Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is one of the best places in the country to study English. With a warm climate, welcoming atmosphere, and a vibrant student community, many international students head there yearly. There are world-class universities, high-quality language schools, and private tutoring options for anyone wanting to learn English.

Let's explore some of the city's finest places to study English and the options available for those who'd like to consider studying with a private English tutor in Brisbane (or anywhere else in the world).

The best ESL tutors available
Richard
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Leonie
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Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
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Richard
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Richard
$60
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Kylie
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Kylie
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Viral
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4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
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Lyle
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4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
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Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
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1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

Why Learn English in Brisbane?

Several top-ranking universities and English schools offer English options for students of every level. While most international students might think of studying English in Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane has a lot to offer.

Brisbane waterfront with a Ferris Wheel.
Brisbane is a popular choice for studying English and just visiting. | Photo by Alice Duffield

You can choose from many programs: General English, Academic English, Business English, or IELTS Preparation. Since every student has different goals when it comes to learning English, it's important that they find a course (or tutor) that can offer them the right pathway to their goals.

Brisbane also offers students real-life learning opportunities. The city allows them to practice English in real-life situations, such as interacting with locals in cafés and shops, joining conversation clubs, and participating in other student activities in English.

Those who want to study at a university in Australia, whether you're studying English in Darwin, Melbourne, Brisbane, or anywhere else, can also learn English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and use it to gain admission onto university courses (provided they meet the other requirements).

Langports English Language College

Langports English Language College was established in 2004 and is known for providing high-quality English language programs.

It's in the heart of Brisbane and has modern facilities, such as air-conditioned classrooms, a library, and recreational areas.

A multicultural college, Langports prides itself on welcoming learners from over 50 nationalities, meaning that students from anywhere in the world will feel welcome.

If you're looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, studying English in Perth is highly recommended.

Courses Offered

UFO English Program – A unique course structure allowing students to focus on their specific needs in Use, Focus, and Option classes, ensuring personalized learning experiences.
Cambridge Preparation Courses (FCE, CAE, CPE) – Intensive courses that prepare students for Cambridge English examinations, recognized globally by employers and educational institutions.
IELTS Preparation – Comprehensive training to help students achieve desired scores in the IELTS test, essential for university admissions and visa applications.
TOEIC Preparation – Courses designed to enhance English proficiency in a business context, preparing students for the TOEIC test.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Tailored for students pursuing higher education in Australia, focusing on academic writing, research skills, and critical thinking.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of City Language Centre Brisbane.

City Language Centre

  • 📍 Address: Ground Floor, 343 Albert St, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (07) 3210 0522
  • 📧 Email: info@langports.com

Shafston International College

Shaftston International College was established in 1996. Since then, it's provided education to over 120,000 students from over 100 different countries in Brisbane.

A diverse range of English language courses, vocational education, and university pathway programs are available. You can find it in the riverside suburb of Kangaroo Point.

There are several exam preparation courses for students interested in preparing for official English exams.

Brisbane from the air.
Brisbane has more English language centres than just the ones in this article. | Photo by Jesse Collins

Courses Offered

General English – Designed to improve everyday communication skills, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
IELTS Preparation – Comprehensive training to help students achieve desired scores in the IELTS test, essential for university admissions and visa applications.
Cambridge Exam Preparation (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE) – Intensive courses that prepare students for various Cambridge English examinations, recognized globally by employers and educational institutions.
TOEIC Preparation – Courses designed to enhance English proficiency in a business context, preparing students for the TOEIC test.
High School Preparation – Tailored programs to equip younger students with the necessary English language skills for successful integration into Australian high schools.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of Shafston International College Brisbane.

Shafston International College

  • 📍 Address: 46 Thorn Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, QLD 4169, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (07) 3249 4111
  • 📧 Email: info@shafston.edu
The best ESL tutors available
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (47 reviews)
Richard
$70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Leonie
5
5 (33 reviews)
Leonie
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Henry
5
5 (19 reviews)
Henry
$45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
4.9
4.9 (18 reviews)
Richard
$60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Kylie
5
5 (12 reviews)
Kylie
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Viral
4.9
4.9 (92 reviews)
Viral
$40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lyle
4.9
4.9 (12 reviews)
Lyle
$35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Emma
5
5 (14 reviews)
Emma
$50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

Browns English Language School

Browns English Language School has campuses in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Melbourne.

The Brisbane campus is in the city's shopping and dining district, where students can learn in a vibrant and immersive environment.

With a range of different courses and some interesting specialist courses, it's worth considering, especially if you have rather unique reasons for studying English.

