect with fellow students.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is located near South Bank, one of the city's most popular attractions, featuring restaurants, parklands, markets, and festivals. QUT offers a fantastic opportunity to join student clubs, providing a way to meet like-minded people and explore Queensland.
Brisbane's universities offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams and music groups to cultural events and social hubs, ensuring that students can pursue their interests and enjoy a well-rounded university experience.
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Brisbane's low cost of living and affordable transport
Brisbane is a great choice for international students, offering an affordable living and study environment. The city has a low cost of living compared to other cities, and its public transport is both affordable and convenient.
The cost of living in Brisbane for a single person, excluding rent and tuition fees, ranges from AU$1,677 to AU$3,500 per month. This includes groceries, utilities, and transportation. The cost of groceries in Brisbane is about 2.27% higher than the national average, so students are advised to budget around $170 per month for food.
Public transportation in Brisbane is affordable and easily accessible. The Go Card is a prepaid pass that grants access to all modes of transport, including trains, buses, ferries, and city cats. Commuters taking more than eight trips weekly enjoy a 50% discount, and there are additional subsidies for students and individuals with disabilities. The city also offers electric scooters and bikes for hire, and students can take advantage of the extensive network of bike paths for cycling within the inner-city suburbs.
Brisbane's laid-back and multicultural atmosphere, vibrant workforce, and diverse natural surroundings make it a desirable destination for international students. The city boasts a mix of urban development and green spaces, with nearby access to beaches, tropical rainforests, islands, and the Great Barrier Reef.
With its low cost of living, affordable transport, and abundance of natural and cultural attractions, Brisbane offers a unique and appealing lifestyle for international students.
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Brisbane's natural beauty and tourist attractions
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions. The city boasts a mix of distinctive precincts, laneways, green spaces, and cultural experiences, offering a high quality of life. With its subtropical climate, Brisbane is a gateway to Queensland's stunning natural surroundings. Here are some highlights of Brisbane's natural beauty and tourist attractions:
Natural Wonders
Brisbane is surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, including:
- Springbrook National Park: This Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area offers spectacular scenery, waterfalls, views, and wildlife. The Natural Bridge is a highlight, featuring a cascading waterfall through a natural arched cave.
- D’Aguilar National Park: Just an hour and a half drive from Brisbane, this park boasts abundant woodlands, rainforests, and gorges, providing a tranquil escape from the city.
- Scenic Rim: Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim showcases the breathtaking rural beauty of the region, offering a peaceful and scenic escape.
- Moreton Bay: Moreton Bay is one of the region's most spectacular natural assets, known for its pristine waters and diverse marine life.
Outdoor Adventures
For those seeking outdoor adventures, Brisbane offers:
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs: Located along the Brisbane River, these cliffs provide an exciting opportunity for rock climbing and abseiling. The 20-metre-high cliffs also offer panoramic views of the city and river.
- River to Bay Cruises: Explore the diversity of the region on River to Bay cruises, including natural wonders, pristine islands, and First Nations cultures.
- Spicers Hidden Vale: Spicers Hidden Vale offers 4800 hectares of nature-based adventures and luxury ecotourism, providing a unique blend of exploration and relaxation.
Cultural and Urban Attractions
Brisbane also boasts a vibrant cultural and urban scene:
- South Bank: One of the city's most popular attractions, South Bank features restaurants, parklands, markets, and festivals. It's a hub for socialising and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
- Fortitude Valley and Sunnybank: These cultural hotspots offer authentic Asian markets and restaurants, reflecting the city's multicultural fabric.
- Live Music and Performing Arts: With a strong cultural focus on the arts, Brisbane presents a lively scene of concerts, exhibitions, and theatre productions throughout the year. The city also has a thriving nightlife with various live music venues, bars, pubs, and clubs.
- Food Scene: Brisbane is known for its exciting culinary landscape, showcasing a wide range of international cuisines and food markets.
With its natural beauty, cultural offerings, and convenient access to other major cities and international travel destinations, Brisbane provides a well-rounded experience for students and visitors alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland is home to 73,000 international students from over 158 countries.
A third of Brisbane's population, around 21.7%, was born overseas.
Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia, with a population of nearly 2.2 million.
Queensland has 10 universities with 32 campuses across the state.
Queensland is home to several universities, including Griffith University, the University of Queensland, and Queensland University of Technology.











































