Studying in Queensland can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Overseas students have the options of English Language courses, Foundation (University Preparation) courses and both undergraduate and post graduate courses.
Queensland is in the north-east of the continent, bordering the Northern Territory to the west and NSW to the south. Australia's fastest growing state is home to over 4 million people, taking up around 25% of the continent's area. The state is known as the sunshine state and is situated mostly in the tropics.
Brisbane, the capital, is a cosmopolitan city in the south of the State.The population of Brisbane is estimated at 1.9 million.
The population is culturally diverse. Currently over twenty-six percent of Brisbane's population was born overseas.
Here is some brief information on Queensland
Gold Coast
Queensland's Gold Coast is synonymous with action and adventure. Australia's single most popular vacation playground, the Gold Coast is a resort destination an hour's drive south of Brisbane, tucked between 25 miles of Pacific coastline and a "hinterland" of sub-tropical rain forest, national parks, mountain lodges and the "Koala Corridor," one of the best places in Australia to see a wild koala.
The Outback
Queensland's Outback covers a vast area of sunbaked country in the heart of Australia. Often referred to as the heart and soul of Australia, this vast, red expanse is the oldest part of the Earth's crust.
The Great Barrier Reef
The largest and most complex collection of coral reefs and islands on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef extends for more than 1,250 miles along the Queensland coast. The Reef, as it is known in Australia, covers an area of approximately 100,000 square miles and is comprised of more than 2,000 individual coral reefs and 71 coral islands. It is the largest marine park in the world and in every respect, a natural wonder
Tropical Wilderness
More than half of Australia's rain forest acreage is located in Queensland, ranging from cool, temperate rain forests in the Gold Coast hinterland to wet tropical rain forests in the north. Cairns is the hub for the many attractions and activities of the "Tropical North".
Study in Queensland
Area Overview
Queensland, the continent's second
largest land area, rests in the north east corner and shares shoreline
with the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Queen Victoria formally
separated the area from New South Wales on 6 June 1856 which is one of
Queensland's most celebrated holidays, Queensland Day. Queensland was
federated in 1901.
Brisbane, the state's capital, was originally Moreton Bay Penal Colony;
the government encouraged free settlement later to boost population and
trade. Queensland's economy evolved from agriculture, mining, and trade
to include tourism in contemporary times.
Several population centres developed in the state and most densely in
the south east quadrant, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the
Sunshine Coast. Queensland is nicknamed the Sunshine State, because much
of its climate is tropical and enjoys warm temperatures.
For those who study in Queensland, an abundance of water activities,
historical tours, “walk about” excursions, and contemporary museums,
festivals, concerts, and parks await discovery and enjoyment.
Study Options
A plethora of quality, accredited institutes of learning offer handfuls
of degree programs for study in Queensland in a full array of career
fields, among which are:
1. Certificates and Diplomas in vocational or technical specialities, such as:
A) Culinary Arts
B) Photography
C) Graphic Design
D) Religious Studies
E) Mechanical Repair
F) Others
2. Associates Degrees in such areas as:
A) Culinary Arts
B) Computer Science
C) Business
D) Medical Assistance
E) Journalism
F) Others
3. Bachelors of Arts or Science Degrees in sample areas as:
A) Literature
B) Legal Studies
C) Biology
D) Chemistry
E) Environmental Sciences
F) Human Sciences
G) Education
H) Health Care Administration
I) Public Health
J) Criminology
K) Law Enforcement
L) Pharmacology
M) Information Services
N) Information Technology
O) Marketing
P) Business Administration or Management
Q) Journalism
R) Graphic Design
S) Music
T) Language
U) Political Science
V) Foreign Relations
W) Many others
4. Masters Degrees in such example areas as:
A) Business
B) Marketing
C) Finance
D) Education
E) Computer Science and Related Fields
F) Literature
G) Music
H) Graphic Arts
I) Engineering
J) Physics
K) Natural Sciences
L) Human Sciences, including Psychology and Sociology
M) So many more
5. Doctorate Degrees, either PsyD or PhD, including:
A) Psychology
B) Biology
C) Chemistry
D) Physics
E) Astrophysics
F) Education
G) Business
H) Finance
I) Legal Studies
J) Religious Studies
K) Literature
L) And several more
Continuing education courses are also available to extend qualifications and accreditations as required by each speciality.
