Study Townsville

⭐ Student Ambassador Experience - Exploring the waters around Magnetic Island ⭐

Crystle from Singapore, is undertaking a PhD in Natural and Physical Science at JCU: James Cook University, Australia and is a Student Ambassador with Study Townsville.

Recently our student ambassadors toured the coastal waters around Magnetic Island, Townsville to explore and learn about ecosystems, the Great Barrier Reef and the island's rich cultural history with Aquascene Magnetic Island.

Crystle shares her experience with us.

"Thanks to Study Townsville and the knowledgeable guides at Aquascene, I had the opportunity to explore Magnetic Island on what turned out to be an amazing excursion for the year. As we pulled into the island, we first learnt about the history of the island and how Maggie got her name. Captain Cook once believed his compass was disrupted by the island's geology, and we visited some precarious granite boulders balancing atop each other, which gave the whole place an added sense of intrigue before we had even entered the water.

Our first snorkel was at Geoffrey Bay, a site rich with both history and science. The Moltke shipwreck rests beneath its surface, and the bay holds genuine significance as a location for coral spawning research. The visibility was the clearest we'd ever seen, where shadows of the corals were already visible from the surface, although the water was bracingly cold. We drifted past a blue-spotted ray and marvelled at sprawling colonies of foliose Montipora coral, their layered fronds rising from the seafloor like an enormous underwater cabbage patch.

Whitfield Cove offered its own charisma too. A shy school of barracuda met me the moment I entered the water and darted away into a blur of turquoise waters. Later, we found an epaulette shark resting serenely on a dead plating coral. Between our cold snorkels, we sprinted up and down the beach of Radical Bay in an attempt to restore feeling to our limbs and watched as a huge grouper took refuge in the shadow of our boat's hull. Each of us couldn't be more grateful for some hot tea, fresh fruit and snacks on the sand.

What an incredible day out and a great way to take my mind off schoolwork for a change on the weekend. It's so lovely to spend time with all the other international students as well and explore some hidden gems of Townsville together."

📸 Crystle Wee and Study Townsville

⭐ Student Ambassador Experience - Photography Competition ⭐

Joel, from Singapore is studying a Bachelor of Science at JCU: James Cook University, Australia in Townsville and is a Student Ambassador with Study Townsville.

Joel is also a passionate photographer and recently entered the Townsville Annual Shell Show 2026 Photography Competition - and was awarded 2nd place! 🏆 Congratulations Joel!👏

Joel shares his experience with us.

"From 18 to 19 July, I had the privilege of attending, planning, and competing in the Townsville Annual Shell Show 2026. Hosted by the Townsville Shell Club, this two-day event bridges the gap between casual beachcombers and professional scientists, creating a vibrant forum for sharing knowledge about marine, land, and freshwater shells.

People travelled from all corners of Australia to mingle, exchange insights, and compete. Being involved behind the scenes in the planning process opened my eyes to the sheer scale of this community and the mind-blowing variety of mollusc species that exist all over the world. This year introduced a photography competition section, where I showcased my underwater photography of molluscs. I am proud to announce that I walked away with 2nd place!

The passion and dedication of the participants—many of whom contribute invaluable data to Queensland’s marine science division—were truly inspiring. I am deeply grateful to Study Townsville for sponsoring my competition photos and making this rewarding, educational experience possible."

📸 Joel Ng

Considering studying in Townsville as an international student?

Applying for an Australian Student visa can feel overwhelming, especially when there is so much conflicting advice online. Whether it’s advice from social media or stories from friends, it’s important to know the facts.

Read the Insider Guides article to discover the truth about Student visas, and apply with confidence.

The Biggest Myths About Australian Student Visas - Insider Guides Is a student visa an easy PR pathway? Can you stay in Australia once your student visa has expired? We answer all your visa questions.

📣 Attention International Students in Townsville!

Do you want to learn how to create the best LinkedIn Profile? Get more out of LinkedIn and Grow your Network?
Attend this FREE Workshop!

🗓 Date: Tuesday 26 May
⏰ Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm, lunch is included with the workshop
📍 Location: Engineering and Innovation Building, JCU Campus, Room 506-021 (ground floor)

Learn how to get the most out of a LinkedIn Profile!
• Best practice skills for LinkedIn
• How to create the best LinkedIn Profile
• Get the most out of your LinkedIn Profile as an employment tool
• Tips on how to grow your network
• Connect with other students

Lunch is included at the workshop. Limited spaces, register to attend today!

Register to attend here https://shorturl.at/yvmDl

Presented by Kellie Stephenson from Support Local With Kellie and Study Townsville.

This workshop is delivered with support from Townsville City Council.

LinkedIn and Networking - International Student Workshop Attend this free and informative workshop to learn more about LinkedIn and Networking, light lunch will be provided.

Applications for the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2026 are now open!

