Why study in Toowoomba?
Toowoomba, also known as the Garden City, is a vibrant, modern, progressive community with the attractions of capital cities around the world. It is Australia's second largest inland city, with a population of 100 000 residents. Toowoomba is renowned for being one the most livable cities in Australia with world-class facilities, gardens and parks and beautiful tree-lined streets.
The city has earned a reputation as a popular location for international students due to the low cost of living, pleasant climate, easy transport, education, health and sporting facilities. It is an education hub of both Queensland and Australia, with one of the highest ratios of education facilities per head of population in the nation.
Toowoomba has been voted "the most livable city in Australia" twice in the past 10 years and enjoys very appealing standards of living. It has been recognised nationally for Environmental Innovation.
Major attractions
There is a diverse and rich cultural, sporting and social community with theatres, restaurants, galleries, vineyards, live music and interest groups active in the city and surrounds. There are markets within the greater Toowoomba area every weekend.
There are a number of annual celebrations which attract visitors from across the world. The Carnival of Flowers is held through Spring and includes many community events and public celebrations. Easterfest is a celebration held over the Easter period which attracts performers and international visitors.
Climate
With one of the most attractive climates in the country, Toowoomba has been likened to temperate climates around the world. Sitting atop the Great Dividing Range, with an altitude of more than 7OOm, the city experiences a cooler climate with much less humidity than coastal centres. During the four distinct seasons, summer days range from 16.6C to 27.6C, while winter days are between 5.3C and 6.3C on average.
Transport
Walking and cycling are popular ways to get around Toowoomba and significant resources have been put into infrastructure with pathways stretching across the city and through the 240 picturesque parks and public gardens.
It is a 15-minute walk from the TAFE campus to the central business district along tree-lined streets and through parks. A number of bus services operate around the city centre and have regular drop-off and pick-up stops outside the campus doors. A number of taxi companies service the community.
The city is a two hour drive from the State capital, Brisbane, and also from the internationally renowned Surfer's Paradise. Public transport is easy to access with regular buses and inter-state coach lines running to and from Toowoomba and the rest of Queensland.
Work opportunities
Many employers utilise the extensive network of TAFE staff to offer work opportunities. Students often use their work placement as a beginning to full employment. Toowoomba has numerous employment agencies to assist students in finding part-time work in food and hospitality, retail, rural (vegetable picking) and many other industries.