Study Highlights
When taking a break from study in Queensland, important for all learning programs, a student
Accommodations
For those wanting to study in Queensland, a full array of housing options present themselves.
On campus living in the dormitories open the student to a full
university experience. Clubs, sorority and fraternity organisations,
interest-based groups, organised school sports, intramural sports,
sponsored tours and excursions broaden the student's experience base.
Comprehensive libraries, research laboratories, student activity and
social centres complement lush, green lawns, and park-like areas allow
studying in the shade, light exercise and games, and just visiting with
friends.
Off campus, the student can choose from backpacker settings, studio
apartments, join with others and share a flat, or simply rent a room in a
private residence.
Costs vary greatly, depending on the type, location, and number of
occupants. Include transportation costs to and from class and scheduling
in the off campus living decision.
Student counsellors assist in housing assignments or can refer students
to reliable, reputable abodes locally. Additionally, students often post
room or room mate ads on the bulletin board in student activity
centrers or cafeterias.
Regional Highlights
Queensland offers a rich historical heritage and a legion of contemporary attractions and entertainment venues.
Surfers Paradise offers the surfer challenging waves and exciting
boating opportunities. Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef brings
unimaginable delight and amazement of the beauty underwater.
Tour Townsville's Magnetic Island, bushwalk through national parks,
examine a dinosaur footprint near Winton, or charter a trip to
Whitsunday Island. Go camping in the Outback.
Explore the rainforest in Noosa National park and meet Koala bears in
their natural habitat on the Sunshine Coast. Browse boutiques, art
galleries, and pubs or dine in local restaurants in Montville or Maleny
or any other numerous cities, towns, and hamlets.
Take a driving tour of Frasier coast and follow the wine trails through
the South Burnett Valley. Stroll through museums; celebrate in numerous
festivals, and soak up all possible for those who study in Queensland.
More Good-To-Know Information
When travelling or living in a foreign country, some helpful and safety
tips can often save the student or visitor heartbreak and potentially
devastating financially:
1. Make two complete copies of the passport and visas; carry one, and
keep the other in one's lodgings. Secure the originals in a safe or
safety deposit box. Most universities and larger schools provide a
secure location.
2. Never travel alone, especially after dark, regardless how familiar
the area is. Foreigners, unfortunately, are subjected to far more
muggings and thefts than are locals, anywhere in the world.
3. Keep in touch with friends and family. If going away for a weekend or
a even a day trip, let others know where, when leaving, and when
returning.
4. Become familiar with local laws and customs. So many
misunderstandings can be avoided by taking a few minutes and a little
bit of learning.
It is obvious that Queensland is a provocative location. Fortunately, there is a plethora of schooling options for those who study in Queensland. Students can pick from schools of all sizes and specialties. The University of Queensland is commonly considered one of the top five universities in the country, often appearing in the top fifty of international rankings such as the Times Higher Education Supplement.
With such a distinctive assortment of nature's treasures in the area, the universities in Queensland have a unique appeal. Those who study in Queensland not only benefit from these natural wonders in their free time, but in their studies as well. Many of the universities in Queensland feature innovative environmental programs. Some of the marine studies in particular are noted world wide since students have the option to do first hand work in the Great Barrier Reef. James Cook University is especially well suited for this type of study, with a campus in Townsville, which is often considered to be the gateway to the Reef.
Along with these academic perks, the institutes in Queensland have much to offer in terms of student life as well. Many campus groups take advantage of the fantastic climate and location, with a heavy focus on outdoor activities. For example, the Queensland University of Technology has over seventy student groups, including options for rollerblading, bushwalking, and abseiling. For those who study in Brisbane, the night life is of particular interest, with one of the best music scenes to be found anywhere. Many students who study in Queensland appreciate Fortitude Valley, which host a good assortment of clubs. Queensland has it all and studying in Queensland is one experience that will last a lifetime.