Australia has become a top choice for Indian students in recent years, who are eager to pursue higher education. India continues to be the second-largest source country for international student enrollments in Australia, with a total of 122,391 Indian students studying in Australia during the January-September 2023 period, according to the High Commission of India in Canberra.
With over 700,000 international students enrolled in Australian universities, a significant number come from India, making them the second-largest group in the country. In fact, according to the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Indian student enrollment grew by 15% in 2022 alone.
Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide offer not just world-class institutions but also rich cultural experiences. These top Australian cities are recognised for their excellent post-study work opportunities, making them perfect for Indian students.
Australia boasts almost 7 of the top 100 universities globally, as highlighted in the QS World University Rankings 2023. This attracts students in various fields, including engineering, information technology, health, and business.
Looking ahead, Melbourne is expected to rank among the best student cities in Australia in 2025, as noted in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 report. In fact, both Sydney and Melbourne have been featured in the QS Best Student Cities 2024 list. With these credentials, Australia is not only home to some of the best student cities in the world but is also a top choice for those seeking a world-class education.
Best Student Cities in Australia Highlights 2025
| City | Cost of Living (AUD/month) | Top Universities | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
| Sydney | $2,500 – $3,500 | University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney | $85,000 – $95,000 |
| Melbourne | $2,200 – $3,000 | University of Melbourne, Monash University | $80,000 – $90,000 |
| Brisbane | $2,000 – $2,800 | University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Perth | $1,800 – $2,500 | University of Western Australia, Curtin University | $80,000 – $85,000 |
| Adelaide | $1,600 – $2,300 | University of Adelaide, Flinders University | $70,000 – $80,000 |
5 Best Cities to Study in Australia
According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings, which consider factors like affordability, desirability, and student feedback, seven of the best cities to study in Australia have earned spots in the top 100 for 2025. Here are the 5 best cities to study in Australia.
| Best Cities to Study in Australia | QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025 |
| Melbourne | #5 |
| Sydney | #6 |
| Brisbane | #25 |
| Adelaide | #28 |
| Canberra | #29 |
Source: topuniversities.com/city-rankings
Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia, is a good choice for Indian students to study because of its academic excellence, quality of life, and multicultural diversity. Melbourne, ranked fifth in the QS Best Student Cities 2025, is commonly referred to as Australia’s cultural capital and the best city in Australia for international students. Indian students feel at home while studying in Melbourne due to its friendly atmosphere, which provides a sense of belonging and support during the academic journey. With more than 2,00,000 international students, it is the most diversified city in the country.
Melbourne is not only the most popular student city in Australia, but it is also the fourth most liveable city worldwide, behind Vienna, Copenhagen, and Zurich. Melbourne received an error-free 100/100 in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, and education out of five major categories. Listed below are the top universities in the city of Melbourne:
QS Best Universities in Melbourne
| World ranking | University |
| 13 | University of Melbourne |
| 37 | Monash University |
| =123 | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) |
| 197 | Deakin University |
| 217 | La Trobe University |
Melbourne Accommodation Costs:
| University Housing | AUD 200-400/week |
| Shared Rentals | AUD 150-300/week |
| Private Rentals | AUD 300-500/week |
Melbourne Food Costs:
| Groceries | AUD 80-150/week |
| Eating Out | AUD 15-30/meal |
Sydney
Sydney is a strong contender for Melbourne, ranking only one spot lower in the QS Best Student Cities 2025. Sydney, Australia’s second most popular student city and the best place to study and work, is home to several prestigious institutions. The city is known for its active lifestyle, which includes a variety of outdoor activities, excellent dining options, pubs, and shopping opportunities. Sydney also has iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, which provide limitless opportunities to enjoy the city’s attractions.
QS Best Universities in Sydney
| World ranking | University |
| 18 | University of Sydney |
| 19 | University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
| 88 | University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) |
| =133 | Macquarie University |
| 384 | Western Sydney University |
Average cost of living in Sydney for International Students
| Type of expense | Monthly Cost for a Student in Sydney |
| Entertainment | AUD 50 – AUD 100 |
| Food | AUD 754 |
| Housing & rent | AUD 650 – AUD 1,000 |
| Transportation | AUD 160 |
| Utility (electricity, water, heating, etc. ) | AUD 190 |
Brisbane
Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city and is known for its sports culture and cultural events, which make students live a balanced life while excelling academically and socially through community engagement. It’s also an affordable choice for Indian students, with low living expenses and promising job possibilities in healthcare, education, and technology.