Courses Offered

Intensive General English – Designed to enhance overall communication skills, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Prepares students for academic studies in English-speaking institutions, emphasizing academic writing, research skills, and critical thinking.
IELTS Exam Preparation – Offers comprehensive training to help students achieve desired scores in the IELTS test, which is essential for university admissions and visa applications.
Cambridge Exam Preparation (FCE, CAE) – Intensive courses that prepare students for various Cambridge English examinations, recognized globally by employers and educational institutions.
Barista@BROWNS English Language School – Combines English language learning with barista training, equipping students with practical skills for employment in Australia's vibrant café industry.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of Browns English Language School Brisbane.

Browns English Language School

  • 📍 Address: Level 8, 102 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (07) 3221 7871
  • 📧 Email: info@browns.edu.au

International House Brisbane – ALS

International House Brisbane – ALS is one of Brisbane's top language schools. In addition to the English language courses offered, there are also vocational education and training (VET) courses.

However, today, we're only really interested in their English courses. There are exam prep courses, academic courses, and even tailored courses.

It's conveniently located on Adelaide Street, but if you want to study English in Adelaide itself, there are also plenty of great options there, too!

A bridge in Brisbane at sunset.
Many students from all over the world are welcomed to Brisbane to study English. | Photo by Joshua Willson

Courses Offered

General English – Enhances everyday communication skills, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
IELTS Preparation – Provides comprehensive training to help students achieve desired scores in the IELTS test, which is essential for university admissions and visa applications.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Prepares students for academic studies in English-speaking institutions, emphasizing academic writing, research skills, and critical thinking.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) – Tailored courses focusing on English language skills required for specific industries or professions.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of International House Brisbane – ALS.

International House Brisbane – ALS

  • 📍 Address: Level 1, 126 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (07) 3229 3389
  • 📧 Email: info@ihbrisbane.com.au

LSI Brisbane

LSI Brisbane belongs to the global Language Studies International network, which offers high-quality English courses worldwide and in the heart of Brisbane.

It features modern facilities and experienced instructors to provide an engaging learning environment for students worldwide.

Brisbane is its only location in Australia, so if you're thinking about studying English in Canberra, you'll have to look at some of the other great centres there.

Courses Offered

General English – Designed to improve everyday communication skills, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Intensive English – A comprehensive program for rapid language improvement, suitable for students seeking quick progress.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Prepares students for academic studies in English-speaking institutions, emphasizing academic writing, research skills, and critical thinking.
IELTS Preparation – Offers targeted training to help students achieve desired scores in the IELTS test, which is essential for university admissions and visa applications.
Cambridge Exam Preparation (FCE, CAE) – Intensive courses that prepare students for various Cambridge English examinations, recognized globally by employers and educational institutions.
Business English – Focuses on enhancing professional communication skills, including business writing, presentations, and negotiations.

Contact Information

Map highlighting the location of LSI Brisbane.

LSI Brisbane

  • 📍 Address: Unit 6/133 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill QLD 4000, Australia
  • 📞 Phone: (07) 3221 6977
  • 📧 Email: brisbane@lsi.edu

Superprof

Superprof is one of the top online platforms for connecting students with tutors. It can help you find tutors for almost any skill or subject you can think of anywhere in the world, including Brisbane and across Australia.

The website allows you to find a tutor whether you want to learn English (or anything else) face-to-face or online. Search for "English" on the Superprof website and browse the profiles of tutors in Brisbane and online tutors worldwide.

You can look for tutors offering specific skills like academic English, business English, IELTS preparation, or conversational English.

Brisbane skyline and waterfront at night.
Learn English in your lessons and then head into the city to use your language skills in real-life situations. | Photo by Hayden

With so many tutors offering the first session for free, you can try a few options before choosing the one that's right for you and what you want to learn.

Face-to-face tutoring usually offers the best value since every minute in a session can be spent focusing on a student. However, online tutoring is often cheaper for subjects like languages and is just as effective as in-person learning.

Students on a particularly tight budget should consider group tutoring. While this won't offer as much personalisation as one-on-one tutoring, it does allow groups of friends, families, or even strangers to share the cost of a private English tutor's time.

Since private English tutors can tailor their courses to the students, they can essentially offer any class offered by the language centres we've already discussed.

Courses Offered

General English – Improve overall communication skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) – Get specialised support for university studies, essay writing, and research skills.
Business English – Learn industry-specific language, professional communication skills, and business writing techniques.
IELTS and TOEFL Preparation – Work with expert tutors to develop strategies for achieving high scores in English proficiency tests.
Conversational English – Practice speaking and pronunciation with native or fluent English tutors.
English for Work and Travel – Learn essential communication skills for working and travelling in Australia.

Contact Information

🌐 Website: www.superprof.com.au

📍 Location: Online and Face-to-Face Options Available

To learn more about the tutoring and tutors available, search for "English" on the Superprof website today.

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Kellie Nissen

Kellie is an editor, a children's writer, blogger and a teacher. Any remaining time she has is spent on a dragon boat.