Why study in Melbourne in 2025?
Melbourne is quickly rising as one of the top study abroad destinations in the world. And the reason is pretty clear: it consistently ranks among the world’s top student cities.
Let’s refer to the latest QS rankings. Melbourne is ranked as the fifth most student-friendly city globally. And it is scored high for university rankings, student diversity, career opportunities, overall quality of life, and so on.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
What is actually causing this momentum?
Below are a few top reasons as to why Melbourne is a top choice for international students in 2025:
Melbourne is literally an academic powerhouse with some of Australia’s highest-ranked institutions and diverse programs. Even if your passion is very specific, like biomedical science or game design, you can probably find a program for it here.
Let’s look at some of the top universities to study in Melbourne for international students:
Source: US News and World Report
Established: 1958
Estimated Fee Range: AUD 40,000 – AUD 55,000
Being a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, Monash University is one of the most respected universities in the world. It has a strong focus on research and is renowned for strong partnerships with many top-tier businesses. That makes it a good choice for students who plan a long-term career in Australia.
Fun Fact
The campus has the Ernest and Cripps Mineral Collection. It’s a secret treasure trove of rare minerals hidden away in the basement levels that few students know exists. So now you know it too!!!
Why Choose Monash University?
- Monash ranks #36 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The university is well-known for its courses in pharmacy, education, and engineering fields.
- Monash works with real companies to offer industry-based learning programs. Students can even intern with firms like PwC, Accenture, AstraZeneca, and the World Health Organization.
- Some programs guarantee students with industry exposure while they’re in school. This is a rare opportunity that will provide boost to your resume even before you graduate.
- Monash is one of Australia’s best research universities. It conducts research in many fields, including climate science and artificial intelligence. More than 100 research centers exist, and many of them work with organizations around the world. You will have the chance to participate in renowned milestone projects.
Source: University Living
Established: 1887
Estimated Fee Range: AUD 33,600 – AUD 50,880
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, more popularly known as RMIT, was first known as the Working Men’s College. Now, it has grown into one of Australia’s most technically advanced universities. It’s a design-oriented university located right at the heart of Melbourne that prepares students for jobs in various fields like design, engineering, media, IT, and business.
Fun Fact
RMIT’s Building 11 is literally built inside the old Melbourne Gaol complex. The North Wing of the gaol was built between 1860 and 1861. It had cells, a chapel, and even housed prisoners like Ned Kelly. After the prison was closed in 1923, the space was adapted first for the Emily McPherson College in 1927. It was absorbed into RMIT in 1979.
Why Choose RMIT University?
- The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 ranked RMIT as the best school in Australia and the 15th best school in the world for Art and Design. And it’s also ranked among the top 100 in various fields like Engineering, Media Studies, Geography, and so on.
- The institution focuses on practical learning. Many courses have internships and studio projects. Students often work with companies like Adobe, BMW, and Deloitte.
- The campus is literally located in the centre of Melbourne. So, students will have easier access to jobs, both part-time and long-term.
- RMIT has Diploma-to-Degree pathways that let international students start with vocational study and then smoothly move on to bachelor’s programs. This is a great way to get ready for a career.
Notable Alumni
James Wan, a Malaysian known for making the horror movie series “Saw,” “Insidious,” and “The Conjuring”, is an RMIT graduate.
Source: Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Melbourne
Established: 1974
Estimated Fee Range: AUD 30,200 – AUD 45,000
Deakin University is one of the most forward-thinking universities in Melbourne. And the school is easy to get to from the city. This makes it a good choice for international students who want to balance their studies with part-time jobs.
Did You Know?
Since 2010, Deakin has held the highest undergraduate satisfaction ratings among all Victorian universities.
Why Choose Deakin University?
- In the QS subject rankings, Deakin is ranked #16 in Sports Science and in the top 100 for Nursing and Education.
- Deakin is a pioneer in online and hybrid learning. Their Cloud Campus is a great way for students who want to study in a flexible way while also getting hands-on experience in Melbourne.
- Deakin graduates have above-average employment rates due to the university’s built-in work-integrated learning (WIL) programs in business, health, IT, and other fields.
- Deakin offers a number of financial aid options, such as the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship and the Destination Australia scholarships. These help lower the cost of studying in Melbourne for students.
Source: La Trobe, Melbourne Campus
Established: 1964
Estimated Fee Range: AUD 28,000 – AUD 42,000
La Trobe University is one of the best public universities in Melbourne. The main campus is located in Bundoora, which is close to the centre of Melbourne. It’s a perfect place to study because it is close to the city and quiet.
