Study, work, live & play in Cairns
Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Study, work, live & play in Cairns

Tropical North Queensland, Australia

World Class
Education

Employment
Opportunities

Diverse
Community

Affordable
Living

Vibrant
Lifestyle

Why Study in Cairns

Cairns has a solid and trusted reputation in the global education marketplace for our premier educational standards, stunning climate, pristine environment, and our vibrant and secure community.

Thousands of international students choose Cairns each year for short and long-term study at either of the two internationally-ranked universities, vocational institutes, English-language colleges, secondary schools or study tour programs. An advantage for international students in Cairns are the established education pathways which enable international students to undertake study in more than one education sector.

This friendly, liveable, regional Queensland location is internationally renowned as a vibrant, multicultural education city with a growing reputation as a global hub for academic excellence in Tropical Health & Medicine, Agriculture, Marine Science, Aviation, Tourism & Hospitality, Engineering, Creative Arts, Research + more.

Cairns also boasts the conveniences of a thriving major city including world-class restaurants, hotels, modern infrastructures and an international airport with nonstop connections to many Asian and Pacific hubs.

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Studying in Cairns offers a broad range of experiential learning programs within a spectacular natural setting as the city is fringed by the Great Barrier Reef, enveloped by World-Heritage rainforest and ringed by the red-dirt of the outback. Students can immerse themselves in the environment and encounter a learning style that encourages innovative, creative and independent thinking.

In their free time – students can learn to dive, snorkel tropical islands, cycle or hike through lush forests, discover hidden waterfalls, get involved in a conservation project, explore food trails, visit bustling local farmers markets, enjoy a BBQ on the beach or join a tour to discover rich indigenous culture and visit ancient rock art sites.

Cairns is a culturally-diverse, safe community complemented by a calm pace, lower cost of living and quality accommodation offerings to suit different budgets and needs. These include shared living in a house or apartment, homestay with an Australian family and purpose-built student accommodation, on or off-campus.

  • The Cairns Student Hub is located in the Cairns CBD and offers a wide range of support services for international students including:
  • Orientation to Cairns
  • Individual assistance relating to mental health and wellbeing
  • Accommodation advice
  • Employability programs
  • Cultural and religious support
  • Employment advice
  • English language support
  • Activities to meet other students and build a social network

We look forward to welcoming you to our education city!

Student Stories

International students share their personal stories and experiences while studying, living and working in Cairns.

Student Resources – Cairns Student Hub

The Student Hub offers a welcoming space and central meeting place for international students to connect with support services, find essential information and meet fellow students.

Your ultimate guide to the Cairns region

From the reef to the rainforest and beaches to city.

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Study Cairns Excellence Award Winners

Study Cairns Excellence Award Winners

Study Cairns would like to thank all who attended our International Student's Day event. It was a wonderful evening where we came together as a community and recognize the incredible contributions that international students make to our city. We would also like to...

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