Melbourne city
The latest QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026 has once again confirmed Australia’s position as a global leader in education, work and lifestyle.
Six Australian cities featured in the top 50 worldwide (including two in the top 10)!
The QS Best Student Cities ranking showcases the best urban destinations for international students, based on a range of indicators grouped into six key categories.
To be considered, each city must have a population of over 250,000 and be home to at least two universities featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the standout Australian cities and what makes them exceptional places to study, work and thrive.
Melbourne (#5 globally)
Melbourne's vibrant arts scene, cultural diversity and high quality of life make it a top choice for international students. In this year’s rankings, Melbourne is once again in the world’s top 5.
Ranking highlights:
- Melbourne tops the world in the Student Mix indicator, reflecting its inclusive and international atmosphere.
- The city is home to seven universities in the QS World University Rankings, including the University of Melbourne and Monash University.
- The city’s strong Employer Activity ranking (11th) means students benefit from excellent work-integrated learning and career opportunities.
- Melbourne also ranks highly on Student Voice (4th), showing that students feel supported and engaged.
Sydney (#6 globally)
Sydney is widely recognised as one of the world’s great cities, with beautiful beaches, a spectacular harbour and a diverse city culture.
Ranking highlights:
- Sydney offers world-class education and research opportunities with six top-ranked universities, including the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales.
- Sydney ranks #2 globally for Student Mix, highlighting its diverse and inclusive community.
- It also scores highly on Desirability (5th), thanks to its stunning natural beauty, iconic landmarks and dynamic lifestyle.
- Sydney’s strong Employer Activity (14th) reflects the city’s excellent graduate employability prospects.
Brisbane (#26 globally)
Brisbane has a warm climate, a friendly community and a great lifestyle, with parks, riverside precincts and a thriving arts scene.
Ranking highlights:
- The city is home to three top universities, including The University of Queensland.
- Brisbane ranks #8 on the Student Mix indicator, showcasing its growing international student population.
- Brisbane’s affordability is improving, making it an attractive option for students seeking a high-quality education with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
Adelaide (#31 globally)
Adelaide is known for its welcoming community, beautiful beaches and nature, arts festival scene and excellent education providers.
Ranking highlights:
- With the new Adelaide University in the QS top 100, the city offers high quality academic programs in a safe and affordable setting.
- Adelaide ranks #9 for Student Mix and #20 on Student Voice, indicating an inclusive, supportive environment where international students feel heard and valued.
- The city’s affordability and quality of life make it an ideal choice for students looking for a balanced study experience with access to cultural festivals, great food and outdoor activities.
Perth (#37 globally)
Perth offers a unique blend of academic excellence and natural beauty. The city’s relaxed pace and access to stunning beaches make it a great place to study and live.
Ranking highlights:
- Home to four universities, including The University of Western Australia.
- Perth ranks #13 for student mix, showing its diversity and inclusivity.
- Perth’s improving scores in Student Voice, Affordability and Employer Activity highlights growing opportunities for international students and promising career prospects.
Canberra (#38 globally)
Canberra, Australia’s capital, is known for its high quality of life, beautiful national parks and excellent education providers.
Ranking highlights:
- Canberra is home to some of the country’s best ranked education providers including The Australian National University.
- Canberra’s strong Employer Activity (ranking 45th) and supportive student community make it an excellent choice for students focused on career outcomes.
- Its smaller size provides a close-knit community feel while still offering access to culture, government resources and outdoor recreation.
Ready to start your Australian study adventure?
There are 43 quality assured universities in Australia to choose from, diverse locations and so many courses to explore! Australia also offers programs on campus and at provider partners around the world.
Head to our Course Search tool to start exploring and enquiring today.