You dream of studying in Australia but do not know which cities to choose: the cultural Melbourne, the iconic Sydney, the cool Brisbane, or the green Adelaide. In addition to being the perfect place to improve your level of English, the country has a wide choice of universities, some are of the best universities in the world. Melbourne and Sydney are ranked in the top 10 best student cities on the planet alongside London, Tokyo, Paris, Montreal, Berlin, and others, according to QS Best Student Cities 2019. 
 

To help you make your choice, we have developed a list of the top 8 Australian destinations for international students.

1. Melbourne

Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne attracts many students from around the world. Regularly ranked one of the leading student cities on the planet, Melbourne enjoys many advantages. Beautiful beaches, a relatively sunny and irregular climate, a year-round cultural agenda, dense nightlife, and reliable public transportation make the Victorian a popular destination for students. It also has many universities in various fields. According to QS World Universities Ranking 2020 rankings, The University of Melbourne ranks 38th in the world and is only behind Australian National University, which ranks 29th.

Besides Melbourne, Monash University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Deakin University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University are also located in Melbourne. If you’re interested in any of these universities, you can get more info about the list of Universities in Melbourne. Studying in Melbourne means enjoying a quality education in one of the world's most popular cities. The only downside is the cost of living is quite high.

2. Sydney

Living in Sydney is evolving amid iconic constructions such as the Sydney Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (incidentally), and the scenery is breathtaking. The seaside, and especially the walk between Bondi and Coogee Beach, is worth a visit.

The Australian metropolis has prestigious universities, such as the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, both ranked in the top 50 best universities in the world according to QS World Universities Rankings 2020, a large and diverse student community from around the globe. Besides, there’re many other universities in Sydney, like the University of Technology Sydney and Charles Darwin University. Get more info about the list of top universities in Sydney.

Know that you also have the opportunity to stay in Australia at the end of your studies. Depending on your qualifications, you can obtain a temporary visa from 18 months to 4 years after graduation to work or travel. A boon for all students who hope to settle permanently in the country.

3. Brisbane

Brisbane is known for being a particularly friendly student city. Every year, it attracts more and more international students. In addition to enjoying a subtropical climate, it offers a nice balance between urban lifestyle and outdoor activities. With just 2 million inhabitants, it has two major universities, the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland, and proximity to the Gold Coast, making it a prime tourist destination.

More relaxed and more affordable than her two big sisters Melbourne and Sydney, she is not boring. She enjoys a vibrant nightlife, to envy the metropolitans of Sydney, thanks to the neighborhood of Fortitude Valley, "The Valley" as it is called by the inhabitants of "Brissy".

4. Canberra

If Canberra is not located on the coast and has a bit of nightlife, it is not devoid of assets. It hosts one of the best universities in Australia Australian National University, ranked 29th in the world according to QS World Universities Rankings. If you're hooked on nature rather than nightclubs, Canberra could prove to be the perfect destination. Its surroundings are home to many lakes and nature reserves, ideal for recharging between exams.

5. Perth

Its warm, sunny climate all year round and its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches and national parks in the country make it a popular destination. Kalbarri National Park and its red cliffs, Fitzgerald River National Park, Nambung National Park, and Pinnacle Desert, known for its limestone towers or the beautiful beaches of the Sunset Coast are only a few hours away by car. A quality university and a thriving cultural and artistic offer, especially in Northbridge, make it a perfect place for students to live. But beware, contrary to popular belief, Perth is among the most expensive cities in the country with Sydney and Melbourne.

6. Adelaide

With the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, and Flinders University listed in the top 1000 of the best universities in the world, Adelaide attracts lots of students coming from many countries all around the world. It is also much more affordable than Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane, and Perth, allowing many students to live in the heart of the city, North Terrace, which has several student accommodations. It enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate for those who do not tolerate the hot weather and is located only 20 minutes from the beach by car. It offers a wide choice of activities for your weekends: national parks, islands, or vineyards.

7. Gold Coast

Gold Coast undoubtedly enjoys one of the highest sunning ratios in the country. Bordered by 52km of white sand, it is a paradise for surfers, and also for students looking for an affordable lifestyle without stress, and not far from the beach and tropical forests.