Thinking of studying in Brisbane in 2025? Well, you might be worried about a million things, like how much it will cost, what kind of life you’ll have there, what kind of job you want in the future, and if the city just feels right. That’s why a lot of international students are looking past the usual big cities and moving to Brisbane.
According to the Australian Government Department of Education’s official data, Brisbane recorded 99,355 student visa enrolments in 2023 alone.
And it’s not just about the numbers. Almost all students who choose Brisbane are completely happy with their choice in every way, be it academically or socially.
What is it about Brisbane that makes it so special?
Read on to understand the top reasons to study in Brisbane in 2025.

The following are some of the main reasons why Brisbane is emerging as a main study abroad destination:
Even though Bond University’s main campus is on the Gold Coast, they now have a teaching space in Brisbane that brings their unique way of teaching right to the centre of the city.
Fun Fact
Alan Bond, the man who started Bond University, had one of the most unbelievable life stories in Australian history. He was caught stealing as a teenager and even confessed to planning a burglary. Yet, he went on to become one of the most well-known businesspeople in the country with own TV Networks. In 1987, he started Bond University, Australia’s first private, non-profit university.
Why Study at Bond University?
Personalized Attention
You can enjoy small class sizes and one-on-one help that Bond University is known for, but now in a much more professional setting.
Flexible Learning
The campus offers specialised postgraduate programs like the Master of Laws in Enterprise Governance and graduate-level Building Information Modelling (BIM). And most of them combine online and in-person learning for busy professionals.
Better Networking
Networking is easier because you’re studying in a shared space with other students and industry experts, right in the heart of Brisbane’s business district.
The Hotel School, which is part of Southern Cross University, is located on Level 13 on Creek Street in Brisbane’s central business district. It’s a great place to prepare your hospitality career.
Did You Know?
According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey, 95% of graduates in the Hotel School campus are working within six months of graduation, and 69% are working before they even graduate.
Why Study at Southern Cross University?
Strategic Location
It is in a good location in the CBD, making it easy to get to major hotels and employers like Westin, W, and Accor for internships and jobs.
Top-Class Infrastructure
The learning space is modern with many advanced facilities and comfortable areas for students to hang out.
Industry Partnership Power
The school has a rich legacy of more than 35 years, backed by reputed Southern Cross University and the Mulpha hospitality group. This means that you can get in touch with hotel chains all over the world and find a job right away.
JMC is a specialist higher education college for creative industries like music, film, animation, game design, and the entertainment business. It’s a good choice for students who want a tech-driven education and prefer smaller classes. It’s also a great place for international students who want to live close to Brisbane’s cultural centre.
Did You Know?
JMC has six professional recording studios throughout the campus, including Studio A with an SSL Duality 48 Channel console. It’s something we could see only in a few international recording studios.
Why Study at JMC Academy?
Pioneering Creative Technology Courses
In the 1980s and 2000s, JMC was the first higher education provider in Australia to get national accreditation in fields like audio engineering, digital multimedia, and digital TV.
Eight-Storey Creative Hub in Brisbane
The Brisbane campus has a modern eight-story building next to the state library and arts district. It is home to performance, game design, songwriting, digital media, and more. The university offers valuable opportunities to give life to your creative vision.
Global Music Network Link
JMC is the only Australian school in the Berklee College of Music’s International Network. This is a big help for music students who want to get training at the industry level and get global exposure.
Griffith is one of the biggest and most respected public universities in Brisbane. The university has more than 50,000 students on several campuses. It is in the top 2% of universities in the world with a specific focus on sustainability and innovation.
Fun Fact
The campus has a great Johnson tunnel that connects the different parts of the university. Students call it the “Magic Tunnel” because of its beautiful lighting system that makes the area feel otherworldly at night.
Why Study at Griffith University?
Specialised Research and Industry Institutes
Griffith is home to several world-famous research centres, including the Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) and the Institute for Glycomics.
Did You Know?
Researchers at Griffith made headlines when they found the first proof that people lived in giant lava tube caves in Saudi Arabia. The caves were inhabited by people 7,000 to 10,000 years ago.
Unique Campus Infrastructure
The Mount Gravatt campus has a heated pool, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, and a 16-court tennis centre, which is great for students who want to stay active without spending more money on living expenses.
City CBD Expansion for Easier Access
Griffith is turning the old Treasury Building in Brisbane’s CBD into a new teaching campus that will open in 2027. It will have Schools of Business, IT, and Law. That makes it a great place for international students to study in Brisbane in 2025 who value central access.

