There are many reasons why Australia attracts thousands of international students from every corner of the world. First, the beautiful landscape of the country, then the multicultural and well structured universities. Plus the beautiful cities in Australia for International students.
Australia is a fantastic choice for international students, offering world-class education combined with an excellent quality of life. The country also boasts a diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming community that has made it home to thousands of students from around the world. its relaxed lifestyle, outstanding weather, and laid-back vibe definitely appeal to students in search of a study destination that also allows for downtime.
If you are an international student considering studying in Australia, you have countless options when it comes to choosing your ideal location.
However, with so many great cities to choose from, we scoured the country to identify the top ten cities in Australia that offer the best study environment, lifestyle, and opportunities:
Best Cities in Australia to Live in For International Students
Top 10 Cities in Australia to Live in for international students
There are so many beautiful cities in Australia with internationally recognised universities. If you are a foreigner seeking to explore the cities of Australia while seeking higher educational attainment, then this is for you.
Here are the top 10 Cities in Australia to live in for international students
1. Sydney
2. Melbourne
3. Brisbane
4. Perth
5. Adelaide
6. Canberra
7. Hobart
8. Gold Coast
9. Darwin
10. Cairns
1. Sydney
Sydney is one of the world’s most popular study destinations for international students thanks to its highly ranked universities and strong job market. It is a bustling city renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as its beaches. It offers plenty of entertainment, culture, and nightlife options, so you’re guaranteed to have a great time when studying in Sydney.
Sydney is home to a good number of international universities renowned in the world. This country homes one of Australia’s top universities, popularly known as the University of Sydney and the oldest university in Australia. The table shows the top 3 ranking universities in Sydney:
| Sydney rank 2023 | World University Rank 2023 | University |
| 1 | =54 | University of Sydney |
| 2 | =71 | UNSW Sydney |
| 3 | 133 | University of Technology Sydney |
Furthermore, Sydney has an almost flawless rating for student diversity. You’ll get to learn how to navigate and fit in amid a sizable, multinational group as an international student. Given that Sydney is the most populous city in Australia.
Additionally, the city is frequently rated as one of the top cities in the world to live. It’s even simpler to enjoy the area’s stunning natural features thanks to the pleasant weather, whether you’re wandering through the Royal Botanical Gardens, surfing at Bondi Beach, or trekking up the America Bay Track.
Although, as a student in Sydney, to put up with the cost of living, you need to have approximately AUD$21,041 living expenses, as advised by the Australian Government. However, the actual cost of living in Sydney depends on your individual lifestyle.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital and the country’s second-largest city. It is renowned for its lively arts scene, excellent coffee, and delicious cuisine. Its universities are ranked highly, and the city has the highest student population among Australian cities, with more than 100,000 students. With plenty of green spaces and great shopping, Melbourne offers one of the country’s most vibrant and inclusive lifestyles.
Additionally, Melbourne homes, other top universities attracting international students all over the world, these universities are; The University of Melbourne ranking #37 as published by the U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2023),Deakin University,Monash University, Victoria University.
Furthermore, Melbourne alternates between all the possible weather conditions, so you will experience both hot summers, gloomy days, significant rainfall, moderate breezes, and cool winters. Melbourne, which is encircled by Port Phillip, is a thriving city that is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, and beautiful beaches. All these put together make Melbourne one of the top cities in Australia for international students.
However, International students may find it expensive to live in Melbourne, with housing, food, and transit costs being the primary variables to consider. The average monthly cost of living for students in Melbourne is between AU$2,132 and AU$2,652.
3. Brisbane
First on our list on the top cities in Australia for international students. Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, located in the northeast of the country. It offers a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as excellent cultural attractions like the stunning Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Queensland Museum and Art Gallery.
Consequently, Brisbane is also home to a range of world-class universities. It is particularly enticing because it is home to three renowned universities. This includes the University of Queensland, one of the six sandstone universities in Australia and a member of the Group of Eight. This university of academic excellence is the alma mater of 117 Rhodes Scholars and a Nobel Laureate. The University of Queensland has received the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) more than any other university in the nation, thanks to its strong emphasis on research and teaching excellence, making it ideal for students.
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2022 | Times Higher Education World University Rankings | US Best Global Universities Rankings 2022 |
| University of Queensland | #47 | =54 | #36 |
| Queensland University of Technology | #213 | =193 | #176 |
| Griffith University | =290 | #201-250 | #201 |
Furthermore,the cost of ;living in the city of Brisbane is not as expensive as the other country, hence, affordability makes Brisbane an attractive location to international students.