The Export Awards recognise the achievements, growth and success of Queensland’s exporters and their significant contribution to our state.

Whether you’re a small or large business, in the heart of Brisbane or in regional Queensland, the Export Awards are a great way to celebrate your export achievements and unlock opportunities to take your business further, faster.

Applications are now open and we encourage you to apply.

Download the Program Guidelines and book your free one-on-one session with TIQ’s Export Awards expert via the website.

Applications close 11.59pm Friday 12 June 2026.

Learn more here 🔗 https://shorturl.at/PUkKp

Study Queensland Trade and Investment Queensland

📣 Attention International Students in Townsville! Are you working in Australia on a Student Visa? Or would you like to learn about working in Australia on a Student Visa?

Attend this FREE Workshop!

This free and informative workshop will go through your work rights and entitlements and how you can get support while working in Australia.
Lunch is included at the workshop. Limited spaces, register to attend today!

Register to attend here 🔗 https://shorturl.at/lfcQC

Presented by Queensland Migrant WorkWise and Study Townsville

JCU: James Cook University, Australia

A long weekend is upon us in Townsville….check out What's On Townsville to plan your weekend 😎

⭐ Student Experience - International Education Roundtable ⭐

The Study Townsville Student Ambassador program offers opportunities to explore the region, connect socially and develop professional skills that compliment their study achievements.

The Student Ambassador program, with the support of Study Queensland, also presents unique opportunities to our international students through connections to Government and industry. These can include platforms for students to represent the international student community and share their experiences and feedback.

Chris from Germany, who is studying with TAFE Queensland in Townsville and is a Study Townsville Student Ambassador, was invited to participate in an online roundtable session with the Hon Julian Hill MP Assistant Minister for International Education and Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs. The roundtable was seeking feedback from students on their experiences as an international student in Australia, their concerns and where opportunities for an improved experience may be.

Chris shares his experience as a roundtable participant with us.

"In November 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in an international student roundtable with Assistant Minister Julian Hill as a Queensland international student representative. The roundtable created a space for open discussion about the realities of studying in Australia and allowed students to share their lived experiences directly with policymakers.

The discussion focused on international student wellbeing, cost-of-living pressures, housing availability, employment rights, and the overall support structures available to students from overseas. Mental health and wellbeing emerged as a central theme.

I mentioned how anti-immigration rallies can make students feel unsafe or unwelcome. Even if it’s not directly aimed at us, it can be stressful and make it harder to feel like we belong. Feeling safe and respected is really important for doing well at school, college or university, and feeling happy in the community.

My main takeaway from the roundtable was that there is strong interest from policymakers in hearing directly from international students."

📸 Chris

⭐ Student Ambassadors Showcasing International Education Experiences ⭐

In March, as part of a Trade and Investment Queensland Program, Study Queensland facilitated a series of engagements between the TIQ global network of Trade and Investment Commissioners and the international education and training (IET) sectors, including a visit to Townsville.

At an IET showcase event which focussed on North Queensland, hosted by JCU: James Cook University, Australia and Study Townsville, we shared an overview of the high quality education opportunities, lifestyle advantages and student support ecosystems available in North Queensland.

Study Townsville Student Ambassadors also attended this event with some presenting on the day sharing their individual experiences of living and studying in Townsville. This unique and valuable opportunity provided the students the platform to speak on behalf of the international student community, to meet with Townsville education sector representatives as well as the TIQ Trade and Investment Commissioners and Townsville City Council members such as Nick Dametto Mayor of Townsville and Councillor Andrew Robinson.

Student Ambassadors Emmanuel, Muliyana and Daphne each did a fantastic job presenting at this event and we are grateful for their participation. We are also thankful to St Patrick's College Townsville who attended with one of our secondary students in the Study Townsville Student Ambassador program from the college, Mary Kay.

📸 JCU: James Cook University, Australia and Study Townsville

⭐ Student Story ⭐

Muliyana, from Indonesia, is undertaking a PhD at JCU: James Cook University, Australia and is an international student who has chosen to study, and live, in Townsville with her family allowing them to also experience this unique opportunity together. Muliyana shares her experience which is providing life long memories, not only for her, but also for her children.

"My husband and three children have joined my 4-year PhD adventure. It then becomes our family’s adventure in Townsville.
I am also grateful that Townsville shares almost similar the tropical climate as in Indonesia, so we can adapt smoothly to the life of this lovely city. My family, especially the kids, can tolerate with the friendly winter and love doing outdoor activities during sunny days. We love exploring many parks and beaches after work hours or early morning on weekends."

Read about Muliyana's experience in a Tropical Home for Family, Research, and Adventure here 🔗 https://shorturl.at/kDKh6

📸 Muliyana Arifudin

Townsville: A Tropical Home for Family, Research, and Adventure - Study Townsville Muliyana, from Indonesia, is undertaking a PhD at James Cook University (JCU) and is an international student who has chosen...