8 Best Student Cities in Australia (2024)

Australia belongs to the top five study abroad destinations for international students. More than 300,000 international students travel to Australia to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies. Immigrants also flock to become residents in this country. With this popularity, you must have asked yourself what is with Australia that makes it alluring for other nationalities. For one, Australia has a small population compared to its large size. It also houses some of the best universities in the world. Its government puts a great deal of attention on improving the education system. Likewise, some of the most significant research innovations take their origin in Australia. Furthermore, the country enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world. The residents have access to healthcare and education, among other necessities of life. Finally, compared to the United Kingdom and the United States, Australia has more affordable tuition and living costs.

If you are looking to study in Australia, you will face a tough choice as to what city can provide you with the best university experience. This is because Australia has a number of cities which are most ideal for international students. From the highly urbanized communities to rather laidback ones, you can find a home in one of its many cities. Of course, your decision should be based on the following factors: the presence of respectable universities, affordable living costs such as accommodation, transportation, and food, convenience, comfort, safety, security, and availability of leisure activities. Studying in a foreign land is never easy, especially if you do not have friends or family members with you. This is why selecting a city is a crucial step so you can at least feel at ease, if not at home, in your new environment.

A great student city will be one that allows for outstanding education along with enjoyment for life in different surroundings. Allow us to guide you in choosing the best city for your international study experience in Australia. Below are 8 of Australia’s best cities and their defining features to help you decide.

Table of Contents

1. Study in Melbourne
2. Study in Sydney
3. Study in Canberra
4. Study in Brisbane
5. Study in Adelaide
6. Study in Perth
7. Study in Gold Coast
8. Study in Wollongong

Study in Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is considered as the biggest student city in Australia. It has 8 reputable universities, which have a total of 300,000 students. Of this number, around 100,000 are international students who find this city most appealing. In fact, Melbourne is considered the world’s second best student city, next to Paris in France. This recognition is primarily due to the presence of its universities, all of which belong to international university rankings. The University of Melbourne enjoys the highest prestige among universities in Australia. You can also find the Monash University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria University, RMIT University, and the University of Divinity. Whichever field you are interested in, you can find a place in one of Melbourne’s institutions. Hence, you can be sure that your university choice in Melbourne prides itself in giving you world-class education.

Melbourne has a pleasant climate which international students from all parts of the world can easily adapt to. Because of its location around the Port Phillip Bay area, Melbourne is surrounded by valleys and hills which allow for a constant change in season felt within the city. It also has rivers, creeks, and the Yarra River which contributes to an overall cool temperature.

Considered as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is home to cultural events particularly inclined with music, film, and sports. In this city, you can find an artistic landscape enveloped in a series of jazz music festivals, international film festivals, and the famous Melbourne Fringe Festival. Moreover, this city does not lack in cultural museums which can help you get acquainted with Australian traditions and history. For physically active students who seek sporting activities, you will not be disappointed in Melbourne as it is a city that holds regular sports competitions such as cricket, soccer, rugby, the Australian Open tennis, AFL matches, and Formula One race. You only need to go out and find the schedule of these games. More to this, you can witness Melbourne as a community when you go with them as they cheer for their teams.

Going around the city is very easy and affordable through the city’s integrated public transport comprised of taxis, buses, trams, and trains. International students would also find several accommodations with an ideal location. Generally, international students can find the most convenient lifestyle in Melbourne due to the city’s efficient transportation system, a large concentration of entertainment and commercial establishments, and ample accommodation options. In Melbourne, you have the chance to live in one of the world’s best cities for students. Would you dare miss this opportunity?

Study in Sydney

Another one of Australia’s perfect cities for international students is its largest city, Sydney. There are 230,000 enrolled students in Sydney. About 22% of this number (roughly 50,000) is composed of international students. Often mistaken to be Australia’s capital city, Sydney boasts of a number of universities globally ranked among the most competent institutions for higher learning. Their universities are known for topnotch research centers. Of course, there is the University of Sydney, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, and five other universities of equally superior academic instruction. International students can also enroll in the Australian Catholic University, University of New South Wales, Western Sydney University, University of Technology, Sydney, and Macquarie University. Students of foreign roots will find this city an ideal learning environment because of Sydney’s diversity. Since it houses a lot of immigrants and international students, the city’s population never fails to showcase their friendliness towards other cultures. You will have no worries in terms of assistance and amiability from the residents in Sydney.

