Study in Brisbane: International Student Guide
A practical guide to universities, costs, visa requirements, and life as an international student in Queensland's capital.
Why Study in Brisbane?
Brisbane is Queensland's capital and Australia's third-largest city, with a metropolitan population of approximately 2.6 million (ABS). Situated on the Brisbane River approximately 75 kilometres inland from the Pacific coast, Brisbane is a subtropical city that has undergone significant urban and economic transformation since hosting the 1988 World Expo. It is scheduled to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Queensland's higher education sector offers a Group of Eight university, two large multi-campus public universities, a private Catholic university, and the state's public TAFE network. The University of Queensland (UQ) at St Lucia is one of Australia's most research-intensive institutions. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove is closely connected to industry and produces substantial numbers of graduates in IT, business, health, and creative industries. Griffith University operates across Nathan and South Bank campuses in Brisbane, with additional campuses on the Gold Coast.
Brisbane's economy has diversified in recent decades beyond its traditional strengths in agriculture, mining services, and tourism. Technology and digital services, financial services, healthcare, education, and construction are significant employers. The South Bank cultural precinct, positioned across the river from the CBD, anchors a concentration of educational institutions, galleries, performing arts venues, and public green space that forms a social centre for the city's student population.
For international students, Brisbane offers a subtropical climate, a lower cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne (though this gap has narrowed), access to Southeast Queensland's beaches and hinterland, and increasingly direct flight connections from Asia. Queensland's state nomination programs create post-study Career Pathway options for eligible skilled graduates.
Students also explore studying in Gold Coast, Adelaide, or Canberra — each with different cost profiles and study environments.
Universities and TAFE in Brisbane
Brisbane's higher education sector includes four universities with campuses in or near the city, plus Queensland's public TAFE provider. All registered CRICOS providers are authorised to enrol international students holding a valid Subclass 500 student visa.
University of Queensland (UQ)
CRICOS 00025B — Group of Eight research university
UQ's main campus is at St Lucia on the Brisbane River, approximately 7 kilometres from the CBD. A member of the Group of Eight, UQ is recognised for research in biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, law, medicine, and business. The university has a large international student cohort and offers extensive postgraduate research programs. UQ also has a campus at Gatton for agricultural and veterinary sciences, and a clinical school at Herston.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
CRICOS 00213J — Public research university
QUT operates across two central Brisbane campuses — Gardens Point (in the CBD adjacent to the Queensland Parliament) and Kelvin Grove (in inner-north Brisbane). The university is known for its applied and industry-connected curriculum across IT, engineering, business, creative industries, law, education, and health. QUT's Faculty of Science and Engineering has strong industry links with Queensland's technology and infrastructure sectors.
Griffith University — Brisbane campuses
CRICOS 00233E — Public multi-campus university
Griffith University operates a Nathan campus in Brisbane's southern suburbs and a South Bank campus adjacent to the cultural precinct, with additional Gold Coast campuses. The university has strengths in criminology, law, business, education, environment, health, and the arts. Griffith's South Bank campus is directly accessible by rail and ferry, and the cultural precinct location offers a distinctive study environment.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) — Brisbane
CRICOS 00004G — Private Catholic university
ACU's Brisbane campus is located in Banyo in the northern suburbs. The university offers programs in nursing, midwifery, health sciences, education, business, and theology. ACU is a multi-campus institution with campuses across Australia. Its nursing and allied health programs are accredited and have strong clinical placement networks within Queensland Health.
TAFE Queensland
CRICOS 03020E — Public TAFE provider
TAFE Queensland operates across multiple campuses statewide, including significant Brisbane locations at South Bank and various suburban centres. Programs cover trades, technology, business, hospitality, community services, and health across Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma levels. TAFE Queensland's South Bank campus is co-located with educational and cultural institutions in the South Bank precinct.
Verify current CRICOS registration and course availability directly with providers before applying. CRICOS details are publicly searchable at Study Australia.
Cost of Living in Brisbane
Brisbane's cost of living has risen significantly, particularly for accommodation. While historically less expensive than Sydney and Melbourne, rental costs have increased in line with population growth and housing demand. The figures below are indicative — actual costs depend on accommodation type, proximity to campus, and lifestyle.
| Expense | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Translink go card (bus/train/ferry) | $80 – $130 |
| Groceries and meals | $220 – $340 |
Total estimated weekly spend is approximately $400–$570. Students who choose accommodation in inner suburbs close to campuses typically pay more but reduce transport time and costs. Students living further from the city in shared housing generally access lower rents, though transport costs increase.
For a detailed cost comparison across Australian cities, Study Australia provides indicative living cost guidance for international students.
Student Visa for Brisbane
International students studying in Brisbane — like all international students in Australia — must hold a valid Subclass 500 Student Visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). There is no Queensland-specific or Brisbane-specific student visa — the Subclass 500 applies regardless of study location.
To apply for a Subclass 500 visa, you will generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered CRICOS provider, evidence of sufficient financial capacity, English language proficiency, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and meeting genuine temporary entrant requirements.
Visa requirements, processing times, and evidence expectations change periodically. Always verify current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
For course and provider guidance, the StudyVisaHub platform covers visa grant rates, evidence levels, and course pathways via the Course Finder.
Lifestyle and Transport in Brisbane
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Summer (December–February) brings temperatures of 25–32°C with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms — a distinctive feature of Queensland weather that residents generally adapt to quickly. Winter (June–August) is consistently mild and sunny, with daytime temperatures of 10–22°C and low humidity. For students from cold or temperate climates, Brisbane's winter is often cited as one of the city's attractions.
Public transport is managed by Translink and includes the City Train rail network, an extensive bus system, and the CityCat and city ferry services on the Brisbane River. A go card provides discounted fares across all modes and is compatible with the entire South East Queensland network, which extends to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich. The rail network connects most major university campuses, and the South Bank precinct is served by both rail and ferry.
South Bank is a significant social and cultural hub for Brisbane's student population. The precinct includes the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Bank Parklands, and Streets Beach — a public swimming lagoon within the parklands. The adjacent South Brisbane station and South Bank station provide direct rail access.
The Gold Coast beaches are accessible by train via the South East QLD network in approximately 70–80 minutes from the CBD. The Sunshine Coast is roughly 90 minutes north by bus or car. Brisbane's hinterland — including Lamington National Park and the Main Range — provides accessible day-trip destinations.
International students on a Subclass 500 visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while enrolled (standard condition 8105). Unlimited hours apply during scheduled course breaks. Brisbane's hospitality, retail, healthcare, and technology sectors provide part-time employment, and infrastructure projects related to the 2032 Olympic preparations create ongoing construction and engineering roles.