QS Best Universities in Brisbane
| QS: World University Rankings 2025 | Universities in Brisbane |
| 40 | University of Queensland |
| 213 | Queensland University of Technology |
| 255 | Griffith University |
| 455 | Central Queensland University |
Cost of living in Brisbane for Indian Students 2025
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition fees | AUD 30,000 – AUD 40,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | AUD 850 – AUD 2,550 / Month |
| Local transport | AUD 250 / Month |
Adelaide
Adelaide’s reputation for safety makes it stand out as one of Australia’s top student cities. Despite being one of the more costly cities in the nation, it is the third-best in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne according to the QS Student Cities Rankings 2025, which places it 25th worldwide.
QS Best Universities in Adelaide
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 |
| University of Adelaide | 109 |
| University of South Australia | 363 |
| Flinders University | 425 |
Cost of living in Adelaide
| Particulars | Description |
| Average Salary | AUD 5.1K Per Month |
| Cost of Living | AUD 1.8 K Per Month |
| Safety | 2nd |
| Transportation | Bus, Train, Tram, Metro, Cab |
Canberra
Canberra, one of Australia’s safest cities, brings out a more affordable cost of living compared to many other urban cities. It is home to top universities like the Australian National University and the University of Canberra. Canberra offers the best educational opportunities and job prospects for students. Canberra is AUD 1000 cheaper than Sydney. It also gives opportunities to those interested in politics and government. People of Canberra live a fortunate lifestyle, they spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying its natural beauty and clean air. If you are a nature lover, you will find a lot of scenic beauty and might enjoy hiking trails and national parks within a short distance of Canberra city.
QS Best Universities in Canberra
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2025 |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 30 |
| University of Canberra | 511-520 |
Cost of living in Canberra
| Particulars | Description |
| Average Salary | INR 2.93L (AUD 5.2K) Per Month |
| Cost of Living | INR 1.07L (AUD 1.9K) Per Month |
| QS Employer Activity Rank | 42nd |
| QS Student View Rank | 60th |
| Safety | 1st |
| Transportation | Bus, Taxi, Cycling |
Final Thoughts
Australia is well-known for having some of the best cities for studying, with numerous top universities to choose from. Whether you prefer the beach vibe of Sydney or the lively culture of Melbourne, you’ll find a welcoming environment to achieve your academic goals. If you want to study in one of these exciting cities, iae Global India is here to help! Our team of over 500 experts is here to help you through every step. Schedule a free call with iae Global India today to learn more about affordable education options in Australia’s top study cities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I consider studying in Australia?
Australia is an excellent choice for higher education, with some of the best cities to study in the world. With world-class universities, vibrant cultural scenes, and diverse career opportunities, Australia offers an enriching environment for international students. You’ll benefit from a high-quality education, live in vibrant cities, and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities all while being a part of a warm and varied community.
Q: Which are the best cities to study in Australia?
Australia has many great cities for international students, each with its own special appeal. Sydney and Melbourne are especially popular because they offer a lively atmosphere and top universities, making them great places to study. These are a few of Australia’s top study destinations.
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Canberra
- Gold Coast
Q: What makes Melbourne the best city in Australia for international students?
Often called the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is ranked among the top cities in which to study. Some of the most famous colleges in Australia are located there, including Monash University and the University of Melbourne. The city is a fun place to live and study because of its diverse population, prospering arts scene, and a lot of entertainment options.
Q. How does Sydney compare to other student cities in Australia?
Sydney is one of Australia’s top student cities. It is home to leading universities like the University of Sydney and UNSW, which rank in the top 50 globally. Although the cost of living is higher than in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane—averaging around AUD 2,500 per month—Sydney offers a vibrant culture, job opportunities, and beautiful beaches, making it an attractive place for students.
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About the Author: Sanjukta Deka
