Living in Brisbane

Beautiful One Day, Perfect The Next

With an enviable climate of more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Brisbane is within easy reach of green rainforests, blue waters and golden beaches – there’s always something to explore in and around Queensland's capital city.

As Australia’s fastest growing city, Brisbane is considered one of the major business hubs in Australia. Most major Australian and international companies have a contact office in Brisbane. Many electronics companies also take advantage of the strategic port and airports by choosing to have distribution hubs in the city.

The inner city is characterised by the Brisbane River, parklands, convention facilities, museums, art galleries, a casino, malls, shopping districts and a host of cosmopolitan restaurants and cafés.

The golden beaches and fun parks of the Gold Coast are just an hour’s drive south. The beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches lie a short drive to the north, along with National Parks, rainforests and attractions such as Australia Zoo.

Read more about the geography, transport, weather, food and shopping, communication and technology, and things to do in Brisbane at visitbrisbane.com.au

Relocating

Relocation Assistance

If you need to relocate to join UQ, we may offer relocation assistance as part of your offer of appointment.

Most academic staff appointments of at least two years duration are eligible for the reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses. Professional staff appointments of HEW level 8 and above may also be eligible for the reimbursement of relocation expenses. Your offer of appointment will outline specific entitlements.

Our relocation assistance policy is available here for further information.

Accommodation

Whether you're moving to Brisbane, Gatton or one of our other facilities, it's important to get to know your new home. Click here for an area guide.

To search the Queensland property and rental markets yourself, we recommend visiting either realestate.com.au or https://www.domain.com.au/

It is also essential that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant – including lease agreements, rental bonds, property inspections, and obligations regarding repairs and maintenance to the property. Click here for tenancy advice.

Immigration and Work Visas

Immigration

The Department of Home Affairs website provides comprehensive information for those who are considering coming to Australia to work, either on a temporary or a permanent basis. They also provide a comprehensive guide to beginning a life in Australia, which clearly outlines the steps you must take once you arrive in Australia and is available in a range of languages. The website also provides useful information about settling in Australia, English Language Assessments (IELTS), and a guide to Australian Work Rights for immigrating staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Rights

If you are offered a position at UQ and you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, we may sponsor you (and your family) for an appropriate work visa. The type of visa will depend on the length and type of your appointment.

Please note that the Department of Home Affairs have strict and continuously updating regulations around what roles we can provide visa support.  As such, this is typically only open to Academic (both teaching and/or research roles) and senior Professional roles.

Post-offer, UQ’s Immigration and Relocation team will guide you through the visa application process. For some initial information on how to apply for a work visa and the costs associated, access the Visa Finder Wizard on the DHA website.

Please note that depending on your sponsored work visa you might need to take out private health insurance. For further information about this requirement, click here.

Information for Parents

Childcare

Child care, kindergarten and after-school-care facilities (all independently operated) are accessible to staff and students on or near most University of Queensland campuses.

Click here to find out more about the child care facilities provided at our St Lucia, Gatton and Ipswich campuses. Staff based at Herston campus may access the Lady Ramsay Child Care Centre. Alternatively, you can search online using the Child Care Services search facility for a particular child care or early education service, contact details and other relevant information.

The University of Queensland also provides a range of parenting facilities as well as special parking arrangements for carers with young children and for women staff during pregnancy. 

UQ Sport also provides a fun and active care service during school holidays for big and little kids, aged 5 to 14 years. Kids are encouraged to be fit and active, while having fun and making friends. You can find out more on the UQ Sport website.

Schools

Queensland has a wide range of schools to choose from with almost 1,700 public schools (Queensland Government-administered) and 540 private (independent) schools spread across the State.

Education at public schools is free, although most schools do have a voluntary annual fee to cover extra activities. Parents may also have to purchase such items as books and uniforms and pay for outings, camp etc. Most public schools are co-educational, with girls and boys encouraged to participate equally in class. More information about education in Australia, as well as potential fees for non-Australian citizens, can be found on the Department of Education’s website or the Education Queensland International website.

Things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane is jam-packed with things to do. From fashion and food to arts and entertainment.

Sports and Recreation

Sports lover's rejoice - whether it's roar of the crowd in a packed stadium or achievening your own personal best, Brisbane offers a raft of activities for energetic bodies and minds.

Find out what's on

Eat and Drink

With a superb selection fine-dining options, along with countless casual eateries. Brisbane's varied and vibrant food and cafe culture won't disappoint.

> Get a taste of what's on offer

Arts and Entertainment

Culture, Connoisseurs, art admirers and music mavericks - you've come to right place! Mix it with the locals and discover Brisbane's burgeoning arts and entertainment scene.

> Mix it with the locals 

Nightlife

From small venues and Jazz clubs to stadium rock, Brisbane's range of pubs , bars and live -music has something for everyone. You will find range of nightspots and music.

> Checkout the local sense

Shopping

Shoppers, are you ready? From designer brands and high-street chains to vintage treasures and unique boutiques, we've got you covered.

> Hit the high street

Nature and wildlife

South East Queensland is your launch pad to some of the world's most striking natural landscapes and wildlife, so take the time to immerse yourself in the best the area has to offer.

> Discover greater Brisbane

At your Doorstep

Queensland is a place like no other on this Earth. Discover everything Queensland has to offer for yourself.

Gold Coast
Plan a day trip or weekend getaway, with golden beaches, lively nightlife and designer boutiques aplenty.
Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel, scuba dive or take a scenic flight over the world’s largest coral reef, which stretches over 2300 kilometres.
Fraser Island
Discover the world's largest sand island by sand or sea, and catch a glimpse of turtles, dolphins and whales passing by.