2027 Guide · International Students
Study in Melbourne,Victoria.
If you've ever pictured yourself walking into a lecture hall in a city the whole world talks about, this is that city.
Australia's highest-ranked student city and one of its largest education and employment centres — globally ranked universities, extensive pathway choice, a highly multicultural community, strong public transport and broad career sectors. Rent near the CBD can be high, but shared housing in the right suburb brings it down. This guide helps students from Nepal compare it all before choosing Melbourne.
Melbourne Study — Quick Facts
- Global student city
- #4#4 globally and #1 in Australia in QS Best Student Cities 2027 — Australia's highest-ranked student city.
- Universities in global top 300
- 6University of Melbourne (22), Monash (31), RMIT (119), Deakin (227), La Trobe (241) and Swinburne (291) in QS WUR 2027.
- Most liveable city
- #3Ranked #3 in the world in the Global Liveability Index 2026.
- City in the world
- FriendliestVoted the world's friendliest city in William Russell's global ranking.
Source: QS Best Student Cities 2027; QS World University Rankings 2027; Global Liveability Index 2026; William Russell; Study Melbourne; ABS 2021 Greater Melbourne Census.
Why students choose it
Why international students choose Melbourne
Australia's highest-ranked student city
The kind of place your parents will be proud to say you studied.
Melbourne ranks #4 globally in QS Best Student Cities 2027 and #1 in Australia. QS weighs university quality, student mix, employer activity, affordability and desirability — a useful broad indicator rather than a guarantee of any one student's experience.
Globally ranked universities and broad study choice
Whatever direction your ambitions take, Melbourne has a seat waiting for you.
Six universities with Melbourne campuses sit in the QS WUR 2027 global top 300, alongside TAFE, pathway colleges, English-language and private higher-education providers — research-intensive, technology-focused, dual-sector and vocational options in one city.
A large international and multicultural community
You will hear more languages on one tram than you expected in a lifetime — and Nepali will be one of them.
Victoria recorded around 322,000 international enrolments from about 170 countries in 2025, and Nepal was its fifth-largest student nationality with about 14,100 enrolments. In the 2021 Census, 37.7% of Greater Melbourne households used a language other than English.
Career access across a diverse state economy
The city doesn't just educate you — it puts real industries within reach.
Study Melbourne highlights ICT, health care, professional services, education and advanced manufacturing; the Victorian Skills Plan adds construction, digital and health technologies, medical research, defence, agribusiness and the clean economy. Employment is competitive and never guaranteed.
Strong vocational and pathway options
Not every strong career starts with a straight university offer.
TAFE Victoria represents 16 leading training providers — 12 TAFE institutes and four dual-sector universities — and Melbourne also has private higher-education, English-language and other CRICOS-registered providers as alternatives to direct university entry.
Public transport designed for a large student city
A city this size should feel easy to move through.
Trains, trams and buses run on myki. Eligible full-time international students in a bachelor or associate degree, diploma or advanced diploma at a participating institution can buy an International Student Travel Pass and save 50% — eligibility is not automatic.
Source: QS; Study Melbourne; ABS; Victorian Skills Plan 2025 into 2026; TAFE Victoria; Transport Victoria.
Where you can study
Top universities in Melbourne and surrounding Victoria
Globally ranked universities, dual-sector institutions, TAFE and pathway options. Rankings are QS World University Rankings 2027 where the institution is listed.
- QS22
The University of Melbourne
QS World University Rankings 2027
Parkville; Southbank and specialist locations
Research-intensive university with broad strengths across business, science, engineering, health, law, education, humanities and creative disciplines.
- QS31
Monash University
QS World University Rankings 2027
Clayton, Caulfield, Parkville and Peninsula
Large Group of Eight university with extensive study options across business, engineering, IT, health, science, education, pharmacy and more.
- QS119
RMIT University
QS World University Rankings 2027
Melbourne City, Brunswick and Bundoora
Strong industry focus across technology, design, engineering, business, communication, built environment and vocational education.
- QS227
Deakin University
QS World University Rankings 2027
Melbourne Burwood; also Geelong and Warrnambool
Broad course range with strong offerings in business, IT, health, education, sport, engineering and communication.
- QS241
La Trobe University
QS World University Rankings 2027
Melbourne (Bundoora) and City Campus; regional Bendigo, Shepparton, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura
Wide programs across health, business, IT, science, education and humanities.
- QS291
Swinburne University of Technology
QS World University Rankings 2027
Hawthorn; Croydon and Wantirna
Known for technology, engineering, design, business and industry-engaged learning; Hawthorn is the main higher-education campus.
