Study in Cairns

Cairns is home to three university campuses. As well as James Cook University, which has a campus in Cairns, the city is also home to CQUniversity Cairns, and Cairns Clinical School. As a university destination, Cairns is suited for those that want to combine the rich cultural experiences the nearby region has to offer, along with the party atmosphere the backpacking community brings to the city.

CQUniversity Cairns is situated in the city, which is ideal for those who want a city lifestyle while studying. James Cook University is situated a little further out but in an area of extreme biodiversity. Approximately 4,000 students are based on this campus, with about 380 of these coming from abroad. The campus itself is surrounded on three sides by rainforest and mountains, so there are some spectacular views to be enjoyed. The city center is a short commute away, ensuring students get to enjoy the best of both worlds - nature and city life.

There are a huge range of courses offered by the James Cook University Cairns Campus, in both undergraduate and graduate degrees. These include bachelor’s degrees in creative arts and media, education, geology, planning, and postgraduate courses in medicine, philosophy, diabetes education and business administration.

The Cairns Clinical School is linked to James Cook University and is a study destination for medical students in their fourth, fifth or sixth year of study. The school is in a prime location for those that want to be situated in the city itself - it has the Esplanade and city right on its doorstep.

The CQUniversity has been ranked as one of the best in the world for its education and teaching methods, and the Cairns campus has approximately 1,000 students across a wide range of disciplines, from creative and performing arts, to paramedic science. It’s located in the city center and has excellent communication and partnerships with local industries, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who wants hands-on experience alongside their studies.

Cairns is home to the Yirrganydji people and their language and culture are hugely important to the history and culture of the region. If you wish to explore the unique tropical culture that defines so much of Cairns, then there are plenty of opportunities to do so. For example, art exhibitions at the Tank Arts Center, or Cairns Regional Gallery are both excellent ways to learn more. There is also the Cairns Museum and the Tjapukai Cultural museum, which provide historic artefacts and opportunities to learn more about the cultures that make up the city and area.

As both a city and region, Cairns is hugely geared towards the tourism industry and is full of hotels and hostels that cater for every kind of tourist available. As such, there are a wide variety of activities available to do every day, ranging from scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and bungee jumping, to swimming in the infamous Millaa Millaa waterfall.

In the city itself, many people choose to spend their day swimming in the lagoon and patronizing the city’s various restaurants and shopping centers. There are also extensive cycleways, parkland, beaches, and sporting clubs and facilities.

Because of the tourism industry, Cairns is a very backpacker friendly city and offers a thriving nightlife for residents and visitors alike. The hostel Gilligan’s has a huge nightclub and is immensely popular. There are also two Irish bars, PJ O’Brien’s Irish Pub, and McGinty’s Irish Bar. For those wanting a more upmarket vibe, the Pier Bar situated by the waterfront is a popular venue.

There is a huge art and cultural scene in Cairns and the city plays host to a range of festivals and events, such as Chinese New Year, Cairns Festival, the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, the Cairns Tennis International, Ironman Asia-Pacific Championships, Cairns Amateurs, and the CQUni Cairns-sponsored Understory Film Festival – a short film festival.

In addition to the wide range of festivals Cairns hosts each year, there are also weekend markets. These include petting zoos, where people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy a wide variety of animals that are unique to Australia. Other markets include food markets, fashion markets, and those geared towards textiles, arts and crafts.

First and foremost, Cairns has a tropical climate. This means that it has both a wet and a dry season. While the average yearly temperature is 28°C/82°F, during the summer months of November through to March the humidity can make this feel a lot hotter. At this time of year, the area in and surrounding Cairns also often gets flooded due to the sheer amount of rainfall and cyclone activity. Despite this, Cairns is a beautiful city to experience all year round.

In terms of living costs, Cairns is relatively cheap compared to other major Australian cities. For example, monthly rent in a reasonably-sized furnished flat costs around $1,362, with more expensive areas of the city tipping over $2,000. Utilities will cost approximately $185 a month for two people. A monthly ticket for public transportation costs about $102. For activities, two tickets to the cinema will cost roughly $35, and the average cost of a cappuccino is $4.34.

In terms of crime rates, Cairns and the Northern Queensland districts in general have a higher crime rate than other Queensland regions. The Northern Region statistics, which include Cairns, Townsville, and the Cape, have some of the highest rates of offending in Queensland. In 2017, assaults were up five percent on the previous year; grievous assaults were up 11 percent, and serious assaults were up 10 percent. However, it must be noted that these statistics are for the whole Northern Region, and not just Cairns itself.

There are plenty of medical centers in Cairns, including the Cairns 24 Hour Medical center. There is also the Cairns Base Hospital and the Cairns Private Hospital. There are chemists located throughout the city. As it’s a tropical climate, mosquito repellent is advised particularly for the warmer, humid months.

If you’re going on a bush trek, please make sure to have a first aid kit handy, and to wear closed-toe shoes. Remember to remain hydrated throughout the day, and to pack plenty of water and food for any treks you do during your stay in Cairns. It’s advisable to avoid direct sunlight during the hours when the sun is at its strongest, and to wear plenty of sunscreen protection throughout daylight hours.