Study Cairns

We would like to encourage all educational institutions across Tropical North Queensland to apply for the prestigious Premier’s Awards for International Education 2026.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work being delivered across our region and highlight the impact our institutions are making both locally and globally.
🗓 Applications close: 12 June 2026
If you require support in completing your application, you can also book online support sessions directly through the awards platform website.

Today, we celebrate the incredible mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures within our Study Cairns community and around the world.

To all the mums who support dreams across borders, encourage their children to pursue education, and make sacrifices so future generations can thrive — thank you. Your strength, love, and guidance shape communities and inspire futures.

At Study Cairns, we also acknowledge the many international students who are away from their mothers and families today. We hope you feel connected, supported, and surrounded by the caring community here in Cairns.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Study Cairns

Study Cairns continues to lead its delegation with its first visit to the region of South Sulawesi, with Makassar serving as the key economic and education hub of the province 🇮🇩
This visit marks a significant milestone as the first-ever International Education and Training delegation from Tropical North Queensland to South Sulawesi, building on the strong foundations established through the 22 MOUs signed with the region in 2025, including with Bosowa University.
In Makassar, the delegation was honoured to engage with Mr Todd Dias, the Australian Consul-General in Makassar, who officially opened the event — reinforcing the strong and growing ties between Australia and Indonesia in the education and training sector.
A key highlight of the visit was a roundtable discussion with the International Relations team at Bosowa University, focusing on creating and strengthening pathways for Indonesian students to study in Cairns.
The delegation also held a productive meeting with Dr Andy Lukman and his team at LLDIKTI IX, the Education Ministry of Makassar, continuing important conversations around collaboration, student mobility, and future opportunities. These discussions focused on building clear pathways for students across schools, higher education, and vocational training sectors.
Makassar has been an incredibly valuable stop — strengthening partnerships, opening doors, and creating long-term opportunities for the region.

Bree James - Barron River MP Australian Consulate-General, Makassar, Sulawesi Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Trade and Investment Queensland Study Queensland Cairns Regional Council Hermann Vorster MP Ros Bates MP Penny Wong - Senator for SA FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc

The first leg of Study Cairns’ inaugural International Education & Training delegation to Indonesia has kicked off in Bali 🇮🇩 — marking the first Queensland-led international education delegation to Indonesia in over six years. We were honoured to have the event officially opened by Jo Stevens, Australian Consul-General in Bali, whose support highlights the importance of strengthening education ties between Australia and Indonesia. We were also pleased to be joined by Lachlan Norton, Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Australian Consulate-General in Bali, Indonesia.
The Bali session brought together a strong network of education agents and partners, creating valuable conversations around pathways for Indonesian students to study, live, and work in Cairns.
The energy in the room was incredibly positive, with strong engagement and a shared interest in building long-term collaboration with Tropical North Queensland. With direct flights between Bali and Cairns, the opportunity to strengthen these connections is even more powerful.
This is exactly what this delegation is about — connecting people, creating opportunities, and positioning Cairns as a leading regional study destination.

Cairns Regional Council Study Queensland Trade and Investment Queensland FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc Ros Bates MP Bree James - Barron River MP Hermann Vorster MP Michael Healy MP Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Our Indonesia International Education Delegation has officially kicked off 🇮🇩
The journey began in Bali, bringing our delegation together for a special team-building experience — setting the tone for what’s ahead.
We had the privilege of visiting Moksa Restaurant, hosted by celebrity chef Chef Made Runatha. Known for its innovative plant-based and raw cuisine, Moksa offered a unique and memorable setting for our first gathering.
It was an afternoon filled with connection, laughter, and great conversations — with plenty of smiles all around. A perfect way to bring the team together before a week of meaningful engagements across Indonesia.
"As a region, we’re ready to take Cairns to the world and showcase the strength of our international education sector.” — Suha McCartney, Chief Executive, Study Cairns.

Trade and Investment Queensland Cairns Regional Council Study Queensland FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc

A sincere thank you to The Koala News for your continued support in highlighting the importance of international education in regional Australia.
We’re proud to see Cairns stepping back onto the international stage, with our upcoming International Education and Training delegation to Indonesia marking an important milestone—not just for our region, but for Queensland as a whole.
This initiative reflects the strength of our partnerships, the resilience of our sector, and our shared commitment to creating global opportunities for students and institutions alike.
We appreciate your role in sharing this story and helping amplify the impact of international education in Tropical North Queensland.

Cairns reconnects with Indonesia as Study Cairns leads first Queensland IET delegation in six years Cairns is stepping back onto the international stage, with Study Cairns announcing it will lead a major International Education and Training (IET)

Study Cairns was honoured to host a Breakfast Meeting in Brisbane on 22 August 2025, welcoming 22 higher education delegates from Indonesia and the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Sydney, Pendekar Muda Leonard Sondakh. The event was proudly supported by Trade and Investment Queensland and Study Queensland.

A highlight of the morning was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Study Cairns and LLDIKTI Region IX, representing 225 private universities across Sulawesi. The agreement, signed by Executive Officer Suha McCartney and Professor Andi Lukman, Head of LLDIKTI IX, will foster collaboration in student exchanges, academic partnerships, research, staff capacity building, and study tours.

Twelve Indonesian universities have joined hands with Study Cairns members, including JCU: James Cook University, Australia, TAFE Queensland, CQUniversity Australia, CCEB Cairns College of English & Business - RTO 40520, EIM Training RTO 31408 /EIM International Training RTO 32048, Sun Pacific College - English Language School Rto:41557 - Cricos:02748f, ACTIT - Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology, Union Institute of Language cricos:02529F, and Imperial Institute of Sydney

This milestone strengthens Cairns’ position as Queensland’s leading regional study destination and deepens educational ties between Australia and Indonesia.