- QS696
Victoria University
QS World University Rankings 2027
City, Footscray, St Albans, Sunshine and Werribee
Dual-sector university offering higher education and vocational study, with strong western-Melbourne campus coverage.
- QS436
CQUniversity
QS World University Rankings 2027
Melbourne CBD; relocating to 120 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands for 2027
Selected undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The Melbourne campus relocation is expected in December 2026 — reconfirm the exact campus before applying.
- QS851–900
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
QS World University Rankings 2027
St Patrick's Campus, Fitzroy
Study options across health, education, business, arts, law and related disciplines, depending on course availability.
Torrens University Australia
Private university — QS WUR 2027 rank not listed
196 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Selected programs in health, design and creative technology, business and hospitality at its Melbourne CBD campus.
Federation University Australia
QS WUR 2027 rank not listed
Melbourne City and Berwick; regional Ballarat, Gippsland and Wimmera
Melbourne City offers selected accounting, business, cyber security and IT study, with further options in regional Victoria.
Source: QS World University Rankings 2027; official university, campus and TAFE Victoria information.
What to study
Popular courses to study in Melbourne
Management and Commerce is Victoria's largest international field of study, followed by IT, with Health, Society and Culture, and Engineering also significant. Choose by course quality, accreditation, career fit and budget rather than popularity alone.
Important: a popular course, a skills shortage and a migration pathway are not the same thing. Separately check course accreditation, professional registration, current labour-market evidence and visa eligibility for your intended occupation.
- Business, Accounting, Finance, FinTech, Management and Commerce
- IT, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science and AI
- Engineering — Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics, Telecoms
- Health — Nursing, Public Health, Allied Health, Health Technologies
- Construction, Project Management, Architecture, Built Environment
- Education and Early Childhood Education
- Design, Media, Communication, Animation and Creative Technology
- Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Hotel Management
- Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics and Automation
- Sustainability, Environmental Management, Renewable Energy
Where it leads
Major employment sectors in Victoria
Almost 80% of Victoria's employment is in Melbourne, according to Study Melbourne. These sectors help you read the market — they do not guarantee a job, sponsorship, skilled visa or permanent residency.
Health care, social assistance and health technologies
Nursing, allied health, public health, aged care, disability, health administration, medical research and health technology — one of Victoria's largest and fastest-growing areas.
Professional, scientific and technical services
Consulting, engineering, analytics, legal and professional services, science, research, architecture and design.
Financial and business services
Accounting, banking, finance, risk, insurance, fintech, consulting, project management, marketing, HR and corporate services.
Digital technologies, ICT and cyber
Software, cyber security, data, cloud, AI, systems, product, business analysis and IT consulting — a current Victorian growth priority.
Education and training
Schools, early childhood, universities, TAFE, training, administration and student support.
Construction and infrastructure
Civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, building and trades, supported by housing and major infrastructure.
Retail, hospitality, tourism and visitor economy
Common sources of part-time or casual student work. Availability, hours and requirements vary.
Advanced manufacturing and defence
Mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering, automation, production, supply chains and technical roles.
Clean economy and energy transition
Renewable energy, sustainability, electrical engineering and circular-economy roles as Victoria expands capability.
Agribusiness and food and fibre
Agriculture, food science, supply chains, horticulture and agritech — a state-wide growth area, much of it outside central Melbourne.
Source: Study Melbourne — In-demand jobs in Victoria and career guidance; Victorian Skills Plan for 2025 into 2026; Victorian Government growth-sector guidance.
Budgeting for Melbourne
Student accommodation and rental costs
Costs vary sharply by suburb, room type, distance to campus and whether bills are included. For budget-conscious students from Nepal, a room in a shared property is usually more realistic than a whole apartment. Community groups can help with settling-in advice — but verify any rental arrangement yourself before paying.
Lower-cost room / student share
A$165–250
per week · Footscray, Bundoora, Clayton
Examples reviewed in Footscray, Bundoora, Clayton and nearby areas. Some include bills; quality and availability vary.
- Planning range
Private room in a share house
A$200–320
per week · budget to mid-range suburbs
A practical planning range across many live listings in Footscray, Bundoora, Clayton and surrounding suburbs.
CBD or close to major campuses
A$250–400+
per week · central or campus-adjacent
Varies widely — some CBD listings were below A$300, while higher-specification rooms can sit well above this range.
