Decided to study in Australia? Brilliant!
But which city will you call home? The good news is that there are plenty of great options.
Recently, The Economist ranked four of our capitals among the top ten most liveable cities in the world. Australia is a big country, and it can offer a range of different lifestyles and opportunities.
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
While the cost of groceries, eating out and entertainment can be relatively similar in many Australian cities, other expenses such as rent and transport can vary significantly.
Do you want to live in an apartment, or would you prefer a larger house?
Do you mind sharing your room with another student or do you want your own private space?
If you would like to live centrally in the larger cities, such as Sydney or Melbourne, you can expect to pay more for rent. To make that choice affordable, many students chose to share small apartments (and sometimes their room) with others. Typically, you can get better and bigger properties for the same price the further you go from the city centre, but then you must consider the additional time and cost of transport.
Smaller capitals, such as Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart, as well as regional centres such as Newcastle or Townsville can offer a good lifestyle for a cheaper cost.
To understand the differences in the cost of living between cities check out: Student Cost of Living Calculator
Culture
The Australian culture is as diverse as its population.
If you enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle of big, cosmopolitan cities, you can’t go past Sydney or Melbourne.
To get closer to nature, Hobart and its unspoilt natural environment is a good choice, along with tropical North Queensland.
Melbourne and Adelaide offer vibrant arts communities, great food and are in close location to internationally acclaimed wine regions.
If you are after the famous Australian beachside way of life, you have more than a few choices; the capitals Perth on the West Coast, Brisbane and Sydney on the East Coast, and many more regional towns.
Future Opportunities
Will you be seeking to gain some work experience while you study?
After you complete your studies, will you be looking to live in Australia for a while longer to work, or even migrate permanently?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you would want to consider the professional prospects that each city might give you.
Whatever city you choose, one of the best ways to increase your chances of getting work is to work continually on your English language skills throughout your period of study.
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