Fun Fact
On campus, students claim to hear a spooky music box tune at night. Many used to believe that it’s the ghost of a young psychiatric patient who lived in the former Mont Park Asylum over there. But in fact, it is a combination of La Trobe’s automated bell system, nearby ice cream trucks, and students who once placed speakers in abandoned buildings to purposefully create the ‘haunting’ atmosphere.
Why Choose La Trobe University?
- QS University Rankings 2025 lists La Trobe among the top 300 universities worldwide (#233).
- The university designs courses that focus on developing job-ready skills that the industry demands. Their Career Ready Advantage initiative gives students real-world experience through internships and job placements.
- La Trobe has competitive tuition rates and flexible payment plans. It’s a big plus for students who are stuck worrying about the cost of studying in Melbourne for students.
- La Trobe offers student-friendly services from the start. It includes airport pick-up, accommodation assistance, English language support, and so on.
| University |
QS University Rankings 2025 |
Times Higher Education Rankings 2025 |
| Monash University |
36 |
58 |
| RMIT University |
125 |
251-300 |
| Deakin University |
207 |
201-250 |
| La Trobe University |
233 |
251-300 |
No doubts. Melbourne is a top choice for international students in 2025. But just like any other city, you need a clear-cut idea of the actual costs for better money management.
So, here’s a glance:
Tuition Fees
There are both public and private schools in Melbourne. Public universities are usually cheaper (and offer more scholarships). Private ones may charge more but have programs that are more specialized.
This is a rough range of annual fees (in AUD) for international students at major universities in Melbourne:
| University |
Type |
Fee Range
(AUD per year) |
| Monash University |
Public |
40,000 – 55,000 |
| RMIT University |
Public |
33,600 – 50,880 |
| Deakin University |
Public |
30,200 – 45,000 |
| La Trobe University |
Public |
28,000 – 42,000 |
| JMC Academy |
Private |
30,000 – 40,000 |
Living Expenses
Melbourne is a lively city with busy streets. Naturally, the living costs can be high. Here’s a more in-depth look at what you can expect to spend each month:
- Rent: If you share an apartment with other people, your rent could be anywhere from AUD 700 to AUD 1,200 a month. You can bring this down to a great extent by living in a suburb like Footscray, Bundoora, or Clayton.
- Food and Groceries: It’s tempting to eat out in Melbourne (hello, brunch culture!). But cooking at home can save you hundreds of dollars a month. You can limit the expense to between AUD 300 and AUD 500 a month on groceries if you shop at stores like Aldi or Woolworths and cook often.
- Public Transport: Students can get a Myki International Student Pass at just AUD 634 (restricted to some zones) to AUD 1073 (state-wide pass), for a year. You can enjoy unlimited travels on bus, train, and tram.
- Phone and Internet: A basic phone plan with enough data (15–25GB) costs about AUD 30 a month. Unlimited plans can cost up to AUD 50– AUD 60 a month.
- Study Materials: Even though most study resources are now digital, you will still need to buy some textbooks or pay for printing. You can set aside AUD 50 to AUD 100 a month, especially during semesters when you have a lot of assignments.
- Lifestyle: These are the little things that come up all of a sudden, like toiletries, laundry, clothes, etc. Plan to spend between AUD 100 and AUD 200 a month on average.
Did You Know?
The free tram zone in Melbourne includes the CBD and nearby areas. So, you can visit famous laneways like Hosier, ACDC, and Duckboard without spending any money.
Health Insurance and Miscellaneous Costs
As an international student, having health insurance throughout your stay in Australia is mandatory. This is called OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). Depending on your provider, OSHC costs between AUD 500 and AUD 650 a year.
It’s also a good idea to have AUD 2,000 in emergency funds on hand, in case you need to move, fix your laptop, or pay for an unexpected medical bill.
| Cost Category |
Estimated Annual Range (AUD) |
| Tuition Fees |
25,000 – 55,000 |
| Living Expenses |
15,600 – 26,400 |
| OSHC + Miscellaneous |
3,200 – 3,500 |
| Total Annual Cost |
43,800 – 84,900 |
Even though the cost of studies is pretty high, many organisations offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students to make it affordable. Have a look at some of the prominent ones:
| Scholarship |
Benefit |
Eligibility |
| Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship |
25% tuition fee remission |
High-achieving international students entering undergraduate courses. |
| Future Leaders Scholarship |
20% tuition fee reduction |
All commencing international students (RMIT Melbourne City campus) |
| La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship |
Up to 25% tuition fee reduction for selected courses |
Students with excellent academic records |
| Australia Awards Scholarships |
Full tuition, travel, and living allowance |
Students from eligible countries pursuing UG/PG studies in Australia |
The student life and culture of Melbourne are welcoming. You will love every minute of being a student because there are so many ways to connect with their culture. Take a look at what makes the city so great:
- Night Noodle Markets that serve Asian street food favorites
- Queen Victoria Market hosts a Food Truck Precinct with dishes from Ethiopian injera to Portuguese BBQ, often priced under $10 per serving!
