Australia

Australia’s one of those places that a lot of students from around the world end up choosing. It’s super multicultural, so you’re not likely to feel out of place. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are full of students, which makes it easier to meet people and settle into the lifestyle. The vibe is generally friendly, and most newcomers find their rhythm pretty quickly.

If you’re staying for more than three months to study, then yeah, you’ll need a student visa. The official name is subclass 500. To get it, you’ll need a few things: an offer from an Australian uni or college, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof you can support yourself financially, and something to show your English level is up to standard. Tests like IELTS or TOEFL usually work. You apply online, but how long it takes to get approved can really vary.

A lot of students work part-time while they study. Students with a visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours every two weeks during the term. The pay helps with expenses, obviously, but the experience also helps you get better at skills like communication, time management, and problem solving.

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is one of the oldest and most well-known universities in Australia. It offers many programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Ranking: It’s currently ranked 13th in the world in the QS World University Rankings for 2025.

• Popular areas of study: Law, medicine, business, arts, engineering, and computer science are among the most sought-after programs here.

• Campus location: The main campus is in Parkville, which is really close to Melbourne’s CBD. If you’re thinking about where to stay, you’ll find lots of student accommodation options nearby. Parkville has a bunch of them, and there are also student halls in the city centre if you’d rather be right in the middle of everything.

Australian National University (ANU)

ANU is based in Canberra and has built a solid reputation for its strong research focus. It’s also pretty popular with international students, and you’ll find people from all over the world studying here.

• Ranking: In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, ANU landed at number 30 globally.

• Popular areas of study: Political Science, International Relations, Law, Economics, and Environmental Studies.

• Campus location: The main campus is in Acton, near Canberra’s city centre, with plenty of affordable student accommodation options nearby.

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney, founded way back in 1850, holds the title of Australia’s very first university. It’s grown a lot since then and now has more than 70,000 international students, which gives the campus a really global feel.

• Ranking: In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, it’s placed 18th in the world. That makes it one of the highest-ranked universities in the country.

• Popular areas of study: Health sciences, law, business, arts, and architecture are some of the top programs students go for.

• Campuses: The main campus is spread across Camperdown and Darlington, not far from Sydney’s central business district. If you're looking for a place to stay, there are lots of student housing options in nearby suburbs like Ultimo. Newtown also has a good range of student studio rooms and is just a short walk or bus ride from campus.

University of Queensland (UQ)

UQ is a large university in Brisbane. It offers a variety of programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Ranking: UQ is ranked 40th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

• Popular areas of study: Biological Sciences, Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Education.

• Campus location: The main campus is in St. Lucia, a suburb of Brisbane. International students of this university are offered a wide range of student accommodation options in St. Lucia and student apartments in nearby areas like Toowong.

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

UNSW Sydney is one of the top universities in the country. It is well known for its focus on research and forward-thinking innovation. It attracts a huge number of international students every year, which gives the campus a lively and diverse atmosphere.

• Ranking: In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, UNSW comes in at number 19 globally.

• Popular areas of study: Engineering, Business, Law, Art and Design, and Environmental Studies.

• Campus location: The main campus is in Kensington, close to Sydney’s city centre. There are numerous affordable student accommodation options in Kensington, student studio rooms in Randwick, and student apartments in Kingsford, which are available for international students in Australia.

Note that these costs are approximate and subject to change over time.

Australia is a prime destination for international students because it offers high-quality education and cultural diversity. Several Australian cities are popular among international students because of their academic institutions and quality of life.

Melbourne

A lot of students pick Melbourne. It’s got big-name unis like the University of Melbourne and Monash. The city’s packed with student areas, good transport, and a mix of cultures.

Sydney

Sydney’s the biggest city and pretty fast-paced. Unis like UNSW and the University of Sydney are top-tier. There are loads of internships and work opportunities—especially if you’re into business or tech.

Brisbane

A bit more relaxed than Sydney or Melbourne. Brisbane has unis like UQ and QUT, modern campuses, and decent student support. Plus, it’s more affordable and the weather’s great most of the year.

Adelaide

Living costs are lower in Adelaide, and unis like the University of Adelaide and Flinders still offer quality education. Easy to get around and not too crowded.

Perth

Perth’s got great nature, beaches, and unis like UWA and Curtin. It’s a solid option if you’re into science or engineering and want a slower pace.

Waterloo – Eastern Suburbs, Sydney: A good pick if you want to be close to both uni and the city. It’s got the basics covered—Wi-Fi, laundry, and shared spaces—so you’ve got what you need without any fuss.

Realm Caulfield, Melbourne: Just a short walk from Monash Caulfield, this place makes student life easier. This property offers furnished rooms, and there are quiet spots to study along and areas where you can relax or catch up with others.

Scape Merivale, Brisbane: Right near Brisbane’s city centre and top universities, Scape Merivale is well-equipped for student life. It offers furnished rooms, study zones, shared spaces, and a range of useful amenities that make settling in easy.

Campus Perth: A modern student accommodation option in Perth. It features stylish rooms, communal spaces, and social areas. It is amazing for students want to balance between study and social life. This property is the best student accommodation option near the University of Western Australia.

Scape Waymouth: A student accommodation option in Adelaide’s city centre. It is close to universities and key attractions. It also offers Wi-Fi, study areas, and social lounges.