The opportunity to study in Queensland is one of a kind. Queensland is the second largest city in Australia and the nation’s third-largest Economy. It has a rich history spanning over 1000 years. It is situated in the north-east of the country, with a population of over 5,000,000. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and is also the largest city in the state and 3rd largest in Australia. It is often referred to as the “Sunshine State”.
Tourism fuels the state’s economy. Because, it’s an expansive area. Therefore, has many landscapes to explore ranging from tropical coastal areas to dry inland’s and sensual rain-forests. Tourists can enjoy the vast mountain range such as Bunya Mountains and Great Dividing Range. Those who like to spend time in the coastal areas can check in to the state’s most popular beaches ; Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. In addition, the world’s largest coral reef system is also located off the coast of Queensland; The Great Barrier Reef. Other smaller locations to take note of are some of the majestic waterfalls such as the Wallaman Falls and Josephine Falls.
Let’s look at a few reasons why studying in a university in Queensland might be the best option for you.
1- Academic Excellence
Did you know that Queensland is home to some of the high ranked universities in the world? With subjects ranked in the top 100 in the world? Queensland has a world class education system attracting over 85,000 students from over 160 countries. Studying in Queensland will allow you to choose from a diverse range of academic degree programs. Catered to your strengths and potential. Further, the study programs will help you gain a deeper understanding of the real world. It will also enhance the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the world of employment.
Top Universities to study in Queensland
University of Queensland
Griffith University
Queensland University of Technology
James Cook University
Studying in University of Queensland
History and Campuses
University of Queensland is a public research university located in the capital of Queensland. UQ is the 5th oldest university in Australia and therefore, is a leading and highly reputed university in the world. The university accommodates around 54,000 students including around 18,000 international students.
The main campus is St.Lucia and Gatton campus is the largest campus of UQ. There are other campuses and facilities located around Queensland as well.
University of Queensland Rankings
UQ is consistently ranked in the top world’s universities and is a founding member of the Group of Eight. UQ has won more Australian Awards for Teaching than any other university in Australia. UQ is ranked 47th in the world in 2019. As a leading prestigious university, they teach some of the world’s highest ranked subjects:
- Sports-related subjects – 2nd
- Engineering – Mineral and Mining – 5th
- Environmental Studies – 11th
- Agriculture and Forestry – 17th
- Education and Training – 19th
- Nursing – 21st
- Psychology – 23rd
- Hospitality and Leisure Management – 27th
- Pharmacy – 31st
- Geography – 37th
Student Activities
UQ actively encourages and supports students to engage in extra-curricular activities on campus. This is in aim to enhance student’s experiences beyond academics. They offer a number of activities ranging from sports, clubs and societies, Music, Arts and cultural events.
Let’s look in to few of the degree programs available at University of Queensland.
Program | Duration | Indicative Annual Fee (2020) |
Bachelor of Health, Sport and Physical Education (Honours) | 4 Years (Full time) | AUD$38,112 |
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) | 4 Years (Full time) | AUD$43,504 |
Bachelor of Education (Primary) | 4 Years (Full time) | AUD$32,352 |
Bachelor of Nursing | 3 Years (Full time) | AUD$34,736 |
Bachelor of Business Management | 3 Years (Full time) | AUD$42,272 |
If you are interested in knowing more about University of Queensland, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Studying in Griffith University
History and Campuses
Griffith University was established over 40 years ago in South East Queensland. Their teaching spans over six campuses and one of it is an online campus. Their vision is to be one of the most influential universities in Australia and in the Asia-Pacific region.
Griffith University Rankings
Griffiths focus is contributing to society by transforming students into remarkable people by providing excellent education and research. Griffith is regarded highly as a young university. They have maintained its position as the 37th University in the 2020 QS World university rankings Top 50 under 50 years. They introduced some of Australia’s first degrees in areas such as Environmental science, dental technology, forensic science and Asian studies. In addition, they happen to teach some subjects ranked in the top 100 in the world.
- Hospitality and Leisure Management – 20th
- Nursing – 32nd
- Sports-related subjects – 33rd
- Performing Arts – 35th
- Development studies – ranked between 51-100
These ranking have contributed to Griffith being ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
Student Activities
In addition to excellent academics, Griffith focuses on getting its students to actively participate in extracurricular activities. This is to help shape their experiences and prepare them for life beyond graduation. Griffith has over 120 clubs and societies which includes activities that take place each trimester.
