Choosing the right city and university is one of the most important decisions for any international student planning to study in Australia. With world-class universities, high employability, and a multicultural lifestyle, Australia offers endless opportunities but finding the perfect match depends on budget, career goals, lifestyle preferences, and job prospects making it the top destination to study in Australia.

This detailed guide helps you compare the best cities, top universities, course options, living costs, and affordability so you can confidently choose your ideal study destination.

Table of Contents

1. Why Best City and University in Australia for International Students Matters
2. Factors to Consider Before Selecting a city
3. Best Cities to Study in Australia for International Students
4. Best Universities in Australia for International Students
5. Best Courses for International Students in Australia
6. Cost of Living in Australian Cities
7. Affordable Cities to Study in Australia
8. City vs University: What Should You Prioritise?
9. Tips for Choosing the Right Study Destination
10. FAQs
11. Conclusion

Why Best City and University in Australia for International Students Matters

Your study destination affects education quality, living expenses, job opportunities, climate, accommodation, and PR pathways. Choosing wisely determines how comfortably and successfully you adapt to life in Australia.

That is why selecting the best city and university in Australia for international students is essential, not only for achieving strong academic outcomes but also for ensuring you enjoy a balanced lifestyle, access reliable part-time work, and maximise future career and migration opportunities. The right choice helps you study confidently, manage costs effectively, and build a clear path toward your long-term goals in Australia.

Factors to Consider Before Selecting a city

Cost of Living

When choosing the best city and university in Australia for international students, one of the most important considerations is the cost of living in Australian cities. Expenses can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Major metropolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer excellent academic opportunities but come with higher rental prices, transport costs, and overall living expenses. On the other hand, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart are known as affordable cities to study in Australia, giving students more financial comfort while still providing access to reputable universities and quality education. Understanding these differences helps students plan a realistic budget and avoid financial stress during their studies.

Job Opportunities

For many international students, part-time work is essential for managing expenses and gaining local experience. The availability of part-time jobs depends heavily on the size and economic activity of the city. Larger cities offer more opportunities in hospitality, retail, delivery, care services, and administration, making them appealing when selecting the best city and university in Australia for international students. However, even smaller and more affordable cities have growing job markets, especially in industries linked to the best courses for international students in Australia, such as health, aged care, IT, and hospitality.

Course Availability

Not every university offers every program, so students must choose their study destination based on their field of interest. The best courses for international students in Australia, including Nursing, IT, Engineering, Social Work, and Business, are available in most major cities but may vary in accreditation and specialisation. Certain regional or metropolitan universities are better suited for specific programs. This is why selecting the right location and institution is key to finding the best city and university in Australia for international students that match your academic and career aspirations.

PR Pathways

Migration prospects are another major factor for students planning long-term careers in Australia. Regional cities offer additional PR points, easier visa pathways, and less competition in skill-based occupations. Cities such as Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth are well known for supporting smoother migration processes making them appealing affordable cities to study in Australia for those who want both education and future settlement opportunities.  

These factors are crucial when choosing the best city and university in Australia for international students, especially if permanent residency is part of your long-term plan.

Lifestyle & Weather

To choose the best city and university in Australia for international students, consider whether you prefer a lively metropolitan environment, a relaxed coastal lifestyle, or a quieter, more affordable regional setting. Matching your lifestyle preferences with your chosen course and city ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable study journey.

Best Cities to Study in Australia for International Students

Here are the most popular and suitable cities based on education quality, affordability, jobs, and lifestyle:

Sydney

Best for: Business, IT, Engineering, Accounting
Why it’s the best: Prestigious universities, massive job market, and global exposure.
Downside: Highest living cost.

Melbourne

Best for: Arts, IT, Engineering, Health Sciences
Why it’s the best: Top academic quality, strong Nepali community, great transport.
Downside: Expensive and unpredictable weather.

Brisbane

Best for: Nursing, IT, Education, Business
Why it’s the best: Affordable, warm climate, good part-time jobs.
Downside: Smaller than Sydney/Melbourne.

Gold Coast

Best for: Tourism, Hospitality, Health, Business
Why it’s the best: Beach lifestyle, relaxed city, good universities.
Downside: Seasonal jobs.

Perth

Best for: Engineering, Nursing, IT
Why it’s the best: Affordable, less competition, strong PR pathways.
Downside: Geographically isolated.

Adelaide

Best for: Nursing, Social Work, Education, IT
Why it’s the best: Cheapest major city, easy PR options, peaceful lifestyle.
Downside: Slower city pace.

