Study in Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane is Australia's fastest-growing capital and home to approximately 95,000 international students. The city ranks #22 globally in the QS Best Student Cities index and hosts three universities inside the QS World Top 200, led by the University of Queensland (#40), a Group of Eight research powerhouse. Brisbane's subtropical climate — warm winters, no snow, and over 280 days of sunshine per year — sets it apart from the cooler southern capitals. The city is in the middle of a major transformation ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, with billions invested in transport infrastructure, cultural precincts, and urban renewal. For international students, Brisbane offers a balance of quality education and affordable living: shared accommodation starts from AUD $140–$180/week in suburbs like Sunnybank and Upper Mount Gravatt, running 20–30% cheaper than equivalent suburbs in Sydney. The Go Card public transport system covers buses, trains, and ferries across the metro area.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Next review: March 2027 · Let's Go Study Australia editorial team
Brisbane — Livability & Outcomes Data
EIU Global Liveability Index 2025
#14 globallyOverall: 93.3/100
QS Best Student Cities 2026
#22 globallyGraduate Outcomes (QILT GOS 2024)
79.5%
Full-time employment
$68,000
Median salary (AUD)
85.2%
Employer satisfaction
Sources: EIU Global Liveability Index 2025, QS Best Student Cities 2026, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. Data is indicative and updated periodically — verify with official sources.
Universities in Brisbane
The University of Queensland
Brisbane, QLD
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD
Federation University Australia
Melbourne, VIC
Australian Catholic University
Sydney, NSW
Charles Darwin University
Darwin, NT
Southern Cross University
Sydney, NSW
James Cook University
Brisbane, QLD
Central Queensland University
Brisbane, QLD
Alphacrucis College
Sydney, NSW
Australian University of Theology Limited
Sydney, NSW
QS World University Rankings
Why Brisbane for International Students
Study Queensland — International Student Support
Services available statewide through Study Queensland and university support offices
Study Queensland is the Queensland Government's dedicated international student support initiative. It coordinates state-wide programs including welcome events, employability workshops, and social integration activities. Each Brisbane university operates its own international student support office with dedicated advisors for visa, academic, and welfare matters. Brisbane also benefits from a strong community of international student organisations and cultural associations.
- ✓ Airport welcome program and orientation events
- ✓ Employability workshops and career networking
- ✓ Mental health and wellbeing resources
- ✓ Safety information and emergency contacts
- ✓ Cultural integration events and social programs
- ✓ Accommodation search resources
Cost of Studying in Brisbane
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
AUD $24,000–$46,000
per year
Postgraduate
AUD $22,000–$48,000
per year
VET / TAFE
AUD $4,000–$22,000
per year
Weekly living costs
| Expense | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Shared rental | $140/wk | $300/wk |
| Private rental | $280/wk | $480/wk |
| Groceries | $70/wk | $170/wk |
| Myki (public transport) | $/mo | $/mo |
| OSHC health cover | $50/mo | $120/mo |
A realistic monthly budget in shared accommodation is AUD $1,900–$2,900, excluding tuition. Brisbane is typically 20–30% cheaper than Sydney on comparable accommodation. Southern suburbs (Sunnybank, Upper Mount Gravatt, Coopers Plains) offer the best value with strong Asian grocery options and direct bus routes to UQ and Griffith.
Rent by suburb
St Lucia / Toowong
$220–$300/wk
Adjacent to UQ's St Lucia campus, bus and ferry to CBD in 20 min
Kelvin Grove / Red Hill
$200–$270/wk
Walking distance to QUT Kelvin Grove campus, bus to CBD in 10 min
Sunnybank / Upper Mount Gravatt
$140–$200/wk
Griffith University Nathan campus nearby, bus to CBD in 30 min — large Chinese and Vietnamese communities with affordable dining
South Bank / West End
$230–$300/wk
Near QUT Gardens Point campus and South Bank cultural precinct, walking distance to CBD
After Graduation — Can You Stay in Australia?
Most graduates qualify for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate). The length depends on your qualification level:
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master degree (coursework)
2 years
Master degree (research)
3 years
Doctoral degree
4 years
Regional study bonus
+0 years
Permanent residency routes
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Points-tested, no employer or sponsor needed. Most successful applicants hold 85–95 points. Your Australian degree contributes 15–20 points.
Subclass 190 (State Nomination — Queensland)
Queensland nominates based on its skilled occupation list. Healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and trades are priority sectors. Studying at a Queensland university and gaining QLD work experience strengthens your 190 application. QLD nomination adds 5 points.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nominated)
Requires an employer to sponsor you after 2+ years on a 482 visa. Brisbane's growing healthcare, construction, and technology sectors are active sources of employer-sponsored visas.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional — Queensland)
Available for regional Queensland (outside Brisbane metro). Pathway to PR via 191 visa after 3 years. Consider studying at a regional Queensland campus (e.g., USQ Toowoomba, JCU Townsville) for regional visa benefits.
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources