Living in Brisbane

Brisbane is the state capital and largest city in Queensland with a population of 1.7 million. Due to its sub-tropical climate, internationally famous natural attractions, thriving economy and high standard of living, Brisbane is one of Australia's fastest growing cities with an average of 50,000 people migrating to the area each year.

Brisbane is an attractive sophisticated city located on the banks of the Brisbane River. The city has a bustling central business district including the Queen Street Mall with its stylish shopping galleries and side walk cafes. Across the river, the city beach, riverbank promenade and weekend markets of South Bank Parklands are some of the city's most popular attractions.

Brisbane has an exciting array of cultural and recreational opportunities. The Queensland Cultural Centre houses the state museum and library and offers international musical concerts, theatrical productions and art exhibitions throughout the year. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving, white water rafting, surfing and swimming and for golfers, Brisbane provides some of the best golf courses in the world. The Gold Coast is only an hour away by bus or train and the Great Barrier Reef can be reached by aeroplane in just forty-five minutes.

Brisbane offers all the facilities and services expected in a large modern city yet it retains a relaxed easy pace of life without traffic congestion and pollution. With a wide diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, Brisbane also offers the high level of personal freedom that comes with a truly multicultural society. The people of Brisbane are friendly and welcoming and will make you feel very much at home.

Climate

Brisbane has a sub-tropical climate of warm humid summers and mild clear winters. Summer months are December to February with typical temperatures of between 21?-30?C. Winter months are June to August with typical temperatures between 9?-21?C.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Brisbane depends on individual lifestyles but generally costs are lower in Brisbane than in Australia's other eastern capital cities. Cost of living in Brisbane and Australia is also lower than the United Kingdom and North America.

QIBT estimates that a single international student requires approximately AU$12,000 per year for accommodation, food, textbooks and other study materials, as well as your personal expenses including transport, entertainment and recreation costs. This amount does not cover major expenses such as your tuition fees, the purchase of a car, television, stereo or computer.

Transport

QIBT is conveniently located only 10 km from the city. Regular public bus services provide access to the city and suburbs. Buses run every 5 -10 minutes in and out of the city along the busway and approximately every 30 minutes to other destinations.

Griffith University provides a free shuttle bus service between the Nathan and Mt Gravatt campus. The service runs from 7.30am - 10.00pm during semester (Griffith University semester) and 8.00am - 5.45pm during semester break. Buses leave the Mt Gravatt Campus 15 minutes and 45 minutes past the hour.