7 Top Cities in Australia for International Students

Discover the top cities in Australia for international students thrive experience world-class education, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable adventures! Australia has been seeing fast increasing numbers of foreign students throughout the years for reasons more than one. The nation takes great satisfaction in having several of the top colleges in the world call it home. And these colleges, in turn, call some of the top student cities worldwide their home as well!

Actually, seven Australian towns rank among the top 100 best student cities worldwide based on QS Top Universities 2022. These locations stand out as the top cities in Australia and the world for students across a spectrum of criteria including student mix, affordability, and employer activity. Let’s examine closely the top Australian cities for overseas students!

Why Study Australia

If you find out where your classmates or acquaintances intend to study, Australia is quite likely to come up in discussion. Clearly, they are not the only ones staring toward this island nation. Australia reported a record high in 2019 with 701,590 overseas students. Covid-19 legislated travel limitations caused Australia, like all study abroad locations, to see a decline in students throughout 2020-21; but, as limits relax in 2022, numbers are already starting to rebound. What therefore makes the Land of Oz such a well-liked study abroad destination? Learn precisely the reasons behind the desire of hundreds of thousands of students to study in Australia.

Reasons to Study in Australia

1. Get a Top-Tier Education

Selecting a study location depends much on the quality of the instruction. Australia shines in this field; 36 of its 43 universities place in the QS World University Rankings 2022. Ten Australian universities including the esteemed Group of Eight are in the top 200 worldwide; five are in the top 50:

University of Adelaide
University of Melbourne
Australian National University
University of Sydney
University of Queensland
Monash University
University of Western Australia
UNSW Sydney

Australian colleges are known for turning out leaders and inventors; consider the WiFi you presently use, created by recent graduates. Thanks to its international acceptance under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), degrees from Australian universities are much valued globally.

2. Get Hands-On Industry Experience

These Australian universities stand out for what? Progressive education and Australia’s fast growing economy go hand-in-hand. Universities engage with business leaders to make sure your courses match job market needs, therefore arming you with skills that increase employability by graduation.

International students on a Subclass 500 Student visa can also work part-time up to forty hours every two weeks which provides financial relief and invaluable job experience. You can work full-time over semester breaks.

Not only can working while in school help with living expenses, but it also sharpens highly sought-after soft skills such time management and communication. Studying in Australia greatly improves your job prospects as 20 Australian universities in the top 500 QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, including the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne at #4 and #8, respectively, reflect.

3. Unlock Post-Study Opportunities

Given Australia’s great immigration policy, studying there presents major post-study prospects. With a Subclass 485 visa, which runs two to four years depending on your qualification, you can remain and work in Australia upon graduation:

Bachelor’s or Honours degree: 2 years
Master’s degree (coursework): 2 years
Master’s degree (research): 3 years
Doctoral degree: 4 years
Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders: 5 years

Additionally qualified are full-time students enrolled in a course registered under CRICOS and carrying a valid student visa. Start early since the application procedure can be drawn out. If you land employer sponsorship or have in-demand talents, working in Australia offers great career experience and can aid you toward permanent residency.

4. Discover Your Place in a Diverse Community.

Although heading abroad can be intimidating, Australia’s variety is a big benefit for overseas students. About half of Australia’s population has a parent from another country or is foreign born. With Melbourne achieving a flawless 100 and Sydney almost 99, seven Australian cities including Melbourne are rated in the QS Top 50 Best Student Cities for student mix in 2021. This diversity of cultures, languages, and races means you will fit very naturally in Australia’s dynamic mix. Australian colleges also follow rigorous certification criteria, therefore guaranteeing excellent education and strong support for overseas students including assistance with legal rights, lodging, and job placements.

5. Enjoy an Incredible Quality of Life

Australia is a top place for vacationing or settling down in addition to study abroad. With Melbourne at #2 and Sydney at #4 on the QS Top Universities list, cities like Melbourne and Sydney often rank among the top ones for students worldwide. For student living, six Australian cities are in the top 50.

