Why choose to study in Melbourne?
Did you know Melbourne is Australia’s best student city? Discover more about the benefits of pursuing tertiary education in Victoria.
Melbourne offers world-class education in a vibrant, bustling city. Known for its multi-cultural environment, quality of life, activities and career opportunities, it could be the perfect place for you to start your tertiary education journey.
Discover the Melbourne CBD
Based on the QS Best Student Cities Rankings for 2025, Melbourne is the number one city in Australia for students and ranks fifth in the world. It is also the most liveable city in Australia and fourth in the world according to the Global Liveability Index 2024.
If the statistics aren’t enough to convince you, Melbourne has a lively city life filled with Federation Square, the Arts Centre, the NGV, Hosier Lane and the Yarra River to name a few. Rich in food and coffee culture, the area always offers something new to discover, just a short walk away. With friendly people around every corner, you are sure to make new friends and find a community right for you.
The Melbourne CBD also has many great areas for studying, if you want to experience somewhere new outside of your tertiary institution. Library at the Dock offers a modern facility near the water or enter the heart of the city and experience the State Library and its historic building. You can also study from any local café, pub or garden and get a true Melbourne experience.
Unlock the country life in regional Victoria
If a large city isn’t for you, there are many institutions in regional Victoria from Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo to name a few. With a more relaxed pace of life, you can join close-knit communities that are surrounded by bushland or beach.
Regional Victoria also has a lower cost of living, with accommodation and daily expenses often cheaper than living in a big city. Regional university campuses often have a stronger focus on student support services and more personalised learning due to having smaller class sizes or more specialised courses.
Uncover your accommodation and scholarship options
Most major Victorian institutions offer their own student housing on campus, with fully furnished rooms, apartments or houses. You can live close to or on campus with some of the larger institutions also having residential colleges. In Melbourne, there are also many purpose-built student accommodations like Scape, Unilodge and Iglu to name a few. You can get a studio apartment or shared living, with access to gyms, study rooms and social areas. These places also offer on-site management and 24/7 security, giving you a good sense of safety.
Many tertiary institutions offer scholarships for students to support with accommodation or moving from a regional or interstate location to study at their Melbourne campus. We recommend jumping on to your preferred institutions website to learn more about their accommodation and scholarship options. You can also find a full list of scholarships available on our Scholarships page.
Whether you want a change of scenery to experience city life, delve into the countryside or expand your experience of food, culture and people – Melbourne is a great place to study and start your higher education journey.
