Brisbane

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 21^st

With three major universities in a city of just over two million, this Australian metropolis has one of the highest student ratios of any entry in the QS Best Student Cities ranking – but it’s much more than just a student bubble.

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. 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 this year’s 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

More about Brisbane

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