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Posted on 9 Nov '23
Best Student Cities in Australia – Where Can You Study a Masters?
A Masters Down Under could give you the boost you need in your career. But in a country (and continent) mostly consisting of vast wilderness, wondering where you should study is a valid concern.
Despite being concentrated on a smaller area, six of the top 50 best student cities in the world (according to QS) are in Australia. We’ve taken a deep dive into the top five in this blog.
#1 Melbourne
Melbourne is ranked the best student city in the country and the fourth in the world. Seven Melbourne universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings. Not just that, it’s also more affordable when compared to other cities in Australia (according to crowdsourced data).
There are abundant opportunities once you graduate with Melbourne having been named among the best locations for tech and game development firms. Outside the classroom, Melbourne’s foodscape is famous worldwide. The city is fond of its café’s and is thought to have the best Asian food outside Asia.
| Study in Melbourne – Overview | |
|---|---|
| Number of universities | 10 |
| Top ranking university | University of Melbourne (QS world ranking – 14) |
| Rent in Melbourne city centre | AUS$2,398 (US$1,540) |
| Rent outside Melbourne city centre | AU$2,013 (US$1,293) |
#2 Sydney
Ranking second in Australia and seventh in the world is Sydney. The city is home to six universities, all with diverse student bodies so you can be sure to find a home no matter where you’re from! Sydney is Australia’s financial and business hub which means they’ll be plenty of job opportunities waiting for you when you complete your studies.
However, Sydney is on the higher side for student living costs. Luckily, there are opportunities to take up part-time jobs while you study to help cover these costs. Sydney is blessed with great climate and attractions like the Opera House and Bondi beach so there is plenty to do and see on your days off.
| Study in Sydney – Overview | |
|---|---|
| Number of universities | 6 |
| Top ranking university | University of Sydney and University of South Wales (QS world ranking - =19) |
| Rent in Sydney city centre | AUS$3,261 (US$2,094) |
| Rent outside Sydney city centre | AU$2,382 (US$1,530) |
#3 Brisbane
Brisbane is the third best student city in Australia and 22nd in the world. Despite being home to only two main universities, Brisbane continues to be a popular study location for students. Brisbane is cheaper than other Australian cities and is ideal if you’re on a lower budget.
Due to its proximity to the Gold Coast, Brisbane is a beach lover’s paradise. You can visit beaches closer to the city or even make the trip to The Great Barrier Reef. Some of the top industries in Brisbane include healthcare, tourism, education and tech so you know you have opportunities to work during and after your studies.
| Study in Brisbane – Overview | |
|---|---|
| Number of universities | 2 |
| Top ranking university | University of Queensland (QS world ranking - 43) |
| Rent in Brisbane city centre | AUS$2,619 (US$1,681) |
| Rent outside Brisbane city centre | AU$2,219 (US$1,425) |
#4 Adelaide
Not too far behind as the 26th best student in the world is Adelaide. It’s also the fifth largest city in Australia and welcomes students from all over the world. It’s one of the more expensive cities to live in but with some intelligent budgeting you can bring the costs down. There are career opportunities waiting for you in fields like health sciences, agribusiness and space technology once you graduate.
If you’re looking for things to do outside the classroom, you’re not far from the Adelaide Hills which are great for hiking and climbing and are home to some of Australia’s best vineyards.
| Study in Adelaide – Overview | |
|---|---|
| Number of universities | 3 |
| Top ranking university | University of Adelaide (QS world ranking – 109) |
| Rent in Adelaide city centre | AUS$2,188 (US$1,405) |
| Rent outside Adelaide city centre | AU$1,607 (US$1,032) |
#5 Canberra
The capital of Australia is also the fifth best student city in the country and 30th in the world. Canberra’s world-renowned universities welcome more than 15,000 international students. Even though it’s one of the most expensive cities to live in, there are funding opportunities for students which can help cover costs.
The city is keen to give renewable energy, space science and IT firms a boost and create plenty of job opportunities for any recent graduates. On a day off, you can spend time at one of the many free museums and galleries in Canberra or take a break from the city and spend time in some of the best nature parks surrounding you.
| Study in Canberra – Overview | |
|---|---|
| Number of universities | 2 |
| Top ranking university | Australian National University (QS world ranking – 30) |
| Rent in Canberra city centre | AUS$2,750 (US$1,765) |
| Rent outside Canberra city centre | AU$2,212 (US$1,420) |
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