If you’re a fan of coffee, culture and incredible food, you’ll love living in Melbourne.
The Victorian capital is one of the most exciting and diverse in the country, offering a rich range of academic and employment prospects.
Here are our top 10 reasons to live and study in Melbourne as an international student.
1. Melbourne is Australia’s most liveable city
Melbourne was ranked the #1 most liveable city in Australia and #4 in the world in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) 2025 Global Liveability Index. This list assesses more than 170 cities across the globe, taking into account factors like stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
There are many reasons why life in Melbourne is so highly valued: there are multiple public transport options, relatively low crime rates, and plenty of jobs. Plus, it offers an awesome arts and culture scene, first-rate universities and an easy lifestyle.
2. Melbourne has top-tier accommodation options
A key part of living in Melbourne is deciding where to live in Melbourne. In other words, you’ll need to choose the accommodation style best suited to your needs.
Fortunately, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Melbourne is home to a wide range of high-quality housing options designed to suit the student lifestyle, including purpose-built student accommodation. Student accommodation is a particularly popular option among international students as it offers a unique sense of support and community. Plus, student accommodation features incredible amenities that can hugely improve your international study experience.
3. Melbourne is home to world-class education providers and research facilities
Victoria is known as the Education State, so it should come as no surprise that Melbourne is very academic.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, several of Melbourne’s universities sit within the top-ranked universities in Australia and the world. In fact, the University of Melbourne was ranked #1 in Australia, while Monash University, RMIT and Deakin all claimed spots in the top 15. These institutions also secured impressive positions in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025.
When living in Melbourne, you’ll quickly recognise the city as a creative hub, home to world-class academics and an exciting entrepreneurial spirit. Before you know it, you’ll soon be thinking outside the box (and around it, above it and below it, too).
4. Melbourne’s laneway culture is rich, vivid and exciting
Melbourne’s winding alleyways are magical; they’ll probably make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real-life Wonderland. The city is well-known across Australia for its vibrant laneway culture, which is brimming with bustling shopping arcades, wandering musicians, live music, quiet street-side book cafes… and the occasional secret street party!
If you’re in search of good food, take a wander down the colourful Centre Place, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat. For anyone into street art, a walk down the paint-splashed Hosier Lane will definitely inspire. Don’t forget your camera!
5. The coffee is incredible
Can’t survive without your morning caffeine hit? If you’re a coffee-lover, we have great news: coffee culture in Melbourne runs deep.
Thanks to Melbourne’s champion baristas, the friendly neighbourhood vibe and the locals’ love of supporting small businesses, Melbourne cafés serve up some of the best coffee in Australia – and perhaps even the world.
Read more: The Best Melbourne Cafés to Study In
6. It’s Australia’s ‘cultural capital’
Melbourne’s eccentricity, creativity and love of the arts are universally famous.
If you want to absorb some of Melbourne’s culture, check out the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Plus, the city is home to more underground arts movements, such as zine fairs (look out for Festival of the Photocopier), artist collectives, record stores, swing dancing clubs… the list goes on.
Learn more about Melbourne’s one-of-a-kind art scene here.
7. The community is hugely diverse
Melbourne is a melting pot of communities and is home to many different cultural celebrations. The Antipodes Festival, Melbourne Italian Festa, Chinese New Year, TET Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival are just some of the options on offer. Plus, make sure to check out the neighbourhoods that sit around the CBD. You’ll find many different communities from all around the world in each one.
Read more: 6 Ways to Relieve Stress in Melbourne
8. The trams are a lot of fun
In Melbourne, trams are both a major form of public transport and one of the city’s most famous icons. Melbourne locals tend to express genuine warmth for their tram system. You can even visit the Melbourne Tram Museum to learn more about this beloved mode of transport!
Plus, across most of the centre of the city, you can zip around on the iconic trams for free! Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone stretches from Flinders Street and Parliament all the way to Docklands and the Queen Vic Markets. We recommend checking out the Route 35 City Circle, which takes you on an hour-long tour around the city in a heritage W-class tram!
9. You won’t need a car!
Okay, so we already mentioned the trams, but Melbourne’s wider public transportation network is so awesome that it deserves its own place on the list!
All across the city and surrounds, you’ll find an extensive and efficient network of trains, trams and buses run by Transport Victoria. No matter where you need to go, you’ll be sure to have a fast, affordable and comfortable journey!
Plus, as an international undergraduate student, you could be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, which could save you up to 50% on your annual transport fees!
Learn more about public transport in Melbourne.
10. Melbourne is home to breathtaking natural beauty
Like the great outdoors? Then you’ll love living in Melbourne! The city is home to a wide range of stunning outdoor settings, from beaches to parks and so much more.
Whether you’re keen to lounge in the sun at St Kilda Beach, have a picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens or take a stroll along the Yarra River, there’s no shortage of beautiful nature to explore.
