Are you a final-year student, recent graduate, or an undergraduate student currently in Nigeria (or anywhere in the world) considering to study in Australia and not certain what city to live in? You’re not alone. With the hundreds of colleges and cities from which to choose, knowing where to go is as important as what to study. If you need real scholarship opportunities, mentorship for Nigerians living abroad, tips for getting your visa or plans after study, you are in the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk through the top 10 major cities in Australia attracting international students, showing you what each offer, how to plan your study journey, and real-life insights to help you make the best decision. So, are you ready to figure out where your Australian education story begins?
Why Australia is a Top Study Destination
Before we go ahead with the cities, let’s talk about why Australia continues to rise on the global radar for international education.
Although, it is small in size, the quality of education in Australia is of the highest standard, with a large range of schools and courses available boasting world ranking status and state of the art facilities. Institutions such as the , University of Sydney and ANU are consistently ranked within the top 100 globally.
Australia has Post study work opportunities Sometimes even up to 2-4 years depending on your level of qualification and the city you graduated from. This is a huge benefit if you are looking to gain work experience, or even to stay long-term.”
Most Australian cities have active Nigerian student associations and African diaspora groups. They support newcomers, organize events, and provide guidance on academics, accommodation, and adjusting to life abroad.
There are scholarships for merit, need, and even location-based grants, especially if you choose to study in regional cities like Adelaide or Darwin. The key is knowing where to look, which we’ll explore later in this article.
Top 10 Major Cities in Australia Attracting International Students
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Gold Coast
- Darwin
- Newcastle
1. Melbourne
Many people believe Melbourne is the student capital of Australia. It is home to universities including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT, drawing students from all over the world. These institutions offer a wide variety of programs, especially in science, business, and technology.
This is a city that is built on diversity. There is something for everyone… You find people from every continent, food from every culture and festivals that make you feel home. For Nigerian students, that means you’re never quite on your own, there’s a community just around the corner.
Melbourne provides free legal and health advice, mentorship programs, cheap transportation, accommodation for students. It’s also one of the safest cities in the world, an advantage for new travelers.
2. Sydney
When people think of Australia, Sydney is typically the first city that comes to mind, and for good reason. It is the country’s biggest and most globalized city. With some of the best Universities in the country such as the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney provides a mixture of world class education, city life and lots of work.
The University of Sydney is one of the world’s leading universities in law, health sciences and humanities. Meanwhile, UNSW has a great reputation for engineering, technology and business. They provide a variety of scholarships for international students, including some that are fully funded.
Beyond academics, Sydney gives you the chance to live in a dynamic city with world-famous sights like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. The cost of living is high, but the city offers numerous scholarship and internship programs to help balance your budget.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is gaining popularity among Nigerian and other African students because of its affordability and warm climate. The cost of living is lower than Sydney or Melbourne, but the quality of education is still top-notch.
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a member of the Group of Eight (Australia’s Ivy League), while Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is known for its strong focus on industry-ready graduates.
Brisbane universities offer student support programs like peer mentoring, accommodation assistance, and international career counselling. The city also has a growing community of Nigerian students who often share opportunities via WhatsApp groups and mentorship platforms.
4. Perth
Perth is located in Western Australia, it’s often forgotten and overlooked but that’s a good thing. Less competition for scholarships and part-time jobs. Geographically, it is also closer to Asia, which means travel and business opportunities are more readily available.
(UWA ) The University of Western Australia is a high-ranking Australian university and has a number of postgraduate research scholarships available. The city is also home to institutions such as the practical and industry-oriented Curtin University and Murdoch University.
It has a solid weather, a beach lifestyle and laid-back culture mean. Perth is always near the top of the list for quality of life. It is ideal for students who would like to pursue serious study in a casual atmosphere.
5. Adelaide
Adelaide is a regional city, which means you may be eligible for extra post-study work rights and state-nominated PR (permanent residency) pathways. The cost of living is lower, and the city is very student-centric.
Though the Nigerian population here isn’t as large as in Melbourne or Sydney, those who are there form a very close community. Facebook and WhatsApp groups are actively used to support newcomers.
The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and University of South Australia all offer scholarships, especially for postgraduate students. Adelaide’s status as a regional city can also help fast-track your PR if you plan to settle in Australia.
6. Canberra
Canberra is the political center of Australia, as well as the location of the Australian National University (ANU), the country’s top university for rankings and is on par in the top 30 in the world. It is a city that was planned for academics and professionals.
