Australia is one of the top destinations for international students because of its high-quality education system, globally-ranked universities, and diverse and welcoming culture. Australia focuses on real-world learning, providing students with knowledge, skills, and experience.
Seven Australian cities rank in the world’s top 100 best student cities in the QS World Best Student Cities Ranking of 2025. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, and Gold Coast are Australia’s top seven popular cities.
Table of Contents:
- Top Cities in Australia for International Students
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Canberra
- Perth
- Gold Coast
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top Cities in Australia for International Students
The top cities in Australia for international students according to the QS World Rankings of 2025 are as follows:
| Cities | QS World Best Student Cities Ranking (2025) |
| Melbourne | 5 |
| Sydney | 6 |
| Brisbane | 25 |
| Adelaide | 28 |
| Canberra | =29 |
| Perth | 35 |
| Gold Coast | 93 |
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the top cities in Australia. Melbourne is a diverse city with quality education, affordable living, career opportunities, and safety and security. Melbourne is ranked 5th in the world in the QS World Best Student Cities Ranking of 2025. Melbourne is also Australia’s ‘most livable’ city. The University of Melbourne is one of the top universities in Australia.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,563 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | 5 (Overall Score – 97.1) |
Sydney
Sydney is becoming popular among international students due to its quality education, job opportunities, amazing nature, nightlife, great food, perfect weather and much more. Sydney is the largest city in Australia by area. Australia’s oldest and most prestigious university, the University of Sydney is situated in Sydney.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,740 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | 6 (Overall Score – 95.4) |
Brisbane
Brisbane is home to over 200 nationalities and 220 languages. With a great urban and outdoor lifestyle culture and lower average living costs than other cities in Australia, Brisbane is one of the most liked destinations for study-abroad students. Brisbane also offers plenty of opportunities for fresh graduates due to its booming economy. The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University are some of the top universities in Brisbane.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,633 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | 25 (Overall Score – 84.8) |
Adelaide
Adelaide is one of the most beautiful cities in Australia. It is situated on the coast and is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in Australia. Adelaide is one of the ideal places to live, study, and work. Adelaide has some of the most popular universities in Australia, such as the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, and Flinders University.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,782 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | 28 (Overall Score – 84.1) |
Canberra
Canberra is Australia’s capital city. Clean country air, inclusive community and friendly people are some of the top reasons why international students choose Canberra as their study abroad destination. Canberra has a diverse culture with excellent education and it has the lowest unemployment rate in Australia. Every year Canberra welcomes 15,000+ international students from more than 100 countries.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,916 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | =29 (Overall Score – 83.8) |
Perth
Perth is known for its friendly local population, quality of education, employment opportunities, and diverse culture. The capital city of Western Australia, Perth is one of the best cities in Australia for international students and is filled with stunning landscapes, peaceful marketplaces, and a great quality of life.
Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,648 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | 35 (Overall Score – 82.2) |
Gold Coast
Gold Coast is home to more than 29,000 international students from over 130 countries. Gold Coast has affordable tuition fees and tons of employment opportunities for international students. Gold Coast is one of the top cities in Australia for international students as it provides up to 4 years of post-study work visa.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Cost of Living (Monthly) | AUD 1,543 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 – Best Student Cities | 93 (Overall Score – 61.4) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living for international students in Australia?
The average cost of living for international students in Australia is AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 per month.
How many hours can I work part-time as an international student in Australia?
International students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week on their student visa in Australia.
Is it safe for international students to live and study in Australia?
Yes, Australia is considered a safe country to live and study. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra have low crime rates and are known for their welcoming environments.
Which are the top 10 cities in Australia?
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Gold Coast, Hobart, Darwin and Newcastle are the top 10 cities in Australia.
Which are the top universities in Australia for international students?
The University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and The Australian National University are some of the top universities in Australia for international students.
