The finest student cities in Australia obtain notably high ratings in the areas of Student Mix, Desirability, and Employer Activity, with two of the country’s seven entries scoring in the top five overall. Like the United States and the United Kingdom, Australian cities struggle with affordability, but for many students, the cost is worth it.
The seven greatest cities in Australia for students are listed below, with each offering at least two globally recognised universities as well as a distinct study abroad experience (click on each city name for more details).
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Sydney
- Melbourne
With six cities ranking among the top 75 in the QS Best Student Cities 2016, Australia stands out as one of the most appealing countries to study abroad, providing students with high-quality education in beautiful settings.
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Perth
The second greatest city in Australia for students is also the most remote, located on the Western coast, more than 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne. Perth, placed 36th in the Best Student Cities ranking, is another very desirable city to live, with excellent ratings for ‘desirability’ and’student mix.’ Perth boasts a perfect environment and access to some of the most gorgeous beaches and parkland you’ll ever see, as well as all the cultural, gastronomic, and recreational amenities you’d expect of a state capital with a population of over 2 million. The University of Western Australia is the highest rated of three Perth universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. (UWA)
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Adelaide
Adelaide, Australia’s fifth largest city, is placed 26th in the Best Student Cities ranking. It is recognised for its lovely broad boulevards, open spaces, parklands, and readily navigable city centre. It is located on the south coast. In addition to being adjacent to gorgeous beaches and islands, Adelaide is also close to the Adelaide Hills, which are ideal for hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, and drinking some of Australia’s greatest wines close to the vineyards where they are made. The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, and Flinders University are all in the top 550 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. With a big and diversified student population, Adelaide receives the highest score in the’student mix’ area.
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Brisbane
Next on our list of the best cities in Australia for students is another of this year’s rising stars, Brisbane, which jumps five spots to joint 18th with Auckland. Brisbane is a highly welcoming city with three major institutions and a big student population. This up-and-coming city, however, is more than just a student bubble; it is also a tourism attraction with the greatest economy between Sydney and Singapore. Brisbane, like many other Australian towns, provides a great mixture of urban and natural lives for students. Beautiful beaches, a warm temperature, and an athletic culture mix with a metropolitan downtown centre with a fashionable nightlife and cultural scene.
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Canberra
Canberra, Australia’s capital, has risen four places this year to 17th in the Best Student Cities rating. Canberra, like all of the Australian entrants, does exceptionally well in the’student mix’ area, demonstrating its vast and diversified student population. It’s unsurprising that being the home of Australia’s highest rated institution, Australian National University (joint 19th in the QS World University Rankings®), the city has proven appealing to students from all over the world. Canberra’s second highest score is in the ‘desirability’ category, and while it is one of Australia’s few major settlements that is not within walking distance of the seaside, it does have plenty of attractions, including its own (man-made) lake right in the city centre, and numerous nature reserves all within walking distance.
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Sydney
Following closely on the heels of Melbourne is Australia’s largest city and economic and financial centre, while Sydney ranks fourth in the Best Student Cities survey. Although it is not the greatest city in Australia for students, Sydney ranks first in the overall ranking for ‘desirability,’ owing to a winning combination of a good quality of life and a paradisiacal mix of beaches and open areas. The city also rates high in terms of’student mix,’ with a quarter of its five globally renowned institutions attracting foreign students. Aside from providing a pleasant student environment, the city is home to several of Australia’s most prestigious institutions, two of which are ranked within the top 50 in the QS rankings.
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Melbourne
Melbourne remains second in the Best Student Cities rating this year, trailing only Paris, and it’s easy to understand why. Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, is jam-packed with things to do, especially if you enjoy live music, comedy, or sporting events. The city is home to seven institutions that are ranked internationally, and it has the highest score in the whole index for’student mix,’ with intercultural interchange identified as one of the finest aspects of student life in Melbourne. With stunning beaches and a good level of life (Melbourne is now ranked the world’s most livable city by The Economist), the city also receives a high ‘desirability’ score. Melbourne is also Australia’s top-ranked city in both categories.
