Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State.
As the name suggests, the city has beautiful weather all year, with everything an international student could hope for, from world-class universities to stunning beaches and bustling nightlife. Life in Brisbane is easy-going, with the perfect blend of city lifestyle and opportunities to escape to nature.
It was tough, but we’ve narrowed it down to 10 awesome reasons you’ll want to live in Brisbane as an international student.
The city is multicultural and inclusive
Brisbane is full of people from all walks of life and is home to many vibrant, diverse communities.
Multicultural and LGBTQIA+ celebrations include Brisbane Pride Month, the BrisAsia Festival, Multicultural Queensland Month, The Paniyiri Greek Festival and the India Day Fair, to name just a few!
The warm weather and friendly locals
Brisbane is a warm city in more ways than one. Perhaps thanks to the city’s relaxed vibe, locals here are friendly, easygoing and open-minded, so you’re sure to have many opportunities to make local friends.
Not only are the people warm, but Brisbane enjoys around 300 days of sunshine annually. Even in winter, the city’s weather remains mostly sunny and warm, meaning you can keep enjoying the parks, markets, riverside bars and nightlife all year. Soaking up the sun is all part of the Brisbane lifestyle (but make sure to wear sunscreen)!
Studying at world-class universities
Brisbane is home to many internationally recognised universities, including the University of Queensland (UQ). UQ recently placed in the top 50 institutions across the globe in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Even better, many of Brisbane’s educational institutions are located in the heart of the city, which makes them easy to get to! For example, UQ has campuses in St Lucia and Herston, both of which are just minutes away from central Brisbane.
A thriving arts and culture scene
Don’t forget to explore Brisbane’s major cultural institutions, including the impressive Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Museum, SparkLab and the Maritime Museum.
For a more underground experience, head to the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, known as ‘The Judy’ to locals. This place is loved for its regular amazing theatre, cabaret and musical events.
Easy access to world-famous beaches
Perhaps the biggest temptation for any international student is Brisbane’s proximity to world-famous beaches. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are both about an hour’s drive away and home to some of the best surfing, swimming, snorkelling and crystal-clear water in the world.
Closer to the city, you can hop on a ferry to visit K’gari, Moreton Island or Bribie Island, where you can swim amongst colourful fish, dolphins and shipwrecks.
Plenty of scholarship and work opportunities
Those looking for financial assistance can access a wide range of scholarships through their educational institution or the Australian Government. Scholarships can be awarded based on grades, where you want to study or what degree you’re completing.
What’s more, many student visas in Australia allow you to work part-time during your studies. This is a big advantage, as you can be financially independent, gain valuable work experience and make connections with professionals in your industry.
Brisbane’s affordability
As Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane has everything you could want in a study destination without the cost of the bigger cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
Regular expenses, like rent, groceries and even transport, are cheaper in Brisbane than in Sydney, meaning you’ll have more money to spend on fun and adventure!
There are lots of free arts and culture to enjoy, too, such as the art, music and comedy events held at the UQ Art Museum and the Brisbane Powerhouse.
You can also study at the State Library of Queensland for free and take advantage of student discounts for cinema tickets, gym memberships, restaurants and much more.
Exploring green spaces
With more than 2,000 parks, Brisbane is a paradise for anyone wanting to study close to nature.
In particular, the lush Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha contains rainforest glades, bamboo groves and scenic lily ponds. It’s a popular green haven and the perfect place for a picnic or even an outdoor study session!
A thriving live music scene
The live music scene in Brisbane is well-known across Australia. Fortitude Valley is where you’ll find a vast array of exciting underground bars and live music performances showcasing groundbreaking artists.
Fortitude Valley also comes alive for the BIGSOUND Music Festival and Industry Conference, the largest annual music event of its kind in Australia.
An endearing obsession with sports
Brisbane was recently ranked the number one sports city in Australia, and for good reason!
The city will host the 2032 Olympic Games, which is bringing lots of exciting upgrades to stadiums, public areas and transport. Brisbane is also home to many professional domestic teams like the Lions, Broncos, Dolphins, Firebirds and Roar.
Even better, Brisbane’s obsession stretches to community sports as well. You can find almost any sport at a local level, so don’t be afraid to join a nearby club or gym. It’s a great way to meet people, stay active and be part of a community.
