5 Reasons to Study in Townsville

5 Reasons to Study in Townsville #StudyQueensland

Imagine being able to get a world-class education in a city that enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year and has the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep. Welcome to Townsville!

Melbourne and Sydney might be in the Top 10 of the QS Best Student Cities 2018, but we think international students looking for an authentic Aussie cultural experience need to consider Townsville when exploring study options Down Under. Here’s why.

1. Education + tourism = Edu-tourism

Townsville ranked fifth in Australia’s Top ten regional centres for international student enrolments in 2018 and is earning a reputation as one of the country’s best edu-tourism locations. It’s not only an excellent education destination offering study tours, high school exchange programs, English language courses, trade schools and universities, there are also exciting tourist attractions all around you.

You can literally study on the Great Barrier Reef with Orpheus Island as your classroom as part of James Cook University’s (JCU) Marine Science program. World Heritage-listed Paluma National Park is only 90 minutes away and a 20 minute ferry ride will have you on Magnetic Island which is home to Northern Australia’s largest Koala population, 23 stunning beaches and bays and 25km of walking trails.

2. The experience will be unique

You could take the same path as the majority of international students in Australia and study in a big city. But Townsville offers unique education and lifestyle opportunities not found anywhere else in the world. With specialised courses and practical work placements a focus for many institutions in Townsville, you can get an education and gain a qualification that will make you stand out from the crowd. You’ll also be in a beautiful environment where being outdoors and staying active is part of your routine. You can start your day with a class or lecture, go snorkeling in the afternoon, then hike up Castle Hill to watch the sunset.

3. Paradise is a great place to live and learn

Want to study in paradise?

Choose Townsville with its tropical climate; wide open spaces; abundance of nature and wildlife; and laidback way of life. Drawcards include The Strand, a thriving entertainment precinct, shops, bars, sporting facilities, beaches and over 300 parks and recreational areas. It also offers great value for money in terms of education and living costs compared to big capital cities.

4. It’s packed with things to do

Whether you’re into music, sports, art or food – Townsville has something on its events calendar to suit you.

Groovin’ the Moo has been bringing top musical acts to Townsville since 2008 and is usually held in May. Sports fans can experience the power and passion of rugby league at a North Queensland Cowboys game, get an adrenaline rush at the Watpac Townsville 400 Supercars Championship in July, or participate in the Townsville Running Festival (which includes Australia’s second oldest marathon). The Townsville Cultural Festival showcases the diversity of Australian music, food, arts and culture bringing thousands of people together each year in a celebration of life.

Head to What’s on Townsville for more.

5. It’s easier to find your home away from home

International students may feel overwhelmed, lonely and homesick after moving to a new country. Townsville is a relaxed coastal town where people have time to get to know you. There’s a real sense of community with more opportunities to develop friendships and live like a local. You’ll have a wide choice of accommodation options including on-campus residences, share houses, rentals and homestays.

Hosted student homestays are a great way to settle in when you first arrive in Australia: you don’t have to pay a bond or sign a lease, you can choose from a range of meal packages and you’ll be living with a local family ready to welcome you to Townsville.

Want to know more? Visit the Study Townsville website.