Living in Brisbane: A Complete Guide for International Students
Topics covered
- 10 min
- Published: 18 May 2022
- Updated: 25 March 2026
Brisbane is a top choice for international students in Australia, known for its quality education, lower living costs, and relaxed lifestyle. As the capital of Queensland, it offers a warm climate, a diverse community, and strong student support, making it easier for you to settle in and focus on your studies.
Compared with larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane can be more affordable while still providing access to good career opportunities and modern city facilities.
This guide explains what you need to know before you move, including accommodation, living costs, transport, and daily life, so you can prepare with confidence and make the most of your study experience.
Why Brisbane appeals to international students
Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing student cities. Known for its warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, strong job market, and globally recognised universities, it offers students the opportunity to balance between study, work, and leisure.
Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane offers a more affordable cost of living while still providing access to modern infrastructure, vibrant cultural experiences and diverse career opportunities. The city is also preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing exciting developments across education, transport and employment sectors.
Whether you're planning to study at the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, or Griffith University, you’ll find Brisbane a welcoming and supportive place to live and learn.
Quick facts about Brisbane
Category | Details |
State | Queensland |
Population | Approximately 2.5–2.8 million (Greater Brisbane area) |
Climate | Subtropical climate with warm weather year-round |
Average temperature | 11°C–29°C |
Time zone | Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) |
International student community | Approximately 99,000 students from around the world |
Known for | Universities, outdoor lifestyle, riverfront attractions, innovation and research |
How is Brisbane a good place to live during your studies
Safe and supportive environment: You can feel secure living in Brisbane, with well-lit streets, student support services, and friendly neighbourhoods around university areas.
Affordable living: Sharing accommodation with other students or choosing suburbs slightly outside the city centre can help you manage your expenses better.
Pleasant climate: You can enjoy outdoor activities like visiting South Bank, riverside walks, or weekend beach trips due to Brisbane’s warm weather.
Easy transport: You can use buses, trains, and ferries with a single travel card, making it simple to commute between your home, university, and workplace.
Diverse community: You will meet students from different countries, join cultural events, and feel welcomed in a multicultural environment.
Part-time work options: You can work part-time in roles like retail or hospitality while studying, helping you gain experience and earn extra income.
Quality education: You can study at well-recognised universities in Brisbane that offer strong academic programmes and student support.
Balanced lifestyle: You can manage your studies while also enjoying social life, part-time work, and leisure activities across the city.
Student Community
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Average monthly costs
Brisbane is one of Australia’s more affordable major cities. Your actual expenses, however, will depend on your accommodation choice, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Here’s what you can expect to spend each month:
Expenses | Approx. Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
Off-Campus Accommodation (shared/private) | $600–$1,200 |
On-Campus Accommodation | $850–$1,500 |
Groceries | $300–$450 |
Dining Out | $150–$300 |
Transport | $100–$180 |
Mobile Plan & Internet | $50–$100 |
Entertainment & Socialising | $120–$250 |
Study Materials | $40–$100 |
Clothes & Personal Care | $100–$250 |
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | $1,460–$2,830 |
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | $1,710–$3,130 |
Is Brisbane affordable for students?
Many students find the cost of living in Brisbane more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, particularly for accommodation and day-to-day expenses. With reliable public transport, student discounts, and a range of budget-friendly housing options, it’s easier to manage your budget while enjoying city life.
Student accommodation in Brisbane: Rent and housing options
Choosing the right student accommodation in Brisbane is an important part of planning your move.
Accommodation type | Description | Key benefits | Average cost |
University accommodation | On-campus residences managed by universities. Usually furnished with shared facilities. | Close to campus, utilities often included, opportunities to meet other students, strong student support. | AUD $374 – $645/week |
Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA) | Modern student apartments designed specifically for students, with study and social spaces. | Fully furnished, bills often included, secure and student-focused environment, community events and facilities. | AUD $300 – $650/week |
Shared rental accommodation | Renting a house or apartment with other students, sharing common areas. | More affordable, greater independence, flexible location options. | AUD $200 – $400/week per person |
Private rental (Studio or apartment) | Renting an entire apartment or studio independently. Utilities usually separate. | Maximum privacy, independence, and flexibility. | AUD $400 – $700+/week |
Homestay accommodation | Living with an Australian host family, often with meals included. | Cultural immersion, family support, improved English skills. | AUD $250 – $420/week |
Short-term accommodation | Temporary housing such as hostels, serviced apartments, or short-stay residences. | Convenient when you first arrive and are searching for long-term housing. | AUD $250 – $600/week |
Note: USD conversions are approximate and may vary depending on exchange rates.
