Brisbane

Brisbane

QS Staff Writer

Updated July 15, 2025 Updated July 15

QS Best Student Cities ranking

An up-and-coming city that has seen rapid growth in recent years following the Australian ‘resources boom’, Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia and the largest economy between Sydney and Singapore. It’s also a popular tourist destination, due in part to its location by the Gold Coast, which features some of the world’s most famous beaches.

Like many Australian cities, Brisbane is a great setting for students seeking a balance between urban and outdoor lifestyles. Stunning beaches, a sunny climate and a sporting culture coexist with a cosmopolitan down-town area offering a trendy nightlife and arts scene.

This appealing environment is reflected in very high scores for both student mix and desirability, with its highest score being the desirability indicator.  On the other hand, as is the case for other Australian cities, high international tuition fees mean Brisbane has a relatively low score for affordability.

In the survey used to compile the results, students praised Brisbane for its laid-back feel, friendly people and convenient public transport system – with the weather conditions also attracting favorable reviews!

Would Brisbane get your vote? Tell us why.

Internationally ranked universities in Brisbane

University of Queensland (UQ)Queensland University of Technology (QUT)Griffith University

 

 To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

This article was originally published in November 2015 . It was last updated in July 2025

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