Accommodation information
The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE's International Client Service Officer will provide you with information regarding accommodation that meets your personal and financial requirements. Specific information is available on matters such as tenancy agreements, electricity and telephone connection and the purchase/rental of household goods.
Most students want to live within walking distance of an institute campus, but that is not always possible and is greatly determined by availability and cost. It can be more convenient to live further from the campus but be closer to shopping centres and transport.
The price of renting accommodation can vary greatly, depending on location, facilities and whether furniture is provided or not. It is recommended that you find something you like and compare with other accommodation in the same area.
One way to cut the accommodation costs is to share with other students. This is the most common type of accommodation chosen by students and is less expensive because you share the expenses.
The following accommodation options are available:
Homestay
Homestay offers you the opportunity to live with an Australian family, either for a few weeks or for the length of your stay in Brisbane. The advantage for you is that you can move into an established home with all your basic needs (meals, furniture, bedding and amenities) taken care of by the host family.
Most homestay homes are within walking distance of public transport or the family will arrange for you to be taken to transport. Living with a family will also give you a chance to practice your English conversation skills.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE refers all requests for homestay to the approved homestay providers BECAB (Brisbane Education Consultants and Brokers) and Earthbeat. For further information contact:
BECAB (Brisbane Educational Consultants and Brokers)
Website: www.becab.com.au
Email address: becab@becab.com.au
Phone: +61 7 3349 5789
Mobile 0414 095 791
Fax: +61 7 3420 5229
Earthbeat
Website: www.earthbeat.net.au
Email address: info@earthbeat.net.au
Phone: +61 7 3878 9897
Rental accommodation
Both Australians and international students enjoy living in rental accommodation. Renting a house or apartment gives you the chance to live on your own, or live with friends and share costs.
Rental costs are often cheaper than homestay fees and range from approximately $140 to $240 for an apartment or house depending on its furnishings (if any), location, size and quality. Most rental properties are unfurnished, so you may need to rent or purchase furniture and items such as crockery and cutlery.
Rental assistance and problem solving
As a tenant, you have rights and obligations which you should familiarise yourself with before you sign any document. Make sure you know all the costs and that you understand the documents you are about to sign. If you need any assistance contact either of the two organisations below.
The Rental Tenancies Authority (RTA) is a government established body which helps tenants with general advice. If you have problems with your landlord or real estate agent which cannot solve, you can lodge a dispute with the RTA who will then help resolve the problem through a formal process.
The Tenants' Union of Queensland is a state wide community organisation that provides services and represents residential tenants in Queensland. The union aims to improve the rights of Queensland tenants and offers information translated into several languages via their website.
Student houses
There are a range of student houses throughout Brisbane. You can share amenities with fellow students but have the privacy of your own room by staying in a student house.
Some student houses require you to cook your own meals but will have your bed linen and cooking utensils supplied. In addition, there is usually no bond or lease required. The cost varies from approximately $80 to $180 a week, depending on the accommodation house and its facilities/services and the length of stay.
Please Refer to the international student handbook [
PDF 1.2 mB] for more information on accommodation and associated needs and requirements.