7 Best Cities to Study in Australia for International Students in 2025

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, and Gold Coast are the best cities to study in Australia as per the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report.  According to Australia’s Department of Education, the number of international students studying in Australia has been growing consistently, increasing to nearly 1.30 lakh in the recent years. Students from all over the world flock to australia due to the top-ranked universities, world-class education and the multicultural learning environment it offers. Australia is home to both bustling cities and coastal towns, with vibrant and thriving student communities, making it an ideal destination for international students to embark on their study abroad journey.

This blog provides detailed information on the best cities to study in Australia, offering insights into the unique features, top universities, scholarships, cost of studying, and cost of living to help you make an informed decision. 

List of Best Student Cities in Australia in 2025 

Australia has some of the best student cities in the world, thereby attracting around 300,000 international students each year. Several popular cities in Australia have earned a high rank on the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report. The list of Best Student Cities in Australia for International students are as given in the table below:

Best City in Australia for International Students
City	QS Best Student City Rankings 2025	Overall Score
Melbourne	5	97.1
Sydney	6	95.4
Brisbane	25	84.8
Adelaide	28	84.1
Canberra	29	83.8
Perth	35	82.2
Gold Coast	93	61.4

Let’s explore these 7 best cities to study in Australia where international students can gain excellent education while enjoying a good standard of living.

1. Melbourne

Melbourne takes the top spot in the list of the best cities to study in australia and is ranked fourth globally on the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report with an overall score of 97.3. This southeastern Australian city, has world renowned universities, rich cultural environments and a high quality of life. Being the cultural capital of Australia, this cosmopolitan city blends diverse cultures through food, art, sports and multicultural exchange. From reliable transportation, and comfortable accommodation, to excellent healthcare facilities and leisure activities, the city has everything a student needs. Melbourne is rated as one of the most livable cities in the world by the Economist. 

What are the top universities in Melbourne for International students? 

Melbourne houses some of the top universities in Australia such as the University of Melbourne and Monash University that rank among the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Popular programs offered in Melbourne include computer science, business, arts, architecture, engineering and more. Scholarships like Australia Awards Scholarships, Destination Australia Scholarships, and University of Melbourne Scholarships are available for international students to help them with their tuition fees and living expenses. The average cost of studying in Melbourne ranges from AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 (INR 16,16,358 to INR 21,55,143) per year. Here are the top universities in Melbourne:

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

What is the cost of living in Melbourne for International students?

The cost of living in Melbourne for International students is around AUD 1,968 to AUD 2,367 (INR 1,06,033 to INR 1,27,530) per month.

2. Sydney

Following Melbourne, Sydney is the second best student city in Australia and is ranked seventh in the QS Best Cities 2025 list with a score of 96.2. It’s the largest city in Australia with stunning beaches, breathtaking sceneries, modern architecture, and it hosts around 50,000 international students each year.  Besides having world-class universities, research institutions, corporations, museums, and theatres, the city has the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Furthermore, students get to learn in a diverse and culturally inclusive environment and have excellent employment prospects after graduation. It’s no wonder that Sydney ranks third in the world for desirability, reflecting its popularity among prospective students.

What are the top universities in Sydney for International students?

The University of Sydney and University of New South Wales are tied for the 19th spot in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Universities in Sydney provide globally recognized programs at all levels such as Bachelors, Masters, MBA, and PhD.Sydney also offers several scholarships for international students such as the International Research Scholarship, Sydney Scholars Awards etc. The cost of studying in Sydney is around AUD 30,000 - AUD 45,000 (INR 16,16,358 to INR 24,24,536) per year. Here are the top universities in Sydney:

• Australian Catholic University (ACU) 
• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
• Macquarie University
• Western Sydney University
• University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

What is the cost of living in Sydney for International students?

The monthly living cost for International students in Sydney averages around AUD 2,623 to AUD 4,100 ( INR 1,41,323 to INR 2,20,902).

3. Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is one of the best places to study in Australia for Indian students. It has earned twenty second rank on the QS Best Cities 2025 list with a 86.2 overall score. Brisbane is also known as a “new-world” city as it’s a global hub for higher education, research, tourism and business. Located in the southeast part of Australia, this sunny and vibrant city is perfect for outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, hiking, and sporting activities. Like Sydney, Brisbane has a buzzing nightlife, thriving cultural scene, festivals, and arts scene, making this an attractive study destination for Indian students.

