5 Best Student Cities in Australia in 2025
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Universities are stretched around the continent country that has something unique to offer to everyone. But what about the cities? We all know about the tourist destinations of Australia…but what about cities from a student's perspective? Let’s find out about the top 5 student destinations in Australia, the top universities in the city and how much it cost to stay in one.
Read more about: Why Study in Australia?
Top-Ranked Student Cities in Australia 2025
Overall, 7 student cities in Australia are popular study destinations and QS also ranks all 7 of them every year. The best city in Australia for international students as per QS for the year 2025 are as follows:
| Australian Cities | QS Ranking 2025 - Best Student City | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | #5 | 97.1 |
| Sydney | #6 | 95.4 |
| Brisbane | #25 | 84.8 |
| Adelaide | #28 | 84.1 |
| Canberra | #29 | 83.8 |
| Perth | #35 | 82.2 |
| Gold Coast | #93 | 61.4 |
The above-given are just seven major cities of Australia that have been ranked for the year 2025 among the 'Best Student Cities in Australia' as per QS Rankings.
5 Best Cities in Australia for Students
The following is a brief about the top student cities in Australia along with the prerequisites of accommodation, studying and personal costs:
Studying in Melbourne City
This is perhaps one of the best-known cities in Australia and with good reason. A healthy student population from around the world as well as a diverse cultural set up makes it the multi-cultural capital of Australia. Perhaps a bit mellower than Sydney, it is by no means a dull place to be in. In a vibrant city, you would find people enjoying excellent restaurants as much as sports bars. And when we talk about education, it is at par with Sydney. Students aiming to study in Melbourne can check - Student Accommodation in Melbourne.
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It is home to the Top Ranked University of Australia. The Melbourne Business School is amongst the Top Business Schools in Asia and Australia and has international recognition. Here’s a list of some of the top universities in Melbourne
Apart from them, some of the lesser-known but good colleges in Australia are also located in this city.
Studying in Sydney City
A picture of the Sydney Opera house is synonymous with Australia! So no wonder that Sydney continues to be a top destination for people from all over the world visiting the country. And the same applies to students from around the world as well.
Sydney is all about the best in Australia. A signature carefree lifestyle, famed nightlife, authentic Australian cuisine and the best of Australia’s Universities. Home to two of the Group of Eight Universities, Sydney has a healthy student population. Some of the top universities of Australia located in Sydney include:
- University of Sydney
- List of universities in Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- Macquarie University
- University of Technology, Sydney
- University of Western Sydney
But what about the costs? Like across the world, on-campus accommodation would be much cheaper even in Australia especially in a city like Sydney. Student accommodation in one of the University residences would cost you around AU$ 300 per month for a non-catered room. A single-room private accommodation in the city centre on the other hand can be as expensive as AU$ 2000 per month. A student can, however, manage on a much lower budget and find suitable student accommodation if they start rather early.
On the cost of living index, Melbourne is slightly cheaper than Sydney, but only slightly. While university accommodation more or less costs the same, a private single-room apartment in the city centre would cost you anywhere upwards of AU$ 1,400 per month. Also, the entertainment costs are equally varied and can be maintained when needed.
Studying in Brisbane City
It is the fastest-growing city in Australia and for all the right reasons. A rather liveable and likeable city, the economic centres of the city showcase the diaspora of cultures from across the world. What adds to this city are several exotic and beautiful beaches…
Let us, however, not for once forget that while the city offers life after work and plenty of opportunities for fresh graduates due to its booming businesses, it is also an excellent destination for students. A list of multiple top universities adds to that fact. Some of the more famous ones include
On a comparative scale, we can say that Brisbane is perhaps as costly as Melbourne, perhaps a bit more so. The good news for students, however, is plenty of opportunities to find cheap accommodation are available. The key, as always, is to start your search earlier than you normally would.
Studying in Adelaide City
Adelaide is famous for its beautiful beaches and its vineyards. It is the upcoming wine-growing region of Australia and has many special spots that attract food enthusiasts from across the world. Add to that vibrant cultural diversity and the city is anything but a dull place to be.
One of the positives that add to the city's many advantages as a student destination is its low cost of living…or shall we say the comparatively low cost of living. A single-room apartment, for instance, can be found at a relatively cheaper rental of AU$ 1,200 per month or sometimes as low as just below AU$ 1,000.
Don’t worry about the universities in the city. Some of the popular universities include:
Studying in Perth City
This is a quaint city in Western Australia and does not compete with any of the above when it comes to nightlife. In fact, it might be well to say that it is hardly the city if nightlife, fun and parties are what excite you. It is a quiet place, with friendly and hospitable people, peaceful marketplaces and enough café, parks and recreation places to keep you busy. This adds to the fact that the beaches are yet unspoilt and offer a beautiful spectacle to those who like to introspect and enjoy the marvel of nature.
Another thing which a student would get in plenty in this city is good universities offering excellent world-class education. Some of them include,
The city also offers a distinctly high standard of living and has comparable costs to the cost of living in Australia. The rentals might be higher but a student should be able to find comfortable student accommodations that average at the national average.
Best Business Cities in Australia
A lot of international students look for post-study work options in Australia, these are not just for gaining experience but also to support one's living in Australia too. Sydney is Australia's business hub and one of the best business cities in Australia too. Sydney is the most preferred destination to both study and work, this is followed by Melbourne. Some of the top business cities of Australia for students to work after graduation in Australia are -
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Canberra
Check: Popular Job Sectors in Australia
In conclusion, Australia offers a variety of student-friendly cities, each with its unique charm and advantages. Whether you're looking for a vibrant metropolis like Melbourne or Sydney, a sunny beach city like Brisbane or Perth, or a more affordable option like Adelaide, there's a city in Australia that's perfect for you. Consider your priorities in terms of lifestyle, cost of living, and academic offerings when making your decision.
Still, confused as to where to study and in which city of Australia? Get in touch with our counsellors for free counselling at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: How hard is it to get to Notre Dame?
The acceptance rate of the University of Notre Dame Australia is 19%, So for every 100 applicants, only 19 students get admitted. This means that it is a relatively competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Notre Dame University. While the acceptance rate is competetive, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected.
Q: Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?
Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years.
On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Which is better? university of notre dame australia vs sydney university?
Sydney University and Notre Dame Australia are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. However, University of Sydney is in the upper hand as the university is amog the top 100 in the world (according to the QS ranking). The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of Notre Dame Australia and Sydney University. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Notre Dame Australia | 1401+ | 19% | UG: INR 17 L PG: INR 13 L |
Sydney University | 54 | 30% | UG: INR 18 L - 33 L PG: INR 24 L - 29 L |
(The comparison of fees was between the B.Sc course for UG and the MBA course for PG)
Q: What is the ranking of University of the Sunshine Coast Australia?
The University of the Sunshine Coast ranking is 501-600 by Times Higher Education. If we talk about the University of the Sunshine Coast QS Ranking 2024, then UniSC ranks 1001-1200 in the world. The university maintains its current positions since 2022. We have also mentioned Sunshine Coast University ranking below:
· 1st in Queensland
· 1st in Queensland for ‘Climate Action’ impact
· 3rd in the world for our global impact on 'Clean Water and Sanitation'
· 23rd globally for 'Life on Land'
Note: Above ranking is given by Times Higher Education
Q: Is the University of Notre Dame Australia accredited?
The University of Notre Dame Austrlia was established in 1989 through an Act of the Parliament of Western Australia. The university is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Board of Directors and a Board of Governors. Besides the university has some professional accreditaions such as:
- New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA)
- Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
- Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority
- Australia Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
- Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency (APHRA)
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