Top Cities to Study in Australia
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When it comes to choosing where to study in Australia, the city you pick shapes not just your academics, but your lifestyle, part-time work, and future career. Here are the best student cities in Australia that Indian students love:
Top Cities To Consider
Melbourne – The Cultural Capital
Australia’s #1 student city and consistently ranked among the best student cities in the world.
Why Students Love It: Vibrant nightlife, festivals, food culture, and diversity.
Top Universities: RMIT, Deakin, La Trobe, Victoria University.
Opportunities: Huge Indian student community, plenty of part-time jobs, and a strong job market in IT, Finance & Design.
Vibe: Lively, multicultural, and student-friendly.
Sydney – The Global City
The financial hub of Australia with a truly international vibe.
Why Students Love It: Stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and global career opportunities.
Top Universities: UTS, Macquarie, Western Sydney University.
Opportunities: Jobs in finance, IT, healthcare, and hospitality.
Vibe: Fast-paced, cosmopolitan, and career-driven.
Brisbane – Affordable & Growing Tech Hub
A sunshine city with a perfect balance of lifestyle and affordability.
Why Students Love It: Lower living costs compared to Sydney & Melbourne, with a booming startup and tech ecosystem.
Top Universities: QUT, Griffith University, University of Southern Queensland.
Opportunities: IT, engineering, and hospitality roles.
Vibe: Relaxed, youthful, and budget-friendly.
Perth – Nature Meets Opportunity
A peaceful city surrounded by beaches and natural beauty.
Why Students Love It: High standard of living, strong economy, and mining/engineering career prospects.
Top Universities: Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University.
Opportunities: Engineering, mining, healthcare, and education.
Vibe: Calm, scenic, and community-focused.
Adelaide – Affordable & Research-Driven
Known as one of the most affordable cities in Australia for international students.
Why Students Love It: Low rent, student-friendly policies, and strong focus on research & innovation.
Top Universities: University of South Australia, Flinders University, Torrens University.
Opportunities: Healthcare, education, and research-based careers.
Vibe: Affordable, welcoming, and academically strong.
Living Cost (Per Month)
Rent: AUD 600–1,500 (depends on city & accommodation type)
Food & Transport: AUD 400–800
Total Living Costs: AUD 1,200–2,500
Melbourne & Sydney = Higher cost, more opportunities.
Adelaide & Brisbane = Affordable, student-friendly.
Find your perfect study city in Australia with Eleevate Overseas
City Comparison: Where to Study in Australia?
| City | Highlights | Living Costs (per month) | Weather & Lifestyle | Job Opportunities | Indian Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | Cultural hub, top-ranked universities, buzzing nightlife | AUD 1,500 – 1,800 | Mild winters, lively city vibe | Strong in arts, media, IT, business | Very large |
| Sydney | Finance & global business hub, iconic landmarks | AUD 1,600 – 2,000 | Warm summers, cosmopolitan lifestyle | High in finance, business, tech | Large |
| Brisbane | Affordable, friendly, growing tech hub | AUD 1,200 – 1,600 | Warm, sunny climate | Strong in IT, engineering, healthcare | Growing |
| Perth | Peaceful, nature-rich, resource-driven | AUD 1,200 – 1,500 | Hot summers, relaxed lifestyle | Mining, energy, research | Moderate |
| Adelaide | Affordable living, top research universities | AUD 1,100 – 1,400 | Mediterranean climate, calm city life | Research, health, education | Moderate |
Tip for Indian students: If budget is your main concern, Adelaide and Brisbane are wallet-friendly. For global networking and high-paying careers, Sydney and Melbourne are unbeatable. Perth is best if you want a peaceful lifestyle with strong niche industries.
How to pick the right city
- Can I afford it? Start with the rent estimate for the city.
- Is my subject strong there? Look at subject rankings rather than overall university rank.
- Will I get internships? Cities with industry hubs (London, Manchester, Bristol) help.
- Lifestyle fit: Big-city bustle vs small campus town—what fuels you?
- Community & food: If Indian food and cultural groups matter, cities like London, Leicester (if considering), Manchester and Birmingham have large Indian communities.
