Is Melbourne A Good City for International Students?

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia, has been rated as the “World’s Most Livable City” by The Economist for many consecutive years. Its multicultural environment, high-quality educational resources and well-developed infrastructure have made it a popular destination for international students around the world. As of 2025, Melbourne is home to more than 258,000 international students. This city not only boasts world-class institutions such as the University of Melbourne and Monash University, but also offers comprehensive support to international students through the “Melbourne International Student Accommodation” system, meticulous campus accommodation services and an inclusive social culture.

Diversified Accommodation System

The market of international student accommodation in Melbourne has formed a mature system, providing you with high cost-performance accommodation options. Most apartments offer a “one-price all-inclusive package”, with the rent covering water, electricity, Internet, furniture and daily maintenance services. The check-in process is standardized and transparent, making it particularly suitable for new students who have just arrived in Australia. Meanwhile, apartments are usually equipped with gyms, study spaces, social areas and public kitchens, which help freshmen quickly establish your life rhythm and study state.

Many well-known universities in Melbourne also offer a wide range of on-campus accommodation. For example, the University of Melbourne accommodation is famous for its academic community and diverse choices. The student apartments directly managed by the university include Little Hall, Lisa Bellear House and The Lofts (for postgraduate students only), equipped with facilities such as gyms, music rooms and cinemas, and community activities such as outdoor outings and cooking classes are held. Boarding colleges are a distinctive accommodation option at the University of Melbourne. This type of college offers three meals a day, academic support and life guidance. The accommodation fee includes the cost of group activities such as musical performances and sports competitions.

Monash University’s accommodation is also highly characteristic of the campus and conveniently located. Monash accommodation at Clayton campus can accommodate more than 1,000 students and offers single rooms and meal services. These dormitories are within walking distance of campus facilities, including the swimming pool, supermarket, bank and medical center, and offer free inter-school buses connecting to the Caulfield campus. For students at the Caulfield campus, a large number of off-campus high-quality and comfortable apartments can also be found around the university. Iglu South Yarra is a cost-effective choice. It takes about 20 minutes by train from this apartment to reach the campus. This area has a vibrant business atmosphere and is rich in shopping, dining, and recreation facilities, making it suitable for students who pay attention to the quality of life.

Comprehensive Support From Academic Resources

Melbourne is home to many renowned universities, such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University. The University of Melbourne ranked 47th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, and its business, medicine, law and other disciplines have consistently ranked among the top in the world. Monash University excels in engineering, information technology and medicine. Rmit University in Melbourne is ranked between 251st and 300th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Its disciplines such as art and design, architecture and urban planning are among the best in the world. This university excels in engineering, business administration and design disciplines, attaches great importance to international education and attracts students from all over the world.

Controllable Living Expenses

The average annual living expenses for international students in Melbourne are approximately AU$18,000, with accommodation accounting for 50% to 60% of the total expenses. For dining, self-cooking costs around AU$300 to AU$500 each month. Coles supermarket offers discounts on fresh produce after 8 p.m. Asian ingredients can be purchased at KT Mart in QV Market. In terms of transportation, international students can apply for iUSEpass to enjoy a 50% discount on Myki cards. In terms of communication costs, the weekly expenses for telephones and Internet are approximately AU$15 to AU$30. Many student apartments also offer free unlimited Internet, which helps students save some money.

Convenient Urban Facilities

Melbourne’s public transportation system consists of trams, trains and buses. The CBD area has a free tram zone that covers major attractions and universities. The newly added Docklands free tram area in 2025 has expanded the range of activities for students. The shared bike and walking systems are well-developed, and there are multiple parks and rest areas along the way. In terms of medical security, in 2025, student visas are required to purchase insurance covering mental health services (such as the OSHC+ program), and there are medical centers and 24-hour nurse services on campus. Supermarkets, banks and pharmacies are distributed around each campus.

Multiculturalism & Social Opportunities

Melbourne has immigrants from over 190 countries, with international students accounting for 22% of its total population, creating a diverse and inclusive social atmosphere. The Welcome Festival held every February offers discount packages for local businesses. The Student Night event at the NGV Art Gallery is free with a student ID card. The Chinatown Spring Festival celebration attracted over 200,000 participants and featured interactive sessions such as calligraphy experiences and traditional craft displays.

The campus activities of the university are rich. The “Melbourne Orientation” orientation activities of the University of Melbourne include modules such as academic support and accommodation consultation. The “Melbourne Talks” program at Monash University helps international freshmen get familiar with campus life through 5-6 weeks of peer activities. The “Swanston Library HE Orientation” orientation activities of RMIT University in Melbourne include modules such as Adobe Express skills training and learning support, providing great support to students.

Safety Measures & Emergency Response

Melbourne has been ranked among the top ten safest countries in the world for twelve consecutive years, and its campus security system has achieved full coverage of AI intelligent monitoring. The university offers 24-hour security escort services. The campus dormitory buildings are equipped with access control systems and night patrols. In terms of emergency services, the unified emergency number in Australia is 000. Translation assistance can be requested. In 2025, the new policy requires international students to purchase insurance that includes mental health services. Most schools have psychological counseling centers that offer free one-on-one guidance. In response to the risk of fraud, the school authorities remind international students to be vigilant against AI voice phishing calls posing as immigration authorities. Official notifications are only sent via email.

Conclusion

Taking into account various factors such as accommodation, academia, life and culture, Melbourne is undoubtedly an ideal city for international students to study abroad. Its mature “Melbourne International Student Accommodation” system offers a wide range of choices from economy to high-end. Meanwhile, according to the data, Melbourne has performed outstandingly in core indicators such as education quality, cost of living, and safety index, and has ranked among the world’s most livable cities for many consecutive years.

For international students, Melbourne’s advantages lie not only in its top-notch academic resources, but also in its inclusive multiculturalism, comprehensive support services and vibrant urban atmosphere. Despite facing challenges such as intensified accommodation competition and rising tuition fees, students can still achieve a cost-effective study abroad experience through early planning and rational utilization of school resources. Therefore, for international students who pursue academic excellence and personal growth, Melbourne is undoubtedly an ideal place worth choosing.