August 28, 2023

Top 7 Cities in Australia for International Students to Study and Settle

Are you thinking about going to Australia to study?

You’re about to embark on a journey that promises not only academic excellence but also a wealth of cultural and recreational experiences. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, Australia has it all.

At Aussizz Group, we know how important it is to find the right city for your studies and future life. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top 7 cities in Australia for international students in 2023.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, budding entrepreneur, or future scientist, there’s a city here that will cater to your passions and ambitions. So, let’s dive in and explore what each of these cities has to offer.

Melbourne

Melbourne is known as Australia’s culture capital because of its lively arts scene, world-class restaurants, and diverse population. The unique mix of European and Asian influences in the city makes it feel international, which is why students come from all over the world to study there.

Academic Opportunities

Melbourne is known for its world-class universities and diverse range of courses. The city is a hub for the arts, humanities, and sciences, with institutions like the University of Melbourne and RMIT University offering a wide range of programmes. Melbourne is also home to several research institutions, providing opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation.

Co-curricular Activities

Melbourne offers a wide range of co-curricular activities for students. Join student clubs, participate in sports teams, or attend cultural events to enhance your skills outside of the classroom. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous art galleries, theatres, and music venues hosting cultural events throughout the year. Students can join clubs and societies related to their fields of interest or participate in workshops and performances organised by the universities.

Must-Visit Places

Check out the lively arts scene in Melbourne, go to the famous Federation Square, or take a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the biggest stadiums in the world, and the Melbourne Museum shows off the city’s rich history and culture.

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Side-Income Jobs

Find part-time work in the busy hospitality business in Melbourne or look into tutoring and academic mentoring. Positions as waitstaff, baristas, or kitchen assistants are available at the city’s numerous cafés and eateries. International students can also find tutoring jobs at local colleges, where they can help other students with their classes and prepare for exams.

Sydney

Sydney is the biggest city in Australia. It is known for its famous buildings, beautiful harbour, and busy nightlife. The city’s wide variety of people and strong economy make it a good place for foreign students who want to live in a busy city and seek a dynamic urban experience.

Academic Opportunities

The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales are two of the most well-known universities in Sydney. International students can choose from a wide range of classes in the city, with a strong focus on business, economics, and technology. Sydney is also a centre for study and new ideas, with many research institutions and places for new businesses to start up.

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Co-curricular Activities

Join a sports group, do something fun like surfing or hiking, or go to one of Sydney’s big sporting events. Big sports events like the Australian Open tennis tournament and the Sydney Marathon take place in the city. This gives students a chance to see world-class athletes in action. Sydney also has a lively arts scene. Throughout the year, many theatres, art galleries, and music venues host cultural events.

Must-Visit Places

Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or relax on Bondi Beach. The city is also home to the Taronga Zoo, where you can see a wide range of Australian wildlife, and the Royal Botanic Garden, which offers stunning views of the harbour and city skyline.

Side-Income Jobs

You could get a part-time job in Sydney’s busy service business or in a shopping centre. The city’s booming tourism industry gives foreign students a lot of chances to work as tour guides or in customer service. Sydney also has a strong start-up environment, which gives students the chance to work as interns at local start-ups and learn about business.

Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is known for its warm weather, love of the outdoors, and friendly people. The city has a laid-back vibe and is close to nature attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, which makes it a popular place for students who want a mix of city life and outdoor activities.

Academic Opportunities

Brisbane offers a range of courses for international students, with a strong focus on research and innovation. The city is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. Brisbane is also a centre for research and development, with many study institutions and innovation centres.

Co-curricular Activities

You can enjoy the outdoors by doing things like biking along the Brisbane River or visiting the national parks close by. The music scene in the city is also strong, with live shows happening often at places like The Triffid and The Tivoli. Throughout the year, Brisbane also has a number of culture festivals that give students a chance to learn more about the local arts scene.

Must-Visit Places

Relax at the South Bank Parklands, see koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or check out the arts scene in the city. Brisbane is also home to the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, which show a wide range of modern and indigenous art.

Side-Income Jobs

Find part-time work in the hospitality business in Brisbane or think about teaching. The city’s tourism industry is growing, which gives international students a lot of chances to work as tour guides or in customer service. Brisbane also has a strong start-up environment, which gives students the chance to work as interns at local start-ups and learn about business.

Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is known for its easy-going way of life, beautiful parks, and bustling arts scene. The city puts a lot of effort into education and research, and the cost of living is low, which makes it a good place for foreign students to study.

Academic Opportunities

Adelaide is known for its world-class universities and research institutions. The city offers a wide range of courses for international students, with a strong focus on healthcare, engineering, and technology. Adelaide is also a hub for research and innovation, with numerous research institutions and start-up incubators.

Co-curricular Activities

Participate in festivals like the Adelaide Fringe Festival or WOMADelaide, or explore the city’s beautiful parks and gardens. Adelaide also offers a vibrant arts scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues hosting cultural events throughout the year.

Must-Visit Places

Visit the Adelaide Botanic Garden, explore the Art Gallery of South Australia, or discover the city’s rich history. Adelaide is also home to the Adelaide Zoo, where you can see a wide range of Australian wildlife, and the South Australian Museum, which showcases the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

Side-Income Jobs

Work part-time in the hospitality business in Adelaide or look into retail jobs. The city’s tourism industry is growing, which gives international students a lot of chances to work as tour guides or in customer service. Adelaide also has a strong start-up environment, which gives students the chance to work as interns at local start-ups and learn about business.

Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor sports, and strong mining industry. Because the city is separated from the rest of Australia, it has its own culture and a strong sense of community. This makes it a great place for foreign students to study.

Academic Opportunities

International students can take a wide range of classes in Perth, with a strong focus on business and technology. The University of Western Australia and Curtin University are two of the most well-known schools in the city. With many study institutions and start-up incubators, Perth is also a centre for research and new ideas.

Co-curricular Activities

Engage in water sports along the coastline or immerse yourself in cultural festivals like the Perth International Arts Festival. The city also offers a vibrant arts scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues hosting cultural events throughout the year.

Must-Visit Places

Visit Kings Park and the Botanic Garden, relax on Cottesloe Beach, or explore the city’s vibrant arts scene. Perth is also home to the Perth Zoo, where you can see a wide range of Australian wildlife, and the Western Australian Museum, which showcases the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

Side-Income Jobs

Look for part-time work in the hospitality business in Perth or in retail. The city’s tourism industry is growing, which gives international students a lot of chances to work as tour guides or in customer service. Perth also has a strong start-up environment, which gives students the chance to work as interns at local start-ups and learn about business.

Canberra

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is known for its political significance, national institutions, and green spaces. The city’s status as the seat of government and its strong focus on research and innovation make it an attractive destination for students interested in politics, diplomacy, and international relations.

Academic Opportunities

As the capital of Australia, Canberra offers a wide range of courses for foreign students. Politics, diplomacy, and international relations are some of the most popular subjects. The Australian National University and the University of Canberra are two of the best universities in the city. Canberra is also a centre for study and new ideas, with many government agencies and research institutions.

Co-curricular Activities

Participate in university-sponsored discussions and forums or go to national institutions like the Australian Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia. There is also a lively arts scene in the city, with many theatres, art galleries, and music places hosting cultural events all year long.

Must-Visit Places

Visit the Australian War Memorial, explore the National Gallery of Australia, or discover the city’s rich history. Canberra is also home to the National Museum of Australia, which showcases the country’s natural and cultural heritage, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which offer a wide range of native plants.

Side-Income Jobs

Look for part-time work in the hospitality business in Canberra or in retail. The city’s tourism industry is growing, which gives international students a lot of chances to work as tour guides or in customer service. Canberra also has a strong start-up environment, which gives students the chance to work as interns at local start-ups and learn about business.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, located in Queensland, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor activities. The city puts a lot of effort into tourism and hospitality, and its laid-back beach culture makes it a popular place for students who want to see a different side of Australia.

Academic Opportunities

The Gold Coast offers a range of courses for international students, with a strong focus on tourism and hospitality. The city is home to several prestigious universities, including Griffith University and Bond University. The Gold Coast is also a hub for research and innovation, with numerous research institutions and start-up incubators.

Co-curricular Activities

Join surf clubs, participate in beach clean-up initiatives, or immerse yourself in music festivals and events. The city also offers a vibrant arts scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues hosting cultural events throughout the year.

Must-Visit Places

Visit Surfers Paradise Beach, explore the city’s vibrant arts scene, or discover the city’s rich history. The Gold Coast is also home to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see a wide range of Australian wildlife, and the Gold Coast Arts Centre, which showcases the city’s cultural heritage.

