Hey international students, if you're dreaming of studying in Australia, this guide is for you!
Today, we’re breaking down the Best Cities to Live in Australia for International Students. From cost of living, job opportunities to lifestyle, climate, and university rankings, these factors can shape your entire student experience.
Choosing a city where you can balance your studies with a lifestyle, job opportunities, and budgeting is a hard decision.
So stick around, because by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which city could be your perfect home away from home.
Sydney: Best for Career Opportunities
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, known for its famous Opera House, beautiful beaches, and diverse population. Is one of the best cities for international students in Australia, offering a unique mix of beach-side living and a dynamic business hub. It has a strong job market, especially in IT, Business, and Hospitality, making it a great place for students looking to work while studying.
Sydney is home to top-ranked universities in Australia. The University of Sydney and UNSW are among the best universities in Australia, known for their world-class research, strong industry connections, and highly ranked Business, Engineering, and Medical programs.
- Best For: Students who thrive in a fast-paced, cosmopolitan environment.
- Cost of Living: Expect to budget around AUD 2,000 - AUD 2,500 per month.
- Vibe: Dynamic, multicultural, and always buzzing.
- Job Market: High demand in sectors like finance, hospitality, and tourism.
Ideal for students who want a mix of city life and beach relaxation, plus plenty of job opportunities post-graduation.
Melbourne: Best for Student Life & Culture 🎨
Known as Australia’s cultural heart, Melbourne is often ranked as one of the best student cities in Australia, known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse food, and exciting events. It’s a city full of cafés, live music, and major sports events, making it an ideal place for students who love an active social life. The weather can be unpredictable, but the city’s unique character makes up for it.
Melbourne has some of Australia's top universities in the world. The University of Melbourne and Monash University are globally recognised for their academic excellence, strong research programs, making them a top choice for international students.
- Best For: Creative, arts-focused students looking for an engaging cultural scene.
- Cost of Living: Average monthly expenses are around AUD 1,800 - AUD 2,200.
- Vibe: Artsy, laid-back, and diverse.
- Job Market: Strong demand in arts, media, and tech, with many part-time roles for students.
Perfect for students who love creativity, cultural events, and don’t mind the occasional rain!
Brisbane: Best for Affordability & Relaxed Lifestyle ☀️
For a balanced student experience without breaking the bank, Brisbane is an excellent option. Located in Queensland, Brisbane boasts great weather year-round and offers a balanced lifestyle. Known for its strong student community, Brisbane provides a great atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities.
This is one of the most affordable major cities in Australia, with a lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne. It offers a warm, sunny climate year-round, and with a growing job market in Hospitality, Tourism, and Retail.
As for its universities, Brisbane is also home to really great universities including The University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Griffith University. These institutions are known for their strong Business, Engineering, and Health programs, as well as their links with industry, offering students excellent career prospects.
- Best For: Students seeking an affordable, warm, and friendly environment.
- Cost of Living: Average monthly costs range from AUD 1,500 - AUD 1,800.
- Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, with a strong student presence.
- Job Market: Growing job market, with opportunities in healthcare, education, and hospitality.
Ideal for students who prefer sunny days, affordable living, and a close-knit community feel.
Gold Coast: Best for Beaches & Tourism Jobs 🏄♂️
If a laid-back coastal vibe is more your style, the Gold Coast might be your ideal destination.
The Gold Coast is a top destination for students who love beaches and outdoor activities. With year-round sunshine and a world-famous surf culture, it’s an ideal place to balance studies with a relaxed coastal vibe. With a thriving tourism and hospitality industry, international students can find plenty of part-time job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and theme parks.
About education, Universities like Bond University, Southern Cross University, and Griffith University offer strong programs in hospitality and tourism.
- Best For: Students who love the beach, surfing, and outdoor activities.
- Cost of Living: Typically ranges from AUD 1,500 - AUD 1,800 per month.
- Vibe: Relaxed, coastal, and outdoor-oriented.
- Job Market: Strong opportunities in tourism, retail, and hospitality.
Ideal for students who want to study near the beach and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Perth: Best for Research & Sustainability 🌿
Perth is perfect if you’re after a high-quality education coupled with a relaxed, nature-friendly lifestyle. While it is more remote than other major cities, Perth offers beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a slower pace of life, making it a great place to focus on studies while enjoying nature.
As for its universities, Perth has lots of top universities like the University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University, both known for their strong research programs in Engineering, Mining, Environmental sciences, and Technology.
- Best For: Students who want affordability, a slower pace, and access to nature.
- Cost of Living: Around AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,000 per month.
- Vibe: Laid-back, sunny, with a blend of nature and city life.
- Job Market: High demand in mining, engineering, and healthcare, with good part-time opportunities.
Perfect for students interested in a quieter, nature-rich lifestyle with excellent job prospects.
Adelaide: Affordable, Artsy, and Cozy
Adelaide is one of Australia’s most affordable cities, offering a relaxed lifestyle with a strong arts and music scene. Known for its wine regions and festivals, Adelaide provides a slower pace that many students enjoy. Its affordability and smaller size make it easy to navigate and live comfortably on a budget.
- Best For: Budget-conscious students looking for a smaller, artsy city.
- Cost of Living: Average monthly expenses are around AUD 1,400 - AUD 1,700.
- Vibe: Cozy, artsy, with a strong community feel.
- Job Market: Smaller but steady, with roles in education, healthcare, and hospitality.
Ideal for students seeking affordability, a sense of community, and an artistic vibe.
How to Choose the Best Australian City for You 🤔
✔ For career-driven students → Sydney or Melbourne
If you want to study in a major business and job hub, Sydney and Melbourne offer the best career prospects. These cities have top-ranked universities, strong job markets in Finance, IT, and Business, and great networking opportunities for students who want to build their future in Australia.
✔ For affordability & lifestyle balance → Brisbane or Adelaide
If you’re looking for a lower cost of living while still studying at a top university, Brisbane is an excellent choice. This city offers cheaper rent, a more relaxed pace, and plenty of part-time job opportunities for students wanting a balanced lifestyle.
✔ For outdoor & tourism jobs → Gold Coast or Perth
For students who prefer beachside living, nature, and jobs in hospitality or tourism, the Gold Coast and Perth provide the perfect environment. These cities have strong tourism industries, beautiful coastal landscapes, and a laid-back lifestyle while still offering quality education.
Each city offers a unique experience. Consider your budget, career goals, and lifestyle preferences to find your best fit. Australia’s student cities each have something special—now it’s up to you to pick your perfect spot!
Ready to Choose Your City in Australia?
From Sydney’s iconic landmarks to Perth’s laid-back beaches, Australia has a city for every student’s needs. Start planning your study adventure and experience the Aussie lifestyle firsthand!
Want to Dive Deeper? Download Our Free Ebooks! 📘
For more in-depth information on each of these amazing cities, download Study Destination’s Ebooks! Our Ebooks cover everything from neighborhood insights and top student spots to budgeting tips and essential resources tailored for each city. Get your free guide and start planning your perfect study experience in Australia!
