Australia hosts some of the best cities worldwide regarding the quality of higher education and life. With both urban and rural locations, we will be awestruck. Did you know that Melbourne and Victoria constitute the largest Greek population in the world, second only to Athens, Greece? There are a lot of interesting facts about Australia that you can learn about as you study at top-ranked universities. The study experience in Australia is not just an enriching educational adventure but also a rich cultural experience because Australia is home to many of the most diverse cultures. Let’s look at some of the top cities for students in Australia.
Melbourne is considered to be the best city for students in Australia. About 270,000 students are studying at universities in Melbourne, and over a third are foreign students(91,000). Melbourne is also considered Australia’s most desirable city for many reasons. Fashion, arts, and cultural events are an integral part of the city, and the city’s environment allows artists to thrive. Self-expression is apparent in street art, alternative fashions, live music, and national festivals. It’s a style that aligns with the needs of the students. You will find many cheap, non-manufactured, non-branded entertainment.

Some bars offer free live music, affordable restaurants serving traditional Asian or fusion food, and art-filled public areas. Although culture is one of the primary reasons many students reside in Melbourne, the city is a great place for students to live. Melbourne has a comprehensive public transport system powered by trams, trains, taxis, and buses. The journey from the city’s middle and inner areas is affordable and easy.
There’s also a range of urban accommodations, including a mix of high-density and low-density buildings close to the city’s center. Students usually can create affordable living arrangements with a quick commute to classes. Living in Melbourne isn’t cheap. However, the variety of student discounts offered makes saving money easier.
Students’ discounts offered in Melbourne can be used to purchase tech items such as smartphones and laptops or data services, watch movies, make household purchases, make clothing and food deals, get fitness discounts, and even travel deals. The process is usually simple and usually requires just the student ID. However, in some instances, an email ID and registration for that specific service could be required. The city provides students with an array of educational options, including eight universities within the city.
- The University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- Deakin University
- La Trobe University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- RMIT University
- Victoria University
- The University of Divinity
Adelaide
Adelaide is the sole city in the semi-arid State of South Australia. About 70,000 students study in Adelaide, including more than 20000 international students. Adelaide is a city of choice for many international students because of its affordable housing costs. As a result of the size of the city, it is home to four universities. In Adelaide, students might prefer to live close to the city’s center since it gives them quick access to the facilities and nightlife. For many students in Adelaide, this means putting students within walking distance of classes.
However, it is also possible to reside in the outer suburbs for practical reasons since the suburbs in the outer areas offer affordable living and easy parking. Public transportation in Adelaide is a bit limited in many locations due to the city’s small-density design. Adelaide Metro Adelaide Metro provides whole-of-city bus services, a tram loop, and an Adelaide-Glenelg Tram. One of the most sought-after weekend destinations for weekend getaways in Adelaide is the suburb with the beach of Glenelg. Glenelg is home to numerous cafés and restaurants that are within a short distance of the beach. The universities provide diverse courses and an excellent presence of international students. They include:
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of South Australia
- Flinders University
- Torrens University
Perth
Student life in Perth has a rural feel because all universities are far from the city’s center. Students usually prefer to live within walking or cycling distance from their classes. Opting for public transportation, including regular bus services available on working days is also possible. The universities are generally excellent in supporting the social aspects that students enjoy, and they tend to be more city-oriented than campus-oriented. There are many sporting clubs available through the university system, and the student unions hold a number of events.
Perth is also home to numerous dining, shopping, and night out spots. The cost of living in Perth is comparatively high. The city is ranked as the second most expensive city in the world, following Sydney. The high cost of living, however, reflects the strength of the local economy and the market for jobs. Perth HTML0 is the main city of the vast state of semi-aridity in Western Australia and a significant study destination for around 35,000 students from all over the world attending four universities.
- The University of Western Australia
- Edith Cowan University
- Murdoch University
- Curtin University
Brisbane
Students at Brisbane’s schools generally reside within the suburbs in the middle, where mostucational facilities are located. The largest concentration of students is located close to St Lucia, the suburban area. St Lucia, which contains the main campus of the University of Queensland. Brisbane has excellent public transport services, and the city is small and pedestrian-friendly.
