11 Best Student Cities in Australia – Global Ranking

Filed in Choosing a School by Careersngr Staff on December 17, 2021 • 0 Comments

Best Student Cities in Australia – Are you looking for an attractive country to study? Australia might just be what you should consider. Australia is known as one of the most attractive places to study abroad in the world. These cities are not only attractive but also have good schools for international students. Below is a list of the best student cities in Australia.

Best Student Cities in Australia

1. Melbourne

Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia, and it ranks second place in the Best Student Cities ranking and the first place going to Paris. Melbourne is packed full of things to do, especially if you’re into live music, comedy, or sporting events.

The city is home to seven universities that feature in the international rankings and achieve the best score in the entire index for student mix, with multicultural exchange highlighted among the best things about student life in Melbourne. Melbourne is currently rated the world’s most livable city by The Economist.

With a diverse economy, many of Australia’s largest corporations are headquartered in Melbourne and national organisations such as the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions have a local office in Melbourne.

Unique attractions in Melbourne include the Eureka Tower, where you can have splendid views of the city from the 297th floor, the penguins at Port Phillip Bay, or the piers of the Mornington Peninsula where you can swim with seahorses.

Some of the universities in Melbourne include Monash University, RMIT University, Melbourne Business School, etc.

Also Check out: 19 Most Affordable Schools in the UK.

2. Sydney

Sydney ranks first in the entire index for desirability, thanks to a winning combination of high quality of life with a mix of beaches and green spaces. The city also ranks well for ‘student mix’, with a quarter of students at its five internationally ranked universities coming from overseas.

Aside from offering an enjoyable student experience. More than 50,000 international students come to Sydney each year and among their top reasons is the high quality of life and the fact that Sydney always had high scores in terms of employability.

With the largest economy in Australia, Sydney is also the financial center of the country and the headquarters of several multinational corporations. Sydney features five internationally ranked universities that offer worldwide recognized research degree programs.

Nightlife is full of possibilities, as numerous concerts and music events take place and the variety of bars cover wine bars or rooftop bars.

If you are a lover of nature you can also explore the city’s one-of-a-kind wildlife. Some universities in Sydney include Australian Catholic University, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney

3. Perth

Perth is ranked 36th in the Best Student Cities index. It offers all the cultural, culinary, and recreational attractions you would expect of a state capital with a population of over 2 million, Perth also promises an idyllic climate and access to some of the most stunning beaches and parkland you’ll ever see.

Perth is loved by visitors due to its nice and warm climate, lovely beaches, and the variety of cultural and social activities.

Outstanding attractions you can find in Perth include the Scitech Discovery Centre in West Perth which is an interactive science museum, Kings Park which is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Cottlesloe Beach, and the Pinnacles which is a desert landscape featuring weathered rock spires. The University of Perth includes Murdoch University, University of Western Australia

4. Brisbane

Brisbane is considered a very friendly city, Brisbane is home to three major universities and has a sizable student population. However, it’s not just a student bubble; this city is also a tourist destination with the largest economy between Sydney and Singapore. Like many Australian cities, Brisbane offers an ideal mix for students seeking a balance between urban and outdoor lifestyles.

Stunning beaches, a sunny climate, and a sporting culture coexist with a cosmopolitan downtown area offering a trendy nightlife and arts scene.

Brisbane is Australia’s third most populous city in Australia, welcoming about 50,000 international students yearly.

It is also one of Australia’s most affordable places to study. Universities in Brisbane include James Cook University, University of Queensland.

5. Adelaide

Adelaide is known for its attractive wide boulevards, open spaces, parklands and easily navigable city center. As well as being close to beautiful beaches and islands, the city is also within easy reach of the Adelaide Hills which is great for hiking, cycling, wildlife-watching, or sampling some of Australia’s best wines close to the vineyards where they’re produced.

Adelaide holds different festivals like Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Festival of Ideas, and Adelaide Writers Week. Universities in Adelaide include the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, etc.

6. Canberra

As the home of Australia’s highest-ranked university, Australian National University, it’s not surprising to find the city has proven attractive to students from around the world.

