5 Best Student Cities in Australia

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Planning to further your studies in the beautiful land of Australia? Not sure which city to choose to become your home away from home? Look no further, here are the 5 best student cities along with a list of highly reputable universities within each city to guide you in making the best choice!

#1 Melbourne

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

Often known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is known to be home away from home for over 100,000 international students – earning the world’s second best student city, behind Paris in France. Melbourne is a top choice for university students for many reasons, mainly being ranked – 10th best city in the world for employer activity which ensures high employability for international students upon completion of their studies. 

Besides that, Melbourne’s climate is highly adaptable to students coming from everywhere. Melbourne is surrounded by valleys, hills, rivers and creeks that contribute to an overall cooling temperature. Easy and affordable commuting systems are also available for transportation comprising taxis, buses, trams and trains where students will be able to commute between places hassle-free. Melbourne is also a vibrant and multicultural city that celebrates its diversity through various events, performances, festivals and local foods. Filled with many cultural museums and regular sports competitions, this city has something to offer for everyone from anywhere. 

Melbourne is also home to a number of reputable universities with world university rankings, which caters to a very vast variety of subject areas. Here they are listed along with their QS World University Ranking (2021):

Universities                                                 

QS World University Ranking (2021)

Monash University 

55th

RMIT University 

223th 

Deakin University 

275th 

Swinburne University 

372th 

La Trobe University 

398th 

Victoria University 

551th-560th

For more information on programs available, intakes, fees, scholarships available and application process, contact Excel Education!

#2 Sydney

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

If you’re looking for a city where you’ll be given excellent education and a comfortable lifestyle, Sydney is definitely where it’s at. With 22% of their entire student population consisting of international students, the public transportation system in Sydney makes it easy and convenient for students to get around the suburbs, city centre and others including buses, ferries, trains, and trams with the city’s Opal card as a method of payment. As a student, you’ll be able to spend your day exploring the city and it’s iconic landmarks such as Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. Alike Melbourne, Sydney offers a multicultural city for everyone to enjoy cultures from around the world. 

However, Sydney is known to be the most expensive state to live in Australia, due to its title of being among the top most livable cities in the world. Sydney is also known as Australia’s economic hub with hundreds of firms which allows international students a wide range of opportunities for internship, training or even future employment. 

Sydney is also home to a number of reputable universities with world class rankings, which caters to a very vast variety of subject areas. Here they are listed along with their QS World University Ranking (2021):

Universities 

QS World University Ranking (2021)

University of Sydney 

40th

University of New South Wales (UNSW) 

44th 

University of Technology Sydney 

133th 

Macquarie University

214th 

Western Sydney University 

474th 

For more information on programs available, intakes, fees, scholarships available and application process, contact Excel Education!

#3 Perth

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

Capital of Western Australia with a population of more than 2 million people, Perth is an ideal student city on the west coast. Perth is known as the ‘Education City’ with more than 35,000 international students coming into the city to study. Perth is a good alternative for students who dislike the city lifestyle of Melbourne and Sydney that is also equipped with a comprehensive transportation system with 40% discounts offered to international students for commuting. Perth also offers many part-time work opportunities for international students, up to 20 hour per week which helps you not only be able to fund your stay here but also learn new and different skills while meeting different types of people. 

This cultural hub of a city provides different backdrops for cultural events and festivals, various food choices and entertainment venues to cater to making the city the best second home for international students.  Along with that, Perth has 19 stunning beaches with various activities such as fishing, surfing and snorkelling for you to enjoy on your day offs. 

Perth is also home to a number of reputable universities, which caters to a very vast variety of subject areas. Here they are listed along with their QS World University Ranking (2021):

Universities 

QS World University Ranking (2021)

University of Western Australia 

92th 

Curtin University 

217th 

Murdoch University 

571th-580th

Edith Cowan University 

651th-700th 

For more information on programs available, intakes, fees, scholarships available and application process, contact Excel Education!

#4 Brisbane

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Known as the ‘Sunshine State’ of Australia, Brisbane is a city best known for its warm and sunny weather, perfect pair for its popular gateways at rainforests, islands, waterfalls and beaches. Brisbane also boasts an incredible food and cultural scene, which allows international students to find food from all over the world. Besides that, Brisbane is a fairly affordable city compared to the other, which allows you to experience studying abroad with a cheaper price tag.

Brisbane’s reliable public transport system eases the travel throughout Brisbane for students, especially with a Translink go card that will allow you to travel by bus, train and ferry throughout the city. Lastly, this beautiful city offers a wide range of opportunities for international students to take up part time jobs up to 40 hours bi weekly to help them finance their stay and study in the country. 

Brisbane is also home to a number of reputable universities, which caters to a very vast variety of subject areas. Here they are listed along with their QS World University Ranking (2021):

Universities 

QS World University Ranking (2021)

University of Queensland 

46th 

Queensland University of Technology 

217th

Griffith University 

303th 

James Cook University 

462th

University of Southern Queensland 

701-750th

For more information on programs available, intakes, fees, scholarships available and application process, contact Excel Education!

#5 Adelaide

Photo Credit: Times Higher Education

Located in the southern part of Australia, Adelaide is a second home to approximately 10,000 students from all over the world, with a 1.2 million population. Adelaide has many options when it comes to transportation, this city offers free buses, trams and trains within the city with also an integrated system that connects the city to the suburbs for the ease of citizens. As an international student, getting a student metroCARD allows you to travel using these public transports while saving. Accommodation in Adelaide is also cheaper. 

The city also offers many opportunities for students to get involved in internships and part-time jobs whilst pursuing their students in Adelaide. This city also hosts a number of international events all year-round such as Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fridge and Test Cricket where students will definitely find something of their interest. Not only that, Adelaide is also constantly bursting with flea markets, entertainments, events, award-winning restaurants and world-famous wineries for you to enjoy. 

Adelaide is also home to a number of reputable  universities, which caters to a very vast variety of subject areas. Here they are listed along with their QS World University Ranking (2021):

Universities 

QS World University Ranking (2021)

University of Adelaide 

106th 

University of South Australia 

295th 

Flinders University 

423th 

 

For more information on programs available, intakes, fees, scholarships available and application process, contact Excel Education!

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About the Author

Raveena Rakni Suresh Raj

Leo baby & a psych major

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