What are the top universities in Brisbane for International students?

Brisbane hosts leading universities in Australia such as The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University. Students enrol in these universities for notable programs such as B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc, BBA, M.A, M.Arch, MBA, MFA, MIM, MS etc. The Australian government and universities in Brisbane provide several scholarships for international students. Scholarships such as UQ International Scholarships, Griffith International Scholarships, and Queensland University Scholarships are available. On average, the cost of studying in Brisbane is AUD 24,000 - AUD 35,000 (INR 12,93,086 to INR 18,85,750). Here are the top universities in Brisbane:

• The University of Queensland (UQ)
• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
• Griffith University
• Australian Catholic University (ACU)
• University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
• James Cook University 

What is the cost of living in Brisbane for International students?

The cost of living in Brisbane for International students is around AUD 1,733 to AUD 2,363 (INR 93,371 to INR 1,27,315) per month.

4. Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia, ranked 26th in the QS Best Student City 2025 survey with a score of 86. Adelaide is known for its incredible study opportunities and adventurous sporting activities like hiking, trekking, cycling, and wildlife watching. It’s one of the popular cities in Australia that provides world-class education, rich cultural experiences and a high standard of living. The city’s pleasant Mediterranean climate and picturesque natural surroundings combined with the ever happening local festivals like the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Festival of Ideas or Adelaide Writers' Week, make the place more desirable for international students. 

What are the top universities in Adelaide for International students?

Adelaide has three major universities that have earned rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2025. International students can enrol for popular programs in the Adelaide universities in fields like hospitality, technology and business. International students can avail scholarships such as the University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships and Alumni Scholarships to reduce their tuition fees and living expenses. The cost of studying in Adelaide is AUD 20,000 to 30,000 (INR 10,77,571 to INR 16,16,357) per year. Here are the top universities in Adeliade:

• The University of Adelaide
• Flinders University
• University of South Australia (UniSA) 
• Torrens University Australia
• Carnegie Mellon University Australia

What is the cost of living in Adelaide for International students?

The monthly living expenses in Adeliade will cost around AUD 2,168 to AUD 2,862 (INR 1,16,808 to INR 1,54,200).

5. Canberra

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is home to several important educational and cultural institutions including the Australian National University (ANU). Canberra is ranked 30th on the QS Best Cities 2025 list with an overall score of 83.9. With several major attractions like Black Mountain Tower, Captain James Cook Memorial, the annual Barassi International Australian Football Youth Tournament and an artificial lake, along with an excellent quality of life, Canberra is one of the most important cities in Australia. Furthermore, the city is comparatively more affordable, making it an excellent choice for Indian students.

What are the top universities in Canberra for International students?

Australian National University and University of Canberra are the most prestigious institutions in Canberra. They offer courses like business administration, engineering, computer science, accounting and information technology.  Canberra offers numerous scholarships for international students to help cover their study costs and living expenses. These scholarships include the ANU College of Business and Economics International Undergraduate Scholarship, the Australian National University International Scholarship, Destination Australia Scholarships, UC International merit scholarship etc. The average studying cost ranges from AUD 25,000 to AUD 30,000 (INR 13,46,964 to INR 16,16,358) per annum. Here are the top universities in Canberra:

• Australian National University (ANU)
• University of Canberra (UC)
• Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
• Australian Catholic University (ACU)
• Charles Sturt University (CSU)

What is the cost of living in Canberra for International students?

The living expenses in Canberra for International students cost around AUD 1,792 to AUD 2,321 (INR 96,550 to INR 1,25,052) per month. 

6. Perth

Perth ranks at 34th place in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report with a score of 83. Perth is one of the best places to study abroad in Australia with several notable universities that are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Most institutions in Perth are located on the outskirts of the city, meaning students largely focus on campus activities. As the capital city of Western Australia, Perth hosts a diverse population and offers a vibrant cultural experience for students through its museums, art galleries, and cultural and social events. With stunning beaches, parks, and gardens, the city is great for outdoor activities. It’s one of the top cities in Australia for Indian students to learn, explore and enjoy.

What are the top universities in Perth for International students?

