Student Accommodation in Brisbane
When you choose to study in Brisbane, you will need a place to call home – and our city offers a great range of student accommodation options.
International students will usually join a home-stay and live with an Australian family, or live with other students at quality purpose-built student accommodation, on-campus rooms, or independent apartment rentals.
Brisbane is a relatively affordable city and has student stays available at various price points and locations. Some even offer support, facilities and a student community.
On-campus accommodation
Some institutions have accommodation available on their campus. This is ideal if you want to live with other students from the same institution and stay close to your place of study.
These are typically multi-room residences where your space includes a bedroom with a single bed, desk and chair and storage space. Bathrooms are commonly shared.
Speak to your chosen institution to discover available on-campus options.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Brisbane is home to a number of world-class, purpose-built student residences that have been designed just for you.
These student residences are available to students from any institution, and often you will have a choice of home based on your preferences and budget.
Options range from studio apartments to shared rooms with up to eight beds. Usually you will share communal areas and facilities, and many offer student support and community events.
Independent renting of a house or a flat
In Brisbane you can find a number of apartment and unit complexes or houses that are rented only to students.
In most cases, students will rent the entire house or flat and sub-let bedrooms to other students.
Sometimes, however, the landlord or management will rent a single bedroom and selected students will share a lounge room, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
Most rental properties will require you to pay a bond upfront. A bond is used as a security deposit and is usually equivalent to the amount of four weeks’ rent. If there is any damage to the property when you leave, this deposit will cover it.
Rental costs vary depending on the accommodation style, type and suburb.
You can find average rental costs by searching for “median rents” on the Residential Tenancies Authority website.
Some education providers will have a list of flats or houses in the area, so check with your institution.
Home-stay
A home-stay is an opportunity to live with an Australian family. This is an opportunity to experience Australian life and culture, and improve your English, by participating in the daily routine of your host family's life.
Host families take an active interest in welcoming students to Brisbane, and they will help you to assimilate into your new environment.
Typically, a home-stay includes breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch, if required. Students are responsible for the costs of washing, ironing, telephone and transport.
When considering a home-stay, we recommend you ensure your provider meets the minimum home-stay standards.
Youth hostels and backpackers
Hostels provide budget-oriented, social accommodation where guests can rent a bed and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen.
Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available.
Hostels and backpacker accommodation are good short-term options while you settle into Brisbane and look for more permanent accommodation.