Best City in Australia for International Students

Universities

Share this blog

Best Cities in Australia for International Students at a Glance

Australia’s major university cities offer different combinations of academic opportunities, accommodation options, transport networks and living expenses.

Here is a comparison of seven popular cities in Australia for international students.

City	Popular Universities	Key Consideration
Melbourne	University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University	Large student community and extensive public transport
Sydney	University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney	Major business centre with high accommodation costs
Brisbane	University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University	Subtropical climate and diverse study options
Adelaide	Adelaide University, Flinders University	University choices and a more compact city environment
Canberra	Australian National University, University of Canberra	National capital with government and research institutions
Perth	University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University	Western Australian lifestyle and industry connections
Gold Coast	Bond University, Southern Cross University	Coastal lifestyle and university campuses

What Does It Cost to Live in These Cities?

Living expenses vary considerably depending on accommodation, location, transport and personal spending habits.

Instead of treating one monthly figure as the average for an entire city, students should compare accommodation prices near their chosen university and prepare a budget covering food, utilities, transport and personal expenses.

Australia’s Study Australia website provides guidance on budgeting and living expenses. Its cost-of-living calculator can help students estimate expenses according to their circumstances.

Official source: Study Australia – Cost of Living

Melbourne

Melbourne is one of Australia’s major education centres, with universities offering programs across engineering, business, healthcare, arts and technology.

Popular universities include:

University of Melbourne
Monash University
RMIT University
Deakin University
Swinburne University of Technology

Students can explore university accommodation, shared housing and private rentals. Melbourne also has an extensive public transport network, including trains, trams and buses.

The city may appeal to students looking for a large university community, cultural activities and access to different academic institutions.

However, accommodation costs can be substantial, particularly in central areas and popular student neighbourhoods.

Sydney

Sydney is an attraction for MBA in Australia for international students through its universities, employment centres and coastal lifestyle.

Popular universities include:

University of Sydney
UNSW Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
Macquarie University
Western Sydney University

Sydney offers programs across finance, engineering, business, technology and other disciplines. Students also have access to public transport and a range of accommodation options.

The main consideration is affordability. Housing in well-connected areas can be expensive, so students should compare rental prices and commuting distances before choosing accommodation.

Sydney may suit students who prefer a large metropolitan environment and want to explore academic opportunities near major commercial centres.

Brisbane

Brisbane is Queensland’s capital and a popular destination for international students.

Popular universities include:

University of Queensland
Queensland University of Technology
Griffith University

The city offers a subtropical climate, riverside neighbourhoods and university campuses across different locations.

Students can explore courses in engineering, business, healthcare, science and information technology.

Living expenses depend on the neighbourhood and accommodation type. Rather than assuming Brisbane is cheaper than every other major city, students should compare current rental listings and transport costs for their preferred campus.

Adelaide

Adelaide offers a university environment with access to cultural events, beaches and nearby regional destinations.

Popular universities include:

Adelaide University
Flinders University
University of South Australia (historical institution, now integrated into Adelaide University)

Adelaide University commenced operations in January 2026 following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. Students should therefore use Adelaide University’s current course and admissions information rather than relying on older institutional listings.

The city may appeal to students who prefer a smaller metropolitan environment while still having access to university facilities and student services.

Accommodation costs vary by suburb, housing arrangement and distance from campus.

Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s national capital, is home to universities and national research institutions.

Popular universities include:

Australian National University (ANU)
University of Canberra

Students can explore courses in public policy, international relations, engineering, computer science, business and other fields.

Canberra has a planned urban layout, parks and access to national museums and cultural institutions.

It may appeal to students interested in research-focused study or a quieter capital-city environment. However, employment opportunities in some government-related sectors can have citizenship or security-clearance requirements.

Students should assess accommodation costs and transport options before deciding where to live.

Perth

Perth is Western Australia’s capital and offers a different living experience from Australia’s eastern cities.

Popular universities include:

University of Western Australia
Curtin University
Murdoch University
Edith Cowan University

Students can explore programs in engineering, mining-related disciplines, business, healthcare and technology.

Perth offers beaches, parks and access to industries operating across Western Australia.

Its geographic distance from eastern Australian cities is worth considering, particularly for students planning frequent domestic travel.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is known for its coastal environment and education institutions.

Popular universities include:

Bond University
Griffith University
Southern Cross University

Students can pursue programs in business, healthcare, information technology, tourism and other disciplines to study in Australia.

The Gold Coast may appeal to students who prefer a coastal lifestyle and access to outdoor activities.

However, students should not assume that studying on the Gold Coast automatically provides a specific post-study work visa duration. Any additional regional-study benefits depend on the applicable immigration rules, qualifications and individual eligibility.

Book a Free Session Now!

How to Choose the Best City to Study in Australia

The best student cities in Australia are not necessarily the most expensive, largest or highest-ranked. The right destination depends on your academic and personal priorities.

Consider these factors before making your decision:

University and course: Check whether your preferred university offers the program and specialization you want.
Tuition fees: Compare the total program cost, not just the annual tuition.
Accommodation: Research rental prices near campus and available student housing.
Transport: Check public transport connections and commuting expenses.
Lifestyle: Consider the climate, city size and student community.
Career opportunities: Research relevant industries and employer requirements without assuming a job is guaranteed.
Financial planning: Calculate tuition and living costs before finalizing your budget.

Students planning to study a master’s in Australia should also compare program duration, entry requirements and course-specific expenses. Those researching affordable master’s programs in Australia should prioritize suitable universities and total study costs rather than choosing a city solely by reputation.

If you plan to study in Australia, Nomad Credit can help you explore education loan options from Indian banks, NBFCs and international lenders based on your academic and financial profile.

Admissions Counselling

Get Into Your Dream
Study Destination!

Begin Admission Process

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living for international students in Australia?

The average cost of living for international students in Australia is AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 per month.

How many hours can I work part-time as an international student in Australia?

International students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week on their student visa in Australia.

Is it safe for international students to live and study in Australia?

Yes, Australia is considered a safe country to live and study. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra have low crime rates and are known for their welcoming environments.

Which are the top 10 cities in Australia?

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Gold Coast, Hobart, Darwin and Newcastle are the top 10 cities in Australia.

Which are the top universities in Australia for international students?

The University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and The Australian National University are some of the top universities in Australia for international students.