Budgeting tip: check whether electricity, gas, water and internet are included before comparing rooms, and compare the commute to your exact campus — a cheaper room loses its appeal if transport time and costs are high.
Source: Flatmates.com.au listings reviewed September 2026.
Getting around
Getting around Melbourne
Metropolitan trains, trams and buses, with myki used across most services.
Compare your exact campus. Major universities are spread across Parkville, Clayton, Caulfield, Burwood, Bundoora, Hawthorn, Footscray and the CBD — check the commute before choosing accommodation.
Check pass eligibility first. The International Student Travel Pass is for eligible full-time bachelor, associate degree, diploma and advanced diploma students at participating institutions. Postgraduate and other students should confirm with Transport Victoria and their institution before budgeting for it.
International Student Travel Pass
For eligible students at participating institutions
- Saving on public transport
- 50%
- Modes covered
- Train · tram · bus
- Coverage
- All of Victoria
Source: Transport Victoria — myki; International Student Travel Pass; Students and concession guidance.
Earning while you learn
Working while studying in Melbourne
Casual and part-time roles are widely available across cafés, restaurants, retail, supermarkets, cleaning, warehousing, aged care, childcare and customer service, alongside internships and professional roles. Work is competitive, so practical preparation before arrival helps.
48 hrs
per fortnight while your course is in session
Applies to most Student visa (subclass 500) holders. Master's by research and doctoral students have different arrangements — always check your own conditions in VEVO.
Unlimited
hours, generally, during scheduled course breaks
Breaks are the time to pick up extra shifts — check your course calendar, since scheduled breaks differ between providers.
Budget first
don't plan around part-time pay
Part-time employment should support your experience and budget — never treat it as guaranteed income or the main source of funds for tuition and living costs.
Common part-time & casual jobs
Common Melbourne student jobs matched with practical job-ready skills. Employer names are examples only — vacancies, eligibility, experience and work-right requirements vary. This is to help you prepare useful skills, not a promise of employment.
| Job area | Common roles | Useful job-ready training | Example employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café & barista | Barista, café all-rounder, counter staff | Barista skills, POS/EFTPOS, customer service, food hygiene | McDonald's / McCafé; IKEA Food; independent cafés across the laneways and inner suburbs |
| Restaurant & hospitality | Waiter, food runner, kitchen hand, food & beverage attendant | Hospitality basics, food handling, customer service, workplace English | Accor hotels (ibis, Novotel, Sofitel); Crown Melbourne; restaurants on Lygon Street and in CBD dining precincts |
| Fast food & takeaway | Crew member, food-preparation worker, pizza maker, counter staff | Quick-service food preparation, food safety, POS, customer service | McDonald's; Domino's; KFC / Craveable Brands; Guzman y Gomez |
| Retail | Retail assistant, cashier, sales assistant, store team member | Retail sales, POS/EFTPOS, customer service, stock handling | Myer; David Jones; Kmart; Target; JB Hi-Fi; Officeworks; Chemist Warehouse; Cotton On |
| Supermarket & grocery | Shelf filler, grocery team member, checkout operator, online-order picker | Stock handling, shelf replenishment, POS, customer service, workplace safety | Coles; Woolworths; ALDI; IGA |
| Cleaning & housekeeping | Commercial cleaner, office cleaner, room attendant, housekeeping attendant | Professional cleaning, hygiene, safe equipment and chemical handling | ISS Facility Services; Crown Melbourne; Accor hotels; commercial cleaning companies |
| Warehouse & pick-pack | Picker/packer, warehouse assistant, storeperson, replenishment worker | Pick-and-pack, stock handling, barcode/scanner basics, manual handling | IKEA; Australia Post; DHL; Toll Group; StarTrack |
| Aged care & disability (NDIS) | Support worker, personal care assistant, home care worker | Certificate III in Individual Support, First Aid/CPR, safe manual handling | NDIS-registered organisations; residential aged care homes; My Aged Care providers |
| Childcare & early education | Assistant educator, room aide, outside-school-hours-care assistant | Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Working with Children Check | Long day-care centres and childcare networks across Melbourne suburbs |
| Catering & events | Catering assistant, event staff, function attendant, food-service assistant | Hospitality, food handling, customer service, event-service basics | Compass Group; Catering Industries; MCG and Marvel Stadium event-day staff; function venues |
| Delivery | Delivery driver, restaurant delivery rider | Navigation, customer service, road-safety awareness | Uber Eats; DoorDash; Menulog; Domino's; Australia Post |
Café & barista
- Common roles
- Barista, café all-rounder, counter staff
- Useful job-ready training