Though the smallest continent in the globe, Australia is sixth in size and presents varied landscapes and energetic towns. There is something for everyone from Brisbane’s mix of suburban and city lifestyle to Melbourne’s busy metropolitan life. Good transportation ties get you to hiking paths, nature parks, and breathtaking coastlines. Experience great infrastructure, healthcare, and employment possibilities to lead a good quality of life.

Top Cities in Australia for International Students

1. Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the top cities in Australia for international students that ranks sixth on QS Top Universities’ ranking of top student cities because of its energetic, cosmopolitan environment and ideal student mix score. This vibrant city, and Australia’s best student city, will make international students right at home.

Among the best institutions in the nation, Melbourne boasts the second highest ranked university in Australia, the University of Melbourne. Having been founded in 1853, it is a member of the esteemed Group of Eight and features several campuses all over Victoria.

Beyond academics, Melbourne is Australia’s cultural center noted for its arts, cuisine, and vibrant festivals. From street performers and comedy shows to world-class events like Moulin Rouge and Frozen the Musical, students can savor everything.

Apart from the University of Melbourne, the city takes great pride in six other globally regarded universities:

Monash University
RMIT University
Deakin University
Swinburne University of Technology
La Trobe University
Victoria University

2. Sydney

Ranked at #8 on the QS Best Student Cities 2022 list, Sydney comes only behind Melbourne among the the top cities in Australia for international students. Though the famous Sydney Opera House is first thought of, this energetic city has much more to appeal.

Comprising the oldest university in Australia, The University of Sydney (USYD) is part of the esteemed Group of Eight. In the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 it likewise comes in at #4. USYD boasts a great intellectual legacy with more than 110 Rhodes Scholars and five Nobel Laureates among its graduates.

Sydney rates highly for its varied student population, which provides a cosmopolitan setting for overseas students. Sydney, sometimes referred to as Australia’s biggest city, is also well-known for its great quality of living, mild temperature, and breathtaking natural beauty like Bondi Beach and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Top universities in Sydney include:

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

3. Brisbane

Now ranking among the top 30 in QS Top Universities’ Best Cities 2022, Brisbane is one of the top cities in Australia for international students. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, robust economy, and friendly temperature, it draws students as well as visitors. Brisbane’s three world-class universities including member of Australia’s esteemed Group of Eight, the University of Queensland increase its appeal to students. UQ excels in research and teaching excellence with 117 Rhodes Scholars and a Nobel Laureate among its graduates; it also boasts more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other university.

Brisbane’s affordability is among the main attractions for overseas students. At a lesser cost Brisbane offers many of the same advantages as cities like Melbourne and Sydney, including a varied student mix, expanding employment prospects, and energetic city life. Its closeness to the Sun Coast and Gold Coast also makes it ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. There’s always something fascinating to do whether your interests are in the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, beaches, or animals.

Here are Brisbane’s top universities:

University of Queensland
Queensland University of Technology
Griffith University

4. Adelaide

Adelaide could be the perfect place for you seeking a reasonably priced Australian adventure. With a population little over a million, the city presents three globally rated colleges, mountain paths, and breathtaking beaches. Among its graduates, the University of Adelaide notably counts three Nobel Laureates and 110 Rhodes Scholars.

For those seeking a balanced lifestyle with contemporary conveniences, natural beauty, and a dynamic cultural scene, Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city ideal one of the top cities in Australia for international students. Adelaide has something for everyone whether your interests are in shopping, nightlife, or art.

University Name:

University of Adelaide
University of South Australia
Flinders University

5. Perth

Often regarded as one of the most liveable cities in the world, Perth boasts breathtaking natural beauty with paths and beaches. Beyond its landscape, Perth boasts top-notch universities. Ranked in the top 100 worldwide by QS and US News, the sixth-oldest university in Australia is the University of Western Australia.

Included among the top cities in Australia for international students and a prestigious Group of Eight, it has two Nobel Prize winners and 106 Rhodes Scholars. Perth is a perfect study location since it presents a balanced way of life between larger cities like Melbourne and smaller towns like Adelaide.

