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About Victoria
Victoria’s welcoming and diverse society, world-class schools and education institutions, amazing liveability scene make it a popular destination for international students.
This compact state’s capital, Melbourne, is one of the world’s most liveable cities, which has been ranked by QS as Australia’s best student city since 2015.
A snapshot of Victoria
Arts and culture hub
Melbourne is a culturally diverse creative hub for the arts, music and fashion.
#5 best student city globally
Melbourne is ranked fifth best student city in the world in the QS best student city rankings 2025 and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Research and innovation
Victoria’s research community is thriving with world-class research facilities, an innovative technology ecosystem and strong business opportunities.
Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.
Diverse study options
Victoria has one of the world’s most diverse international student communities. Melbourne was home to over 230,000 international students from around 175 countries during 2023. International students in Melbourne enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with world-class study options in a welcoming and supportive community.
Melbourne's universities, secondary schools, colleges and institutions offer exceptional education and facilities, and have produced some of Australia’s most outstanding leaders in:
- science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields
- arts and humanities
- architecture and design
- fine art and fashion
- music and film.
Beyond its capital city Melbourne, Victoria offers world-class education options in its smaller student cities and regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland, Mildura, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Warrnambool and Wodonga.
Studying in one of Victoria’s smaller cities or regional centres offers international students the opportunity to create deeper connections with the local education, business and social community.
Key industries
Victoria’s industry profile is diverse, and the state plays a crucial role in driving Australia's economy, currently ranked as the 12th largest globally.
Melbourne has one of the largest ICT Research and Development clusters in the Southern Hemisphere, producing world-leading, commercially focused research. It is also home to some of Australia's best and most innovative research facilities such as Synchrotron and CSIRO.
When it comes to biomedical research, Melbourne compares with global leaders like Boston and London. It is home to the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct which is recognised as one of the world’s leading biomedical precincts.
Other industry strengths include:
- medical technologies
- pharmaceuticals
- health and aged care
- agriculture and food processing
- clean technology
- professional and financial services
- transport and logistics
- advanced manufacturing and construction technology.
Stunning landscapes
Victoria offers so many different regions, attractions and study options experiences – and most are located within a day trip from Melbourne. Discover the diversity and beauty of regional Victoria, from world-class wineries to natural springs, famous surf beaches like Bells Beach and mountains where you can ski in winter.
You can drive one of the many scenic routes to see sites such as the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road (pictured below). Put on your walking shoes and follow the tracks and trails or explore shops and markets in regional villages and towns.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria.
About Melbourne
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities by the EIU and it’s easy to see why. The city offers world-leading stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure.
A snapshot of Melbourne
Education providers
Victoria and Melbourne are home to 10 universities, 12 TAFEs, 2,200+ schools and 400+ private providers.
Population
Over 5 million
Leading Australia
Melbourne is the only Australian city with a university ranked in the world’s top 50 by Times Higher Education.
What better place to study than the education state of Australia, which is Victoria. What better place to live than one of the most liveable cities in the world, which is Melbourne.
Abhishek Kansakar – International Alumnus of the Year 2023
Known around the world as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne has an enviable calendar of internationally recognised festivals and events such as the Australian Open, F1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne International Film Festival. Victorians love to celebrate the diverse range of multicultural events and festivals that reflect its diverse and multi-faith community.
Melbourne boasts a dynamic music scene and European-style alfresco dining, buzzing rooftop bars and late-night venues. Melbourne’s nightlife has something for everyone.
On the streets of the central business district (CBD), you’ll find leading international and Australian fashion brands and restaurants with authentic foods from all around the world, which make for a great time with friends.
Centre Place, Melbourne, VIC. Image courtesy of Study Melbourne.
How much will it cost?
Use our Cost of Living calculator to find out how much you will need to live and study here.
Melbourne information and support
Through the Study Melbourne Hub, the Victorian Government provides free and dedicated support and programs for tertiary international students in Victoria, including professional development, employment and accommodation legal services, and opportunities to make friends, build networks and find help when it is needed.
