Australia offers more than stunning beaches and unique wildlife. It’s home to top-tier universities in dynamic cities. Last year, over 710,000 international students chose Australia, drawn by its excellent education and vibrant culture.
From Melbourne, the top student city, to Sydney’s iconic skyline, each town offers something unique. In this blog, you will learn the seven best cities to study in Australia, their universities, and their living costs, helping you find the best fit for your academic and personal goals.
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Key Highlights
In this blog, you will learn in greater detail about the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Best Cities to Study In Australia | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane |
| Top Universities in Melbourne | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland (UQ) |
| Top Universities in Sydney | University of Sydney, University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) |
| Top Universities in Brisbane | University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australian Catholic University |
| Highest Cost of Living | Canberra: INR 1.07L (AUD 1.9K) Per Month |
| Highest Average Salary | Melbourne: INR 3.6L (AUD 6.4K) Per Month |
7 Best Cities to Study In Australia
Australian cities provide a safe, welcoming environment with a high quality of life, making them ideal for international students.
The QS Best Student Cities Rankings consider factors like affordability, desirability, and student feedback, and seven best cities to study in Australia have earned spots in the top 100 for 2025.
These cities offer excellent education and enriching life experiences, ensuring you feel at home while studying.
Here are the best cities to study in Australia.
| Best Cities to Study In Australia | QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025 |
| Melbourne | 5 |
| Sydney | 6 |
| Brisbane | 25 |
| Adelaide | 28 |
| Canberra | 29 |
| Perth | 35 |
| Gold Coast | 93 |
1. Melbourne
Melbourne, ranked 5th in the QS Best Student Cities 2025, is often called Australia’s cultural capital and the best city in Australia for international students. With over 200,000 international students, it’s the most diverse city in the country.
Melbourne offers a vibrant mix of great food, entertainment, shopping, and events centred around arts, music, fashion, and film. The city’s efficient public transport system makes getting around easy, so you won’t need a car to explore everything Melbourne has to offer.
Here are some of the top universities in the city of Melbourne.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| University of Melbourne | 13 | INR 14L to INR 57.5L (AUD 25K to AUD 102K) |
| Monash University | 37 | INR 12.8L to INR 24.5L (AUD 22.8K to AUD 43.4K) |
| Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) | 123 | INR 12.4L to INR 22L (AUD 22K to AUD 39K) |
Here is a brief overview of Melbourne: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 84.6K (AUD 1.5K) Per Month |
| Average Salary | INR 3.6L (AUD 6.4K) Per Month |
| Safety | 7th Safest City in Australia |
| Transportation Types | Trains, Bus, Trams |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 16th |
| QS Student View Rank | 2nd |
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2. Sydney
Sydney is a strong contender to Melbourne, ranking just one spot lower in the QS Best Student Cities 2025. As Australia’s 2nd most sought-after student city and the best city in Australia to study and work, Sydney hosts several top-ranked institutions.
The city is known for its vibrant lifestyle, with plenty of outdoor activities, great dining options, lively pubs, and shopping destinations. Sydney also has iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, offering endless opportunities to enjoy everything the city offers.
Here are some of the top universities in Sydney.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| University of Sydney | 18 | INR 18.6L to INR 37.8L (AUD 33K to AUD 67K) |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 19 | INR 22.5L to INR 35.5L (AUD 40K to AUD 63K) |
| University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) | 88 | INR 10L to INR 29.3L (AUD 18K to AUD 52K) |
Here is a brief overview of Sydney: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 96K (AUD 1.7K) |
| Average Salary | INR 3.5L (AUD 6.3K) |
| Safety | 4th |
| Transportation Types | Metro, Train, Bus, Ferry, Taxis, Trams |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 18th |
| QS Student View Rank | 8th |
3. Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, is home to three globally recognised institutions. Known for its strong sports culture and annual cultural events that draw crowds from across the country and beyond, Brisbane offers a lively atmosphere.
It’s also a budget-friendly option for Indian students, with affordable living costs and promising career opportunities in healthcare, education, and technology.
