MTA Institute wants to ensure your living and educational experience in Brisbane is both culturally memorable and academically rewarding. Our student support services will ensure you settle comfortably into life, study and work in Australia.

If you require assistance or are confused and need to ask questions, we are here to ensure you are supported throughout your time studying with us.

We can help if you have any questions on topics such as:

• Emergency contacts/wellbeing support
• Accessing suitable accommodation
• Public transport
• Drivers license
• Banking
• Student visa conditions
• Course schedules
• Academic support and general study-related enquiries
• Automotive workplace placements
• Employment advice and work restrictions
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Student lounge access
• Computer and wifi access
• Completion of forms or witnessing of forms

Located on the east coast of Australia, Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the third most populous city in the country. Known for its sub-tropical climate, the city enjoys warm weather year-round and over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for embracing the outdoor lifestyle visitors come to expect of Brisbane.

A thriving, innovative city full of multi-cultural precincts and experiences, Brisbane’s diverse and inclusive community has embraced numerous global celebrations, from Oktoberfest to the Paniyiri Greek Festival, to the Lunar New Year. The city has something for people of all interests, with numerous world-class museums and art galleries, theatres, parklands, restaurants and cafes, boardwalks, shops, and activities all within walking distance of the CBD.

Brisbane is also home to many world-class sporting stadiums. Whether you are interested in world-class cricket at the Gabba, the Wallabies vs the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium, or want to see something new such as the AFL, or arguably Australia’s biggest sporting rivalry, the State-of-Origin Rugby League at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane has it all!

Brisbane is also the gateway to some of Australia’s greatest natural wonders. Just 30 minutes drive South of the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence is the world-renowned Gold Coast, home to some of the best beaches in the world including Burleigh, Coolangatta, and Surfers Paradise. Other world-famous locations accessible from Queensland include:

• Byron Bay
• K’Gari (Fraser Island)
• the Great Barrier Reef

In addition to having some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders on our doorstep, Brisbane also enjoys the closest proximity to Asia of any capital city on the East Coast.

Brisbane is also buzzing with anticipation and undergoing an urban transformation as we prepare to host the 2032 Olympic Games, which will see the arrival of hundreds of thousands of international visitors.

Accommodation

Brisbane has an abundance of both short- and long-term accommodation options available for international students to cater for various lengths of stay, budgets, and locations. Depending on the type and location of the accommodation, prices will generally vary from approximately $110 to $200 per week for each student.

Student Accommodation

Student accommodation offers students the opportunity to meet other international students and socialise with individuals from various other countries around the world. Student accommodation also offers numerous living arrangements, from shared rooms to apartments, to private housing to cater for all different budgets and individual requirements. Accommodation buildings are generally located central to the city and near public transport, shopping centres, and entertainment and dining precincts.

For more information on Student Accommodation options in Brisbane, check out the Study Queensland website.

Rental Accommodation

By signing a legal contract with a landlord or real estate agent, international students may rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment or house. You will be solely responsible for the cost of electricity, gas, water, and other utilities, as well as groceries. Most real estate agencies will require a bond equivalent to 4 weeks rent in addition to 2 weeks rent paid in advance.

Homestay

A homestay is a network where students choose to live with an Australian family in their private home. It represents a great way for students to immerse themselves in the traditional local culture while improving and practising English. Homestay networks will generally provide a furnished private room with an area for study; access to bathroom and laundry facilities; a variety of meals; and free use of the family’s leisure facilities. Students must understand when at a homestay that they are at someone else’s house and rules will apply that they need to familiarise themselves with.

The MTA Institute is available to assist students in arranging suitable accommodation as required.

To help you consider the MTA Institute as your choice of training provider, we have created a Living in Queensland booklet that will assist you with every aspect of living in Queensland, Australia.

To assist students in making the most of their international education journey, Study Australia has developed a range of free micro-credentials targeting academic and work readiness. These short, online micro-credentials will give students the best chance of hitting the ground running in their studies and finding employment. Visit https://microcredentials.studyaustralia.gov.au/ to learn more.

South Korean student Jaeger Cousins speaks about his experience completing a Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation at the MTA Institute as part of his Australian study tour.

Preparing to travel to Brisbane Australia, to commence your course with MTA International will require you to attend to some important things that need to be done.

The MTA Institute has prepared a checklist to assist you with your preparations.

• Apply for your student visa and once approved let the MTA Institute know.
• Ensure your passport is valid and covers your full study period with the MTA Institute.
• Arrange your flights to be in Brisbane a couple of days prior to your course commencing and orientation.
• Arrange suitable travel insurance.
• Ensure you have checked the latest COVID-19 advice on the Department of Home Affairs website, and have confirmed you are eligible for travel to Australia.
• Have a medical check-up with your doctor, dentist, optometrist and any other professional you see. For any medications, make sure you have a letter from your doctor in English.
• Organise your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and ensure you have the right cover for your needs in Australia.
• Organise accommodation for when you arrive. It can be temporary whilst you settle in and look for something more permanent at a later stage.
• Look at your options to get from the airport to your accommodation on arrival.
• Organise/confirm access to your bank account and a credit card whilst in Australia. Ensure you have access to money on arrival and have Australian dollars on you to pay for taxis or any emergencies. You may need $250-$500 depending on what you have prepaid.
• Research your options for mobile usage in Australia.
• If you have a driver’s license and will be driving in Australia, you must have your license with you. If your license is not in English you will need to get it translated by an approved translator in Australia.
• When packing, consider the time of the year and the Brisbane climate. You will also need to bring with you: your letter of offer and all other documentation you have received from the MTA Institute; your valid passport; identification and medical documents; travel insurance and OSHC documentation; personal identification documents; credit card and banking details; a list of important contact numbers including your country’s nearest embassy.
• Read the MTA Institute’s student booklet that will assist you with every aspect of living in Queensland, Australia.
• Write down all of your questions so they can be answered at your induction.

Remember to always stay in contact with MTA Institute staff and keep contact names and numbers for any emergency.

Click here to download the MTA Institute’s pre-departure checklist.

The MTA Institute’s international support team can assist you with a range of advice and support to help you with your studies while living and working in Brisbane. If you are uncertain or confused, we will help you get connected with the right advice and contacts.

Please access all information in relation to consumer advice, rights and responsibilities at this Queensland government website.