Study in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has ranked as Australia's top student city every year since 2015, and in 2025 it placed fifth globally in the QS Best Student Cities index — the only Australian city in the top five. That ranking reflects 230,000 international students from 175 countries studying across 10 universities, 12 TAFEs, and 400+ registered training providers. Two of those universities — the University of Melbourne (#19) and Monash (#36) — sit inside the QS World Top 50. Melbourne also holds the #1 global ranking for Student Mix, meaning it has a more internationally diverse student population than London, Tokyo, or Seoul. The Victorian Government runs the Study Melbourne Hub at 17 Hardware Lane in the CBD — the only state-operated walk-in support centre of its kind in Australia, offering free confidential help with accommodation disputes, financial hardship, mental health referrals, and work rights questions.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Next review: March 2027 · Let's Go Study Australia editorial team
Melbourne — Livability & Outcomes Data
EIU Global Liveability Index 2025
#4 globallyOverall: 97.5/100
QS Best Student Cities 2026
#4 globallyGraduate Outcomes (QILT GOS 2024)
77.8%
Full-time employment
$70,000
Median salary (AUD)
86.9%
Employer satisfaction
Sources: EIU Global Liveability Index 2025, QS Best Student Cities 2026, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. Data is indicative and updated periodically — verify with official sources.
Universities in Melbourne
Monash University
Melbourne, VIC
RMIT University (RMIT)
Melbourne, VIC
The University of Melbourne (UniMelb)
Melbourne, VIC
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC
The University of Adelaide (Adelaide)
Australia, SA
Western Sydney University
Sydney, NSW
Deakin University (Deakin)
Melbourne, VIC
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC
University of Tasmania (UTas)
Hobart, TAS
Federation University Australia
Melbourne, VIC
Australian Catholic University
Sydney, NSW
Torrens University Australia; Torrens University Language Centre; Chifley Business School at Torrens University Australia CBS at Torrens University Australia Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia BMIHMS at To
Sydney, NSW
Southern Cross University
Sydney, NSW
Central Queensland University
Brisbane, QLD
Charles Sturt University
Sydney, NSW
Alphacrucis College
Sydney, NSW
Australian University College of Divinity
Sydney, NSW
Australian College of Applied Professions, ACAP University College
Sydney, NSW
Australian University of Theology Limited
Sydney, NSW
University of Divinity
Melbourne, VIC
QS World University Rankings
Why Melbourne for International Students
Ranked #1 globally on Student Mix — more diverse than London, Tokyo, or Seoul. Walking into any lecture theatre, you're studying alongside people from 175 countries.
Study Melbourne Hub
17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD
Free, confidential support for all enrolled international students — walk in without an appointment Monday to Friday. No other Australian state government runs a comparable CBD walk-in centre. The Hub also hosts regular events including resume workshops, cultural meetups, and employer networking sessions.
- ✓ Accommodation disputes and rental advice
- ✓ Financial hardship support and emergency grants
- ✓ Mental health referrals and counselling connections
- ✓ Work rights information and Fair Work referrals
- ✓ Free interpreter service (available in-person and by phone)
- ✓ Tax file number and banking setup guidance
- ✓ Safety and emergency contacts
Victoria's 2025 International Student Welfare Program committed AUD $625,000 across 17 projects targeting social isolation, mental health, employability.
Visit Study Melbourne Hub →Cost of Studying in Melbourne
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
AUD $25,000–$45,000
per year
Postgraduate
AUD $22,000–$50,000
per year
VET / TAFE
AUD $4,000–$22,000
per year
Weekly living costs
| Expense | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Shared rental | $150/wk | $350/wk |
| Private rental | $350/wk | $550/wk |
| Groceries | $80/wk | $180/wk |
| Myki (public transport) | $126/mo | $199/mo |
| OSHC health cover | $50/mo | $120/mo |
A realistic monthly budget in shared accommodation is AUD $2,000–$3,000, excluding tuition. Melbourne is typically 8–12% cheaper than Sydney on comparable accommodation. Outer suburbs (Clayton, Bundoora, Footscray) offer significant rent savings compared to inner-city areas.
Rent by suburb
Carlton / Fitzroy
$270–$320/wk
Walking distance to University of Melbourne
Footscray / Sunshine
$170–$210/wk
Werribee train line, CBD in under 35 min — strong Vietnamese and Indian communities with affordable grocery options
St Kilda / Prahran
$250–$340/wk
Tram to CBD, 20–30 min
Clayton
$160–$220/wk
Adjacent to Monash University Clayton campus — large South Asian student community
Bundoora
$140–$190/wk
La Trobe University campus suburb — quieter, more residential feel
After Graduation — Can You Stay in Australia?
Most graduates qualify for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate). The length depends on your qualification level:
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master degree (coursework)
2 years
Master degree (research)
3 years
Doctoral degree
4 years
Regional study bonus
+2 years
Permanent residency routes
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Points-tested, no employer or sponsor needed. Most successful applicants hold 85–95 points. Your Australian degree contributes 15–20 points; age, English proficiency, and nominated occupation fill the gap.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nominated)
Requires an employer to sponsor you after 2+ years on a 482 visa. The employer must demonstrate genuine need.
Subclass 190 (State Nomination — Victoria)
Victoria nominates based on its skilled occupation in-demand list. Studying in Victoria and having relevant Victorian work experience strengthens your application. Victoria's nomination adds 5 points to your total. Healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and trades are priority sectors.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional — Victoria)
For regional Victoria (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo). Pathway to PR via 191 visa after 3 years. Lower points threshold than 189.
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- QS Best Student Cities 2025
- Study Melbourne — Victorian Government
- Department of Education — International Student Data 2024
- Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 485
- Study Melbourne Hub — 17 Hardware Lane
- QS World University Rankings 2026
- Public Transport Victoria — Myki concession fares
- Victorian Government — International Student Welfare Program