The capital of New South Wales, Sydney is considered one of the world’s most livable cities. It has a populace of residents who have access to life’s curiosities and enjoyments. You can always spend a day exploring the city’s most iconic spots, such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay. You can also visit its lovely beaches when time allows. Sydney is surrounded by bodies of water, such as bays, coves, waterfronts, and rivers, and a plateau, giving the city a temperate climate.

Moreover, Sydney is Australia’s economic and financial centre. There are many firms that conduct their operation in Sydney; hence, international students will have a variety of opportunities for internship, training, or employment. Likewise, if you are based in Sydney, you can expect a higher salary compared to other locations. Because of the city’s prestige, it is also the most expensive city in Australia. You will find that accommodation, transportation, food, and other essential aspects of daily life cost higher in Sydney than in other parts of Australia. In return, expect to receive efficient service and quality products.

Sydney is for international students who like to enjoy life in its most convenient form. This is a city where the opportunity to get excellent education is coupled with a comfortable lifestyle.

Study in Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital and one of the best cities to study in Australia. It is currently home to 35,000 students, of which 9,000 (about a quarter) are from other countries. A large concentration of its student population is enrolled in the Australian National University (ANU), Australia’s number 1 university, which boasts of 7 research and teaching colleges plus several national institutes and academies. The ANU is a university which primarily focuses on research and post-graduate programs. Another reputable institution in the city is the University of Canberra which primary focus is on teacher training programs.

Most would describe Canberra as a master-planned city as its most distinguishable feature is a manmade lake at the center of grand infrastructures and accessible thoroughfares. Its climate, although seasonal, is generally agreeable and not difficult to deal with.

Despite being the capital of Australia, there are fewer residents in Canberra – something for international students who dislike a highly urbanite lifestyle such as that enjoyed in Melbourne and Sydney crowds. However, this does not mean that the city has lack of entertainment and commercial centers for social engagements. In fact, Canberra boasts of several restaurants which offer a variety of cuisines, particularly Asian and European. It also has parks, monuments, and important political venues for a holistic study experience. To study in Canberra is equivalent to living in a suburb which enjoys a mix of metropolitan and modest life.

Study in Brisbane

The capital of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia, Brisbane is another popular Australian city for international students. Among its 100,000 student population, 22% are foreign students. Brisbane is home to three major universities led by the University of Queensland — Brisbane’s research-focused institution. There are also regional universities located in the city, namely, Griffith University, Australian Catholic University, James Cook University, Southern Queensland University, and the University of the Sunshine Coast. These institutions are confident in producing graduates adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for the real competitive arena called employment.

One of the top reasons why international students love to stay in Brisbane is its sub-tropical climate. Even during the winters, the sun still peeks through. International students can also explore the city easily, as it has an efficient transportation system. You can even go from place to place through bicycles since Brisbane has extensive biking paths.

Brisbane is also a popular tourist destination – an edge which significantly contributes to its local economy. You can find a flourishing entertainment hub in Brisbane which caters to visiting tourists and international students. A large city with a prosperous economy, Brisbane can offer you several prospects in employment and internship. Moreover, it will be a relief to know that living in Brisbane is fairly affordable compared to the previous cities we have mentioned. Thus, if you want to spend your student life in an Australian city that is in the center of happenings but with a cheaper cost, choose Brisbane.

Study in Adelaide

Adelaide, the fifth largest city in Australia, successfully attracts international students to enroll in one of its universities. There are about 70,000 students in universities in Adelaide. Twenty-seven percent of the city’s student population (approximately 20,000) is composed of international students who wish to experience a high-quality life with the most affordable cost. The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Torrens University, and Flinders University are the most prestigious universities in Adelaide which accept foreign enrollees. The city has a culturally diverse student population, therefore, allowing for a free exchange of views and customs.