Biking around on the streets is also a common choice. Even though Brisbane is steep, there are plenty of cycling routes along plains on the other sides of the Brisbane River. Most residents commute by car. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia has at most 100,000 students at universities that belong to a variety of institutions, including three major universities located within the town.
- The University of Queensland
- The Queensland University of Technology
- Griffith University
Sydney is known as the capital city of New South Wales and Australia’s largest city. It is home to six of Australia’s top universities, with more than 30,000 students studying on campuses. Sydney is among the most expensive cities for living around the globe, but the median wage is among the top. Sydney has plenty of entertainment options, including every major show, stage, or other entertainment visitors visit Australia. Culturally speaking, Sydney has a rich mixture of cultures due to an ongoing and constant immigration of people over the years.
This is evident in Sydney’s restaurant culture, which has become varied, innovative, and competitive. But Sydney is a crowded area and costly. Prices for homes in Sydney are very high, especially when you decide to reside in the city’s inner area. Sydney’s public transport system is unreliable, and the streets are typically packed.
For students at university, Sydney is undoubtedly an expensive area to live in. However, there are a few advantages. First, universities are usually located in inner city areas that provide the opportunity to enjoy a range of cultural activities without the need to travel far. This is in addition to the ability to access beaches. Sydney’s universities are recognized internationally for their academic research.
Here are a few of the most prestigious schools in Sydney:
- The University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- Western Sydney University
- University of Technology, Sydney
- Macquarie University
- Australian Catholic University
Canberra
Canberra is Australia’s capital city and another small, upscale city for students. It’s convenient to live in and study in, and it is home to a fair number of foreign students. It has a great infrastructure and ample space. The city spans an extensive area and has large areas of land that are set aside for parks and reserves for bush.
According to Australian standards, the two universities are quite small and have a combined student population of 35,000 students. In both institutions, about one-quarter of students are international. Canberra is a tranquil city in which to reside, and it has an efficient road system that allows residents to move quickly from the Civic area to the suburbs. The suburbs are self-sufficient, with mini-shopping centers, malls, parks, and playgrounds scattered throughout the city.
Because many universities are close to the Civic, the suburban atmosphere of Canberra doesn’t affect students significantly. Canberra has a typical combination of Asian and European eateries, Irish and boutique bars, and nightclubs. There are licensed clubs that are free to join and provide inexpensive food and drinks. The city also offers a setting that can be conducive to learning since it is uncluttered. The parks offer a sense of calm in the city. Canberra is home to two universities within a short distance of each other. These include:
- Australian National University (ANU)
- The University of Canberra
The Gold Coast
It is said that the Gold Coast is a dream city to study in if you can locate an appropriate course. It is the most visited tourist destination and a growing study place. It is blessed with great weather, beaches, and plenty of entertainment. CQ University and Southern Cross University are two of the most affordable schools for foreign students in Australia.
While renting can be costly, tuition costs at public institutions are inexpensive. They could reduce the cost by thousands of Australian dollars compared to students studying in Sydney and Melbourne. Students who attend university on the Gold Coast get great beaches and weather, nature reserves and canals, and nightlife and entertainment. Over 30,000 students from universities live in the Gold Coast, which houses campuses of four Australian universities.
- Bond University
- CQ University
- Griffith University
- Southern Cross University
Hobart
Hobart might be suitable for students looking for a less expensive city. Hobart is a great place to live and has the lowest accommodation cost among the university cities. Hobart is home to one of the campuses of Tasmania’s University of Tasmania (UTAS) and is home to all of Tasmania’s university students. The University of Tasmania is Hobart’s and Tasmania’s sole university. It has a variety of classes, including specialized and general, and facilities that are spread throughout Tasmania. Over 1 in 5 students are from abroad.
Along with a large international study program, UTAS provides a variety of courses through distance education. Accommodation for students is usually ample, which helps compensate for the absence of reliable public transportation in the city. Buses are difficult to find away from main highways. Students usually share houses with the city and the university, which puts “everything” within walking distance.
