7 Reasons International Students Choose Brisbane

When you think of Australia, what comes to mind first? Maybe kangaroos? (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) Or perhaps you picture golden beaches all year round. You might think of golden beaches, year-round sunshine, the Great Barrier Reef, koalas, or even surfing.

None of that would be wrong, but Australia offers far more than its clichés suggest. Otherwise, why would nearly 800,000 students travel there to study? We took a closer look at Brisbane, in Queensland’s Sunshine State, to see what makes it such a popular study abroad destination.

A Warm and Friendly Welcome Awaits You

With more than 200 nationalities and 220 languages, Brisbane is a true cultural melting pot, and you are sure to feel welcome here.

In fact, the city ranked fourth in the student mix category of the QS Best Student Cities 2019, with 36% of its student population coming from overseas. It is also home to the city’s Welcome Festival, the country’s largest international student orientation event.

"People are as friendly as possible, whether they're complete strangers or people you've just met. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and helpful," says Moin Mushfiqur Rahman, a civil engineering student at the University of Queensland (UQ).

Home to One of Australia's Most Sustainable Universities

With news about wildfires, melting ice caps, and rising global temperatures never far away, climate change is a growing concern for students around the world. Both the University of Queensland and Brisbane have made real progress in addressing it and embracing cleaner, greener living.

In August 2019, the university launched a new initiative called "UQ Unwrapped," aimed at reducing its plastic footprint. Last year, it also won the 2019 Oceania Green Gown Award in the Climate Action category for its solar farm initiative, which is working toward being "100% renewable by 2020." In addition, it is aiming to set a global standard this year by becoming energy neutral.

It Is Also a Top Student City

With a lower average cost of living than other Australian student cities, plus respected universities, a vibrant urban-and-outdoor lifestyle, and a lively student atmosphere, it is no surprise that Brisbane ranked 22nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2019.

"Brisbane has its own vibe; it’s very chilled, but somehow it also manages to keep the city balanced," says Cherie, a journalism and mass communication student at the University of Queensland.

"One of my favorite places in Brisbane is West End. It has its own attitude, and there are so many interesting things there, from thrift shops to antique bookstores. There is always something new to discover."

Coffee and café culture are a huge part of Brisbane and the local mindset. Breakfast and brunch are also delicious and affordable for students. Once you arrive in Brisbane, be sure to check out these favorite study spots, where you can meet friends, relax, or get your caffeine fix.

• Brisbane Botanic Gardens
• Roma Street Parkland
• Campos Coffee
• New Farm Park
• Bonsai Botanika — a Japanese fusion café
• Coffee Anthology

You Can Tick Off Your Bucket List in the Right Place

If you want to spend your free weekends with sunshine, sand, and surf, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are undeniably top adventure destinations. With some of the world’s most famous beaches just an hour away, Brisbane is the launchpad to Surfers Paradise.

And let’s not forget that Queensland is also famous for its rainforests and mountains, so the sense of adventure never really fades here. Whether you want to find the perfect snorkeling spot at Noosa Main Beach, hike Brisbane’s inner-city mountain, Mount Coot-tha, or explore D’Aguilar National Park, there is always something new to discover.

Ameya Deshmukh is currently studying a master’s in communication for social change at the University of Queensland, and she told us about some of her favorite things to do and places to go when she is not studying.

"Some of my favorite activities include hiking at Mount Coot-tha, exploring food from around the world at Eat Street Northshore, cycling along the Brisbane River Loop, and watching the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs at night while taking in panoramic views of the city," she says.

The University of Queensland even offers field trips to some of Australia’s most important natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island, the Queensland Outback, and Fraser Island.

You Get the Best Balance of City and Outdoor Living

From miles of golden coastline and lush subtropical rainforest nearby to the heart of an international metropolis, Brisbane offers a lifestyle unlike that of any other Australian city. Rooftop bars and riverside gardens are everywhere, while South Bank Parklands, Brisbane’s most popular outdoor leisure space, has its own beach-style lagoon, bringing a little slice of paradise to the inner city.

Free outdoor concerts are also held on weekends. As a student, it is one way to keep your bank account happy while still having a great time. The only thing you need to pay for is the picnic and drinks you bring along.

If you still need convincing, outdoor living and sport are part of Brisbane’s culture. Day or night, you will see runners and cyclists doing their thing along the riverfront promenade. South Bank also occasionally hosts free fitness classes, so there is no excuse not to give them a try and at least join in the action.

Finally, You Can Make Friends With the Locals...

No, we don’t mean tarantulas or spiders (unless that is your thing).

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Here, you will have the chance to get up close to koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and even platypuses.

Oh, and Did We Mention Brisbane Gets an Average of 283 Days of Sunshine a Year?