International students can find that Adelaide is a city that gives emphasis on recreational areas for its residents. Its design is a charming collection of leisure parks, boulevards lined with greens, and wide streets. It is a city where you can discover serenity in the midst of the cacophony of cars and crowds. It will also be a relief to know that Adelaide is an affordable city despite its many conveniences. It has an efficient transportation system contributed by the architecture of its wide roads; hence, traveling is easier. In addition, accommodations for international students are also cheaper in Adelaide. Adelaide also does not lack in terms of cultural activities for both its local and foreign constituents. It is the venue for festivals such as the Cabaret Festival, India Festival, and Guitar Festival, among others. Moreover, a trip to Australia’s finest vineyards is just a stone’s throw away. International students can discover more of nature through hiking and other outdoor activities in the popular Adelaide Hills.

Study in Perth

An Australian city most ideal for an active lifestyle is Perth. With about 35,000 international students, it is undoubtedly a popular student city in Australia. Despite its almost-isolated geography, Perth is able to entice foreign students in its top universities, particularly in the University of Western Australia and the Edith Cowan University. As a rapidly developing city, Perth has the second-highest cost of living in Australia. In return, you are guaranteed the achievement of the right work-life balance. As it is a prosperous city with a competitive economy, international students flock Perth for the availability of its employment options.

This is a city where one can enjoy the perks of an agreeable and outdoor climate as Perth usually has a sunny weather. Moreover, while in Perth, you can go to the loveliest beaches and parks if ever you need to breathe. As a student, you can bike around the city to go to your destination, and enjoy the suburban view along the way. You do not have to worry about entertainment centers in the area, too, as Perth has many. So, if you are someone who prefers a lifestyle with a touch of both the metropolis and nature’s lure, choose Perth.

Study in Gold Coast

With 52 km of golden sands and 300 sunny days in a year, Gold Coast proves to be another worthy location for an international student’s Australian study experience. Most of the city’s façade is composed of nature’s wonders, such as beaches ideal for surfing, subtropical rainforests, nature reserves, national parks, mountains, rock formations, and waterfalls. This is the reason why the city is famous for tourists visiting Australia. Its sub-tropical climate even adds to Gold Coast’s inviting features.

Besides its picturesque appearance, Gold Coast has competitive universities that accept international applicants. These universities are Griffith University (largest campus), Bond University, Central Queensland University, and the Southern Cross University. International students in Gold Coast will get the opportunity to study in a city where a quick beach escapade is always a possibility. Moreover, living in Gold Coast is considerably cheaper compared to other Australian cities. In fact, its universities (except Bond University as it has expensive tuition) have some of the cheapest tuition fees in the country. Nonetheless, despite the low cost, you will receive first-rate education quality.

If you love nature, Gold Coast may be the city you will feel most comfortable living in.

Study in Wollongong

Although a small city, Wollongong has characteristics which make it appealing for international students. Its top university, the University of Wollongong, has 27,000 students, 10,000 of which are international enrollees. Wollongong is a city for international students who do not want to be bothered by crowds and the hustle of city life. With its small population and abundance of beaches, you can never go wrong in choosing to study in this city.

Similar to Gold Coast, Wollongong has several beautiful beaches difficult to elude. It has a temperate climate which everyone can easily adapt to. Its summers are not too hot because of the sea breeze. International students are also welcome to its gastronomic centers which boast of cuisines from several parts of the world. Hence, Wollongong is a small city with wonders that can persuade you to enjoy a casual Australian student life.

Australia has a lot to offer. You have probably reached the same conclusion while browsing through our list. Each of its cities has an individual feature which makes it enticing for a specific group of international students. We have different preferences and lifestyle choices. In choosing a city for your study abroad journey, it is inevitable that such preferences will come to play. Our recommendation is to allow them so that you can choose a perfect location that matches your interests.

We genuinely wish you the best on your Australian journey!