Canberra’s second strongest score is in the ‘desirability’ category, and while it may be one of Australia’s few major settlements which are not within walking distance of the seaside, Canberra does have plenty of attractions including its own man-made lake right in the city center, the Captain James Cook Memorial, the Black Mountain Tower and you can also attend the annual Barassi International Australian Football Youth Tournament.

Canberra hosts around 35,000 students, 9,000 of whom are international students. You can also apply to the University of Canberra.

7. Cairns

Cairns considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical Far North Queensland. Cairns is the perfect gateway to the Natural World Wonder, and many tourists visit daily. Jump into the sapphire waters and get up close and personal to the fish and corals of the reef. You can snorkel, dive or even sea walk on the ocean floor.

The city has a cost of living index of 72, meaning that it is around 28% cheaper in general than other cities in Australia and across the world. The cost of living index in Cairns is around 5% lower than in London and rent is 62.4% lower than in the UK capital. The University of Cairns includes James Cook University.

8. Hobart

Hobart, the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. It is the first Australian city to have a casino, Hobart is also home to the groundbreaking Mona (the Museum of Old and New Art) and a constant parade of new bars and restaurants, while plans are afoot for a cable car up to the city’s highest natural vantage point, Kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

Hobart is a world-class city to live and study in, with a small city feel. Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, consistently surprises tourists and locals alike. It’s the most affordable capital city in Australia and is one of the safest places in the world to study.

While in Hobart, you can take a day trip to Port Arthur or visit the MONA which is the Museum of Old and New Art, or maybe just take a stroll along the Battery Point Sculpture Trail. There are many tourist attractions in Hobart. University in Hobart includes the University of Tasmania.

9. Wollongong

Wollongong is a coastal city in Australia, south of Sydney along the Grand Pacific Drive. Surfing beaches and rock pools line the coastline.

Just a short drive inland from the city center, in a bushland setting, is the university’s main campus. Wollongong provides an excellent environment for studying and living for students. It is rated as Australia’s most livable small city and the best small city for students.

The best attractions in Wollongong are Nan Tien Temple, Grand Pacific Drive, Wollongong Botanic Garden, etc. The university in Wollongong includes the University of Wollongong.

10. . Gold Coast

Gold coast is ranked 69th in the Best Student Cities index, Gold Coast is located in Queensland, south of Brisbane. Indeed, surfers and general beach fans will feel right at home here, and it’s not surprising that Gold Coast receives its highest score in the desirability category of the QS Best Student Cities index.

It is well known for its bustling nightlife. When it comes to attractions the Gold Coast is not letting out, you can check out numerous theme parks including Dreamworld, Sea World, Tambourine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Tree Top Walkway, or Infinity, which is an entertaining, interactive house with unique special effects and amazing illusions.

11. Darwin

Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and a former frontier outpost. It’s also a gateway to the massive Kakadu National Park. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas like Bicentennial Park.

Also near the water is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territ. The university is Charles Darwin University. Charles Darwin University graduates have the best career and employment prospects. Some choose to return home, confident that their CDU degree has prepared them for their future careers.

Graduates with good English language skills quickly find employment in their area of professional training. Tourist attractions in Darwin include the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Mindil Beach, Crocosaurus Cove, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Student Cities in Australia

Where do most students live in Australia?

Melbourne is rated as Australia’s top city for students. It is comfortably Australia’s biggest student city. There are an estimated 270,000 university students in Melbourne. More than a third are international students.

Which City is the Coldest in Australia?

The coldest city is Liawenee and its permanently inhabited place in Australia.

Which city in Australia is the cheapest?

Adelaide is the cheapest place to live in Australia. That, along with its spacious layout, clean and green atmosphere, and beachside attractions make it a great place to live and study. It’s also regarded as the food and wine capital of Australia.

Now It’s Your Turn

Now I’d like to hear from you:

Which among the Best Student Cities in Australia picked your interest?

Are you going to apply for admission right away?

Or maybe you’re ready to start searching for scholarships.

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