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Destinations in Australia

Australia is not just one place

Choose where to study based on how you want to live. We tell you the good parts and what to keep in mind for each state, with no promises and with official data.

What are you looking for?

Victoria

Melbourne

This is where we are: Melbourne.

Where to study
Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo
Climate
Mild and very changeable: you can get four seasons in one day. Cool winters.
  • MelbourneMajor city
  • GeelongRegional category 2
  • Ballarat, Bendigo and the restRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you like big city life: cafés, art, sport and public transport.
  • If you want plenty of English, VET and university options.
  • If regional Victoria appeals to you: Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo move at a different pace.

Keep in mind

  • Winter is colder than many people expect.
  • Melbourne is a major city: it does not count as a regional area.
Let's talk about Victoria See official data

New South Wales

Sydney

Where to study
Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Byron Bay
Climate
Mild coastal: warm summers and gentle winters.
  • SydneyMajor city
  • Newcastle, WollongongRegional category 2
  • Byron Bay and the restRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you want the country's biggest city and its beach life.
  • If you prefer a coastline with mid-size cities like Newcastle or Wollongong.
  • If a beach town for English study, like Byron Bay, appeals to you.

Keep in mind

  • Sydney is usually one of the most expensive cities to live in.
  • Sydney is a major city: it does not count as a regional area.
Let's talk about New South Wales See official data

Queensland

Brisbane

Where to study
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba
Climate
Subtropical in the south, warm and sunny; tropical in the north.
  • BrisbaneMajor city
  • Gold Coast, Sunshine CoastRegional category 2
  • Cairns, Townsville, ToowoombaRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you want warm weather almost all year.
  • If you picture yourself studying near the beach on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
  • If you want a more relaxed capital than Sydney or Melbourne.

Keep in mind

  • On the Gold Coast work can be seasonal and you often need a car.
  • In the north the wet season is intense.
Let's talk about Queensland See official data

Western Australia

Perth

Where to study
Perth and the rest of the state
Climate
Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
  • PerthRegional category 2
  • Rest of the stateRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you want beaches and a calmer capital city.
  • If you want lots of English practice: there are usually fewer Spanish speakers than on the east coast.

Keep in mind

  • It is far from the rest of the country: flying to the east coast takes hours.
Let's talk about Western Australia See official data

South Australia

Adelaide

Where to study
Adelaide
Climate
Mediterranean: warm, dry summers.
  • AdelaideRegional category 2
  • Rest of the stateRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you prefer a quieter city that is easy to get around.
  • If you are interested in a capital city that counts as a regional area.

Keep in mind

  • There are fewer course options than in Sydney or Melbourne.
Let's talk about South Australia See official data

Tasmania

Hobart

Where to study
Hobart, Launceston
Climate
Cool: winters can be cold.
  • HobartRegional category 2
  • Launceston and the restRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you love nature and an unhurried life.
  • If you want to practise English in a small community.
  • If studying in a regional area interests you: the whole island counts.

Keep in mind

  • It is the coldest option.
  • There are fewer institutions and fewer jobs than in the big cities.
Let's talk about Tasmania See official data

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra

Where to study
Canberra
Climate
Continental: warm summers and cold winters with frosts.
  • The whole territoryRegional category 2

Who it suits

  • If you want a calm, well-organised university city.
  • If studying in the nation's capital appeals to you.

Keep in mind

  • No beach, and winter is cold.
  • It is a small city: nightlife is quiet.
Let's talk about Australian Capital Territory See official data

Northern Territory

Darwin

Where to study
Darwin, Alice Springs
Climate
Tropical: a wet season and a dry season.
  • The whole territoryRegional category 3

Who it suits

  • If you like the heat and outdoor life.
  • If you want a different experience, far from the big cities.

Keep in mind

  • The heat and humidity of the wet season are not for everyone.
  • It has the fewest institutions.
Let's talk about Northern Territory See official data

What does studying in a regional area mean?

Home Affairs splits Australia into three categories. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are major cities (category 1). Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong and Hobart are category 2. Everywhere else is category 3.

Studying and living in a regional area can bring benefits if you meet the requirements: for example, points in some migration pathways and, for people finishing a university degree, extra time on a second 485 visa.

The requirements are specific (type of degree, age, years living in the area) and they change. That is why we review each case individually and, when needed, together with registered migration agents.

Source: Home Affairs, designated regional area postcodes. Information reviewed in October 2026.

And how much does it cost to live?

It depends a lot on the city and how you live. As an official reference, Home Affairs asks students to show AUD 29,710 a year for living costs, and Study Australia has a cost of living calculator to compare.

Study Australia calculator

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