Australia, otherwise known as the “Land Down Under,” is both a country and the world’s smallest continent. It lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and its capital is Canberra. English is Australia’s national language and is spoken by most of the population.
Due to the country’s multicultural population, many other languages are also spoken at home, including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Punjabi, and more. Popular tourist highlights include the Sydney Opera House, Uluru, Bondi Beach, Daintree National Park, and Kangaroo Island. Of course, visitors should also take the opportunity to try popular Australian dishes. A few favorites include grilled or fried barramundi, meat pies, barbecued snags, lamingtons, and pavlova.
According to recent Australian Government data, more than 620,000 international students studied in Australia in the January-February 2026 period. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cities in Australia to study, so make sure to read this article carefully!
Top Cities to Study in Australia for International Students
1. Melbourne
Melbourne, the capital of Australia’s state of Victoria, sits on the banks of the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. It is a major center of commerce and one of the best places in Australia for international students to study. QS ranked Melbourne #5 globally in its Best Student Cities 2026 ranking, and the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked it the fourth most livable city in the world in 2025. Melbourne is also well known for its major sporting events, arts scene, food culture, and student-friendly environment.
There are many things to do and see. Popular attractions include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum. As for prospective international students, some of Melbourne’s most prominent higher education institutions include the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Victoria University, RMIT University, and La Trobe University.
Among these universities, the University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s leading institutions and is the country’s second-oldest university. It offers a wide range of study courses and research programs. RMIT University also offers many options for students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational courses, as well as selected pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways.
2. Sydney
One of Australia’s most famous cities, Sydney is the capital of New South Wales. This area is a tourist favorite because of several famed attractions, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Sydney Tower Eye, and Barangaroo Reserve. QS ranked Sydney #6 globally in its Best Student Cities 2026 ranking, making it another excellent choice for international students.
Sydney has a wide range of highly regarded universities known for excellence in education and research, such as the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
For instance, the University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is Australia’s first university. In addition, the Australian Film Television and Radio School is a strong option for those interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting or screen arts. Established in 1973, AFTRS is Australia’s national screen and broadcast school and has consistently appeared in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of top film schools.
3. Canberra
Australia’s capital, Canberra, is also a strong student city. QS ranked Canberra #38 globally in its Best Student Cities 2026 ranking, noting its education providers, employer activity, student community, cultural resources, government access, and outdoor recreation. Truly a cultural center, Canberra is home to the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, Old Parliament House Gardens, Lake Burley Griffin, and the National Gallery of Australia. The city is also an excellent place for international students to study in Australia because it has its fair share of outstanding colleges and universities.
These include the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, and the Canberra Institute of Technology. For example, students who want a research-intensive university environment can consider ANU or the University of Canberra, while those seeking vocational or TAFE-style training can explore Canberra Institute of Technology.
4. Perth
Perth is located in Western Australia and sits along the Indian Ocean. While it is far from the rest of the “Land Down Under,” that does not mean there is nothing to look forward to in the area. The city has many places to add to one’s bucket list, including Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Swan River, Cottesloe Beach, Elizabeth Quay, and Perth Zoo.
Perth is also one of Australia’s leading student cities. QS ranked Perth #37 globally in its Best Student Cities 2026 ranking, and Study Australia notes that the city is home to five universities, including the University of Western Australia. Students interested in studying here can enroll at any of the following prominent schools: Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, Curtin University, the University of Western Australia, and the University of Notre Dame Australia.
For instance, Murdoch University is a global university with campuses across three countries and a range of pathways for international students. Perth’s regional city status may also make the city attractive to international graduates who are considering post-study work options.
5. Brisbane
Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, is a growing city with 1.38 million residents in the City of Brisbane as of June 2025. The charming city has many landmarks and attractions, including the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Queen Street Mall, Eat Street Northshore, and the Museum of Brisbane. Moreover, it is known for its sunny outdoor lifestyle, riverfront areas, and welcoming atmosphere. Study Australia also notes that Brisbane’s affordability is improving, making it an attractive option for students seeking high-quality education with a lower cost of living than some larger cities.
For those who plan on studying in the city rather than just visiting, worry not, for Brisbane is among the best cities to study in Australia. QS ranked Brisbane #26 globally in its Best Student Cities 2026 ranking. International students can choose from several institutions, such as the University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, Aviation Australia, and Griffith Film School.
As mentioned above, international students benefit from studying in Australia’s best cities because of their well-known educational institutions and diverse, multicultural environments. With these factors, they can find more opportunities to build relationships, explore career options, and enjoy the country’s natural beauty and unique sights. Consider pursuing your degree program in these cities for an unforgettable academic experience!
We hope you found this article on the best cities to study in Australia for international students informative and helpful. To learn more about studying in the country and abroad, check out our Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students.