They also include off-campus activities to help students relax. These include; Chill out days with live music, massages and henna tattoos, End-of trimester theme parties, Performances, cultural fiestas and toga parties.
Now Let’s take a look at a few of the many Degree programs available at Griffith University which you can choose from.
Program | Duration | Indicative Annual Fees (2020) |
Bachelor of International tourism and hospitality management | 3 years (Full time) | $28,500 |
Bachelor of Nursing | 3 years (Full time) | $31,500 |
Bachelor of Musical Theater | 3 years (Full time) | $31,000 |
Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 years (Full time) | $33,000 |
Bachelor of Sport Development | 3 years (Full time) | $32,000 |
If you would like to know more about Griffith University, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Studying in Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
History and Campuses
QUT was founded and granted university status in 1989. It is a public research university located in 2 campuses across urban coastal city of Brisbane, Queensland. QUT enrolls around 50,000 students, including 9,000 international students from over 120 countries. The institution offers approximately 400 undergraduate and postgraduate degree options.
QUT Rankings
QUT is highly recognized despite being a young university. It is ranked 19th in the QS Top 50 under 50 years. QUT is also highly regarded for some of the subjects taught at their campuses as they are ranked in the Top 50 in QS World University Ranking by subjects:
- Communication and Media Studies : 16th
- Nursing : 35th
- Art & Design : 41
- Sports-Related : 51-100
- Performing Arts : 51-100
Student Activities
QUT has a wide range of clubs and societies to join to take away stress from all the work. They encourage students to join sports clubs such as Dodgeball, Cheer and Dance, Hiking, Yoga and Rowing etc to keep yourself fit and entertained throughout your academic period. They also have clubs for international students for their respective countries to help them feel right at home.
Let us take a quick look at some of the degree options available.
Program | Duration | Indicative annual fee (2020) |
Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media) | 3 years (Full time) | AUD$31,400 |
Bachelor of Nursing | 3 years (Full time) | AUD$36,300 |
Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) | 3 years (Full time) | AUD$36,300 |
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science | 3 years (Full time) | AUD$34,9000 |
Bachelor of Arts (Drama) | 3 years (Fill time) | AUD$31,200 |
If you are interested to know more about Queensland University of Technology, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Studying in James Cook University (JCU)
History and Campuses
JCU was established on 1961 making it the second oldest public university in Queensland. The main campuses are located in Cairns and Townsville. JCU also has study centers in Mount Isa, Mackay and Thursday Island. Over 4,000 students study in Cairns including about 400 international students. Townsville campus is the largest of all JCU campuses, accommodating over 13,000 students including around 1,200 international students.
JCU Rankings
JCU’s main fields of research includes Marine Sciences, Sustainable Development, Biodiversity, Tourism and Engineering. JCU’s research has received some of the highest rankings. Excellence in Research for Australia evaluates quality of research in each field in all Australian universities. 83% of JCU’s research areas were ranked “world-class or above”. That is, 38 out of 46 research field. Out of this 38 fields, JCU received “Well above world standard in 8 research areas:
- Environmental science and management
- Ecology
- Geology
- Ecological applications
- Plant biology
- Medical microbiology
- Fisheries sciences
- Organic chemistry
JCU has been ranked 43rd in the QS top 50 under 50 years. And includes few other subjects ranked in the Top 150 in the world:
- Environmental studies: 51-100
- Earth and Marine Sciences: 51-100
- Agriculture and Forestry: 101-150
Student Activities
JCU focuses on engaging students in their clubs and societies to help them have a fulfilling and exciting academic journey. They have many course based clubs, sports clubs as well as society and culture clubs to be a part of.