Perth has several renowned universities that have earned rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2025 list. These universities provide globally recognized degrees in study areas such as medicine, law, nutrition, arts, business, philosophy and more. Several Scholarships like Curtin International Scholarships, Destination Australia Scholarships, and The Western Australian Premier's University Scholarship are awarded to eligible international students studying in Perth. Students need an average of AUD 25,000 to AUD 35,000 (INR 13,46,964 to INR 18,85,750) per year to study in Perth. Here are the top universities in Perth:

• The University of Western Australia (UWA) 
• Curtin University
• Murdoch University
• The University of Notre Dame Australia  
• Edith Cowan University (ECU)

What is the cost of living in Perth for International students?

The cost of living in Perth ranges from AUD 2,324 to AUD 2,949 (INR 1,25,213 to INR 1,58,887) per month. 

7. Gold Coast

Gold Coast is home to four leading Australian universities and hosts around 30,000 university students, making it one of the major cities in Australia. Gold Coast has earned 87th rank in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list with a score of 62.6. The City enjoys 300 sunny days each year, which perfectly complements surfing and other outdoor activities. The city boasts of having picturesque coastlines surrounded by a subtropical rainforest consisting of beautiful waterfalls, mountains and rock formations, in addition to three national parks. Gold Coast is one of the most famous cities in Australia that has so much to offer for international students.

What are the top universities in Gold Coast for International students?

With three universities ranking in the QS Global Universities Rankings 2025, Gold Coast is an excellent place to pursue your higher education. These leading universities in Gold Coast offer notable UG, PG and doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines. International students in Gold Coast can apply for scholarships such as the International Stand Out Scholarship offered by Bond University and the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship offered by Griffith University. Gold Coast has an average annual cost of studying of AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 (INR 10,77,571 to INR 16,16,358). Here are the top universities in Gold Coast:

• Bond University
• Griffith University
• Southern Cross University
• TAFE Queensland

What is the cost of living in Gold Coast for International students?

The average living cost in Gold Coast for International students falls between AUD 1,776 to AUD 2,079 (INR 96,688 to INR 1,12,014) per month.

What are the benefits of studying at the Best Student Cities in Australia? 

Students can unlock incredible opportunities by studying in one of the top cities in Australia. From world-class education, and scholarships to lucrative career opportunities, the benefits of studying in Australia are vast. There are several reasons why students should pursue their studies in one the best cities in Australia:

• High-quality education: Australia has several top ranked universities that provide education of the highest quality.
• Globally recognised degrees: Degrees earned from Australian universities are globally recognised and highly valued by employers all over the world.
• Wide range of courses: Australia offers over 22,000 courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses, research-based programs, and training programs.
• Access to scholarships: International students receive numerous scholarships from the Australian government, universities, and institutions.
• Multicultural environment: Australia hosts students from different countries, diverse cultures and backgrounds, thus allowing students to engage in a multicultural exchange and gain new perspectives.
• Affordable education: The cost of education in Australia is relatively more affordable compared to other study destinations like the US or the UK. 
• Safe and welcoming environment: Australia offers a very safe and welcoming environment where students can feel at home.
• Work opportunities: International students have several opportunities to work part-time while pursuing their studies in Australia, which enables them to earn money while gaining valuable work experience.

In conclusion, students can find excellent educational opportunities in these top cities in Australia. These are the best cities to study in Australia, as they house several prestigious universities that offer a wide range of courses and provide the best environment for students to learn, grow, and thrive to their full potential. 

FAQs

1. Which city is best for studying in Australia?

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, and Gold Coast are the best cities to study in Australia according to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025 report.

2. Which city in Australia has the best education?

Australia’s top ranked universities are located in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, and Gold Coast. These Australian cities offer the best education and study experience for international students.

3. Which city is best for Indians in Australia?

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are the best cities for Indians in Australia. These cities house the best educational institutions in Australia and provide the best learning experience for Indian students.

4. Which city of Australia has the most jobs for international students?

Sydney has the highest number of job opportunities for International students.

5. Which city in Australia has the highest number of international students?

Sydney hosts the highest number of international students among all the Australian cities. Sydney is the largest city in Australia with several top universities, stunning beaches and lush greenery. Over 50,000 international students study in Sydney each year.

6. Which city in Australia gives PR easily?

Tasmania, an island state in Australia, has relatively straightforward procedures to get PR. It’s the best city in Australia where you can get PR more easily and conveniently compared to other cities.