Living in Brisbane as a student is cheaper than living in many other big Australian cities. If you plan your money well, you can save more. This is how the numbers add up:
University Fee
Fees entirely depend on the college you choose:
| University |
Annual Fee |
| Southern Cross University |
AUD 32,824 |
| JMC Academy |
AUD 15,000 – AUD 36,500 |
| Bond University |
AUD 42,000 – AUD 65,000 |
| Griffith University |
AUD 14,000 – AUD 77,500 |
Cost of Transportation
Brisbane’s public transport is very affordable. There’s a statewide initiative that made a permanent 50‑cent flat fare on TransLink services. Everybody, be it a full-time or a part-time student, can enjoy this benefit.
Food and Groceries
Expect to spend around AUD 300 to AUD 500 per month on groceries and meals. You can easily get by on the lower end of this range if you cook at home and shop wisely at stores like Coles, Woolworths, or ALDI.
Internet and Utilities
If your rent doesn’t include the basic utilities, you will probably have to pay between AUD 50 and AUD 150 a month for electricity, water, and the internet.
Health Insurance (OSHC)
You have to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to stay on a student visa. This may cost about AUD 500 to AUD 600 a year.
This insurance pays for basic medical needs like going to the doctor, getting an ambulance, prescriptions, etc. Medibank, Bupa, and Allianz are some of the biggest providers. Sometimes, even universities offer OSHC plans when you apply.
| Expense Category |
Estimated Cost Per Year |
| University Tuition Fees |
AUD 25,000 – AUD 42,500 |
| Groceries and Food |
AUD 3,600 – AUD 6,000 |
| Internet and Utilities |
AUD 600 – AUD 1,800 |
| Public Transport |
AUD 365 |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) |
AUD 500 – 600 |
| Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses |
AUD 1,200 – 2,400 |
| Total Estimated Cost (Annual) |
AUD 31,265 – AUD 53,665 |

A big part of making Brisbane feel like home is finding the right place to live. Here are a few main options for student housing:
On-Campus Residences
These are places run by the school like regular college dorms or apartments. Most of the time, they come with all the furniture and utilities you need, as well as meals (in some cases) and nearby study support.
For fully catered rooms at UQ, weekly costs range from AUD 559 to 752. Or, you can get self-catered rooms for about AUD 339 to 390.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
Private companies, such as Scape, Iglu, or Student One, offer student accommodation centers with modern amenities like gyms, study lounges, and community events. Utilities are often included. Whether you choose shared rooms, studios, or private units, you should expect to pay between AUD 219 and AUD 500 per week.
Fun Fact
Some student apartments have rooftop gardens or cinema rooms for movie nights, which makes the community feel more alive than just a place to sleep.
Shared Housing (Off-Campus Rentals)
The most popular and least expensive choice is to rent a room in a shared flat or house. Costs range from AUD 150 to 300 per week, but utilities are usually extra.
Homestay
If you want to get used to life in Brisbane, living with an Australian family can be a great way. It usually costs between AUD 250 and 350 a week, and meals and utilities are often included.
Brisbane’s climate is ideal if you dislike severe winters and intense heat. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect each month:
- Brisbane gets hot and humid in the summer (December to February), with temperatures between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius. You should bring light cotton clothes and preferably use sunscreen.
- Autumn (March to May) is cooler and nicer, with temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. This makes it a great time for students planning to study in Brisbane to explore the city with just a light jacket at night.
- In Brisbane, winter lasts from June to August and is mild and dry. During the day, temperatures are around 11–21°C, and at night they are cooler.
- In the spring (September to November), the temperature rises again to about 24–30°C. The city looks more beautiful with flowers in bloom.
Brisbane is a city that works well for international students. Getting around is easy and cheap, with fast public transportation like trains, buses, and ferries, as well as student discounts with the go card.
You’ll also find:
- Student-friendly co-working spaces and public libraries with free Wi-Fi
- Aesthetic streets that are safe for biking and walking
- In case of an emergency, world-class hospitals and clinics are easy to get to.
- The Cross River Rail project and other ongoing improvements will make the city even more connected by 2032.

