The results, released today by global higher education specialist Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranks Melbourne as the world’s fifth-best student city and solidifies the city as Australia’s top destination for international students.

QS’s Best Student Cities index is based on affordability, quality of life, standard of universities and diversity. The index saw Victoria’s capital rise from third to first in the Student Mix indicator which assesses on-campus diversity, reflected in the state’s 287,000 international enrolments coming from around 175 countries to study in Victoria.

Melbourne also ranks second for Student View, an indicator based on student experience across eight categories: tolerance and inclusion, diversity, friendliness, transport, affordability, nightlife, employment opportunities, arts and culture, and sustainability.

Melbourne leads the nation in QS’ measure of employment and work experience opportunities, highlighting the city as a hub for jobs and industry, as well as the importance of international students to meet the state’s workforce demands.

Victoria’s outstanding education sector is home to two of Australia’s universities ranked in the top 50 of the QS Universities Rankings, with the University of Melbourne this year climbing higher to place 13th overall and reinforcing its position as Australia’s top ranked university. Monash University rose to 37th from 42nd place globally, while RMIT University and Deakin University entered the world's top 200.

Last year, Melbourne also retained the title of Australia’s most liveable city in the Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index and moved up to third in the world rankings, thanks to our world-class education, healthcare and infrastructure.

International education is Victoria’s biggest services export, generating $14.8 billion in revenue in 2023 and supporting 63,000 jobs across the state.