Australia is a prime pick for students worldwide. The Land Down Under blends world-class education with exciting lifestyles ranging from buzzing urban vibes to sunny coastal chill. Whichever scene you prefer, Australia’s beautiful cities cater to both academic ambitions and personal growth.
The benefits of finding the right city for your studies cannot be overstated; that’s why Remitly is here to guide you. We’ll break down Australia’s top cities for international students, weighing factors like livability, proximity to world-renowned universities, and cultural vibrancy to help you find your ideal match.
Key factors for selecting a city for student life
Before choosing the city you want to study in, consider the following factors to find one that fits your lifestyle and goals:
Educational quality and university rankings
Ensure the city you opt for has strong academic institutions in your field of study. Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne host globally recognised academic institutions that provide diverse courses, cutting-edge research, and networking opportunities. Choosing a city with a strong academic reputation can enhance your credentials.
Key markers for educational quality include the following:
- Teaching excellence, measured by student satisfaction, staff qualifications, and research output.
- Resource availability, such as access to labs, libraries, and industry links.
- Learning outcomes, like the number of graduates pursuing further study or those who landed full-time jobs.
- University rankings from Times Higher Education or QS World University Rankings may provide further insights into institutional performance and prestige.
Are you leaning toward vocational training instead? Technical and Further Education (TAFE) locations like Perth or Brisbane offer robust programs tied to local industries, giving you a competitive edge.
Lifestyle and cultural attractions
A city’s vibe, social scene, and recreational activities are crucial when evaluating the best place to be in Australia. For example, Melbourne has an artsy feel that suits creative types, while Brisbane boasts a laid-back, sunny vibe that may appeal to students who love the outdoors.
As an international student new to the country, understanding the diverse lifestyles and cultural attractions distinct to each region is crucial to settling in.
Lifestyle encompasses aspects of daily living that can impact comfort and wellbeing, including cost, climate, access to amenities, and pace of life. Bigger urban centres are often more costly and offer a fast-paced lifestyle, but provide a broader student mix. Meanwhile, smaller cities like Hobart and Adelaide are relatively cheaper and more relaxed.
Cultural attractions such as arts, food, history, and nightlife also enrich your experience, offering inspiration and a sense of belonging.
However, choosing a city with a lifestyle that doesn’t suit you can dampen your experience and even affect your mental health. For instance, Adelaide’s quiet streets could feel isolating for outgoing university students, while Sydney’s hustle and bustle may overwhelm others.
The good news is that Australia’s diverse regions offer something for just about any personality type.
Living costs and housing options
The top priority for many university students is living within a budget. Cities with higher rent might stretch you thin, leaving you with less money for necessities. On the other hand, a more livable city prioritises affordability—a difference that could mean saving thousands of dollars over the course of your degree.
Sydney and Melbourne are known for their high cost of living and limited—but highly in-demand—housing. However, smaller cities like Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, and Brisbane present more accessible and affordable options.
Career prospects
Choosing a city with links to your field increases employability. Sydney’s financial and technological hub status or Perth’s mining boom could provide valuable internship or full-time roles for qualified graduates.
Think about building networks, too. Major cities will likely host more industry events, alumni forums, and guest lectures than Outback towns, for instance. You can leverage these networking opportunities to give your career a boost.
Top 7 cities for vibrant student experiences
1. Melbourne: Australia’s culture, arts, and sporting capital
Melbourne blends elite education with rich cultural attractions, creative arts, and a booming sports scene easily accessible to students. It is home to top institutions like the University of Melbourne and Monash University, both globally renowned.
Melbourne can be a great option if you’re looking for world-class education, research, and broad course options. The city’s streets are packed with art, cafes, and hidden bars.
You can immerse yourself in Australian culture through festivals like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Sports is another cornerstone of the city’s vibrant student life, hosting major tournaments such as the Australian Open, Football League, Australian Grand Prix, and Melbourne Cup.
2. Sydney: the iconic harbour city
Sydney is a global icon, pairing quality tertiary education with a glamorous, beach-meets-city lifestyle. It is an action-packed city loaded with opportunities.
Anchored by its stunning harbour, Sydney boasts top global universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. They rank 18th and 19th in the QS World University Rankings, indicating their academic prowess.
The memorable harbour adds to its bustling, cosmopolitan vibe, with well-known landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. You can also enjoy stunning waterfront views, nature trails, and an electric social scene that keeps students engaged.
3. Brisbane: sunny weather and renowned universities
Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, combines academic excellence, a warm climate, and a growing cultural scene, making the student experience as vibrant as it can get.
Academically, Brisbane is home to some well-renowned universities. These include the University of Queensland, known for its role in developing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, as well as Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University.
The city’s subtropical climate is ideal for active, sun-loving students who thrive outdoors. You can also enjoy comfortable river swims, study sessions in the park, or rooftop drinks at one of the city’s eclectic clubs.
4. Adelaide: affordable and friendly environment
Given its affordable cost, Adelaide punches above its weight with the quality of education and lifestyle it delivers. The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia are solid options for high-quality academic offerings.
Adelaide is a game-changer for budget-conscious students. Rent, food, transport, and fun activities cost significantly less than in the bigger cities. Meanwhile, cultural sites like the Adelaide Oval enhance the student experience without adding financial strain.
The city’s friendly environment makes it easy for international students to form new relationships and settle into university life smoothly. With a population of 1.3 million, Adelaide is big enough for variety and small enough to feel like home.