Top universities in Perth:

University of Western Australia
Curtin University
Murdoch University
Edith Cowan University

6. Gold Coast

Gold Coast among the top cities in Australia for international students cannot be written off the based on its ranking on this list. Student View on QS Top Universities’ Best Student Cities 2022 gives the city a perfect score of 100! Students adore being here, and with its ranking among the top 100 best student cities worldwide, it is most certainly deserving of attention among the greatest places in Australia for living. Still another major advantage is You guessed it: several excellent universities also abound on the Gold Coast!

Among the best cities in Australia, the Gold Coast presents everything you could possibly wish to come across. Golden beaches abound, as the name would suggest! Lush forests, national parks, galleries, retail centres, varied cuisine, and much more promise to make your stay here unique and fun. Given its varied, cosmopolitan population and ranking among Australia’s most reasonably priced cities, it’s hardly shocking the Gold Coast is such a popular student location!

University Name

Griffith University
Bond University
Southern Cross University

You could be familiar with a name on that list right now. Indeed, Griffith University does show twice in this paper. There are campuses of the university on the Gold Coast and Brisbane!

7. Canberra

The capital of Australia, one of the top cities in Australia for international students. Canberra, has the Australian National University (ANU), among the best universities worldwide and the top one in the nation. Rising among the prestigious universities throughout the globe, ANU boldly comes in top 30 based on the QS World University Rankings 2022. With six Nobel Laureates and 49 Rhodes Scholars, ANU’s reputation is outstanding despite its somewhat recent founding in relation to more established universities.

With its low cost and great student variety, Canberra presents a different learning environment. With less than 500,000 people, the city offers a more subdued, laid-back environment fit for a suburban study abroad program. The University of Canberra also calls the city home, hence it is a prominent place for both domestic and foreign students.

University Name

Australian National University
University of Canberra

Students Guide

With almost 700,000 international students in 2019, Australia was a preferred choice before the epidemic. Numbers fell in 2020 and 2021, but borders reopened in December 2021 and student counts are predicted to grow once more. See our extensive Student Guide to Australia to be ready.

Studying in Australia presents great prospects. Out of forty-three universities, thirty-six are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2022; five fall in the top 50. Australian degrees are much valued; twenty universities including the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne have ranked in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.

For overseas students, Australia offers flexible immigration choices, a strong economy, great quality of living, and breathtaking scenery. Discover our guide to set off your adventure!

Information You Need to Study in Australia For Foreign Students

1. Understand the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The Australian educational system runs unlike what you might be familiar with. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) controls higher education degrees in Australia. You will frequently come across AQF levels when researching colleges and their academic requirements.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

The AQF has ten tiers. Undergraduate studies including diplomas, certificates, and bachelor’s degrees cover levels 1 through 7. A three-year bachelor’s degree earns a Level 7 qualification.
An honors degree Level 8 qualification adds a fourth year to a bachelor’s degree. This degree comes between a graduate certificate and a regular bachelor’s degree.
Covering master’s and doctoral degrees, Levels 9 and 10 are for postgraduate study.

Many Australian universities provide foundation courses or preparatory paths that might lead into a degree program should your present credentials fall short of the AQF criteria. If you find yourself not qualified for a particular degree, think about looking at these preparation choices.

2. Use a CRICOS Search to Find your Course.

Before starting your education in Australia, you must make sure you meet the requirements for foreign students. Check initially that the course you have chosen shows up on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Applying for a student visa requires Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a course registered under CRICOS.