Quick Comparison: Which accommodation option is right for you?
If you want… | Recommended Option |
To live close to campus and meet other students | University accommodation |
Modern facilities and an all-inclusive package | Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA) |
The most affordable long-term option | Shared rental accommodation |
Complete privacy and independence | Private rental apartment or studio |
A supportive family environment and cultural experience | Homestay |
A temporary place while you search for permanent housing | Short-term accommodation |
Tip: Many students choose shared rentals or purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) for the balance of affordability, convenience, and opportunities to connect with others.
Best student suburbs in Brisbane
Suburb | Why students like it | Key highlights |
St Lucia | Popular with University of Queensland students. | Close to campus, riverside lifestyle, strong student community. |
Toowong | Convenient and student-friendly suburb. | Affordable housing, shopping centres, excellent transport links. |
South Brisbane | Close to the city and cultural attractions. | Restaurants, museums, galleries, and riverside living. |
West End | Known for its diverse and creative community. | Cafés, markets, nightlife, and multicultural food options. |
Fortitude Valley | Brisbane's main entertainment district. | Shopping, music venues, restaurants, and active nightlife. |
Getting around Brisbane day to day
Getting around Brisbane is simple, thanks to its well-connected public transport network operated by Translink.
Trains
Brisbane's rail network connects the city centre with surrounding suburbs and regional areas.
Best for:
Long-distance commuting
Travel between suburbs and campus
Buses
The city's extensive bus network provides access to most residential areas.
Best for:
Daily university travel
Short-distance commuting
Ferries
Brisbane's river ferries offer a scenic and practical way to travel.
Best for:
Getting around the Brisbane River
Accessing riverside suburbs
Cycling
Dedicated cycling paths make Brisbane increasingly bike-friendly.
Best for:
Short commutes
Saving money while staying active
Student transport discounts
Eligible students may access discounted public transport fares depending on their visa status and eligibility requirements. Check official Queensland Government websites for updated concession information.
Working while studying in Brisbane
Alongside your studies, Brisbane offers a growing job market and flexible work opportunities.
Popular student jobs include
Retail assistant
Customer service representative
Hospitality staff
Barista
Tutor
Administrative assistant
Delivery driver
Major growth sectors in Brisbane include
Technology and IT
Healthcare
Engineering
Construction
Education
Tourism and hospitality
Brisbane’s continued development and infrastructure projects are expected to create more employment opportunities leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Things to do in Brisbane for students
Student life extends far beyond the classroom. Brisbane offers plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the year.
Relax at South Bank - Visit the popular riverside area featuring restaurants, walking paths, markets, and the city's iconic man-made beach.
Visit the Gold Coast - Just over an hour away, the Gold Coast offers beaches, theme parks, and weekend getaway opportunities.
Explore Galleries- The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art is a major cultural destination in Australia. Apart from this, QUT Art Museum, Philip Bacon Gallery, and Jan Murphy Gallery are also noteworthy galleries students can visit.
Discover local markets - Local markets include Brisbane City Markets, Jan Powers Powerhouse Markets, South Bank Young Designers Market,
and West End Markets.
Enjoy outdoor activities - Brisbane's warm climate makes it ideal for hiking, cycling, river walks, and day trips to islands and beaches.
Find music spots: Brisbane has a lively music scene with venues like The Triffid, Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, The Zoo, Brooklyn Standard, and The Tivoli.
How IDP can help you
Planning to study and living in Brisbane can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
IDP supports you at every stage of your journey, from choosing the right course and university to understanding application requirements, student visas, accommodation options, and pre-departure planning. Our experienced counsellors are here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Speak to an IDP counsellor today to get personalised guidance and take your next step towards studying in Brisbane with confidence.
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