Top 10 Popular Cities in Australia for International Students

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Cities in Australia
2. Frequently Asked Questions

Australia is a top study-abroad destination renowned for educational excellence and top-notch living standards. Studying in Australia enables international students to embrace a rich culture, explore academic opportunities, and unlock future job opportunities. 

If you look into the top Australian cities, it offers insights required for planning your study abroad journey. Let’s get started – here’s an introduction to popular Australian cities. 

Overview of the Cities

Here’s an overview of the top Australian cities and the average cost of living for a single person: 

City	Average Monthly Living Cost
Sydney	USD 2,658
Melbourne	USD 2,367
Canberra	USD 2,750
Adelaide	USD 1,120
Brisbane	USD 2,350
Hobart	USD 1,126
Perth	USD 2,340
Gold Coast	USD 2,632
Cairns	USD 2,100
Wollongong	USD 2,300

Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city, with a population exceeding 5 million. The city is known for its vibrant energy and iconic attractions like the Opera House. Sydney is home to six universities, making it one of the country’s largest and most diverse cities for students.

Attractions

• Sydney Opera House
• Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Taronga Zoo
• The Rocks

Top Universities

• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales
• Macquarie University
• Western Sydney University
• University of Technology Sydney

Melbourne

Melbourne has been ranked Australia’s most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2022. The city is a favorite destination for sports fans and art enthusiasts alike.

Attractions

• MCG Stadium
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Melbourne Museum

Top Universities

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

Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital. Canberra is rich in cultural institutions, scenic landscapes, political importance, and a lively community. It’s an ideal city for study and work, combining academic excellence with career opportunities

Attractions

• Parliament House
• Australian War Memorial
• National Gallery of Australia

Top Universities

• The Australian National University
• University of Canberra
• Australian Catholic University

Adelaide

Adelaide has a pleasant climate and flat terrain, which makes it ideal for cycling and walking. The job market can be competitive, but the city draws many international students and graduates pursuing employment. 

Attractions

• Adelaide Zoo
• Adelaide Botanic Garden
• Art Gallery of South Australia

Top Universities

• The University of Adelaide
• Flinders University
• The University of South Australia

Brisbane

Brisbane is a top destination with a warm climate year-round. The city fosters educational opportunities and family-friendly attractions. It is Australia’s fastest-growing city, and employment opportunities are more accessible than in other states.

Attractions

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• South Bank
• The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Top Universities

• The University of Queensland
• Queensland University of Technology
• Griffith University
• University of Southern Queensland
• Australian Catholic University

Hobart

Hobart is Tasmania’s capital and Australia’s second-oldest city. It offers international students a rich mix of history, nature, and community. The city is known for its stunning harbor, creative arts, and access to breathtaking landscapes.

Attractions

• Mount Wellington
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Top Universities

• The University of Tasmania (UTAS)

Perth

Though located over 2,000 km from the nearest capital city, Perth remains a popular migration destination. With a population of just over 2 million, Perth is a vibrant regional city celebrated for its growing arts scene and relatively affordable cost of living.

Attractions

• Rottnest Island
• Swan Valley Wine Region
• Whale Watching

Top Universities 

• University of Western Australia
• Curtin University
• Murdoch University

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is known for its beaches, nightlife, and sunny climate. Top universities like Bond University highlight the high-quality education the city fosters. You can balance academic life with outdoor activities, from surfing and hiking to exploring world-renowned theme parks.

Attractions

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Warner Bros. Movie World
• Sea World

Top Universities

• Bond University

Cairns

Cairns is a tropical city in Far North Queensland that offers international students a vibrant experience, thanks to its natural beauty. You can explore the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and a laid-back lifestyle – literally a paradise for outdoor activities. 

Attractions

• Cairns Aquarium
• Green Island
• Great Barrier Reef

Top Universities

• James Cook University (JCU)

Wollongong

Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong (UOW). The city is known for beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and a friendly, welcoming community. This city is more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. 

Attractions

• Nan Tien Temple
• Wollongong Art Gallery
• Wollongong Botanic Garden

Top Universities

• University of Wollongong (UOW)

Ready to start your study abroad journey to Australia? Nomad Credit can simplify the process for you. Let us be your guiding light from admission to education funding and visa application. 

The best part? Our tailored support is free. Get answers to your concerns—book a no-cost consultation today and get started with your study abroad dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the top 3 cities in Australia?

Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra could be the top three cities in Australia. Sydney is the most densely populated city, Canberra is the capital, and Melbourne is the capital of Victoria. 

Which city is the best for Indians in Australia?

There is no specific city that is best for Indian students alone. Australian cities like Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, etc., could be suitable for international students, including those from India. 

Which is the most student-friendly city in Australia?

Melbourne is often considered one of the most student-friendly cities in Australia. It is ranked as the best student city in the country. According to the QS world rankings, the city ranks 5th for student friendliness. 

Do Australian cities get snow in winter?

Typically, Australian cities do not get snowfall in winter. However, some locations in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia all experience snowy conditions.

Are Australian cities safe for international students?

Yes. Australia is renowned for its secure environment, making it an attractive destination for international students. Data from the Department of Education reveals that more than 90% of international students report feeling safe during their studies.