Your academic level and professional objectives will determine the degree you want. Here are some options:

Associate Degree: 2 years; requires Year 12 or equivalent. Serves as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma in specialized training.
Bachelor’s Degree: 3-5 years; requires Year 12 or equivalent. Provides a comprehensive foundation for job sectors and postgraduate studies.
Bachelor’s Degree (Honours): 4 years; additional year after a bachelor’s degree, often including research.
Graduate Certificate: 6 months; requires a bachelor’s degree. Enhances knowledge from an undergraduate program or introduces new skills in a different field.
Graduate Diploma: 1 year; requires a bachelor’s degree provides specialist information for a career route or additional study.
Master’s Degree (Coursework): 1-2 years; requires a bachelor’s degree. Focuses on advanced knowledge and skills through coursework.
Master’s Degree (Research): 2 years; requires a bachelor’s degree. Develops research skills and expertise in a specific field.
Doctoral Degree: 2-3 years; requires a master’s degree. Involves intensive research and is the highest academic qualification in Australia.

Each program has specific entry requirements and durations, so choose one that aligns with your goals and qualifications.

3. Adjust to the Australian Academic Year

Without knowing the Australian academic calendar, no guide for overseas students arriving to Australia is whole. Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, its academic year begins with the summer session from November to January, then falls from February to June, and then springs from July to November. Particularly when it runs counter to the seasons of the northern hemisphere, this inverted calendar can be perplexing. Understanding these variations guarantees you pack for the season you will find upon arrival and helps with travel and study planning. For instance, don’t pack cold clothing for December; Australia is in summer.

4. Living Costs Guide for International Students in Australia

When thinking about studying in Australia, one should be aware of the different location-dependent cost of living. With nine cities among the top 100 student cities worldwide including Melbourne and Sydney in the top ten Australia is renowned for its great quality of living. Although Melbourne and Sydney can be expensive, more reasonably priced choices abound including Vienna, Graz, and the Gold Coast.

City expenses vary depending on lifestyle and choices. To project housing, transportation, and personal needs, use the cost of living calculator available at Study Australia. Remember, you must show financial stability covering both tuition and living expenses for at least 12 months if you want a Subclass 500 student visa. An overseas student in Australia’s anticipated annual living expenses as of 2019 come out to be AUD 21,041.

5. Work as a Student in Australia

The good news is that acquiring a Subclass 500 visa immediately qualifies you to work in Australia! Over a two-week period, or forty hours, international students are free to work. They can also work full-time across consecutive holidays! Among the employment possibilities are tutoring, on-campus occupations like teaching assistant or library worker, bartender or waitress, and more. Additionally on the table and a great chance for overseas students are internships. Australia does, after all, rank among the world’s most developed and strongest economies. Once you start working, the practical knowledge you acquire here is modern and priceless.

6. Post-Study Work Opportunities

Given Australia’s cost of living, one must take great consideration since it differs greatly depending on the location. Notwithstanding this, Australia is well-known for its good quality of living; nine of its cities including Sydney and Melbourne among the top 100 student cities worldwide. Though Melbourne and Sydney are more expensive, locations like Vienna, Graz, and the Gold Coast provide more reasonably priced choices.

Using a cost of living calculator will help you project housing, transportation, food, and other expenses depending on lifestyle choices within different cities. You must show your can fund 12 months of tuition and living expenses for the Subclass 500 student visa, together with bank evidence proving a minimum annual income of AUD 62,222. Study Australia projects yearly living expenses for overseas students at about AUD 21,041.

7. Settling in and Experiencing Australia

While adjusting to a new nation worries many international students, you will feel comfortable in Australia. Australians are renowned for their laid-back attitude to life and friendliness. Regardless of background, they really believe in fair and equal treatment for everybody. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or strike up discussions you will probably create lifetime pals!

The main language used in Australia is English, hence immigration officials and institutions alike want evidence of English competency. Now is the moment to improve if you lack complete confidence in your English abilities. Not only should one pass the necessary English tests, but also be able to converse clearly in daily life. Increasing your fluency will let you study and live in Australia far more easily.

In summary, the top cities in Australia for international students has something to offer. Prestigious colleges abound in every city, so you know you are in the correct hands wherever you choose to attend. There is something for everyone in the Land of Oz from distinctive natural sites you won’t find anywhere else, countless cultural and outdoor activities to try out, and the melting pot cultures as a major bonus in every city.