5 Best Student Cities in Australia in 2025

Many things call students to its shore and while world-class education is one of them, too many it is the lifestyle and better living conditions that call out. Adjudged as one of the most student-friendly destinations, there are ample opportunities for international students after studying in Australia across its best student cities. Check out the best city in Australia for international students and which Australian cities make it to the top 5 as per best student cities in 2025 in this article. 

Universities are stretched around the continent and have 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 costs to stay in one.

Read more about: Why Study in Australia?

Top-Ranked Student Cities in Australia 2025

Overall, seven student cities in Australia are popular study destinations, and QS also ranks all seven of them each year. The best cities in Australia for international students as per QS for the year 2025 are as follows:

The above-given are just seven major cities of Australia that have been ranked for 2025 among the 'Best Student Cities in Australia' as per QS Rankings. These are the best cities in Australia for international students.

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 the best city in Australia for international students and with good reason. A healthy student population from around the world, as well as a diverse cultural set, makes it the multi-cultural capital of Australia. Perhaps a bit mellower than Sydney, it is no longer dull. 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.

It is home to the Top Ranked University of Australia. The Melbourne Business School is among Asia and Australia's Top Business Schools and has international recognition. Here’s a list of some of the top universities in Melbourne

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University

Apart from them, some of the lesser-known but good colleges in Australia are also located in this city.

• La Trobe University
• Deakin University
• Swinburne University of Technology

Studying in Sydney City

A picture of the Sydney Opera house is synonymous with Australia! So no wonder Sydney continues to be the best city in Australia for international students and a top destination for people from all over the world visiting the country. The same applies to students from around the world.

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 worldwide, 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. On the other hand, a single-room private accommodation in the city centre 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 is also the best city in Australia for international students. 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…

However, let us not 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

• University of Queensland
• Queensland University of Technology
• Griffith University

On a comparative scale, we can say that Brisbane is perhaps as costly as Melbourne, 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. Plus, one of the best city in Australia for international students

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:

• University of Adelaide
• University of South Australia

Studying in Perth City

This quaint city in Western Australia does not compete with any of the above regarding nightlife. It might be good 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 cafés, parks, and recreation places to keep you busy. This adds to the fact that the beaches are unspoilt yet offer a beautiful spectacle to those who like to introspect and enjoy the marvel of nature.

Apart from that, Perth is the best city in Australia for international students. Another thing a student would get in plenty in this city is good universities offering excellent world-class education. Some of them include,

• University of Western Australia
• Curtin University
• Murdoch University

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 are on 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 for study and work, 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

Thus, these are also some of the renowned and best cities in Australia for international students in terms of Business. 

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, a city in Australia is perfect for you. Consider your priorities in terms of lifestyle, cost of living, and academic offerings when deciding.

Still, confused as to where to study and in which city of Australia? Get in touch with our counsellors for free at https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.