Melbourne is the best city in the world for 2026

Published: 12 March 2026
students together in the city

Melbourne has been officially crowned the Best City in the World for 2026 by Time Out's annual global ranking!

This is the first time an Australian city has topped the annual list, beating Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York.

The announcement highlights Melbourne's allure as not just a great place to visit, but also an extraordinary place to live and study.

How the ranking was measured

  • Over 24,000 people shared their thoughts in 42 languages about food, nightlife, culture, costs, happiness and their city's vibe.
  • More than 100 city experts assessed what makes each city exciting and great to live in.
  • A detailed scoring system covering 44 criteria, including diversity, liveliness, cultural activities and affordability.

Key findings

  • Most people in Melbourne (94%) think the city has amazing food.
  • Many residents (92%) love Melbourne’s exciting arts and culture.
  • Locals are very happy living here, with the city ranking highly for happiness and liveability.
  • Melbourne is one of the top 3 cities in the world for young people (Gen Z).

Events

Here’s a snapshot of Melbourne’s quintessential events students can immerse themselves in:
EventDetails
Australian Open Celebrated as one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Melbourne International Comedy FestivalLaugh alongside comedians from around the globe.
Melbourne Food and Wine FestivalA delicious showcase of culinary talent paired with local wines.
AFL Grand FinalExperience the unmatched excitement of Australia’s favourite sport.
Boxing Day Test Perfect for cricket enthusiast students.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show A visual celebration of botanical artistry.


To learn more about why Melbourne is the perfect study destination, check out our Why Melbourne page!

News recommendation
Photograph of a large group of people gathered in an auditorium with five individuals standing in front, dressed in formal and business attire. The setting suggests a professional event or conference, with attendees seated in tiered rows and a well-lit stage area.

Victoria highlights global education partnership through the BITS–RMIT initiative

At the BITS–RMIT Higher Education Academy Student Engagement and Networking Event held at The Capitol, Melbourne on 22 May 2026, Victoria highlighted its strong commitment to international education and global partnerships. Supported by the Victorian Government’s Yes to International Students Fund, the 2026 immersion program brought more than 100 students from India to Melbourne for a two-week academic and cultural experience.
View article
Photograph of a large group of people seated around a curved conference table in a modern meeting room, suggesting a formal gathering or conference. The room features red chairs, white walls with blue and orange accents, and a carpeted floor, with attendees dressed in business attire indicating a professional event.

Victoria’s education partnerships highlighted during the Governor’s visit to China

Victoria’s strong and enduring education partnerships across China, including Hong Kong, were showcased during the Governor of Victoria’s recent visit, reinforcing the value of alumni engagement, research collaboration and international education links. Highlights included the Victoria Connect: Alumni Leaders Reception in Hong Kong, the signing of Monash University’s second five-year agreement with Suzhou Industrial Park, the opening of a new dedicated IELTS test centre in Chengdu, and new collaboration agreements between education institutions in Sichuan and Victoria.
View article
Photograph of a diverse group of scientists and researchers wearing white lab coats posing in a laboratory setting.

Study Melbourne visits La Trobe University

Study Melbourne recently visited La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus to meet students from PSB Academy Singapore participating in an immersive study experience in Victoria. Supported through the Yes to International Students Fund, La Trobe University is delivering projects that strengthen international engagement and enhance the student experience for its global partner institutions, including study tours, international business sprints and pilot training programs.
View article
Photograph collage showing three formal group events with people posing for pictures in professional and ceremonial settings. Each section features individuals in business attire or uniforms, holding documents, standing in front of banners or logos, and arranged in rows for official or celebratory purposes.

Growing education partnerships with Indonesia

With support from Study Melbourne and the Victorian Government Trade and Investment office in Southeast Asia, Victorian institutions are strengthening collaboration with Indonesia through new partnerships across gaming, creative industries, schools and hospitality. These developments reflect a shared commitment to innovation, skills development and regional engagement.
View article
View more news