Melbourne

Melbourne is considered the best city in Australia for students. Melbourne has approximately 270,000 university students, more than a third of whom are international students (91,000). Melbourne is also Australia’s most liveable city for a number of reasons. Art, fashion and cultural events are part of the city’s fabric, and the city allows artists to flourish. Self-expression is evident in the country’s street art, alternative fashion, live music and festivals. This culture perfectly matches the preferences of the student community. You can find plenty of cheap, non-industrial entertainment.

There are niche bars with free live music, inexpensive eateries with authentic Asian or fusion cuisine, and public spaces filled with art. While culture is one of the reasons why so many students live in Melbourne, the city also caters to students from a practical point of view. It has an integrated public transport system consisting of trains, trams, buses and taxis. Traveling from the middle and inner city is generally easy and cheap.

Urban housing is also diverse, including mixed high- and low-density neighborhoods near the city center. Students can usually create affordable housing within a short drive of their classes. Staying in Melbourne can be expensive, but various student discounts make saving easier.

Student discounts in Melbourne can be used to buy technology such as laptops and mobile phones, data services, movies, household purchases, clothing purchases, food discounts, fitness discounts and even travel discounts. This process is generally simple and in most cases only requires your student ID, but in some cases a valid email ID and registration with that particular service may be required. The city offers students a wide range of educational options, with 8 universities located in the city.

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• Deakin University
• La Trobe University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• RMIT University
• University of Victoria
• University of Theology

Highlights

Average tuition fee (per year)	US$25,000
Best student cities according to QS 2024	4
QS Accessibility Rating	131

Read also: The best student cities in the UK

Adelaide

Adelaide is the only city in the semi-arid state of South Australia. There are approximately 70,000 people studying in Adelaide, including approximately 20,000 international students. Adelaide is the city of choice for many international students due to its low cost of living. In keeping with its size, the city has 4 universities. In Adelaide, students may choose to live close to the city center as it provides quick access to amenities and nightlife, and for a proportion of Adelaide students, it will allow them to be within walking distance of classes.

On the other hand, they may also choose to live in the outer suburbs for practical reasons, as the outer suburbs offer inexpensive living and convenient parking. Public transport in Adelaide is limited in many places due to the city’s low urban density. Adelaide Metro provides bus services throughout the city, an intra-city tram ring and the Adelaide-Glenelg tram. A popular weekend destination in Adelaide is the coastal suburb of Glenelg. There are many restaurants and cafes located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. These universities offer a balanced range of courses and have a large number of international students. This:

• University of Adelaide
• University of South Australia
• Flinders University
• Torrance University

Highlights

Average tuition fee (per year)	US$25,500
Best student cities according to QS 2024	26

Perth

Student life in Perth is suburban in nature, with all universities located some distance from the city centre. Students usually choose to live within walking or biking distance from classes. There is also a public transport option, with regular buses running on weekdays. Universities tend to be good at supporting the social side of student life, which tends to be more campus-oriented than city-oriented. There are many sports clubs at universities, and student unions organize several events.

Perth also has several shopping, dining and walking options. The cost of living in Perth is relatively high. It is the second most expensive city after Sydney. However, the high cost of living reflects a strong local economy and job market. Perth is a major metropolis in the vast semi-arid state of Western Australia, and is also an important destination for study abroad, with approximately 35,000 international students attending 4 universities.

• University of Western Australia
• Edith Cowan University
• Murdoch University
• Curtin University

Highlights

Average tuition fee (per year)	US$22,900
Best student cities according to QS 2024	34
QS Accessibility Rating	100

Read also: Best cities in Canada

Brisbane

Brisbane university students typically live close to the inner suburbs where most educational institutions are located. The largest concentration of students is in and around the suburbs of Saint Lucia, where the main campus of the University of Queensland is located. Brisbane’s entire inner city, which is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, has good transport links.

Getting around by bicycle is also a popular option. Although Brisbane is hilly, there are extensive cycle paths along the flat areas on both sides of the Brisbane River. Residents mostly travel by car. Brisbane  ,  the capital of Queensland and Australia’s third largest city, is home to at least 100,000 students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, including three major universities located in the city.