Here are some of the top universities in Brisbane: the best city in Australia for Indian students.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 43 | INR 12.4L to INR 23L (AUD 22K to AUD 41K) |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | 189 | INR 15.2L to INR 26.5L (AUD 27K to AUD 47K) |
| Australian Catholic University | 801-850 | INR 13L to INR 18L (AUD 23K to AUD 32K) |
Here is a brief overview of Brisbane: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 96K (AUD 1.7K) Per Month |
| Average Salary | INR 3.38L (AUD 6K) Per Month |
| Safety | 5th |
| Transportation Types | Bus, Train, Tram, Ferry, Bicycle |
| QS Student View Rank | 53rd |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 51th |
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4. Adelaide
Adelaide stands out as one of Australia’s best student cities, primarily due to its reputation for safety.
Although it’s one of the more expensive cities in the country, it ranks 25th globally in the QS Student Cities Rankings 2025, making it the third-best in Australia after Melbourne and Sydney.
As the fifth-largest city in Australia, Adelaide is home to several top universities that attract international students. If you’re a food lover, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Adelaide’s vibrant culinary scene.
Here are some of the top universities in the city of Adelaide.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| University of Adelaide | 109 | INR 13.5L to INR 35.5L (AUD 24K to AUD 63K) |
| University of South Australia | 363 | INR 14L to INR 22.5L (AUD 25K to AUD 40K) |
| Flinders University | 425 | INR 12.4L to INR 19.7L (AUD 22K to AUD 35K) |
Here is a brief overview of Adelaide: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 1L (AUD 1.8K) Per Month |
| Average Salary | INR 2.88L (AUD 5.1K) Per Month |
| Safety | 2nd |
| Transportation | Bus, Train, Tram |
| QS Student View Rank | 28th |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 69th |
5. Canberra
Canberra stands out as Australia’s safest city, ranking first in safety across the country. In addition to its security, Canberra offers a more affordable cost of living compared to many other Australian cities.
It’s also home to the prestigious Australian National University, one of the highest-ranked institutions in the country.
Here are some of the top universities in the city of Canberra.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 30 | INR 18.6L to INR 25.4L (AUD 33K to AUD 45K) |
| University of Canberra | 511-520 | INR 9.6L to INR 19.7L (AUD 17K to AUD 35K) |
Here is a brief overview of Canberra: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 1.07L (AUD 1.9K) Per Month |
| Average Salary | INR 2.93L (AUD 5.2K) Per Month |
| Safety | 1st |
| Transportation | Bus, Taxi, Cycling |
| QS Student View Rank | 60th |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 42nd |
6. Perth
Perth, like Adelaide, ranks 35th globally, but it’s known for higher tuition fees compared to other Australian cities. However, this is balanced by strong salary prospects and a growing demand for graduates, especially in education, healthcare, retail, and social services.
In Perth, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy music, film, and arts festivals, along with theatre, cinema, comedy shows, and a wide variety of food options.
Here are some of the top universities in the city of Perth.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | 90 | INR 17L to INR 37.8L (AUD 30K to AUD 67K) |
| Curtin University | 193 | INR 13.5L to INR 30L (AUD 24K to AUD 54K) |
| Murdoch University | 561-570 | INR 14L to INR 19.7L (AUD 25K to AUD 35K) |
Here is a brief overview of Perth: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 90K (AUD 1.6K) Per Month |
| Average Salary | INR 3.27L (AUD 5.8K) Per Month |
| Safety | 6th |
| Transportation | Bus, Train, Ferry, Cycling, Rideshare |
| QS Student View Rank | 59th |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 85th |
7. Gold Coast
Gold Coast, Australia’s sixth-largest city, is known for its diverse population and rapid growth. As one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, it offers plenty of opportunities, particularly in IT, sports, education, and entertainment.
Here are some of the top universities in the city of Gold Coast.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| Griffith University | 300 | INR 11.8L to INR 20.8L (AUD 21K to AUD 37K) |
| Bond University | 481 | INR 14.6L to INR 31L (AUD 26K to AUD 55K) |
| Southern Cross University | 701-750 | INR 13.5L to INR 16.3L (AUD 24K to AUD 29K) |
Here is a brief overview of Gold Coast: one of the best cities to study in Australia.
| Particulars | Description |
| Cost of Living | INR 84.6K (AUD 1.5K) |
| Average Salary | INR 2.82L (AUD 5K) Per Month |
| Safety | 8th |
| Transportation | Bus, Train, Tram, Bikes |
| QS Student View Rank | 112th |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 136th |
Conclusion
Australia is renowned for having some of the best cities to study in, offering a wide range of top-tier universities across its diverse locations. Whether you’re attracted to Sydney’s coastal charm or Melbourne’s cultural energy, you’ll find a welcoming environment to pursue your academic goals.
