The Benefits of Studying in Cairns

Cairns, Australia is a stunning, tropical paradise, nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, two of Australia’s most famous World Heritage-listed sites. When you work and study in Cairns, you’ll reap a host of rewards, from incredible employment opportunities to affordable living.

Study at world-class institutions
Cairns is home to two universities (CQUniversity and James Cook University), a TAFE, private VET providers, and English Language Schools. CQUniversity Australia boasts a state-of-the-art campus equipped with advanced classrooms and purpose-built laboratories. JCU is internationally renowned for its smaller class sizes, access to distinguished academics, networking prospects, scholarships, and more. Both institutions consistently rank among the world’s best. For example, JCU holds the top position globally for marine and freshwater biology and was ranked second for biodiversity conservation in the 2017 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR). CQU’s exceptional research across 22 different categories was acknowledged in the State of Australian University Research 2018-19: ERA National Report. Additionally, CQU ranks in the top two percent globally for graduate employability according to the QS World University Ranking: Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.

Support resources for new graduates
Those who study in Cairns enjoy exceptional professional support throughout their studies. Cairns’ institutions employ faculty members with direct connections to industry leaders, offering students a head start in their careers through networking and exposure. However, this support doesn’t end when students graduate. On the contrary, many Cairns’ education providers continue to offer services and resources to students to help them secure a job after they’ve completed their studies. For example, CQUniversity students can feel secure in their future thanks to the institution’s Graduate Guarantee. Under this initiative, if you haven’t secured part-time or full-time employment in your field of study within six months of finishing your course, you will be eligible to apply for a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Entrepreneurship at no extra cost. Additionally, TAFE Queensland features a Graduate Resources hub on its website, packed with helpful information for alumni who have recently entered the workforce. No matter where you study in Cairns, you’re sure to receive ample support from the moment you start your course and long after you finish.

Stay longer in Australia with regional migration incentives
Are you hoping to stay in Australia long-term after you graduate? Studying in Cairns could be an excellent step in that direction!
Cairns is considered a regional destination for migration purposes and international students who study at regional institutions are eligible for certain migration perks, such as a second Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. This means that you may be eligible to live, work and explore this spectacular part of Australia for an additional one to two years (on top of the two to four years granted on your first Temporary Graduate visa).
Additionally, when you study in a regional area, you become eligible for skilled migration visas. Check out the Australian Government’s regional migration programs here.

Gain more funding opportunities
Selecting Cairns as your study destination opens up possibilities for additional financial support. This is due to Cairns being classified as a regional area, making international students studying in this region eligible for specific scholarship programs. One such program is the Destination Australia Program, which provides funding of up to $15,000 per year to both domestic and international students who are pursuing their education in regional destinations. By taking advantage of these scholarship opportunities, students can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with their studies in Cairns.

Expand your horizons with a career in hospitality, tourism or retail
Did you know that Cairns welcomes roughly 2.5 million tourists every year? Since so many people from around the world choose to holiday in Cairns, it should come as no surprise that the city boasts thriving hospitality, tourism and retail sectors. So, if you’re interested in launching a career in any of these industries, Cairns is the place to be. Whether it’s in a shop, resort, bar or hotel in Cairns – or perhaps even something a little more adventurous like a tour boat or a wildlife sanctuary! – you’ll have abundant and diverse work opportunities. This is a great chance to build your resume and discover what type of work you enjoy.

Unparalleled quality of life
Living in Cairns means that you will spend your time immersed in breathtaking nature, warm temperatures and year-round sunshine. Cairns also boasts a vibrant nightlife, a significantly lower cost-of-living estimate than other major Australian cities, access to some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the world, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This combination means that students in Cairns will benefit from an outstanding quality of life.