If you’ve been contemplating studying abroad, Australia might just be that ideal study destination. It has some of the most amazing opportunities in career prospects that provide global standards of education. Australia is home to many great cities for international students to study but we’re here to narrow it down to the top eight student cities in Australia. Can you find one that makes you want to apply for student admission in Australia?

Australia – a great place to explore your future prospects

This down under continent stands out as one of the most attractive places for international students for studying. You can expect high-quality education, a wide choice of subjects, global academic recognition, scholarship options, and so much more.

The best cities in Australia are strongly considered among international students. To put it simply, these cities are widely preferred because of the diversity of backgrounds offered for students who originate from outside of Australia. Additionally, the work culture and employer activity play essential factors contributing to desired job opportunities for international students to pursue a promising career in Australia after completing their studies. Like the US and the UK, Australian cities do make a run for your money, but for many international students it’s worth the investment for their career.

Remarkably stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, friendly people and communities, and adventure await you. There are top-quality universities offering a multitude of degrees and majors, cultural diversity, the great outdoors with its pristine coasts, bushwalking or kayaking. We have several international students coming to us for assistance with visa applications to Australia. Feel free to reach out to us so we can help and guide you with the visa and immigration processes.

Meanwhile, just so you know what awaits you, we’re sharing the 10 best cities in Australia for international students. 

The top 10 most popular cities in Australia for international students

International students have a wide range of study program choices when it comes to studying in Australia. We’re talking about 43 universities with campuses around Australia, the chance to meet new people, subjects that are taught experientially, varied career opportunities and so on. Let’s dive into these cities so you can pick which one works best for you.

• Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that has repeatedly been identified as being included as one of the most livable cities in the world. Not only is Melbourne a remarkable place to live, but it’s also home to some incredible universities. There’s diversity even in the experiences you get when studying in Melbourne. The city offers safety, vibrant nightlife, a Spring Racing Carnival, the world-famous Australian Open tennis championship, addictive popular music, arts and literary festivals, snow-capped mountains, vast seashores, desert regions, and historic towns. It can’t get any more diverse than this!

• Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, and it hosts the third-largest number of international students among other Australian cities. Brisbane offers a safe and friendly environment and is one of Australia’s fastest-growing yet affordable cities. The city has a navigation-friendly public transport system. If you are an international student looking for some fun in the city, explore the scenic places like those in Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. You will find a number of beaches here, sandy spots, theme parks, lakes, forests, and more.

• Sydney

Sydney is so loved by international students because of its iconic quality of living standards. You get a wide selection of educational institutions and get to meet international students from across the world. There are plenty of reasons why Sydney is much admired by international students, including stunning views, the famous Opera House, beautiful beaches, and immense green spaces. Sydney is home to well-renowned universities and colleges offering a wide range of courses and degrees. It also enjoys a strong global reputation for internationally respected qualifications, high-quality research and teaching facilities, cultural diversity and a safe study environment.

• Perth

Perth is home to over two million people. It is located in Western Australia, surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Australian outback on the other. This city offers a comparatively affordable cost of living with superior facilities for education. If you’re planning to study in Perth, you can look towards these universities in the city, including Edith Cowan University and Curtin University. You will also enjoy exploring the amazing scenery and adventurous activities offered throughout the city, including the Sunset Coast with the surfing experience that you may have not experienced at the beaches back home.

• Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia which is a modern, vibrant and multicultural destination, and is the largest inland city. The city ranks high on the list of the best cities for a student to study in Australia. Again, this city offers affordability in terms of living, studying and working. Canberra is the first city in the catchment of major rivers with the strongest environment and biodiversity protection. There is also the Canberra Nara candle festival which celebrates its sister relationship between Canberra and Nara, Japan. This festival features performances, food stalls and a huge candle display to mark the beginning of the festival.   

• Bathurst

If you’re not the kind to enjoy a bustling city, you could look towards this city. Many international students are okay with a city with a humble setup and infrastructure. If you are one of them and are looking for a quiet study program while you are in Australia, Bathurst is your ideal choice. You’ll find everything here, from restaurants to bars, cafés, festivals, museums, galleries, wineries, and more in Bathurst. This small city is home to the Charles Sturt University that offers a great educational experience, while still being safe and affordable. The university accommodates approximately 1,500 students, which means you can expect a close-knit and supportive learning environment. 

• Newcastle

 In the past several years, Newcastle has been the first choice for more international students when it comes to affordability. In addition, Newcastle offers an ideal environment for students wanting a relaxed yet fun lifestyle near the beach. The University of Newcastle is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world and has distinguished innovative teaching and research facilities.

• Adelaide

Going further down under to the southern part of Australia is a city that houses close to 1.3 million residents. Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate allowing students to enjoy four distinct seasons. Adelaide offers a pleasant place to live, work and study. If you are worried about settling in as an international student, this is a great place to be as the people here make sure that you enjoy the warmth as you first arrive. That is why this city is home to a large number of international students from across the globe. It also has plenty of renowned universities with different options for higher education. Furthermore, Adelaide is a city that is affordable for international students to study in Australia. It is host to the beautiful outdoor spaces and offers opportunities for exploration, and experience culturally diverse and interesting festivals.

• Cairns

Looking for student admission in Australia that offers an adventure into the outdoors like no other? Cairns in Queensland is the place to go! Located in the northeast of Australia, Cairns offers a vast landscape of unspoiled wilderness, including the tropical rainforest that opens up to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is home to three universities, including the James Cook University. If you get into a university in Cairns, apart from your study program, you can also visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. It reveals the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade has a swimming lagoon assorted with a pleasant experience at the bars and restaurants. You can also venture to the Daintree National Park, northwest of the city, for beaches, gorges and mountainous rainforest!

• Gold Coast

Yet another affordable city to ensure that you make your career dreams come true! Gold Coast is a metropolitan region located on Australia’s east coast. Popularly known for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots, inland canals and waterways, Gold Coast offers much more for international students. The city gives you the opportunity of “additional year post-study work rights” with the lowest living cost for international students with a warm and welcoming student community. 

Can’t make up your mind just yet? It can be overwhelming for international students to study in Australia. After all, the choices are many, offering amazing opportunities. We recommend that you first check out the costs involved in terms of admission and tuition fees, cost of living, accommodation, food, medical insurance, and the best universities that will help you get a clear picture.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to our immigration consultants. We can help you understand the visa application processes, which city may be best suited for you, the university that offers affordable courses, and the student admission journey made smooth.