If you like a quieter place which is not so fast paced like a city then Canberra is perfect. It has a strong academic focus and great facilities, though it may not have as much nightlife or diversity as a larger city.
7: Hobart
It is located in Tasmania, Hobart is often missed on the radar of international but it shouldn’t be. This calm and beautiful city is surrounded by nature, offering a unique experience for those who want to study in a more relaxed, distraction-free setting.
UTAS is the main university here and is highly research-driven, especially in fields like marine sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies. Its regional classification also offers international students access to longer post-study work permits and higher chances of PR.
Affordable Living and Unique Student Life
Hobart is cheaper than mainland cities, with lower rent and living costs. For students who value community and connection, Hobart offers a supportive environment and high academic focus.
8. Gold Coast
If you’re looking for a city that balances top-tier education with beachside living, the Gold Coast is perfect. It’s popular for tourism, but it’s also a solid education hub for international students.
Both universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs with generous scholarships, especially for students from developing countries like Nigeria. Bond University is Australia’s first private, non-profit university and offers fast-track degrees (finish earlier, save money!).
The Gold Coast is classified as a regional area, which means students here qualify for up to 4 years of post-study work rights, a major attraction for career-focused students.
9. Darwin
Darwin is located in the Northern Territory; it is another regional gem that’s slowly gaining popularity. It has a tropical climate and a small but growing international student population.
Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers flexible online and in-person courses, with scholarship programs like the Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship. With its strong vocational and research offerings, CDU is great for students seeking hands-on skills.
Darwin isn’t as saturated as Sydney or Melbourne, meaning higher scholarship chances and better job availability. Plus, being a regional city means more PR options and government support.
10. Newcastle
Just a two-hour train ride from Sydney, Newcastle combines academic excellence with laid-back living. It’s ideal for students who want proximity to a major city but don’t want to deal with its high costs.
University of Newcastle is known for its world-class research in medicine, engineering, and social sciences. The city itself is student-friendly, and the regional classification offers those sweet post-study benefits again!
Quick Comparison of Cities
| City | Top University | Scholarship Access | Post-Study Work Visa | Cost of Living | Nigerian Community |
| Melbourne | University of Melbourne | High | Yes (2–4 years) | High | Large |
| Sydney | University of Sydney | High | Yes (2–4 years) | High | Large |
| Brisbane | University of Queensland | High | Yes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Perth | University of Western Australia | Moderate | Yes (extended) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Adelaide | University of Adelaide | High (regional) | Yes (extended) | Low | Small but active |
| Canberra | ANU | High | Yes | Moderate | Small |
| Hobart | UTAS | Moderate (regional) | Yes (extended) | Low | Small |
| Gold Coast | Griffith University | High (regional) | Yes (extended) | Moderate | Growing |
| Darwin | CDU | Moderate (regional) | Yes (extended) | Low | Small |
| Newcastle | University of Newcastle | Moderate | Yes (extended) | Low | Small |
How to Choose the Best City for You
Are you still unsure which city to pick? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I prefer a big, bustling city or a quieter, more affordable town?
- Is my preferred course available and well-rated in that city?
- How important is community support from other Nigerians or Africans?
- Am I looking for PR or long-term stay options?
In conclusion, Australia offers more than just top-notch education, it gives you opportunities to grow, network, work, and settle in a supportive environment. Whether you’re eyeing the urban energy of Sydney or the calm, strategic benefits of Hobart, the right city is out there for you.
Do you need help in choosing your ideal city, crafting a scholarship-winning SOP, or joining a mentorship community?
Click here to schedule a free consultation or DM us on Instagram @seafajconsults for personalized support.
FAQs
1. What are the cheapest cities in Australia for international students?
Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin offer lower living costs and good scholarship opportunities.
2. Which cities offer extended post-study work visas?
Cities classified as “regional” (e.g., Adelaide, Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart, Newcastle) offer up to 4 years.
3. Can I work part-time while studying in Australia?
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during sessions and unlimited hours during holidays.
4. How can I find Nigerian students already studying in these cities?
Join groups like “Nigerians in Australia” on Facebook or follow diaspora study platforms on Instagram and LinkedIn.
5. Are there scholarships that cover full tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Look into scholarships like the , Research Training Program (RTP), and university-specific Vice-Chancellor scholarships.