Brisbane is the most inclusive study destination in Australia. The city has something for every mood and budget. Here’s a look at what everyday life might be like:
- Coffee Anthology and Felix For Goodness are two of the best student cafés near major university campuses. You can start your day with a morning coffee from there.
- Visit the South Bank riverside markets on the weekends to shop, eat, and relax under fairy lights.
- In September, the Brisbane Festival is a great time to cheer with locals. It has fireworks, music, and public art shows.
- Students who love nature should definitely go to Mount Coot-tha and other hiking spots in Brisbane on the weekends.
Brisbane is one of the safest cities in Australia, especially for international students. In 2024, your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Brisbane were just 1 in 191. This is much lower as compared to the national average of 1 in 89.
The police in Queensland and the city government care about the safety of students. For instance, Operation Whiskey Legion was recently started to increase patrols in important student areas like South Brisbane. The goal is to stop crimes before they happen.
Hundreds of CitySafe cameras, well-lit public areas, and trained officers watching nightlife areas all help keep the city safe, even late at night.
Most universities in Brisbane also have 24/7 campus security, emergency call points, and safe escort services. During orientation, universities also give safety tips to students.
Check out some of the most common and rewarding part-time roles for students in Brisbane:
- Retail Staff: You can work at stores like Coles, Kmart, or fashion stores in the Queen Street Mall. It could be stock management or customer handling, mainly.
- Hospitality: There are a lot of cafés in Brisbane, so it’s easy to find work at restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
- Tutoring: If you’re a subject matter expert, you can help high school students or even other college students learn it. These jobs pay well and can often be done online.
- Warehouse Helper: You can work at the warehouses of Amazon or any other stores. These jobs are more physical, but they have flexible hours and pay well.
| Job Role |
Approximate Hourly Rate |
| Retail / Hospitality |
AUD 20 —28 |
| Tutoring |
AUD 30 – 50 |
| Warehousing |
AUD 24 – 32 |
| On-Campus Jobs |
AUD 25 – 35 |

Brisbane’s job market is booming, and that’s one of the top reasons to study in Brisbane 2025. According to the Queensland Government’s official statistics, employment in inner Brisbane increased by 9,000 jobs (a 4.2% annual rise) in the year to April 2025.
Many sectors are literally flourishing. The tech startups, health services, and renewable energy sectors are some of the things that make this city stand out.
Did You Know?
Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics, which is already generating many job opportunities in industries like construction, tourism, media, and event planning.
Have a look at some of the top career opportunities in the area and the expected salary range:
| Job Range |
Expected Annual Salary |
| Software Developer |
AUD 80,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Civil Engineer |
AUD 78,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Digital Marketer |
AUD 60,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Event Coordinator |
AUD 60,000 – AUD 70,000 |

1. Is it possible to change my course after I get to Brisbane?
Yes, you can. But you have to follow the rules of your visa and get permission from your school before you can switch.
2. Do I need to get a bank account in Brisbane?
It’s not mandatory but good to avoid extra fee. And local accounts make it easier to pay rent and get paid for part-time work.
3. Are there any other student discounts besides transportation card?
Yes. Sometimes, you’ll get attractive discounts on movie tickets, coffee, gym memberships, and even shopping. Just show your student ID card!
4. Is Brisbane a good place for students who don’t speak English well yet?
Yes. Brisbane is the most inclusive study destination in Australia. A lot of universities offer English language support to help you get used to things.

Brisbane really checks all the boxes to become the top destination for higher education in 2025: best universities, generous scholarships, affordable cost of living, and flexible part-time study work opportunities.
But there’s a lot more to handle the situation correctly. That’s where you need an expert partner.
That’s what we are! At The Chopras – TC Global, we’ve helped thousands of students move faster and settle better. And we’d love to help you do the same.
Book a free consultation now!
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