Study in Brisbane: why, where and how?

Brisbane, a beautiful Australian city on the east coast, is in fact Australia’s third largest city in terms of population (2 million people).

If you are thinking of coming to live in Brisbane for a season, either to study an undergraduate course or a vocational VET course, this city will be a great option that you should not rule out. We tell you why.

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Current Landscape: Brisbane’s Education Scene in 2025

Since this post was originally published, Brisbane has solidified its position as one of Australia’s premier education destinations. The city now hosts over 90,000 international students, a 15% increase from 2022, according to recent government data. What makes Brisbane particularly attractive in 2025 is its investment in future-focused education infrastructure, including the newly completed Brisbane Education Precinct that brings together leading universities, vocational institutions, and research centers in a collaborative hub.

Hybrid learning models have become the norm rather than the exception, with institutions like QUT and University of Queensland offering flexible study options combining in-person and virtual classrooms. The city has also emerged as a leader in sustainability education, with new programs in renewable energy and climate science reflecting Queensland’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. For tech-focused students, Brisbane’s growing reputation as Australia’s “Silicon Valley” means unprecedented access to internships with major tech firms and startups alike.

Enhanced Insights: Why Brisbane Stands Out in 2025

The Skills Advantage

Education experts note that Brisbane institutions now emphasize “stackable credentials” – allowing students to combine micro-credentials from vocational and university pathways. Dr. Sarah Chen, Director of International Education at Griffith University, explains: “In 2025, students want agility. Our new Digital Health Nanodegree, for example, can stand alone or count toward a full Bachelor’s degree.”

Emerging Industry Connections

Brisbane’s education strategy now directly aligns with Queensland’s 10-year industry roadmap. The state government’s recent AU$360 million investment in advanced manufacturing means students in engineering and robotics have access to cutting-edge facilities and guaranteed industry placements. Similarly, the new Brisbane International Student Talent Program connects graduates directly with local employers facing skills shortages.

Practical Application: Making the Most of Brisbane in 2025

Step 1: Align Your Course With Future Skills

Research shows the top growth areas for Brisbane graduates are renewable energy technologies, AI implementation, and healthcare innovation. Cross-reference your interests with the Queensland Skills Priority List to identify programs with strong employment outcomes.

Step 2: Leverage the New Brisbane Advantage

Take advantage of recent initiatives like the free public transport for international students (introduced in 2024) and the expanded 40-hour fortnightly work rights. Many cafes and businesses in West End and Fortitude Valley now offer “student-friendly” hours that accommodate class schedules.

Step 3: Build Your Professional Network Early

Attend the quarterly Brisbane EduConnect fairs where major employers like Boeing Australia and Canva meet students. Most universities now include mandatory industry mentoring as part of coursework – register for these programs during orientation week.

FAQ: Your Brisbane Education Questions Answered

1. How has the cost of studying in Brisbane changed since 2022?

While tuition has increased by approximately 4-6% annually (standard across Australia), Brisbane remains 15-20% more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne for living costs. New student accommodation towers in Woolloongabba and Kelvin Grove offer all-inclusive packages starting at AU$280/week.

2. What new scholarships are available in 2025?

The Queensland Government recently launched the Future Leaders Scholarship (up to AU$15,000) for STEM students, while most universities now offer “Pathway Performance” scholarships that increase in value as you maintain good grades.

3. Are English requirements stricter now?

While standard test requirements remain, many institutions now accept the new Duolingo English Test (DET) with scores of 115-120, alongside IELTS and TOEFL. Some courses in high-demand areas like nursing may have slightly higher requirements.

4. How does Brisbane support graduate employment?

The new Post-Study Work Visa extensions mean bachelor’s graduates can now stay for 4 years (up from 2), with additional years for regional areas. Brisbane’s Graduate Employment Hub provides free career coaching and interview preparation specifically for international students.

