As Australia’s cultural capital and number one student city, Melbourne is overflowing with great food, coffee, art and of course, lots of students.
Thanks to its cosmopolitan lifestyle and the 10 universities that call Melbourne home, it’s no wonder the city is a hotspot for young professionals.
Here are some of the top reasons why choosing to live in Melbourne is a smart move for your studies and career.
Enjoy Australia’s most liveable city
Melbourne is regularly ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, and has been Australia’s most liveable city for over ten years, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. This list assesses 173 cities across the globe in the categories of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
Network with a diverse student community
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most multicultural cities, and its educational institutions are similarly globally focussed. For example, La Trobe’s international students call 110 different countries home, while the University of Melbourne hosts students from 130 countries. There are also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local workforce, with huge corporations like ANZ and NAB banks and one of Australia’s largest companies, BHP Billiton, headquartered in the city.
Get creative
If you believe the stereotypes, Melbourne is exclusively populated by artists, musicians, writers and graphic designers. In reality, there is a diverse range of career options in the city, but it is definitely a hub for the arts in Australia and offers plenty of opportunities for out-of-the-box thinkers.
“Melbourne is a vibrant city that provides lots of opportunities for an Arts student like me to get involved in theatre and creative work,” says Cheryl, who is studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Melbourne. Whether it’s a side hustle or the main game, your creative spirit will be nurtured in Melbourne.
Get around with ease
Melbourne is home to an extensive, well-connected public transport network. Thanks to the city’s trams, buses and trains, you’ll have no trouble getting around, whether you’re heading to a lecture or going to work.
Headed into the city centre with your friends? Take advantage of the Free Tram Zone in the city to hop on and off as many trams as you like, for free!
As an undergraduate international student, you may be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, saving you up to 50% on your annual transport fees.
Do your research
Research and development are two of Melbourne’s big strengths, with the Australian Synchrotron, a world-class science research facility, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre located here. This passion for research extends to the educational institutions of the city, with the University of Melbourne hosting the most highly-cited researchers in Australia in 2017. At La Trobe University, researchers also have access to world-class equipment, including the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science and the Centre for AgriBioscience.
Australia’s own Silicon Valley
Melbourne is often seen as Australia’s tech capital, and for good reason! As of 2025, Victoria’s digital technology sector employs more than 306,000 people across over 22,700 companies, generating around $34 billion in value for the state’s economy and over $142 billion in total revenue each year. With such rapid expansion and ongoing investment, Melbourne’s tech scene is thriving, making now the perfect time to build a career in the industry.
Melbourne’s startup scene is also growing, with over 800 startups currently based in the city. The Victorian Government has put a lot of investment into growing and improving Melbourne’s startup infrastructure, making it a fantastic time to either join an existing startup or launch your own.
Take advantage of gaps in the job market
Melbourne and the state of Victoria have experienced strong employment growth in recent years, adding more jobs than all other states in Australia. According to the State of the Victorian Labour Market Report 2024, demand for skilled workers remains high, with 62 occupations facing labour shortages. The government forecasts ongoing demand in health care and social assistance, construction, engineering and education, meaning there is likely to be plenty of jobs in these sectors in Melbourne over the coming decade.
