Why Melbourne is One of the Best Cities to Study and Work
- Study in Australia Group
- Dec 17, 2025
- 6 min read
Melbourne is known around the world as one of the best places to study, with globally respected universities, leading research centres, and innovative industries all calling the city home. It consistently ranks as Australia’s #1 student city and is regularly listed among the world’s most liveable destinations, which means students enjoy not only excellent education but also an exceptional quality of life.
As Victoria’s capital and Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne offers a lifestyle students truly love. From a buzzing arts scene and major sporting events to incredible food culture and the city’s famous café scene, there’s always something to explore. Add to that a welcoming, multicultural community where people from all backgrounds feel at home, and it’s easy to see why international students settle in so quickly.
Melbourne is ranked as Australia’s #1 student city
Melbourne has earned global recognition as a premier study destination. According to the latest QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, Melbourne is ranked as Australia’s best student city and 5th globally, praised for student diversity, employment opportunities, and overall student satisfaction.
Melbourne also consistently ranks highly on liveability, in 2025 it was named one of the top 4 most liveable cities in the world, reflecting excellent infrastructure, safety, and quality of life.
For international students, that means being part of a city where both academic ambitions and lifestyle dreams can come true.
Top-quality education & global reputation
Melbourne is home to several globally recognised universities that attract students from all over the world. The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among the world’s top 20 universities, while Monash University is also highly ranked globally and known for its strong research output. Other leading institutions such as RMIT University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, and Swinburne University of Technology are widely respected for their industry-focused teaching and excellent graduate outcomes. Together, these universities form one of Australia’s strongest education networks, offering international students a wide range of world-class study options.
Whether you’re studying business, engineering, science, arts, or vocational courses- Melbourne offers a robust education ecosystem backed by modern facilities, experienced faculty, and strong links to industry and research. For many, a degree from Melbourne becomes a passport to a global career.
Melbourne: Australia’s sports & events capital
Melbourne is proudly known as Australia’s sporting capital, a city where major events aren’t just watched, they're celebrated across the entire community. Each year, students can experience the world-famous Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, which transforms Albert Park into a buzzing festival of racing, concerts, and street entertainment. Melbourne is also home to the iconic Australian Open tennis tournament, drawing global athletes and fans every January, as well as legendary events like the Melbourne Cup, which literally stops the nation with a public holiday dedicated to horse racing.
Beyond these headline events, Melbourne hosts packed stadium games for Australian Football League (AFL) matches week after week during the winter season, turning weekends into city-wide celebrations.
For international students, this means you’re not just studying in Melbourne - you’re living in a city where sports, festivals, and cultural events are woven into everyday life, making it easy to meet people, explore local culture, and create unforgettable student memories outside the classroom.
Melbourne is a city for arts lovers
If you love creativity, Melbourne makes it impossible to get bored. The city’s cultural calendar is always busy, with theatre, live music, comedy, dance, film, and festivals happening year-round.
For galleries and museums, Melbourne is stacked: explore amazing exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), dive into film and digital culture at ACMI (at Federation Square), and visit contemporary spaces like ACCA (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art). If you’re into something more “hidden gem”, the Heide Museum of Modern Art is a favourite. And of course, Melbourne’s laneways are part of the experience too, with street art hotspots like Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane making the city feel like an open-air gallery.
(We recently shared a Reel on Instagram exploring AC/DC Lane - head over to watch and discover why this laneway is a must-see.)
Melbourne’s architecture is just as inspiring as its cultural scene. Landmarks like the State Library Victoria showcase the city’s rich history and stunning design, while modern spaces offer students beautiful places to study. For an inspiring and cosy study spot, visit Library at The Dock, known for its light-filled interiors, waterfront views, and calm atmosphere.
(Watch why international students love to study at this spot.)
Beaches right on the city’s doorstep
One of Melbourne’s biggest lifestyle perks is how easy it is to access the coast. Just a short tram ride from the city, students can relax at St Kilda Beach & Port Melbourne Beach, known for its seaside walks, sunsets and lively atmosphere, or visit Brighton Beach to see its iconic colourful bathing boxes. These coastal spots offer the perfect escape from study, whether it’s a swim, a walk, or simply unwinding by the water.
Melbourne is also a gateway to some of Victoria’s most famous travel destinations. Phillip Island, just a few hours away, is known for its wildlife experiences, including the world-famous Penguin Parade. The Great Ocean Road offers one of Australia’s most scenic drives, featuring dramatic cliffs, coastal views, and natural landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles. For students, this means weekend adventures and unforgettable experiences are always within reach.
Real career & work opportunities: Work and study in Melbourne
Melbourne isn’t just about study - it’s a launch pad for future work and career ambitions. With a strong economy and diverse industries, students often find part-time jobs, internships and post-study work opportunities that complement their degrees.
For international students, this matters. Working while you study helps with expenses - and building local work experience in a global city helps with long-term career prospects after graduation.
Australia’s booming construction industry means tradies are in demand
Australia’s construction and housing pipeline is driving strong demand for skilled trade workers, as new builds, renovations and major infrastructure projects continue to grow nationwide. In-demand trades include carpentry, bricklaying and roofing, with employers actively seeking workers who have practical, job-ready skills gained through vocational training. This demand is especially relevant in Melbourne and across Victoria, where ongoing housing development and construction projects have increased the need for qualified tradies such as carpenters, electricians and plumbers. With demand expected to remain strong, getting a trade qualification now is highly recommended for those looking for job security and long-term career opportunities. If you’d like to find out more about trade qualifications and available courses, you can explore further via this link.
Melbourne's iconic coffee culture
Melbourne is world-famous for its coffee culture, with cafés at the heart of everyday life across the city, from busy laneways to quiet suburban streets. This thriving café scene means there is constant demand for baristas and café staff, making coffee one of the most accessible and popular job options for students. Whether you’re pulling espresso shots in the CBD or working in a neighbourhood café, coffee jobs offer flexible hours, hands-on experience, and a great way to build local work skills while studying. For those interested in starting out, we also offer a free barista course in Melbourne to help you gain the practical skills and confidence needed to step into a café role.
Your guide to studying in Melbourne and across Australia
For international students considering study in Melbourne or other Australian cities, Study-in-Australia.com offers clear, up-to-date information to support every stage of the journey. Our website features CRICOS-registered courses, scholarship opportunities, campus and city comparisons, and practical lifestyle insights designed specifically for student life in Australia.
We work closely with registered education providers, as well as migration professionals across Australia, to help students choose the right course, understand work opportunities during and after study, and feel confident throughout the application process. Whether you’re researching job-focused study pathways, student visa courses, or deciding which city best suits your goals, our website is built to provide reliable guidance and personalised support every step of the way.
Study in Australia Group's Melbourne office is located at 1426/1 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration advice, legal advice, or professional guidance. For the most current and accurate regulations, always refer to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Department of Education, ASQA and other relevant authorities. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to stay informed about the latest updates and important changes relevant to students.