Living in Melbourne
Your new home is one of the world's greatest cities.
Ranked 5th in the world for international students by QS Best Student Cities 2024, Melbourne is welcoming, alive, and endlessly full of possibility. Over 175,000 international students choose Melbourne every year — and once you arrive, you'll understand why.
A city that feels like home — from day one
Walking through Melbourne's streets you hear "hola", "namaste", "how are you mate" — and many more. This is genuinely one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, and that diversity is its greatest strength.
Cultural diversity
Melbourne is home to students from over 150 countries. You will find your community here — and discover entirely new ones. Every cuisine, every language, every tradition is welcomed.
World-class transport
Trams, trains, and buses connect the entire city. The CBD has a Free Tram Zone — travel between the city's major attractions at no cost. PTV officers are on hand to help students navigate.
Food for every taste
From laneway cafés to Vietnamese pho houses, Japanese ramen bars to Lebanese bakeries — Melbourne's food scene is genuinely world-class. You will never run out of things to try.
Sport & events
Home of the Australian Open, the AFL Grand Final, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Melbourne's events calendar runs year-round — there is always something happening in this city.
Career opportunities
Melbourne offers what students come for — world-class education, global-standard employers, and a network built around one of Australia's most aspirational cities.
Safe & liveable
Consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities. Safe streets, excellent healthcare, strong rule of law, and a community that genuinely looks out for its international students.
Watch — what it's really like to live here
Hear from students who made the move. This is Melbourne through their eyes.
Experience everything this city offers
What's on in Melbourne right now
Explore Melbourne's official event calendars — updated daily by the City of Melbourne and Visit Victoria.
This week in Melbourne
Browse today's events, exhibitions, festivals, and things to do — updated daily by the City of Melbourne.
See this week's events →Major Melbourne events
Australian Open, AFL Grand Final, Formula 1, Melbourne Cup — the world's greatest events calendar.
View major events →Free things to do
Concerts, exhibitions, markets, and outdoor events — enjoy Melbourne without spending a dollar.
Find free events →Eat & drink in Melbourne
Restaurants, bars, cafés, and food events — Melbourne's world-famous culinary scene at your fingertips.
Explore food & drink →See & do in Melbourne
Attractions, day trips, experiences, and adventures across Melbourne and greater Victoria.
Discover Victoria →Arts & culture
Galleries, theatre, music, exhibitions, and cultural events — Melbourne is Australia's arts capital.
Explore arts →Melbourne is not just a thriving business hub. This city is a genuine home for students whose entire lives once fitted into two suitcases — and it stays magnetic long after you arrive.
Useful Melbourne resources
Study Melbourne
Victorian Government's official guide to student life in Melbourne
Visit Victoria
Events, attractions, and things to do across Melbourne and Victoria
What's On Melbourne
City of Melbourne's official events calendar — updated daily
Only Melbourne
Discover Melbourne's hidden gems, laneways, and local favourites
Accommodation Guide
Our comprehensive guide to finding housing in Melbourne
Cost of Living Guide
Budgeting and financial planning for studying in Melbourne