- Barista skills, POS/EFTPOS, customer service, food hygiene
- Example employers
- McDonald's / McCafé; IKEA Food; independent cafés across the laneways and inner suburbs
Restaurant & hospitality
- Common roles
- Waiter, food runner, kitchen hand, food & beverage attendant
- Useful job-ready training
- Hospitality basics, food handling, customer service, workplace English
- Example employers
- Accor hotels (ibis, Novotel, Sofitel); Crown Melbourne; restaurants on Lygon Street and in CBD dining precincts
Fast food & takeaway
- Common roles
- Crew member, food-preparation worker, pizza maker, counter staff
- Useful job-ready training
- Quick-service food preparation, food safety, POS, customer service
- Example employers
- McDonald's; Domino's; KFC / Craveable Brands; Guzman y Gomez
Retail
- Common roles
- Retail assistant, cashier, sales assistant, store team member
- Useful job-ready training
- Retail sales, POS/EFTPOS, customer service, stock handling
- Example employers
- Myer; David Jones; Kmart; Target; JB Hi-Fi; Officeworks; Chemist Warehouse; Cotton On
Supermarket & grocery
- Common roles
- Shelf filler, grocery team member, checkout operator, online-order picker
- Useful job-ready training
- Stock handling, shelf replenishment, POS, customer service, workplace safety
- Example employers
- Coles; Woolworths; ALDI; IGA
Cleaning & housekeeping
- Common roles
- Commercial cleaner, office cleaner, room attendant, housekeeping attendant
- Useful job-ready training
- Professional cleaning, hygiene, safe equipment and chemical handling
- Example employers
- ISS Facility Services; Crown Melbourne; Accor hotels; commercial cleaning companies
Warehouse & pick-pack
- Common roles
- Picker/packer, warehouse assistant, storeperson, replenishment worker
- Useful job-ready training
- Pick-and-pack, stock handling, barcode/scanner basics, manual handling
- Example employers
- IKEA; Australia Post; DHL; Toll Group; StarTrack
Aged care & disability (NDIS)
- Common roles
- Support worker, personal care assistant, home care worker
- Useful job-ready training
- Certificate III in Individual Support, First Aid/CPR, safe manual handling
- Example employers
- NDIS-registered organisations; residential aged care homes; My Aged Care providers
Childcare & early education
- Common roles
- Assistant educator, room aide, outside-school-hours-care assistant
- Useful job-ready training
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Working with Children Check
- Example employers
- Long day-care centres and childcare networks across Melbourne suburbs
Catering & events
- Common roles
- Catering assistant, event staff, function attendant, food-service assistant
- Useful job-ready training
- Hospitality, food handling, customer service, event-service basics
- Example employers
- Compass Group; Catering Industries; MCG and Marvel Stadium event-day staff; function venues
Delivery
- Common roles
- Delivery driver, restaurant delivery rider
- Useful job-ready training
- Navigation, customer service, road-safety awareness
- Example employers
- Uber Eats; DoorDash; Menulog; Domino's; Australia Post
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) and visa condition 8105; Study Australia — Work in Australia.
Timing your application
Melbourne intakes in 2027: when should you apply?
There is no single Melbourne-wide calendar. Most major universities have a February/March main intake and a July mid-year intake, while trimester and pathway providers may add entry points.
- 1
Main intake
February – March
A major intake across many universities.
- 2
Mid-year intake
June – July
Mid-year timing differs by provider — some courses commence in June and others in July.
- 3
Later terms
October – November
Some providers offer later terms, trimesters or course-specific sessions, more common in selected business and IT programs. Availability varies by provider and course.
Planning from Nepal: start 4–5 months ahead
Start course research, documents, scholarship checks and financial planning around 4–5 months before your intended intake. Competitive programs, professional courses and scholarships may need more time.
This is Genix planning guidance, not an official university application deadline.
Visa processing times change
Check the Department of Home Affairs processing-time guidance and lodge a complete application as early as practical once you meet the provider and visa requirements.
After you graduate
Post-study work after studying in Melbourne
Eligible graduates may be able to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream. For Nepali graduates, the current standard stay periods are generally:
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master's by coursework or extended master's
2 years
Master's by research
3 years
Doctoral degree (PhD)
3 years
Studying and living in a Category 2 regional city such as Geelong may give eligible graduates one additional year of post-study work rights.
* Eligibility matters: requirements include age, visa history, qualification, Australian study and other criteria. The general age limit is 35 or under when applying, with specified exceptions. Visa rules change — check Home Affairs before making a study decision based on post-study work.