- More than 1,300 Indians are already going to different universities in Melbourne. You will find familiar flavors in Little India (Dandenong) with authentic restaurants like Rice N Grills and Hyderabadi Darbar.
- Clubs like the Indian Graduate Students Society and Bollywood Clubs offer “home away from home” events full of food and dance.
- The city celebrates Diwali, Holi, International Day of Yoga, and most native Indian festivals with joy.
- Indian Festival Melbourne at Docklands with Bollywood performances and Indian bazaar stalls.
- Graffiti-covered alleys like Hosier, ACDC, Duckboard, or Tattersalls Lane are great places to take a leisurely walk on the weekend.
- Sports fans will also love Melbourne. At the MCG (capacity: 100,024!), you’ll get caught up in the AFL Grand Final fever and cheer with 100,000 other fans. In January, the Australian Open tennis tournament makes the whole city feel like a party.
A good place to stay is the first requirement for peaceful studies. Luckily, Melbourne has a lot of options like:
- University-Managed Housing: If you study at the University of Melbourne or any other such prestigious institution, you will have an on-campus accommodation option. It’s convenient and often comes with furniture, Wi-Fi, utilities, and social events.
- Private Student Apartments: Purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) like Scape, Iglu, UniLodge (off-campus), and Journal Student Living are popular. They often have gyms, game rooms, and study areas, which is great if you want both community and comfort.
- Shared Rentals: You can rent a room in a shared house or an apartment for less money and with more freedom. Flatmates.com.au and realestate.com.au are two good places to start.
- Homestays: Stay in a private room with an Australian family and experience the local culture on your own. It’s a good choice for new international students who want a soft landing.
Despite plenty of options, finding an affordable place in Melbourne can still be challenging. Check out some tips from international students who’ve been through it:
- Make sure that the property you choose is easily accessible. You can use Walkscore to check if the property is walkable to groceries, tram stops, and your university. Anything above 70 is gold. And at the same time, confirm access to Melbourne’s Myki zones 1 & 2 for cheaper public transport.
- Never pay a bond upfront via social media. In Victoria, it’s illegal for private landlords to accept a bond unless it’s lodged through the official RTBA system. Always ask for this reference.
- Whenever you use a rental platform, filter for ‘verified’ only. This narrows it down to serious and student-ready listings.
- Some providers like Urbanest or Iglu offer short-term leases perfect for first-timers. It gives you an opportunity to switch to cheaper options once you’re ready.
One of the main reasons why international students choose to study in Melbourne is that the city has a lot of job opportunities after they graduate. Have a look at some of the fastest-growing sectors in the city:
Technology and Digital Innovation
People often call Melbourne the ‘Silicon Valley of Australia.’ And that’s not without reason. Atlassian, SEEK, REA Group, and Carsales are all big tech companies that are based in Melbourne. So, there is naturally a huge demand for:
- Software Developers
- Data Analysts
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- UX/UI Designers
Medical Science
Melbourne is a global centre for medical research and healthcare innovation, with institutions like the Peter Doherty Institute, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. There is a lot of demand for registered nurses and researchers in the biomedical field.
Finance
There are a lot of national and international banks in Melbourne’s CBD, such as ANZ, NAB, PwC, and KPMG. People who graduate in this field can find work in financial analysis, accounting, risk and compliance, and so on.
Sustainability
The Victorian Government is putting a lot of money into renewable energy and environmental engineering. Roles are getting bigger in:
- Energy Management
- Urban Planning
- Sustainable Engineering
1. Is Melbourne a safe city for international students?
Yes, Melbourne is one of the safest cities in Australia. Most universities have security guards on campus round-the-clock and other features for student safety.
2. Can I stay in Australia after graduation?
Yes, you can stay for 2 to 4 years with a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). The actual duration depends on where you are and what level of education you have.
3. How early should I apply for accommodations in Melbourne?
Start looking 3 to 4 months ahead of time. University housing fills up quickly, and private rentals often need early applications.
4. Is banking easy for international students in Melbourne?
Of course. You can open a student account with major banks like Commonwealth, ANZ, or NAB with zero monthly fees.
Selecting the right course is just the first step to studying abroad. What matters even more is picking a place where you can grow and make a real future.
And that’s why Melbourne is a top choice for international students in 2025. It’s a city where the future feels possible with global institutions and attractive job opportunities.
But we know it’s not easy to put everything together, like figuring out how to get scholarships, choose a career, deal with student life and culture, and so on.
That’s where The Chopras – TC Global comes in. We’ve guided thousands of students through admission deadlines and visa processes to help them build a strong career. Get in touch with us now to know how we can support you!
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