making it one of the best cities to study in Australia. Why?
Students love Australia for its great schools, diverse cultures, and fun lifestyles.
“Australia’s growing number of international students shows its excellent education and rich culture.”
From busy cities to peaceful beach towns, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want the most livable city or a top study spot, Australia’s best cities to study in Australia are ready to welcome you.
Australia is a popular place for students from other countries. Its cities have different experiences and great schools to choose from.
Cities like Melbourne and Sydney have top universities and fun student activities. Adelaide and Brisbane are cheaper places to live.
Think about your money and how you want to live. Costs can be between AUD 1,200 and AUD 3,000 each month, depending on the city.
Melbourne has some of the best universities in the world. The University of Melbourne, started in 1853, is one of Australia’s oldest schools. It is ranked 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This makes it a popular choice for students from other countries. Its acceptance rate for international students is about 70-80%, so many can apply.
Other great universities in Melbourne are Monash University, RMIT University, and La Trobe University. These schools offer many programs and are known for their high-quality education.
| Category | Ranking/Statistic |
|---|---|
| World University Rankings 2025 | 39th |
| Arts and Humanities 2025 | 48th |
| Business and Economics 2025 | 40th |
| Medical and Health 2025 | 20th |
| Computer Science 2025 | 50th |
| Education Studies 2025 | =16th |
| Law 2025 | 11th |
Living in Melbourne can be expensive, but you can plan to save. You might need AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,500 each month for rent, food, and travel. Sharing a house or using student discounts can lower costs.
Melbourne has an exciting student life with people from everywhere. Many Indian students also study here. The city has lots of cafes, parks, and libraries for relaxing or studying. Fun events like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Moomba Festival happen every year.
Melbourne is one of the best cities for students worldwide. Its public transport makes traveling easy. The city is famous for its coffee, street art, and sports like the Australian Open.
“Melbourne mixes top-notch education with a fun lifestyle, making it perfect for international students.
Sydney has some of the best universities in the world. The University of Sydney is ranked 18th globally. It is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected schools. The University of New South Wales is also highly ranked at 19th worldwide. These schools offer many programs and are known for great research. They also have students from many different countries.
| Statistic Description | Value |
|---|---|
| International students in Australian universities | About 25% of all university students |
| Percentage in top universities | Over 30%, up to 66% in business schools |
| International students in total population | 3.6% of Australia’s population |
| Economic value of education in NSW | $11.3 billion |
| Education as an export industry | Third largest, worth $32.4 billion |
Sydney is a great city for students but costs a lot. You’ll need AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,000 monthly for rent, food, and travel. Sharing a home or living in student housing can save money. Public transport is good, and student discounts make it cheaper.
Sydney is full of life and fun for students. It has people from many cultures, including lots of Indian students. This makes it easy to feel welcome. The city has famous spots like Bondi Beach and the Opera House. You can visit zoos, markets, and enjoy festivals. Whether you like art, sports, or nature, Sydney has it all.
Sydney offers top education and an exciting lifestyle. Its universities, cultural mix, and landmarks attract students worldwide. The sunny weather and beaches make it even better for studying and exploring.
Sydney’s mix of great schools and fun city life makes it a top pick for students everywhere.
Brisbane has some of the best universities in Australia. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is famous for practical learning and research. It is well-known for engineering, technology, and business programs.
Other great schools include the University of Queensland (UQ), part of the Group of Eight, and Griffith University, which focuses on sustainability and creative arts.
| Ranking Source | World Rank | Australia Rank |
|---|---|---|
| QS Top University Rankings 2022 | #47 | #5 |
| THE World University Rankings 2022 | #54 | #3 |
| US News Best Global Universities | #36 | N/A |
These universities welcome students from all over the world, including many from India.
Brisbane has a fun and active student life. The city is sunny, friendly, and full of outdoor activities. There are many cafes, parks, and events to enjoy. South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane River are great places to relax or hang out with friends.
Festivals like the Brisbane Festival and Valley Fiesta celebrate art, music, and food. With its welcoming vibe, Brisbane is a top choice for international students.
Brisbane offers great schools, affordable living, and a fun lifestyle. Its warm weather and outdoor spots make it perfect for studying and exploring.
Brisbane’s mix of great education and relaxed charm makes it a top pick for students everywhere.
Adelaide has some of Australia’s best universities for students. The University of Adelaide is famous for research and teaching. It ranks high in global lists for academics and research. Over 9,000 students from 100+ countries study here. The school offers a welcoming and diverse environment.