5. What’s the best way to experience Brisbane’s student life?

Download the updated BrisStudent app (launched 2024) for real-time updates on campus events, student deals across the city, and connections to over 200 student clubs. Don’t miss the monthly Eat Street Markets student nights with live music and special discounts.

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Why study in Brisbane?

Brisbane is great and many international students are already realizing it, in fact in the latest report on the happiest cities in the world , Brisbane is in the top 10, even ahead of Sydney and Melbourne.

Reason 1: It is a big city with a small atmosphere

Don’t you see yourself living in a very small city but the big ones overwhelm you? Well then Brisbane may be perfect for you. It has movement and gives you space, but at the same time it is quiet, you can walk to many places, the neighborhoods are cozy, etc.

Reason 2: It is cheaper than the “other big ones”

The cost of living is lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Here you can take a look at the price of accommodation in Brisbane and its different neighborhoods.

Reason 3: You have very cool places nearby

You will have a lot of places to discover within less than two hours by car, such as Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Southport, Burleigh Heads, Noosa …

Reason 4: The climate is one of the best in Australia

It has very mild and sunny winters and in summer the temperatures do not rise too high. Do you like cities with a lot of sun? Well, Brisbane has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year.

Reason 5: There is a great atmosphere

Brisbane is becoming quite popular with students. For this reason, there is a lot of atmosphere both “culture” and partying. In addition, it has fabulous green spaces with wooded areas and the banks of the river are great for walking and enjoying life outdoors.

Reason 6: It is growing a lot

It is the city in Australia that has been growing the most in recent years. For this reason, the labor market is dynamic and generates many jobs, many of which are qualified.

What and where to study in Brisbane?

In Brisbane you can study what you want and where you want. Keep in mind that it is very fashionable among international students and therefore its course offer is varied and of a high level .

Most of our students have come to Australia on a student visa to take a VET course. There are on many topics; from business administration to fitness to marketing or graphic design.

If you are clear that what you want is to study English, there are many excellent language schools in Brisbane.

If you want to study at the university, Brisbane gives you many options.

To find the suitable schools out, you can use School Finder. It will assist you to find different kinds of schools in Brisbane with simple clicks.

How to study in Brisbane?

To come to study in Brisbane, you will need to take several steps: choose the course and school where you want to study, enroll, apply for a student visa, open a bank account in Australia, find accommodation, and many more …

A mess? Yes, but luckily, we have CatEight. It is a comprehensive course application platform that enables you to find schools, courses, agents, apply for courses and Australian student visa. With it, studying in Brisbane will become much easier.

That’s all for why, where and how to study in Brisbane. If you are interested to study in the city, you can take action right now!

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Brisbane stands out as a premier destination for international students in 2025, offering world-class education, a vibrant lifestyle, and unmatched career opportunities. Whether you choose the University of Queensland, QUT, or Griffith University, you’ll benefit from cutting-edge programs, multicultural communities, and a city that balances urban energy with natural beauty. With streamlined visa processes and strong post-study work options, Brisbane is more than just a study destination—it’s a launchpad for your future.

Looking ahead, Brisbane’s education sector continues to grow, with new scholarships, industry partnerships, and innovation hubs emerging. If you’re planning to study abroad, now is the perfect time to take the leap. Research your preferred courses, connect with alumni, and prepare for an unforgettable academic journey in one of Australia’s most dynamic cities.

Ready to make Brisbane your study home? Start your application today or reach out to current students for firsthand insights. Share your questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

People Also Ask

What are the top universities in Brisbane for international students?
The top universities include the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Griffith University, known for their research excellence and industry connections.

How much does it cost to study in Brisbane?
Tuition fees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, depending on the program, with living costs averaging AUD 1,400–2,200 monthly.

Is Brisbane a good city for student life?
Absolutely! Brisbane offers affordable living, a sunny climate, diverse cultural events, and easy access to beaches and national parks.

What are the post-study work opportunities in Brisbane?