Hobart

Best for: Nursing, Marine Studies, Agriculture
Why it’s the best: Low living cost and strong PR prospects.
Downside: Fewer part-time jobs.

Best Universities in Australia for International Students

When choosing a study destination, it’s important to look at the best city and university in Australia for international students, as the location directly impacts your education quality, living expenses, part-time job opportunities, climate, cultural experience, and long-term career pathways. 

Below are some of the best universities in Australia for international students, selected based on global rankings, employability outcomes, research excellence, and course diversity:

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• Monash University
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Queensland
• RMIT University
• University of Adelaide
• Griffith University
• Curtin University
• Deakin University
• University of Western Australia

These universities offer strong academic support, industry placements, and job-ready programs.

Check out QS World University Rankings 2026 to see the universities and their ranking.

Best Courses for International Students in Australia

These courses offer high job demand, PR opportunities, and career growth:

• Nursing
• Information Technology
• Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
• Social Work
• Accounting
• Business & Management
• Teaching & Education
• Health Sciences
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Cybersecurity

Cost of Living in Australian Cities

Here’s a general monthly estimate for international students:

City	Monthly Cost (AUD)
Sydney	$2,200–$2,600
Melbourne	$2,000–$2,500
Brisbane	$1,800–$2,200
Adelaide	$1,500–$1,900
Perth	$1,700–$2,100
Gold Coast	$1,700–$2,100
Hobart	$1,500–$1,900

Sydney & Melbourne are premium cities, whereas Adelaide & Hobart are budget-friendly.

Read  the blog Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal to know all the major expenses you’ll face and practical budgeting strategies.

Affordable Cities to Study in Australia

Studying in Australia can be costly, but certain cities provide much lower living expenses, affordable accommodation, and strong part-time job options making it easier to study in Australia. To answer clearly, here is a simple breakdown of the most budget-friendly cities for international students:

Most Affordable Cities:

• Adelaide: cheapest rent + strong PR chances
• Hobart: regional city + lower cost of living
• Perth: affordable + high job demand
• Gold Coast: reasonable living cost + beach lifestyle

These cities give budget-focused students a safer and more affordable study experience.

City vs University: What Should You Prioritise?

When choosing the best city and university in Australia for international students, it’s important to understand which factor matters more for your long-term goals. Both city and university significantly influence your living costs, academic experience, job opportunities, and PR pathways but the priority differs for each student.

Choose the University If:

Prioritise the university when your academic and career goals rely on strong credentials and specialised training. This is especially important when you’re enrolling in the best courses for international students in Australia, particularly those that require official accreditation.

• Course accreditation is critical (Nursing, Engineering, Accounting)
• You’re aiming for high employability
• Industry placements matter to you

Read the blog How to Apply for Australian Universities from Nepal  to know how to apply for Australian universities from Nepal in 2026, from choosing your course to receiving your visa.

Choose the City If:

You should prioritise the city when lifestyle, affordability, and job availability play a bigger role in your decision especially for budget-conscious students

• You have a limited budget
• You need strong part-time job availability
• PR pathway is your priority
• You prefer a certain lifestyle or climate

Tips for Choosing the Right Study Destination

These practical tips will help you find the best city and university in Australia for international students, matching your goals and budget:

• Compare tuition and living cost for the full course duration
• Check job availability in that city
• Select a course based on skill demand and PR list
• Research accommodation options beforehand
• Consider weather and lifestyle comfort

FAQs

1. Which is the best city and university in Australia for international students?

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth are top choices. The University of Melbourne, UNSW, Monash and UQ lead in ranking and employability.

2. Which city is most affordable for students?

Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth offer the lowest living costs.

3. What are the best courses for international students in Australia?

Nursing, IT, Engineering, Social Work, Teaching, and Business.

4. Which city is best for PR?

Adelaide, Tasmania, and Western Australia (regional cities) offer easier migration pathways.

5. Which city has the most part-time job opportunities?

Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane provide the highest job availability.

6. Should I choose a regional city?

Yes, if you want lower expenses, less competition, and better PR chances.

Conclusion

Choosing the best city and university in Australia for international students depends on your academic goals, lifestyle preferences, budget, and long-term plans. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer world-class universities and strong job markets, but come with higher living costs. Meanwhile, affordable cities such as Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart provide excellent education, cheaper accommodation, and better PR pathways.

By comparing living expenses, course demand, job opportunities, and university rankings, you can find the perfect study destination to study in Australia. Take your time, research well, and choose a city–university combination that aligns with your goals so your Australian study journey becomes successful and rewarding.