Regional classification
A major city — and what that means for you
Melbourne is a Category 1 major city, so it does not receive regional migration incentives. Some regional Victorian campuses are classified differently.
Category 1 · Melbourne
Metropolitan Melbourne
None
No regional second-485 benefit from Melbourne study alone.
Category 2
Geelong
+1 year
Generally, on a second Temporary Graduate visa for eligible graduates.
Category 3
Some other regional areas
+2 years
Up to two additional years for eligible graduates.
You don't need to study regionally
Regional benefits depend on the exact location, course, residence history and visa. Choose a course and campus mainly for academic fit, accreditation, career goals and budget. If migration matters to your decision, get individual advice from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs — Regional migration; Designated regional area postcodes.
Melbourne at a glance
Who is Melbourne best suited for?
- University choice
- ExcellentMultiple globally ranked universities plus TAFE, pathway and private higher-education options.
- Job market
- Large & diverseStrong health, professional services, digital, education, construction, finance, advanced manufacturing and service-sector activity.
- Student accommodation
- Manageable with shared housing. Budget listings reviewed in September 2026 commonly started around A$165–250 per week, depending on suburb and room type.
- Career diversity
- Very broad across corporate, technical, health, research, creative, education, manufacturing, construction and service industries.
- Regional benefit
- None for MelbourneMelbourne is Category 1. Some regional Victorian campuses have different classifications and eligibility rules.
- Transport
- An extensive train, tram and bus network, with the 50% International Student Travel Pass for eligible students at participating institutions.
- Lifestyle
- Highly multicultural, with major arts, sport, food and events scenes and a large international student population.
Best suited for
Students prioritising highly ranked universities, broad course choice, a large-city lifestyle, public transport and diverse professional sectors.
Main trade-offs
- Competitive graduate recruitment.
- Variable housing costs near major campuses.
- Changeable weather.
- No regional second-485 benefit from Melbourne study alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will not be starting this chapter from scratch — a whole community has already made room for you. Melbourne has a well-established Nepali community, suburbs such as Glenroy have a noticeable Nepali population, and the Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV) runs cultural, social and newcomer-support activities.
University clubs and student societies can also help you meet people, although individual clubs change from year to year. Joining orientation and community events early is a simple way to build support after arrival.
Yes. Shree Pashupatinath Temple in Victoria is currently at 269 Pearsdale Road, Cranbourne South, serving the Nepali Hindu community with worship and cultural activities. Nepali community organisations also hold events for Dashain, Tihar, Teej and Nepali New Year.
Often, yes — especially for shared accommodation. Room listings reviewed in September 2026 showed many private rooms around A$190–300 per week in areas such as Preston and Reservoir, while comparable Sydney areas such as Ashfield and Strathfield commonly showed A$260–400. Prices change by suburb, room type and whether bills are included.
Search Flatmates.com.au, realestate.com.au, Domain, university accommodation services and local student or community groups, and compare each room with your exact campus and public-transport time. Community groups can be useful for local advice, but verify the property, person and payment arrangement independently.
- Inspect the room in person, or use a live video inspection if you are overseas.
- Confirm rent, bond, bills and lease terms in writing.
- Do not pay until you have verified the property and rental arrangement.
Some share-house rents include electricity, gas, water and internet; others do not, and housemates split the costs. Ask in writing what is included before agreeing to a room, and keep extra budget for winter heating.
Consumer Affairs Victoria notes that who pays for utilities depends on the property, metering and rental agreement, so check the written agreement carefully.
It is completely normal to feel the distance from home, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Melbourne universities provide counselling and wellbeing support for enrolled students — RMIT, Monash and Deakin, for example, offer student counselling. Contact your university's Student Wellbeing or Counselling service early if study pressure, work, loneliness or homesickness becomes difficult.
Staying connected with friends, study groups, family and Nepali community organisations can also make the transition easier.
No. Melbourne is a Category 1 major city, so it does not receive regional migration incentives. Regional study can provide additional benefits for some eligible graduates, but the rules depend on the exact location, course, residence history and visa.
- Geelong is Category 2 — eligible graduates may qualify for an additional year on a second Temporary Graduate visa.
- Some Category 3 regional areas may provide up to two additional years for eligible graduates.
Choose a course and campus mainly for academic fit, accreditation, career goals and budget. If migration is important to your decision, get individual advice from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.
Ready to Start YourAustralia Journey?
Talk to a Genix Education counsellor and get a personalised plan — course, university, visa and scholarships.