Also, Brisbane has a sound record for student diversity, with a rising employer interest in opening up exciting job prospects, stunning natural attractions, and urban cityscapes. This is amazing news for international students as this offers a great opportunity.
4. Perth:
Perth is located on the west coast of Australia and has some of the country’s best beaches. It offers the perfect mix of a relaxed lifestyle and bustling city vibe, and named as one of the world’s most livable cities. The city has a strong international community, with students from all over the world making up a significant portion of its population.
Furthermore, the city of Perth is home to the top universities in Australia, one of which is the University of Western Australia. The University of Western Australia is the sixth-oldest university in the nation, ranking among the top 100 universities in the world, according to the QS Top Universities and US News. This makes Perth one of the top cities in Australia for international students.
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2022 | Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 | US News Best Universities Rankings 2022 |
| University of Western Australia | #93 | =132 | #78 |
| Curtin University | =194 | #251-300 | #156 |
| Murdoch University | #581-590 | #501-600 | #696 |
| Edith Cowan University | #651-700 | #401-500 | #509 |
5. Adelaide
Another option for students seeking to experience life in Australia on a budget is Adelaide. Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia with a population of over one million. This city is home to historic architecture and world-class wine regions. There are lots of recreational activities if you love the outside experience. There is the mountain trail, beautiful beaches and colorful lanes creating an adventurous experience altogether.
Importantly, the city is also home to three notable and globally ranking universities. The University of Adelaide, in particular, counts among its alumni three Nobel Laureates and 110 Rhodes Scholars and is another of the sandstone universities. Other top Universities in the City of Adelaide include the University of South Australia and Flinders University.
Additionally, Adelaide is a relatively affordable city with a laid-back lifestyle, which makes it a popular choice for international students.
6. Canberra:
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located between Sydney and Melbourne. It has a high standard of living, with excellent job prospects and a strong student community.
The city of Canberra is one of the country’s best-designed cities, with a range of world-class museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, which makes it a great place for international students.
As a matter of fact, According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, The city of Canberra is home to the best university in Australia, the internationally known Australian National University, known as one of the greatest in the world for research, plus 49 Rhodes Scholars attended the university too.
7. Hobart:
Hobart is the capital city of the island state of Tasmania and is known for its stunning natural environments. The city has a rich history and is famous for its maritime heritage, and has a range of attractions, including the Museum of Old and New Art and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It has a strong student community, with a relaxed lifestyle that is a hit with international students.
Also,the city of Hobert is home to the prestigious University of Tasmania, one of its top public ranking #=293 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Additionally, Tasmanian education has a long tradition of excellence and high-quality instruction at all levels of study, including university, secondary school, vocational training, and English language programs. These also include foundation programs, route programs, and scholarship possibilities, making Hobart city an ideal choice for international students.
8. Gold Coast:
Located just south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its stunning beaches and theme parks. The Gold Coast has become a popular hub for international students, thanks to its excellent universities, affordable cost of living, and relaxed lifestyle.
Additionally, the Gold Coast city is also home to some great universities, such as The Griffith University, Bond University, and Southern Cross University.
NOTE; The Griffith University appeared twice in this article because it has campuses in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast!
9. Darwin:
Darwin is another fascinating city with amazing sites of attraction for international students. It is the capital of the Northern Territory, is known for its rich cultural heritage. It has a laid-back lifestyle and is home to excellent universities, such as the Charles Darwin University.
Also,The city of Darwin is surrounded by natural wonders, such as Kakadu National Park, which makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and international students seeking recreational activities and fun.
10. Cairns:
And here comes the beautiful city of City of Cairns located in far north Queensland, Cairns is a popular tourist city, with a tropical climate, stunning beaches and rainforests. Surely, an attractive site for international student. It has a range of educational institutions and has become a popular choice for international students. Futhermore, this city has a laid-back lifestyle, making it a great place for students to study, work and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Top 10 Cities in Australia for international students
What are the best cities in Australia to live in as an international student?
According to the QS Top Universities’ Best Student Cities ranking, the following as the best cities in Australia for students:
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Gold Coast
- Derwin
- Cairns
What is the most populated city in Australia?
The most populated city in Australia is sydney with over 5 million people
Which city is cheapest for international students in Australia?
the top 7 cheapest cities together with the estimated weekly living expenditure and the recommended universities below!
- Darwin,
- Perth,
- Hobart,
- Gold Coast
- Brisbane
- Canberra
Conclusion of Top 10 Cities in Australia for international students
Australia offers international students an array of cities to choose from, with a diverse range of lifestyles to choose from. The cities listed above offer students world-class education, a relaxed and welcoming community, a grand lifestyle, and a wide range of attractions, making them some of the best study destinations globally.
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