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

Highlights

Average tuition fee (per year)	US$25,600
Best student cities according to QS 2024	22
QS Accessibility Rating	128

Sydney

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia. It is home to six major universities, each with more than 30,000 students on campus. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, but the average salary is also one of the highest. Sydney also offers plenty of entertainment, including all the major music, theater and other entertainment events that come to Australia. Culturally, Sydney has a rich mix of ethnic groups due to a strong and constant influx of immigrants over the years.

This is evident in Sydney’s restaurant scene, which is diverse, innovative and competitive. However, Sydney is a crowded place, and also expensive. Property prices in Sydney are high, especially if you choose to live in the city centre. Public transport in Sydney can be considered unreliable and roads are generally congested.

As a university student, Sydney is undoubtedly an expensive place to live, but it does have its advantages. Firstly, university campuses are mainly located in urban areas, which will provide access to a variety of cultural activities without having to travel far, as well as access to beaches. Sydney universities are internationally recognized for their academic research.

Here are some of the best universities in Sydney:

• University of New South Wales
• University of Sydney
• University of Western Sydney
• University of Technology, Sydney
• Macquarie University
• Australian Catholic University

Highlights

Average tuition fee (per year)	US$26,700
Best student cities according to QS 2024	7

Read also: Available UK cities for international students

Canberra

Canberra is the capital of Australia and another quality small city for student life. The city is easy to live and study in and attracts many international students. It has excellent infrastructure and plenty of space. The city is spread over a vast territory, large tracts of land are allocated for parks and nature reserves.

The universities are quite small by Australian standards, with an enrollment of around 35,000 people. At both universities, about a quarter of students are international students. Canberra is a quiet place to live, with an efficient road network that ensures people can get from civilian areas to the suburbs quickly. Suburban areas are quite self-sufficient: mini-shopping complexes, shopping centers, parks and playgrounds are scattered throughout the city.

With many universities located close to the Civic, Canberra’s commuter lifestyle does not impact students much. Canberra has a fairly standard mix of Asian and European restaurants, Irish and boutique bars, and nightclubs. There are also licensed clubs that are virtually free to join and offer cheap food and drink. It also provides an atmosphere conducive to learning as there are relatively no distractions. Parks create a sense of calm in the city. Canberra has two universities, both within a short drive of each other. This:

• Australian National University (ANU)
• University of Canberra

Highlights

Average tuition fee (per year)	US$25,700
Best student cities according to QS 2024	30
QS Accessibility Rating	104

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a dream city to study at university if you can find the right course for you. The city is Australia’s most popular tourist destination and an increasingly popular place to study. It has great weather, beaches and plenty of activities. CQ University and Southern Cross University are two of the cheapest universities for international students in Australia.

Although rent costs can be high, tuition fees at public universities are relatively low and thousands of Australian dollars can be saved compared to those studying in Sydney or Melbourne. University students living on the Gold Coast enjoy great weather and beaches, canals and nature reserves, as well as entertainment and nightlife. Home to four Australian universities, the Gold Coast is home to more than 30,000 students.

• Bond University
• CQ University
• Griffith University
• Southern Cross University

Highlights

Average Tuition Cost	US$21,200
QS Accessibility Rating	98

Hobart

Hobart may be a good choice for students looking for a cheaper city. It has the lowest cost of living among university cities. Hobart is home to the main campus of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and is home to the majority of the University of Tasmania’s 20,000 students. The University of Tasmania is the only university in Hobart and Tasmania. It offers a wide range of courses – both general and specialized – and has facilities spread across the state. More than 1 in 5 students are international students.

In addition to its extensive study abroad program, UTas also offers a wide range of distance learning courses. Student accommodation is usually plentiful, which helps compensate for the lack of good public transport in the city. Buses are difficult to find away from main roads. Students often live in shared houses between the university and the city, doing “everything” within walking distance.

