Studying and living in Cairns
Tropical North Queensland is Australia's natural wonderland. Located between the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian Outback, the region is a tropical paradise, home to an abundance of unique flora and fauna and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Palm-fringed beaches, rainforest-clad mountains and crystal clear streams and rivers combine to make Tropical North Queensland the destination of choice for millions of visitors every year. The capital of the region is Cairns, one of Australia's fastest-growing regional centres.
(Tourism photos courtesy of Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.)
About Cairns
Studying in Cairns
About Cairns
The Cairns district has a population of 140,000 residents and is an international tourist destination offering a rich cultural and cosmopolitan lifestyle usually only available in capital cities.
Located within the tropics and on the north eastern seaboard of Australia, the city is surrounded by picturesque hills and the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
A multicultural city, Cairns has well-established Asian, European, South American and Indigenous communities who all add to the cultural diversity of the region.
There are excellent sporting facilities, catering for just about every interest, including five golf courses, indoor sports stadiums, tennis courts, basketball and netball courts as well as ten-pin bowling and cricket.
Shopping, restaurants and entertainment facilities in Cairns are all world class.
Students can experience the unique attraction of this amazing region as a group or on their own.
Try snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef or go white water rafting, bungy jumping, horse riding or bush walking.
There are opportunities to visit world famous tropical rainforest, savannah lands and beautiful beaches.
Climate
Cairns is located within the tropics and therefore experiences two distinct seasons: a winter period of cooler temperatures and low rainfall and a summer period of warmer temperatures and higher rainfall.
Winter or the "dry" season typically begins in May and ends in October and usually means idyllic weather.
The tropical summer season extends from November to April, and is known as the "wet" season.
The average annual temperatures are a maximum of 34C and minimum of 17C.
Most of the academic year falls within the pleasant dry season when the daily temperatures average around 26C.
Cairns has an annual rainfall of 2000 mm. Seawater temperatures vary from a minimum 23C in July to a maximum of 29C.
Studying in Cairns
Cairns is said to be the safest tropical destination in the world, and is a wonderful environment for study.
A fast-growing yet small and friendly city, students find it easy to move around and adjust to the relaxed pace of life.
Its compact size makes Cairns ideal for students who can easily visit friends or find casual work without the need for a car.
The TNQ TAFE campus is located only 5 minutes drive or 15-20 minute walk from the Cairns Central Business District and the Esplanade waterfront lagoon.
Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world.
You may find Australia very different from home, but it is a welcoming and friendly society.
Australian and international students study together at TNQ TAFE.
Visitors from all over the world study in Cairns, offering opportunities for TNQ TAFE students to interact in a truly multicultural environment.
Cost of living
Living in Cairns offers excellent value for money and a very high standard of living.
Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA.
The central location of TNQ TAFE means that students can often reduce transport costs by riding bicycles to TNQ TAFE and around the city.
The average cost of living in Cairns is AU$12,000 - AU$14,880 per year (AU$250 - AU$310 per week) based on a 48 week stay.
Accommodation
TNQ TAFE can arrange for you to stay with an Australian family while you study.
The homestay family will help you settle into your new life, support you while you become more comfortable communicating in English, and provide a supportive family environment, especially if you are living away from home for the first time.
Your English skills will improve as you become part of a local family and learn more about Australian culture.
TNQ TAFE can also assist students into student lodge accommodation.
The Cairns Student Lodge provides private rooms with housekeeping and meals.
Students can also choose to stay in rental or shared furnished apartments or houses.
This provides independence and gives students the opportunity to meet new friends.
To book homestay accommodation and/or the Airport Pick Up service, please submit the Airport Pick Up and Accommodation Form (PDF, 172KB).