Side-Income Jobs

Find part-time work in the hospitality sector on the Gold Coast or in retail. The city’s tourism industry is growing, which gives international students a lot of chances to work as tour guides or in customer service. The Gold Coast also has a strong start-up environment, which gives students the chance to work as interns at local start-ups and learn about business.

Side-Income Jobs for International Students in Australia

International students in Australia can get part-time jobs, also called “side-income jobs,” to make extra money. Not only do these jobs help students pay for their living costs, but they also give them good work experience.

Here are some of the most common part-time jobs for foreign students in Australia, along with their minimum wage rates, average monthly wages in AUD and INR, job requirements, and qualifications:

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Babysitter
● Average wage rate: AUD 25 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 2,600 (INR 1,38,554)
● Job requirements: Taking care of children, preparing meals, and ensuring their safety.
● Qualifications: Patience, good communication skills, and a background check.

Mail Deliverer
● Average wage rate: AUD 24.96 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 2,500 (INR 1,33,225)
● Job requirements: Delivering mail and parcels to homes and businesses.
● Qualifications: Ability to follow directions, good organisational skills, and a valid driver’s licence.

Delivery Person
● Average wage rate: AUD 30.97 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 3,200 (INR 1,70,528)
● Job requirements: Delivering food or other items to customers.
● Qualifications: Good communication skills, a valid driver’s licence, and a reliable vehicle.

Driver
● Average wage rate: AUD 35.78 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 3,700 (INR 1,97,173)
● Job requirements: Driving people or goods from one place to another.
● Qualifications: A valid driver’s licence, a good driving record, and knowledge of local routes.

Tutor
● Average wage rate: AUD 30 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 3,100 (INR 165,199)
● Job requirements: Teaching students in a particular subject.
● Qualifications: Expertise in the subject, good communication skills, and a teaching certification (optional).

Barista
● Average wage rate: AUD 28.92 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 3,000 (INR 1,59,870)
● Job requirements: Making and serving coffee and other beverages.
● Qualifications: Customer service skills, knowledge of coffee-making techniques, and a food handler’s certificate.

Library Assistant
● Average wage rate: AUD 26.73 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 2,700 (INR 1,43,883)
● Job requirements: Helping students and staff in the library.
● Qualifications: Good organisational skills, attention to detail, and computer literacy.

Campus Ambassador
● Average wage rate: AUD 23.23 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 2,500 (INR 1,33,225)
● Job requirements: Promoting the university to prospective students.
● Qualifications: Good communication skills, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the university.

Fitness Class Instructor
● Average wage rate: AUD 42.38 per hour
● Average monthly wage: AUD 4,400 (INR 2,34,476)
● Job requirements: Teaching fitness classes to students.
● Qualifications: Fitness certification, good communication skills, and knowledge of exercise techniques.

In addition to these jobs, international students can also make money online by freelancing, tutoring, blogging, and selling physical things online. The minimum wage rate for online jobs varies depending on the type of work and the platform used. To find part-time jobs in Australia, international students can use job portals, recommendations, university pages, networking, and alumni job portals.

It is important to note that as of 1 July 2023, the National Minimum Wage in Australia is $23.23 per hour or $882.80 per week. The average monthly wage for part-time jobs varies depending on the type of work and the number of hours worked.

NOTE: The data shown here is based on our research that happened on 20th August 2023. We have considered an average of 24 hours of work per week for international students to calculate the rates mentioned above. The prices and wage rate are subject to the current time and rate. The source links have been stated at the end of this blog.

Criteria for Choosing a City

When choosing a city in Australia for study and settlement purposes, international students need to consider certain criteria. Factors such as the quality of education, cost of living, safety, multicultural environment, availability of student support services, and career prospects should be considered. Each city has its own unique qualities that may or may not fit with the tastes and goals of different people.

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Conclusion

In short, the places we’ve talked about offer international students a unique mix of academic opportunities, cultural experiences, and part-time job opportunities.

Each city has its own personality and benefits, so you can find one that fits your personal and academic goals best. And don’t forget that you’re not alone in this journey.

The Aussizz Group, Australia’s largest migration and education consultancy, is here to support you every step of the way. From choosing the right university to navigating the visa process, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you make the most of your time in Australia.

So, get ready for an amazing learning experience and know that The Aussizz Group is here to help you have a great future. Don’t forget that you can always reach your goals.

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