The city of Brisbane is fresh, modern, and full of exciting activity. Not long ago, Brisbane – or Brissie as the locals say – was thought of as a sleepy country town. Today, however, Brisbane is one of the most attractive cities in Australia, and since 1990 has had the highest percentage rate of population increase of all the state capitals in the country. Roughly 1,000 people move to Brisbane each week - including international students seeking their higher education in this incredible city. So what’s all the hype about Brisbane?

Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland and the 3rd largest city in Australia. It is located about 25 kilometers from Australia’s central east coast inside a bend in the Brisbane River. The original settlement – Redcliffe – was established in 1824 as a penal colony at Moreton Bay where the Brisbane River meets the Coral Sea. But hostile Aboriginals and a lack of good drinking water forced the colony to move up the river to where Brisbane now stands and extends over the Brisbane River valley floodplain between the bay and the Great Dividing Range.

Today Brisbane is a mult-cultural hub of invention and education where international students have access to forward-thinking educational curriculums and world-class research facilities. Brisbane's full range of education options includes higher education, English language education courses, vocational training, and more. Depending on the desired education course, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency by showing proof of English language education or a minimum IELTS English language test score. Students who apply for English education courses in Brisbane, however, are usually accepted at a beginners level.

Brisbane was named after the Brisbane River which was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales in the 1820s. Today, however, Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland, which separated from New South Wales in 1859. Queensland is the 2nd largest and 3rd most populated state in Australia.

In addition to its rapidly growing population of 2 million and counting, Brisbane has one of the fastest growing economies in Australia. Key industry sectors are tourism, manufacturing, communication and information technology, life sciences, and logistics.

There are a number of attractions for students who study in Brisbane to explore. Moreton Island is one of the world’s largest sand islands and perfect for surfing, sailing, and snorkelling. North Stradbroke Island offers a beautiful oasis to escape city life. Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands include striking architecture and design and an impressive man-made lagoon. The 20-million-year-old Kangaroo Point cliffs offer students incredible views, whether gazing out from the top, climbing up, or abseiling down.

Australia’s premier live music scene can be found at The Valley in Brisbane. Or students can get up close and personal with koalas at a local koala sanctuary. Premier shopping at the Queen Street Mall offers a choice of over 700 shops. Or take a break from your education to the rustic charm and diverse landscape of the Scenic Rim and Country Valley regions to the west.

Brisbane is unique in its cosmopolitan yet laid-back, down-to-earth environment close with so much to do in the city with easy access to an adventure wonderland of beaches, mountains, and bays to enjoy the outdoors.

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