Why do international students keep choosing Melbourne?

Amid the playful sound at the pedestrian signals, tram bells, and an unlimited spread of cuisines, Melbourne continues to rank as one of the best student cities in the world, currently sitting fifth in global QS rankings, and for good reason.

Walking through its streets, you would not just hear “how are you, mate?” but also “ni hao”, “namaste”, “hola” and many more. This city is not only a thriving business hub but also a genuine home for students whose entire lives once fitted into two suitcases.

At the heart of what makes Melbourne so magnetic is its cultural diversity. One student says he “can see life here” – a statement that might sound simple at first, but he goes on to elaborate …

Melbourne offers the opportunity to build the life students came for: entry into a world-class university, global standard education, a job in their aspirational field, and a network built around the city and the companies that can make it all possible. It is not just a place to study but also a place to dream and grow.

And many students feel it. They describe the city as welcoming, alive, and full of possibility. “There is a lot to do here,” one says, and that is no exaggeration. You will simply never run out of things.

There are so many ways to make Melbourne feel like home. Whether it is the food at Mr Ramen San, where a bowl hits the spot even on your very first try, or the endless opportunities to meet people and build friendships along the way.

Students are encouraged to be part of something bigger through volunteering programs with the City of Melbourne, the Couch and Future Forte, and much more. These experiences do not just build connections; they build character and skills too.

As one student puts it: “there are no rules here … well, there are rules to keep you safe … but mentally, there are no limits. You can have it all: a social life, amazing food, recreation, an understanding of Melbourne, work, income, and on top of it all, your studies. It is a blend of everything. You can be everything, or nothing, at the same time.”

It is freedom.

Beyond the social and academic, students also find Melbourne refreshingly practical. “Living here is pretty manageable,” another student says. “The trams and buses are pretty neat. The only pressure is when the free tram zone ends and I sometimes worry about the PTV officers,” she added with laughter. For students navigating a new city without a car, Melbourne’s public transport network makes everyday life feel less daunting.

But it is not just the infrastructure that keeps students grounded; it is the city itself.

“The other thing I love about Melbourne is nature,” the student continued. “I love it when I sometimes stroll around the city and stand by the Yarra River, watching people relax on the grass. It makes me feel grounded, and sometimes I just lie down too. It feels pretty amazing.”

In a life that can often feel overwhelming, those quiet moments by the river mean more than they seem.

Melbourne does not just give you possibilities. It gives you the strength to keep going. Sometimes it pushes you into situations you never asked for. But you push through, and you wake up again. Because behind every smile, there is a quiet resilience being built, one day at a time.

And that is perhaps why, above everything else, this city remains the top choice for students for both domestic and international.

Harika Potnuru is a current international student at RMIT University studying a Master of Human Resource Management. She loves attending events in Melbourne, sharing student stories and volunteering. •