Cairns Regional Council Cathy Zeiger - Div. 3 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Anna Middleton - Div.7 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Cr Brett Olds Deputy Mayor - Cairns Regional Council Trevor Tim - Div.4 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Rhonda Coghlan - Div. 8 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Kristy Vallely - Div.6 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Cairns Chamber of Commerce Indonesian Consulate General Sydney FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc

Study Cairns Leads Historic Mission to Indonesia.

This week, Study Cairns proudly became the first Queensland regional study cluster to visit Indonesia, launching our Indonesia Market Engagement Mission in Jakarta.
Together with the support of Trade and Investment Queensland, Study Queensland, and the Cairns Regional Council, we hosted a high-impact workshop with 28 education agents and representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Education.
A highlight of the workshop was the premiere of our specially produced Indonesia Market Video https://youtu.be/scx20ctnG28?feature=shared, showcasing Cairns through the voices of Indonesian students.

The workshop also featured live online presentations from several Cairns educational institutions, where they highlighted their offerings in detail. The event concluded with a lively and interactive Q&A session, fostering strong engagement between agents and institutions and setting the stage for deeper partnerships ahead.
Beyond the workshop, strategic meetings were held with the Australian Government Department of Education in Indonesia, Austrade Indonesia, BINUS University, and the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. Discussions explored opportunities for:
◾Micro-credential training programs in Cairns
◾English language and professional development study tours
◾Expanded university pathways, joint research, and one-year study programs
◾Greater access to the Australia Awards scholarship program

The mission now continues in Yogyakarta, with further high-level engagements, discussions on a Study Friendship City relationship, and new pathways into higher education.
This milestone reaffirms Cairns’ commitment to building global connections, creating new education pathways, and strengthening long-term partnerships with Indonesia.

JCU: James Cook University, Australia TAFE Queensland CQUniversity Australia CCEB Cairns College of English & Business - RTO 40520 EIM Training RTO 31408 /EIM International Training RTO 32048 Sun Pacific College - English Language School Rto:41557 - Cricos:02748f Peace Lutheran College Cairns State High School St Augustine's College Cairns Chamber of Commerce Cairns Young Chamber

Stand out from the crowd with a resume that gets you noticed in Australia!

Our Resume Writing Workshop is designed specifically for international students, giving you the tools to create a professional, targeted, and Australian-standard resume that stands out to employers.

When: Friday, 15 August 2025
Time: 2:30 PM
Where: Cairns Student Hub

You’ll discover how to:
◾Structure your resume for Australian employers
◾Showcase your skills, experience, and education effectively
◾Tailor your resume for different job roles
◾Present overseas qualifications with confidence

Don’t miss this chance to take the next step in your career journey.
Register now while spots last!



JCU: James Cook University, Australia TAFE Queensland CQUniversity Australia CCEB Cairns College of English & Business - RTO 40520 EIM Training RTO 31408 /EIM International Training RTO 32048 Study Queensland Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Welcoming Friends from Minami, Japan

Study Cairns was delighted to welcome our Sister City of Minami, Japan, for this year’s student delegation during their courtesy visit to Cairns Regional Council.
Mayor Amy Eden warmly welcomed the group with a gift exchange and a tour of the Council Chambers, followed by a light morning tea in the Courtyard. Study Cairns' Executive Officer, Suha McCartney, also delivered a welcome speech to the students, highlighting Cairns as a leading regional study destination and sharing how the Cairns Student Hub supports international students from their arrival, throughout their studies, and after graduation.

The visit was also graced by the presence of Japanese Consul Shingo Higashimoto, making this a truly special occasion for strengthening our international ties and fostering cultural exchange.



JCU: James Cook University, Australia TAFE Queensland CQUniversity Australia CCEB Cairns College of English & Business - RTO 40520 EIM Training RTO 31408 /EIM International Training RTO 32048 Sun Pacific College - English Language School Rto:41557 - Cricos:02748f Study Queensland Cairns Regional Council Anna Middleton - Div.7 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Trevor Tim - Div.4 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Cathy Zeiger - Div. 3 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Cr Brett Olds Deputy Mayor - Cairns Regional Council Kristy Vallely - Div.6 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council

Study Cairns was honoured to be invited by the Cairns Indonesian-Australian Association Inc. to join the vibrant celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day. The event brought together our diverse community, with distinguished guests including the President of FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc., the Japanese Consul Shingo Higashimoto, and the Indonesian Consulate General Sydney.

The celebration was also attended by the Cross-Cultural Liaison Unit of the Queensland Police Service, and a representative from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, who shared important information about the visa process.

It was a wonderful day of cultural pride, community connection, and shared stories, celebrating the spirit of unity that makes Cairns such a special place to live and study.

Terima kasih to the Cairns Indonesian–Australian Association for hosting this meaningful event and bringing our communities together.

JCU: James Cook University, Australia TAFE Queensland CQUniversity Australia CCEB Cairns College of English & Business - RTO 40520EIM Training RTO 31408 /EIM International Training RTO 32048 Sun Pacific College - English Language School Rto:41557 - Cricos:02748f Cairns Regional Council Cr Brett Olds Deputy Mayor - Cairns Regional Council Kristy Vallely - Div.6 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Cathy Zeiger - Div. 3 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Rhonda Coghlan - Div. 8 Councillor, Cairns Regional Council Study Queensland FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc