
Victoria (Melbourne)
Victoria’s vibrant and diverse society, exceptional quality of life, and rich cultural events attract around 200,000 international students each year.
A Snapshot of Victoria
- Arts and Culture Hub
Melbourne is a dynamic center for the arts, music, and fashion, celebrating cultural diversity and creativity. - Top Student City
Ranked fifth in the world for student cities by QS in 2025, Melbourne is recognized for its excellence in education. - Research and Innovation
Victoria boasts world-class research facilities, an innovative technology sector, and robust business opportunities.
Diverse Study Options
Melbourne, home to 182,000 international students from over 120 countries, offers a vibrant city lifestyle with outstanding educational options. The city’s universities are renowned for their world-class curricula and facilities, producing leaders across various fields such as:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Arts and Humanities
- Architecture and Design
- Fine Art and Fashion
- Music and Film
Victoria’s regional centers like Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland, Mildura, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Warrnambool, and Wodonga also provide excellent educational opportunities. Studying in these areas offers a chance to engage deeply with local communities.
Key Industries
Victoria plays a vital role in Australia’s economy, which ranks as the 13th largest globally. Melbourne hosts one of the largest ICT research clusters in the Southern Hemisphere and is home to cutting-edge facilities such as the Synchrotron and CSIRO. Its biomedical research capabilities are on par with Boston and London, featuring multiple universities in the global top 30 for biomedicine.
Key Industries Include:
- Medical Technologies
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
- Health and Aged Care
- Agriculture and Food Processing
- Clean Technology
- Professional and Financial Services
- Transport and Construction Technology
Stunning Landscapes
Victoria offers a diverse range of natural attractions and study environments. From world-renowned wineries and natural springs to surf beaches like Bells Beach and snow-capped mountains, there’s something for everyone. Scenic drives, such as the Great Ocean Road with its iconic 12 Apostles, invite exploration. Enjoy hiking trails, local markets, and more.
About Melbourne
Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne excels in stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure.
A Snapshot of Melbourne
- Education Providers
Melbourne is home to 10 universities, 12 TAFEs, and over 1,100 private providers.
University of Melbourne
Monash University
RMIT University
Deakin University
Swinburne University of Technology
La Trobe University
Victoria University (VU)
Charles Darwin University
Central Queensland University
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Population
Over 4.9 million residents. - Leading Australia
Melbourne is the only Australian city with universities ranked in the global top 50 by Times Higher Education.
Melbourne, often called Australia’s cultural capital, hosts internationally renowned festivals like the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Melbourne Fashion Week. Its vibrant music scene, with more live music venues per capita than any other city, complements a lively nightlife with European-style dining and rooftop bars. The central business district (CBD) features leading fashion brands and diverse dining experiences, making it a stylish and exciting place to live and study.
Additional Study Locations in Victoria
- Ballarat: Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, Ballarat offers a range of educational institutions, including Federation University and Australian Catholic University.
- Geelong: Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong combines coastal beauty with excellent education options such as Deakin University and the Gordon Institute of TAFE.
- Bendigo: A city with a rich gold-rush history and strong arts scene, Bendigo is home to La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus and Bendigo TAFE.
About Ballarat
Ballarat, located just 75 minutes west of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s fastest-growing inland cities. Known for its rich gold rush history, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with preserved historic landmarks, art, and food.
A Snapshot of Ballarat
Education Providers:
- Federation University
- Federation TAFE
- Australian Catholic University – Ballarat Campus
- University of Melbourne’s Ballarat Rural Clinical School
Population:
- Over 117,000
Cultural Highlights:
- Rich in arts, events, and dining with notable attractions like Sovereign Hill
Key Industries:
- Health services
- Education
- Advanced manufacturing
- Visitor services
About Geelong
Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, is just an hour from Melbourne by car or train, blending the charm of a small city with proximity to a major metropolis. Situated on the coast, it offers access to beautiful beaches, the Great Ocean Road, You Yangs Regional Park, and the Barwon River.
A Snapshot of Geelong
Education Providers:
- Deakin University
- Deakin College
- The Gordon Institute of TAFE
Population:
- Over 200,000
Cultural Highlights:
- The Geelong Waterfront: Known for its stunning sunsets and diverse dining options.
City Life:
- Vibrant with shopping, dining, bars, and pubs.
- Strong sense of community with numerous local events and festivals.
Key Industries:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Health care
- Education
- Tourism
About Bendigo
Bendigo, Victoria’s fourth-largest city, is about a two-hour drive from Melbourne. It’s renowned for its gold-rush heritage, vibrant arts scene, natural beauty, and laid-back lifestyle. The city offers a rich cultural experience with galleries, museums, and a notable food and wine scene.
Bendigo features many parks, gardens, and nature reserves, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, fishing, and camping. Central to the city is Lake Weeroona.
A Snapshot of Bendigo
Population:
- Over 107,000
Education Providers:
- La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus
- Bendigo TAFE
Gold Rush History:
- In the 1880s, Bendigo was known as the richest city in the world due to its gold discoveries.
Key Industries:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Retail