Are you an international student planning to study in Australia and thinking about the selection of the city? If yes, Brisbane can be one of the best cities for you with world-class institutions and excellent arrangements for overseas students. Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland, Australia, and has been a favorite destination for international students and tourists alike.
Before enrolling and starting your journey to Brisbane, it will be perfect if you get some relevant information about the city so that you do not get any hurdles in the near future. So, here is an international student guide to studying in Brisbane.
Choosing the Right Institution
Brisbane has a number of distinguished universities and colleges that are popular among both local and international students, namely the University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology, and Griffith University. Each institution has a list and variety of its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. You need to carefully decide which university you would like to attend based on the courses it offers, the facilities it provides for its students, and the services it offers to international students.
Student Visa Requirements
If you are planning to study in Brisbane then you will need a student visa subclass 500. You need to follow certain steps in the application process, which involve:
1. Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): You should obtain a CoE from the specific institution of your choice.
2. Financial Requirements: You should submit proof of availability of financial resources to pay tuition, subsistence, and transportation costs.
3. English Proficiency: Make sure the knowledge of the English language is proven through certain tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
4. Health Insurance: For the time you will be in Australia, please get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
5. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: You should demonstrate your genuine purpose to travel to Australia and remain there only for a short period.
Accommodation Options
Various accommodation options are available for students in Brisbane, which include:
1. On-campus Accommodation: On-campus accommodation is often available on university premises and can prove advantageous as students are able to focus on their studies since facilities are easily accessible.
2. PBSA Properties: PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) is a type of accommodation in Brisbane as well as other cities, which is built by private developers. In PBSA properties, you find numerous basic and high-end amenities, such as study desks and chairs, study rooms, Wi-Fi, games rooms, gyms, cinemas, smart TVs, swimming pools, and more.
3. Homestays: Staying with an Australian family allows one to be exposed to the cultural practices of the country in addition to the friendly environment that one is likely to encounter.
4. Private Rental Apartments: Private rental apartments are general apartments offered to students. In this type of housing in Brisbane, students get general amenities and they find full freedom compared to other options as on-campus accommodations have strict rules, PBSA properties also have some rules imparted by the owners, and homestays have the rules of the families to whom they belong.
Cost of Living
Prices of goods and services in Brisbane are considerably cheaper than in other cities like Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. The estimated living cost for an international student is between AUD 21,000 to AUD 25,000 per annum which includes accommodation, meals, transport, and entertainment expenses.
Transportation
Public transport in Brisbane includes buses, trains, and ferries to travel to different parts of Brisbane and other Australian cities. In relation to fares, the TransLink card will include student fares at a reduced rate. Biking is also used where bike lines and lanes are available throughout the city. To reduce transport costs, student concessions in public means of transport are adopted by most students.
Climate
Brisbane has a subtropical climate and therefore experiences hot summers and cool winters. The average summer temperatures are 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and winter temperatures are 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F). This makes the weather to be friendly throughout the year for outdoor activities.
Part-time Work
Brisbane allows international students to work up to 40 hours in a fortnight during term time and any number of hours during the break. Some examples of part-time jobs are retail, hospitality, and tutoring. Make sure your visa permits you to work and refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman regulations to determine your rights and obligations.
Social and Cultural Life
Brisbane has a multicultural experience and offers plenty of cultural exposure. Some of the attractions one should not miss include the South Bank Parklands, Queensland Art Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Events such as the Brisbane Festival, Paniyiri Greek Festival, and Multicultural Festival highlight the diversity in Brisbane.
Support Services
Orientation programs, counseling services, and academic support are provided to students in Brisbane.
Exploring Beyond Brisbane
Use the central location of Brisbane to discover more about Queensland. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, popular with their beautiful beaches and surfing enthusiasts are only in driving distance. The Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the wonders of the natural world, is only a short flight away in Cairns
