Melbourne remains Australia’s Best Student City for 2026

Published: 22 July 2025
Students posing for a photo

Melbourne has once again been recognised as Australia's best student city in the latest rankings from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). This announcement highlights the state’s unparalleled education opportunities, affordability, liveability and cultural diversity.

Melbourne ranks as the 5th best student city globally and achieved the highest rating in the “Student Mix” category, which evaluates the diversity of the student population - with 330 ,000 international students from around 175 countries!

Additionally, Melbourne excels in providing employment and work experience opportunities, highlighting Victoria as a job market leader. It ranks 4th for Student Voice, the highest in Australia, measuring student experience across eight categories: tolerance and inclusion, diversity, friendliness, transport, affordability, nightlife, employment opportunities, arts and culture, and sustainability.

Victoria is home to two universities in the QS top 50, with The University of Melbourne ranked as Australia's best, followed closely by Monash University at 36th globally.

These rankings are just some of the reasons why students choose to study in Melbourne.

News recommendation
Photograph of diverse adults standing and smiling in front of a blue banner.

StartSpace Business Fundamentals Program Sponsorship

Study Melbourne is delighted to sponsor five teams of international student founders to participate in this program in 2026, as part of our leadership and employability programs supporting international students and alumni across Victoria. Delivered by Startspace, State Library of Victoria, the StartSpace Business Fundamentals Program is an 8-week, in-person program designed for early-stage startup and SME founders who want to strengthen the core foundations of their business.
View article
A group photo on a bridge

Melbourne named Australia’s most liveable city in 2026 rankings

Melbourne has once again been recognised as Australia’s most liveable city, ranking #3 in the world in the 2026 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index. The result reinforces Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s best places to study, live, and work.
View article
A group photo in front of the Study Melbourne Hub

Strengthening ties with the China Education Association for International Exchange and Chinese universities

Study Melbourne was pleased to host a delegation led by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), China's not-for-profit organisation facilitating international educational exchanges and cooperation.
View article
a group of people seated and watching a speaker

Study Melbourne Industry Connection Session in Shanghai

Study Melbourne hosted an Industry Connection event at Vic House on 17 June, targeting 30–35 prospective students and young Victorian graduates
View article