Here’s a look at what makes its reputation strong:
| Indicator | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Reputation | 30% |
| Employer Reputation | 15% |
| Faculty Student Ratio | 10% |
| Citations per Faculty | 20% |
| International Faculty Ratio | 5% |
| International Student Ratio | 5% |
| International Research Network | 5% |
| Employment Outcomes | 5% |
| Sustainability | 5% |
Other schools like Flinders University and the University of South Australia also have great programs and diverse students.
Adelaide is one of the cheapest cities for students in Australia. You’ll need AUD 1,300 to AUD 2,000 monthly for rent, food, and travel. Sharing a home or living in student housing can save money. Public transport is reliable and offers student discounts.
Adelaide is calm and friendly, perfect for student life. The city has festivals like Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide for art and music lovers. There are cafes, parks, and beaches to relax after school. Its multicultural vibe helps students feel welcome, including many Indian students.
Adelaide offers great schools and affordable living. Its fun events, welcoming community, and top education make it a great choice for students.
Adelaide’s mix of low costs, diversity, and great schools makes it ideal for international students.
Perth has some of Australia’s best schools for learning and research. The University of Western Australia (UWA) is part of the Group of Eight, known for strong research programs. UWA ranks high worldwide:
| Ranking Source | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 72nd |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 143rd |
| Best Global Universities Rankings | 83rd |
Other schools like Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and Murdoch University also stand out. These universities welcome students from many countries, making Perth lively and diverse.
Perth is a top city for students, offering good schools and low costs. Its sunny weather, diverse culture, and fun activities make it a great choice. Whether visiting Kings Park or enjoying art festivals, Perth has something for everyone.
Perth’s mix of affordable living, great schools, and friendly vibes makes it perfect for students everywhere.
Canberra, the capital of Australia, has top-rated universities. The Australian National University (ANU) is famous worldwide for its research and teaching. It is often ranked among the best universities globally. Another great school is the University of Canberra, known for hands-on learning and career-focused programs.
Here’s how Canberra’s universities are ranked:
| Ranking Source | Year | Global Rank | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Financial Review | 2024 | #26 | N/A |
| QS World University Rankings | 2025 | #403 | 25th |
| Times Higher Education | 2025 | #401–500 | 26–33rd |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities | 2024 | #801–900 | 30th |
| U.S. News & World Report | 2024–2025 | #694 | 29th |
Living in Canberra can cost a lot, especially for students. ANU says you’ll need over $31,000 yearly for rent, food, and travel. This is more than what the government suggests for student budgets. To save money, you can share housing or use public transport. The city’s buses are reliable and affordable for students.
Canberra has a mix of young people, making it lively yet calm. It’s a great place to study and relax. There are many cafes, museums, and outdoor spots like Lake Burley Griffin to enjoy. Events like the National Multicultural Festival celebrate different cultures, helping Indian and other international students feel welcome.
Canberra is one of the top cities for students in Australia. It offers excellent schools and a friendly environment. The city’s focus on education and innovation makes it exciting for learning. From visiting the Australian War Memorial to enjoying nature, Canberra balances study and fun perfectly.
Canberra’s mix of great schools, cultural variety, and peaceful vibes makes it a top choice for students.
The Gold Coast has some of Australia’s best universities. Bond University is known for happy graduates and ranks first in the country. It offers small classes and hands-on learning for a personal touch. Central Queensland University (CQU) is another great choice. Over half of its students are from other countries. Students from more than 100 nations study here, creating a lively and diverse campus.
The Gold Coast is a budget-friendly city for students. Housing options include homestays and shared apartments. Living costs are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne but still offer a good lifestyle. You’ll likely spend AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,200 monthly on rent, food, and travel. Public transport is dependable, and student discounts help save money.
Life on the Gold Coast is fun and relaxed. You can enjoy sunny beaches, outdoor activities, and a friendly community. Events like the Bleach Festival and Surfers Paradise Live celebrate art and music. Many Indian students pick the Gold Coast for its welcoming vibe and diverse culture. Whether surfing at Burleigh Heads or visiting markets, there’s always something fun to do.
The Gold Coast offers great schools and a relaxed lifestyle. Its universities attract students worldwide, making it a top student city in Australia. Affordable living, sunny weather, and exciting activities make it perfect for international students.
The Gold Coast blends education, low costs, and fun, making it a favorite for students everywhere.
Hobart is Tasmania’s capital and offers great learning options. The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is its main school. UTAS is known for marine studies, environmental science, and creative arts. Students from many countries, including India, study here. Its programs are innovative, and the campus is welcoming.