5. Perth: a city with a laid-back lifestyle
Perth is your go-to city if you’re looking for a vibrant experience yet relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. It is Western Australia’s capital, so you can expect world-class education and stunning natural beauty.
Perth is home to respected universities that excel in specific fields bolstered by the city’s resource-rich economy. They include the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and Edith Cowan University.
The Mediterranean climate features hot summers and mild winters. With over 3,000 sunshine hours yearly, you can make plenty of memories outdoors on the beach or enjoy regular picnics with friends.
6. Canberra: Australia’s political and educational hub
As Australia’s capital city, Canberra is a political and educational hub. The Australian Parliament, High Court, and National Gallery all call this urban hub home.
Canberra hosts top universities, including the Australian National University in Acton. Residential institutions like Burgmann College give that classic university vibe. You can expect communal dinners, late-night study sessions, and robust debates.
The University of Canberra in Bruce is another modern campus with a growing student population. They often visit Lake Ginninderra for a chill-out session or Westfield Belconnen for cheap eats.
7. Gold Coast: beach vibes and outdoor living
What better combination than a good education and a sun-drenched beachside lifestyle? That’s what Gold Coast is all about. The city is also known for its unforgettable Gold Coast Show Day.
Griffith University’s Gold Coast (GUGC) campus is one of the best in the city and consistently top-ranked in health and environmental sciences. To keep things social, the GUGC Student Guild regularly hosts club events, trivia nights, and beach clean-ups.
The Southern Cross University in Bilinga is another excellent option for students who want to be just a few steps away from the beach.
Large vs small student cities: pros and cons
Advantages of large cities (>1m people)
- Academic and career opportunities: Big cities often host the best universities, which attract heavy-hitting researchers, guest lecturers, and industry partnerships. This provides students with cutting-edge resources and networks.
- Diversity and culture: Large cities with many students allow diversity in all aspects of life, including art, music, and food. This diversity fuels global perspectives crucial for creative arts and international relations.
- Social scene and networking: The energy in large cities is pulsating. Newtown in Sydney or Fitzroy in Melbourne captivates students with their live bands, 24/7 kebab joints, and cheap bars. These gatherings allow learners to socialise and form solid networks.
Cons of large cities
- High cost of living: Getting by in large student cities may require more money than in smaller towns.
- Competition: More students are looking for rentals, university resources, and job opportunities in big cities. That means you must roll up your sleeves and compete.
Advantages of smaller cities (<1m people)
- Lower cost of living: Smaller cities like Canberra, Gold Coast, Townsville, or Hobart are cheaper. Food, transport, and rent cost much less than in their larger counterparts.
- Less competition: Internships and job opportunities in smaller student cities are less contested than in big cities with higher student populations.
- Tighter community: In smaller cities, it’s easier to form relationships and get recognised by lectures and like-minded peers.
Cons of smaller cities
- Limited job market: Although there’s less competition, there are fewer opportunities, too. It might take you a while to find ideal part-time jobs or internships in the smaller cities.
- Smaller social pool: Small cities often have fewer students, which impacts how you connect, socialise, and build networks.
- Fewer academic options: Smaller student cities offer few top-tier universities, meaning fewer programs. They focus on regional strengths over a broad scope.
Choosing the right city
Big or small, the “right” city is entirely subjective and depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
- Cost of living: Your budget will dictate the type of city you can study in. A higher budget can allow you to stay in Sydney or Melbourne, while a lower budget is best suited for universities in smaller cities.
- Academic goals: If you prefer top universities with a wide range of courses, major cities will deliver a broader variety. But if you’re looking for niche excellence, small-town universities will do
- Career ambitions: If you’re eyeing climbing the corporate ladder or establishing a startup, the bigger cities offer a more conducive environment.
Final considerations
For international students
- Education quality and global recognition: Considering the high tuition fees, international students need a valuable degree that is recognosed back home or abroad. It is, therefore, best to choose universities that are globally recognised.
- Cost of living: Big cities cost more, while smaller cities are more affordable. Also, Student visa rules cap earnings and domestic education loans are inaccessible to international students.
- Visa pathways: Post-study visas for international students, such as the Temporary Graduate visa, favour cities with job prospects like Sydney and Melbourne. Smaller job markets limit visa options unless you’re in a high-demand profession.
For domestic students
- Education quality and flexibility: HECS-HELP is a government-funded education loan that defers tuition fees, so you can prioritise prestige or program fit.
- Cost of living and family proximity: Although there are no work limits for domestic students, you can save some money by staying nearer to home or in cheaper cities.
- Lifestyle and culture: Since you’re familiar with Australian norms, you can focus on lifestyle compatibility and fun rather than adjustment.
Enjoy studying in the best student cities of Australia
Australia is a great nation with an educational landscape that provides something for everyone. Large cities bring variety, esteem, and vibrant energy, while smaller ones offer focus and affordability. Your choice depends on what you value most—academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, community, or budget—and where your goals for the future take you.
FAQs
What are some of the best student cities in Australia?
Some of the best student cities in Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide. They offer a mixture of vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and natural attractions such as beaches and stunning landscapes.
Which city in Australia has the best universities?
Melbourne and Sydney have the highest-ranked universities in the country. The University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney have consistently been ranked among the top 100 worldwide.
Which cities in Australia are the safest for international students?
Australia is a generally safe country, so you will enjoy high safety standards in any city you choose to study. Some of the safest areas include Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.