Are you considering studying in one of Australia’s lively cities? LeapScholar is here to support your journey! With a team of over 1,500 experts, we can guide you through every step and help you find the perfect program.
Book a free call with LeapScholar today to explore your options for an affordable education in one of the best cities to study in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Why should I consider studying in Australia?
A. Australia is an exceptional choice for higher education, offering some of the best cities to study in the world. With top-tier universities, vibrant cultural scenes, and diverse career opportunities, Australia provides an enriching environment for international students. You’ll benefit from a high-quality education system, experience life in dynamic cities, and access various extracurricular activities while being part of a welcoming and diverse community.
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Q. Which are the best cities to study in Australia?
A. Australia has several top cities for international students, each with unique appeal. Melbourne and Sydney are often sought after and are known for their world-class universities and bustling city life. Some of the best cities to study in Australia are as follows.
Brisbane
Adelaide
Canberra
Perth
Gold Coast -
Q. What makes Melbourne the best city in Australia for international students?
A. Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the best cities to study in Australia, often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. It’s home to some of Australia’s most prestigious universities, including the University of Melbourne and Monash University. The city’s diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and wide range of entertainment options make it an exciting place to live and study.
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Q. How does Sydney compare to other student cities in Australia?
A. Sydney is a close competitor to Melbourne and is known as the best city in Australia to study and work. It’s also known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It offers a dynamic lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural events, and top-notch dining options.
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Q. What can I expect from student life in Brisbane?
A. Brisbane is one of the best cities to study in Australia for those looking for a more relaxed yet vibrant environment. It can be said that it is the best city in Australia for Indian students. It’s known for its warm climate, friendly locals, and intense sports culture. Brisbane also has several well-regarded universities, including the University of Queensland.
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Q. Is Adelaide the best city to study in Australia?
A. Adelaide is renowned for being one of Australia’s safest and best cities to study. It’s a welcoming city with a laid-back vibe, perfect for students who prefer a quieter environment. Adelaide is home to top universities like the University of Adelaide and Flinders University. The city also has a vibrant food and wine scene, with plenty of events and festivals that enrich student life.
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Q. Why is Canberra considered the best city to study in Australia?
A. Canberra, Australia’s capital, is one of the best cities to study in Australia, especially for those seeking a safe and academically focused environment. The city is home to the Australian National University, one of the country’s highest-ranked institutions. Canberra offers a more affordable cost of living than other major Australian cities, and its rich cultural and political landscape provides students with unique opportunities for learning and engagement.
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Q. What makes Perth an attractive city for students?
A. Perth stands out as one of the best cities to study in Australia due to its growing job market and strong salary prospects for graduates. It combines natural beauty with cultural events, allowing students to enjoy music festivals, theatre, and the arts. Perth is also home to respected institutions like the University of Western Australia, making it an excellent option for students seeking a high-quality education in a vibrant setting.
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Q. How does the Gold Coast stand out as a student city?
A. The Gold Coast is one of the best cities to study in Australia for students who enjoy a more relaxed, beachside lifestyle. Known for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities, the Gold Coast is also rapidly growing in areas like IT, sports, and entertainment. The city offers a diverse population and is home to universities like Griffith University and Bond University, providing students with quality education and plenty of recreational opportunities.
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Q. How is the public transport system in the best cities to study in Australia?
A. Public transport in Australia’s best cities to study in is generally efficient and well-developed. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer extensive networks of trains, buses, and trams, making it easy to commute to university and explore the city. This accessibility reduces the need for a car, allowing you to save on transportation costs while enjoying convenient travel.
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Q. What career opportunities are available after studying in Australia?
A. Australia’s best cities to study in, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offer substantial career opportunities across various industries. Sectors like healthcare, education, technology, and finance are particularly robust, providing plenty of job prospects for graduates. Australia’s economy is also stable and growing, making it easier for international students to secure employment after completing their studies.
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