Read also: Best cities to study in the USA

Wollongong

Wollongong is said to provide excellent learning and living conditions. The natural environment, temperate climate and small population make this place convenient for living. At the same time, it is well connected to a major city and has high educational standards. It is considered Australia’s most liveable small town and the best small town for students in Australia. The University of Wollongong is one of the best universities in Australia.

It has an international research reputation and is highly regarded by local and international students as its graduates successfully find employment or further study. A large proportion of students studying abroad in Australia, especially at postgraduate level, choose the University of Wollongong.

Thanks to its migration history, heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe and Asia, the city has a wide range of food options available. The pubs also offer student discounts and Wednesdays are known as “student nights”. Students by car can also easily explore Wollongong and the surrounding regions as the city is part of a long coastal road (Grand Pacific Drive).

Public transportation is also available for students who cannot walk or bike to campus. A free city bus runs between the university and the city center. Due to the lack of on-campus parking, traveling by car is not a popular option.

Tuition fees

A bachelor’s degree costs between AUD 20,000 and 40,000 (INR 10,71,952 – 21,43,905) per year, while a master’s degree costs between AUD 22,000 and 50,000 (INR 11,79,148 – 26,79,881). Costs vary from university to university, and science degrees can be more expensive than arts degrees. The books are expected to be budgeted between AUD 500 and AUD 1,000 (INR 26,798 – INR 53,597) per year.

Accommodation

The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the type and region in which the student lives. More rural regions, in the west and south, are cheaper compared to more urban areas such as Sydney, which are expensive places. There are three types of accommodation you can look for when studying in Australia:

Accommodation on campus  . Some universities provide on-campus housing in residence halls, dorms, or apartments. They can cost around AUD 440–1,100 (INR 23,582–58,957) per month, with the price varying depending on the university as well as the services that are offered with them. Space on campus is limited and students must apply in advance.

Off-campus accommodation  . Students can rent apartments together or live in guest houses or hotels. A hotel will cost them around $80-$135 (INR 4,287-7,235) per week, while shared accommodation can cost them between AU$100-400 (INR 5,359-21,439) per person per week. Rented housing may or may not include utilities such as gas and electricity, water and internet; these services can cost around AUD 300–400 (INR 16,079–21,439). Students will also have to provide some or all of the furniture as these spaces are rarely furnished.

Homestay  . Students may choose to live with local families living in Australia. Homestays are a great way to integrate into Australian life and can cost around AUD 110-270 (INR 5,895-14,471) per week, depending on the room type. Although meals are usually included in the rental price, students also have the opportunity to cook on their own.

Read also: Student accommodation in London

Additional costs

The Australian Department of Home Affairs reports that an international student requires approximately AUD 21,041 (INR 11,27,747) per year in living expenses. These numbers came after adding several important factors such as tuition, as well as housing, food, books, transportation and other expenses. In case of international students, they are required to pay tuition-related expenses along with the International Medical Student Insurance, which costs AUD 478 (INR 25,619) per cover, as well as other fees associated with their specific course.

To learn more, sign up for   UniConnect  here by creating an account and interact one-on-one with leading university representatives, apply with one click and receive offers and scholarships on the spot  .

Articles on the topic:

PhD in Psychology in Australia: Universities, Cost, Scope, Eligibility	Australian Aboriginal culture: facts, history, traditions, beliefs, culture
Best hangout spots near the Australian National University	Optometry Courses in Australia (UG, PG): Eligibility, Application Process and Fees
Best Nursing Universities in Sydney, Australia for International Students	Best Cyber ​​Security Courses in Australia for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Australia is best for students?

The major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are popular destinations for international students. On the other hand, regional areas such as Wollongong, Hobart, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra provide a more relaxed learning environment.

Which city in Australia is the cheapest for international students?

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is one of the most affordable and livable cities for international students.

Which city in Australia has the most jobs?

Both Sydney and Melbourne have the most job opportunities in Australia.

So, that’s all about the best cities in Australia. Many Indian students dream of studying abroad because of the opportunities and career advancement they offer. Consider joining a free consultation with Leverage Edu if you are planning  to study abroad  .