The sparkling centre of Toowoomba found in the picturesque countryside of Queensland is one thriving city.
Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Darling Downs, Toowoomba presents a wealth of advantages for international students in Australia.
This enchanting regional hub is the perfect blend of top-tier education, relaxed living, and city-like amenities.
Is Toowoomba a good place to live? Let’s answer that question.
Top Reasons to Consider Toowoomba for Studying or Residing
Access to leading educational institutions
Toowoomba is home to several high-quality education providers that offer modern facilities and great courses to choose from.
University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) – it has been awarded a five-star rating for graduate starting salaries in the Good Universities’ Guide 2023.
It was also ranked in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022.
TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus – boasts state-of-the-art training facilities, designed to simulate real workplaces. This allows students to gain on-the-job experience while they study. The institution also offers a wide range of study areas and accessible pathways to higher education, so you can make your educational dreams a reality.
Housing Affordability
In general, it’s perfectly normal to keep a keen eye on your budget especially if you are a student – and it’s crucial to stay on top of it. While residing in Toowoomba, you’ll generally find that accommodation costs are more budget-friendly compared to the larger cities nearby, such as Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Interestingly, income levels for young adults are actually higher, presenting a financial advantage for students and recent graduates who opt to live and work in Toowoomba.
Limitless Outdoor Adventures
Toowoomba beckons with an array of boundless outdoor pursuits. When you’re not engrossed in your studies, the city unfolds a plethora of thrilling activities amid nature.
Numerous parks, such as Laurel Bank Park and Clewley Park, grace the cityscape, offering tranquil havens for relaxation. Toowoomba boasts expansive green spaces, perfect for hiking, camping, or strolls and bike rides.
Climate
Toowoomba distinguishes itself with a slightly cooler climate compared to the rest of Queensland, enhancing your outdoor experience. This allows you to savour prolonged periods in the open comfortably. With an average summer temperature of 28°C and a refreshing winter average of 15°C, Toowoomba’s weather is perfectly suited for year-round enjoyment of the great outdoors.
A Welcoming and Inclusive Community
With a population exceeding 170,000, Toowoomba prides itself on a small yet diverse community. Nearly 20% of residents, originating from countries like England, New Zealand, Iraq, India, and the Philippines, contribute to the city’s multicultural tapestry.
Inclusivity is a top priority, ensuring that when you choose Toowoomba, you’ll be warmly welcomed and supported throughout your academic journey, regardless of your background.
Various Modern amenities
Toowoomba places a premium on infrastructure, ongoing development, and public transportation, ensuring seamless navigation and exploration of the city. Despite being situated in a regional area, you’ll experience a strong connection to urban living, thanks to an array of vibrant amenities.
Among these amenities is a public library equipped with cutting-edge technology and contemporary facilities. Students can freely access these invaluable resources from Tuesday to Saturday.
Within this picturesque countryside setting, you’ll also discover the comforts of urban life, including diverse shopping options, sports and wellness facilities, entertainment providers, and medical centres.
Travel Opportunities
Residing in Toowoomba facilitates easy travel throughout Queensland and the entire expanse of Australia. The journey to Brisbane by train takes less than four hours, while a swift flight covers the distance in under 45 minutes.
Furthermore, the city provides convenient access to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, two well-known beach destinations that offer a complete holiday experience.
For those in search of a quick getaway, Northern NSW is readily accessible, boasting attractions like the awe-inspiring Mount Warning, the prestigious Tweed Regional Gallery, and the perennially popular Byron Bay, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and some of the finest surfing waves in Australia.
Should your travel plans go beyond, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport offers direct flights to cities such as Townsville, Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney.
Toowoomba holds the title of Queensland’s Garden City
Recognised as Queensland’s Garden City, Toowoomba boasts a wealth of over 150 gardens. Among the cherished green spaces is the renowned Japanese Garden, situated near the UniSQ campus. This tranquil oasis provides an ideal setting for relaxation, exploration of diverse plant life, and delving into the fascinating story of its inception.
Annually, visitors from across Australia flock to Toowoomba for the highly anticipated Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. During this vibrant celebration, the city’s public gardens showcase stunning floral displays, accompanied by captivating entertainment and events featuring unique outdoor art crafted by local artists.
Part of the activities
Twilight tours unveils the enchanting world of the parklands after dark.
The festival also includes parade floats, delectable culinary delights, trails, exhibits, and community activities for you to discover.
A thriving culinary and beverage scene
Toowoomba is a paradise for those with a passion for food. The city’s food and beverage scene is vibrant, with trendy cafes, bakeries, breweries, and wine bars across its charming landscape.
- Indulge in custom craft beers inspired by the local area at 4 Brothers Brewing
- Decadent gourmet baked goods are a must at The Baker’s Duck
- Coffee lover’s paradise at Urban Grounds Café and Sweet Talk Coffee
- Cocktails are on a different level at Cork & Lever, Santé Cocktail Bar or it comes with breathtaking views Muller Bros
Those are some to mention but if you are fond of exploring you will find numerous cafes, restaurants and bars that will not only surprise you but will definitely delight.
A Well-Rounded Lifestyle
Choosing between the vibrant energy of a city and the serene ambience of a regional town can be challenging. Fortunately, Toowoomba offers the best of both worlds.
While studying here, you can relish the peaceful country life and, at the same time, have the opportunity to delve into the excitement of larger cities.
Immerse yourself in the relaxed surfer community during the day, and come evening, explore the lively atmosphere of a vibrant bar.
In Toowoomba, there’s no need to choose one over the other – you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Great News for International Students
Officially recognised by the Australian Government as a regional area, Toowoomba offers attractive incentives for international students opting to pursue their studies here.
As of 2021, holders of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa under the post-study workstream, who have successfully graduated from a regional educational institution and resided in regional Australia during their initial Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV), are eligible for a second TGV.
For more information on these incentives and for the latest updates on post-study work rights for Temporary Graduate Visa holders, please visit this page.