Wollongong
Wollongong is believed to offer the perfect environment for learning and living. The natural environment, the temperate climate, and the low population make it pleasant to live in. However, it is connected to major cities and has excellent educational standards. It is considered Australia’s most livable city in a small town and the most desirable small town that students can live in across Australia. It is home to the University of Wollongong, one of Australia’s best universities.
It is a research institution with an international reputation. International and local students highly rate it, as graduates have a high success rate in finding jobs or pursuing further studies. A significant portion of students who study abroad in Australia, particularly those studying postgraduate, opt for Wollongong as their University of Wollongong.
The city offers a wide selection of inexpensive dining choices due to its diverse heritage, with significant connections to the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and Asia. There are also pubs with discounted prices for students, and Wednesday is designated”student night “student night.” Car owners with students can easily explore Wollongong and the surrounding regions since the city is part of the long coast road (the Grand Pacific Drive).
Public transport options exist for students who do not ride or walk to the campus. A no-cost city loop bus service operates between the campus and the center of town. Driving isn’t the most popular choice because of the absence of parking on campus.
Tuition Fees
An undergraduate degree costs between 20,000 to 40,000 AU$ (10,71,952 – 21,43,905 INR) per annum, while a postgraduate degree costs between 22,000 and 50,000 AUD $(11,79,148-26,79,881 INR). The cost of a degree varies from school to university, and even science degrees are more costly than art degrees. A book budget is estimated to cost between 500 and 1000 dollars (26,798-53,597 INR) each year.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Australia differs based on the kind of region and type of student lives. Rural areas located in the southern and western regions are less expensive compared to more urban areas, like Sydney and Melbourne, which are costly. When you are studying in Australia, There are three different types of accommodations you can choose from:
In-Campus Housing Some universities provide on-campus accommodation through residential colleges. These include apartments or halls of residence. They are typically priced between 400 – 1100 dollars (23,582 – 58,957 Indian rupees) monthly, and the cost is dependent on the institution as well as the services offered along with these. The number of accommodations on campus is limited and requires applicants to apply early.
Off-campus accommodation: Students can lease rooms in shared apartments or stay in guesthouses or hotels. Hotels will cost between 80 and 135 dollars (4,287-7,235 INR) per week, whereas shared accommodations can cost between 100 and 400 dollars (5,359-21,439 INR) per person per week. Rented Accommodation could or might not include services like electricity and gas, as well as internet and water services. These services could be priced between 300 and 400 AU dollars (16,079-21,439 INR). Students must also furnish one or all of the furniture since these accommodations are not often furnished.
HomestaysStudents may opt to stay with local families who reside in Australia. Homestays are an excellent method of integrating into Australian life. The cost can be between 110 and 270 AU$(5,895-14,471 INR) for a week, contingent on the kind of room. Although food costs are usually included in the cost of rent, students can cook on their own.
Additional Expenses
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, international students need about AU21 041 (11,27,747 INR) annually in terms of living expenses. The figures have come up due to the addition of several important factors, such as tuition and study fees, along with accommodation, transportation, food, textbooks, and other expenses. International Studentsare required to pay for their study-related expenses in addition to Overseas Health Student Cover, whichwhich costs four78 AU$(25,619 INR) for a single insurance and any other charges associated with their particular program.
FAQs
Which city is more suitable for students studying in Australia?
The main cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are well-known locations for international students. On the other hand, regions like Wollongong, Hobart, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra are more laid-back in terms of studying atmospheres.
Which city is the most affordable for international students to study in Australia?
Canberra, the capital of Australia, is among Australia’s most cost-effective and accessible cities for students from abroad.
Which is the city with the highest number of jobs in Australia?
The two cities of Sydney and Melbourne have the greatest jobs available in Australia.
Then, we’ve talked about the top cities in Australia. A lot of Indian students are interested in studying in other countries because of the opportunities that they can provide for exposure and growth in their careers. You can attend a free counseling meeting through Leverage Edu if you want to pursue an overseas degree.