Queensland

Queensland has become a very popular location for international students wishing to study abroad, particularly with Scandinavians. Last year, approximately 1500 students from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland were enrolled at Brisbane and Gold Coast universities.

They study in degrees that range right across the educational spectrum in disciplines such as business, marketing and public relations, science, IT and multimedia, journalism, design, engineering, nursing, psychology and fine art.

Australia is attractive to these students because of its western culture and English language, which is similar to their home countries, whilst still being exotic because of its weather and distance. International students fall in love with the Queensland climate and the friendliness of the people.

They swap their usual fun hobbies like skiing and snowboarding for other fun activities like surfing and scuba diving, adopting the beach as a new playground. Some even become ardent fans of native sports such as Australian Rules Football.

Most Scandinavian students in southern Queensland live off campus with friends in rented accommodation. It’s a luxury that these students can afford because the cost of living here is lower than in Norway and most students travel to Australia on scholarships and loan arrangements that give them a measure of financial freedom.

International students have active social clubs and websites, and mix easily with other students. According to their universities, Scandinavians have a reputation for studying hard and achieving results. Not surprisingly, Queensland universities are delighted to accept international applications.

And, once a year, Norwegians get together on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane to organise a celebration of their culture on Norwegian Independence or Constitution Day. Hundreds of students attend the event every year, with a parade through Brisbane, music, singing and food, and events on and off campus.