Melbourne has retained the title of Australia's best student city after the release of global rankings today highlighted the state's unparalleled education opportunities, affordability, liveability, and cultural diversity.
The results, released by global higher education specialist Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranks Melbourne as the world's fifth-best student city and solidifies the city as Australia's top destination for international students
QS's Best Student Cities index is based on affordability, quality of life, standard of universities and diversity. Melbourne ranked first in the world on the Student Mix indicator which assesses on-campus diversity, reflected in the state's 330,000 international enrolments coming from around 175 countries to study in Victoria.
Melbourne also retained the title of Australia's 'most liveable' city and 4th in the world, according to The Global Liveability Index 2025, thanks to our world-class education, healthcare and infrastructure ─ Melbourne scored a perfect 100/100 in healthcare and education.
Melbourne leads the nation in the QS measure of employment and work experience opportunities, highlighting Victoria as a hub for jobs and industry.
Melbourne ranked 4th for Student Voice, an indicator based on student experience across eight categories: tolerance and inclusion, diversity, friendliness, transport, affordability, nightlife, employment opportunities, arts and culture, and sustainability.
Victoria's outstanding education sector is home to two of Australia's universities ranked in the top 50 of the QS Universities Rankings, with the University of Melbourne remaining Australia's top ranked university, while Monash University climbed to 36th globally.
Victoria's outstanding education sector is home to eight public universities and a diverse range of registered CRICOS institutions, two of which are ranked in the world's top 50 of the QS Universities Rankings, with the University of Melbourne remaining Australia's top ranked university, while Monash University climbed to 36th globally.
This ranking comes off the back of the Labor Government's investment in 16 Victorian education providers to make our world-class education more accessible across the globe, bringing benefits back to the state.
Investments through the Yes to International Students Fund will create jobs, grow the economy, and further strengthen the global reputation of Melbourne and Victoria.
As stated by Acting Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Jaclyn Symes
"Melbourne remains the nation's best student city because we offer the best education, the best lifestyle and a welcoming and inclusive community to live in."
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"We are backing our students, TAFEs and universities because they drive jobs, the economy and boost Victoria's global education reputation."