Let’s take a look at a few graduate degree programs available at JCU
Program | Duration | Indicative Annual Fee (2020) |
Bachelor of Marine Science | 3 Years (Full time) | AUD$37,680 |
Bachelor of Environmental Practice | 3 Years (Full time) | AUD$34,480 |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years (Full time) | AUD$35,800 |
Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events | 3 Years (Full time) | AUD$30,400 |
Bachelor of Geology | 3 Years (Full time) | AUD$37,360 |
If you would like to know more about James Cook University, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
2 – Cheapest and affordable cities in Queensland
As a student, one of the biggest worries is the cost of living. This includes tuition fees, accommodation and day to day general expenses. However, Queensland is home to two of the cheapest and affordable cities to study and live in; Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Gold Coast is ranked 1st for affordability in Australia and 84th globally as one of the best student cities. Gold coast is quite similar to Brisbane in terms of affordability, however, it is a little cheaper. Weekly expenditure for a student would range between AU$480-$512. Rent in Gold Coast is 40% lower than that of Sydney and it also has one of the lowest Undergraduate fees in comparison to other Australian cities.
Brisbane is the 4th cheapest city to live in Australia. Living costs are lower than any major Australian cities such as Sydney. It was also ranked 22nd in “Best student cities in 2019”. Students would have to spend around AU$500-$533 a week including rent, food, transport and general expenses whereas, in Sydney it would range between AU$600-$700 per week.
It is also important to keep in mind, that as a student with restricted finances, Queensland is a very reasonable state to live in. It has universities offering top-class education at low tuition fees such as that of Griffith University.
3 – Cultural Diversity in Queensland
Studying abroad allows students to meet individuals from various countries, backgrounds and cultures. Apart from the sunny, beautiful tourist destinations in Queensland, it is also extremely diverse in culture. Therefore, if you are someone who sees diversity as an important factor in where you’d like to study and live in, then Queensland is the place to be, as you can reap the benefits of a multicultural environment. The state is abundant in different cultures and with people who are not restricted to adopt one particular lifestyle. They are open minded people from different walks of life and enjoy forming friendships that are long lasting. It is very easy to find a wide range of food and activities representing almost any country in the world.
The Government has an incessant need to celebrate cultural diversity and multicultural events. Since Queensland is recognized as a state with a long history of migration, The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that all Queenslanders can participate and celebrate the society, whether born in or migrated to the state. As a result, they have placed the Queensland Cultural Diversity Policy which focuses on improving and supporting the continued growth of strong culturally diverse communities in the state. Further, $1.3 million was used to fund over 150 multicultural events held throughout the state in 2019 as Queensland is home to people from about 220 different countries who speak over 180 languages and identify with over 110 different faiths.
One city in particular stands out as one of the most diverse student cities based on QS Best Student Cities 2019:
Brisbane – is ranked 9th in the top 10 most diverse student cities in the world since a large number of the student population comes from countries outside of Australia. Thereby, making it one of the ultimate choices for students who are looking to gain a top class education and embrace different cultural experiences.
4 – Part-time work in Queensland
As the 3rd largest Economy in Australia, Queensland is considered a gateway to a wide range of career paths and advantages. It provides a stable and safe environment for International students with a strong economy. Queensland also has an abundance of service industries and an internationally-renowned tourism industry. Which opens up many career opportunities. The first step to obtaining a permanent employment position is to engage in Volunteering, Working while studying and Vocational placements. This improves work experience and increases the chances of being hired by a suitable employer. Therefore, students can earn while studying.
An added advantage is that apart from greater Brisbane, majority of the cities in Queensland is a designated Regional Area. Therefore, those who are eligible are allowed to apply for a resident visa. The next section will cover all about Regional Areas in Australia.
If you would like to know more about studying in Queensland, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
5 – Gold Coast is classified as “Regional Area”
Regional Australia was designed by the Australian Government to promote certain areas of the country, especially for immigration purposes. Recently, it was announced that Gold Coast will be reclassified as a regional area in aim to attract migrants and foreign students. This will open many opportunities for International students who are looking to study and settle down in Queensland or other regional areas in Australia. Gold Coast is looking for skilled migrants for occupations that have been identified as being a shortage in the area. Gold coast or any other regional area in Queensland is an attractive place to study and there onwards continue to live, due to the high standard of living and working conditions.
Students who study in a regional area such as Gold Coast will benefit when applying for Skilled Visa as they will be awarded extra points in the system:
Extra 5 points in the Skilled visa points grid for studying in a regional area
Extra 1 years for the graduate 485 Visa.
If you want to know more about studying in a Regional Area such as Gold Coast, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
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About Post Author
I am a student from Monash University, Malaysia. Currently studying Bachelor of Business and Commerce majoring in International Business and Marketing. I like to spend my time painting and swimming.