Here’s how Hobart’s university ranks in different areas:
| Ranking Source | Rank | Category |
|---|---|---|
| College Factual 2024 | 475 | Best Overall Colleges |
| The Wall Street Journal 2024 | 4 | Best Student Experience |
| The Princeton Review 2024 | 13 | Best Alumni Network |
| The Princeton Review 2024 | 14 | Best for Internships |
| The Princeton Review 2024 | 17 | Career Services |
| The Princeton Review 2024 | 18 | Happiest Students |
| U.S. News & World Report 2025 | 74 | Best Liberal Arts Colleges |
| U.S. News & World Report 2025 | 53 | Best Value Schools |
| Forbes 2024-25 | 195 | Top Rated Colleges |
Hobart is one of Australia’s cheapest cities for students. You’ll spend AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,000 monthly on rent, food, and transport. Sharing a house or living in student housing saves money. Public transport is reliable, and the city is small. Walking or biking is easy for getting around.
Hobart has a relaxed but fun student life. The city is surrounded by nature, like Mount Wellington and Derwent River. You can visit Salamanca Market or MONA museum. Outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking are popular. Hobart’s multicultural vibe makes everyone feel welcome. Festivals and local restaurants add to the fun.
Hobart offers good schools, low costs, and a peaceful lifestyle. It’s perfect for students who love nature and small communities. The city focuses on sustainability and innovation, making it a great place to study.
Hobart’s mix of great schools, low costs, and natural beauty makes it special for international students.
Newcastle has the University of Newcastle, known worldwide for great teaching. It ranks in the top 200 universities globally. The school offers programs like engineering, medicine, and business. These courses prepare students for their future jobs.
The campus is modern and has excellent facilities. Students and teachers work together to create a friendly and helpful environment.
Newcastle is one of Australia’s cheaper cities for students. You’ll spend AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,000 monthly on rent, food, and transport. Sharing housing or living in student accommodations can save money. Public transport is reliable and affordable, making travel easy.
Newcastle is lively and welcoming for students. Clubs like DentSoc help you meet new friends. Mental health support, like Wellbeing Advisors, is available for students.
The city has beaches, parks, and cafes for relaxing or socializing. Events like Surfest and the Newcastle Writers Festival make the city exciting.
Newcastle offers great schools and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s affordable, friendly, and near the coast, making it ideal for students. From cultural events to natural beauty, Newcastle gives students a balanced experience.
Newcastle’s mix of low costs, community, and great schools makes it perfect for students.
Wollongong has the University of Wollongong (UOW), known worldwide for learning. UOW is famous for its research and academic success. Its online research library had over 19,000 visits and 10,000 downloads in six months. This shows how much its research is used and valued. Popular subjects include technology, engineering, and business. Many research papers are shared online, helping the university get more attention globally. Open access to studies has increased citations, improving its global reputation.
Living in Wollongong costs less than in big cities like Sydney. You’ll spend about AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,000 monthly on rent, food, and transport. Sharing a home or staying in student housing can save money. Public transport is cheap and reliable, making it easy to travel around.
Wollongong offers a great mix of study and fun. The city has beautiful beaches and mountains for outdoor adventures. You can surf at North Wollongong Beach or hike in the Illawarra Escarpment. Cultural events and festivals make the city lively and exciting. UOW’s campus is full of activities, clubs, and support services to help students feel welcome.
Wollongong gives students top education and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. It’s affordable, surrounded by nature, and has a friendly community. Whether studying or enjoying the outdoors, Wollongong offers a balanced and enjoyable experience.
Wollongong’s mix of great education and beachside living makes it a top choice for international students.
Australia has some of the top cities for students worldwide. Each city offers something special for international students. If you like Melbourne’s lively culture or Adelaide’s low costs, there’s a city for you.
Here’s a simple overview of what makes these cities unique:
| City | Special Feature |
|---|---|
| Melbourne | 2nd most livable city with top-ranked universities. |
| Sydney | 3rd most livable city and 4th best for students globally. |
| Adelaide | One of Australia’s cheapest cities, great for international students. |
| Brisbane | Offers lower living costs than many other Australian cities. |
When picking a student city in Australia, think about your budget and lifestyle. Check out the universities and look for scholarships. Australia spends over $300 million yearly on scholarships to help students.
It depends on your preferences! Melbourne offers vibrant culture, Sydney has iconic landmarks, and Adelaide is budget-friendly. Choose based on your lifestyle and budget.
Yes! You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks during the semester. It’s a great way to earn extra money and gain experience.
💡 Tip: Always check your visa conditions to ensure you follow work regulations.
