Study in Australia: Is Melbourne or Sydney Better?
Embarking on your tertiary education journey is an exciting milestone. Australia, with its world-class universities, quality courses, and vibrant cities, is a popular destination for Malaysian students.
Among its cities, Melbourne and Sydney stand out as top choices. But which city aligns best with your aspirations and lifestyle? Let’s examine five key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Academic Excellence
Melbourne
Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s “education capital” due to its emphasis on research, the arts, and sciences. It’s home to the University of Melbourne and Monash University, two of the country’s highest-ranked universities. These institutions are known for fostering academic curiosity and creative thinking.
Sydney
Sydney, meanwhile, is Australia’s financial and tech hub. Its universities—like the University of Sydney and UNSW—are strong in business, law, and engineering. They’re also closely tied to industries which makes it easier to secure internships and job placements.
| Aspect | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Top Universities | University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University | University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
| Academic Strengths | Arts, medicine, education, environmental sciences | Business, engineering, technology, law |
| Research Excellence | Medical and environmental research hubs | Business, fintech, and legal research focus |
Cost of Living
Melbourne
Budget matters—especially when you’re a student. Melbourne, although a large city, is generally more student-friendly in terms of daily costs. You’ll find cheaper rent in many areas, affordable eateries, and student discounts that make a difference.
Sydney
Sydney is the largest city in Australia and a major global business hub. With a larger population and increased demand for housing, groceries, and services, it tends to be more expensive than Melbourne.
| Aspect | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Average Monthly Expenses | AUD 1,800 | AUD 2,300 |
| Shared Accommodation | AUD 200–350/week | AUD 250–400/week |
| Groceries and Essentials | Lower | Higher |
| Transport | More affordable; includes free CBD tram zone | Slightly more expensive |
Accommodation Options
Melbourne
Finding a place to live can be one of the most stressful parts of moving abroad. Melbourne boasts a vibrant student community, offering a diverse range of housing options. Neighbourhoods like Carlton, Brunswick, and Clayton are popular because they’re close to universities and have student-friendly cafes, markets, and public transport.
Sydney
In Sydney, housing tends to be more expensive and competitive. You’ll likely have to look further out from the city centre to find something within budget. Areas like Parramatta and Burwood are more affordable but will add time to your daily commute.
| Aspect | Melbourne | Sydney |
| On-Campus Housing | Available but competitive | Limited availability |
| Student Housing Providers | UniLodge, Scape, dwell | Iglu, Urbanest, Student One |
| Suburban Options | Affordable, well-connected | Often further, more expensive |
Transportation and Accessibility
Melbourne
When you’re juggling classes, part-time work, and social life, you need a transport that’s reliable and affordable. Melbourne has an excellent tram system, and if you live or study in the CBD, you can travel around for free. The city’s public transport is easy to use, and students can benefit from discounts on Myki cards.
Sydney
Sydney’s transport system includes trains, buses, and light rail. It covers a large area, but it’s not always cheap, and commuting can take longer depending on where you live. The city’s hilly terrain also makes cycling more difficult.
| Aspect | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Public Transportation Options | Trams, trains, buses | Trains, buses, light rail |
| Student Discounts | Yes (Myki concession) | Yes (Opal concession) |
| Cycling Infrastructure | Extensive bike lanes | Limited in central areas |
Employment Opportunities
Melbourne
A part-time job not only helps with living costs; it also gives you experience. Melbourne boasts a thriving hospitality and creative industry, offering a range of jobs in cafes, shops, education, and healthcare. The city is also gaining momentum in the startup and sustainable technology sectors.
Sydney
Sydney is the go-to for students eyeing the corporate world. It’s home to many of Australia’s biggest banks, law firms, and tech companies. If you’re studying business, finance, or IT, Sydney offers more internship and networking opportunities.
| Aspect | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Part-Time Job Availability | High in hospitality, retail, education | High in finance, IT, hospitality |
| Post-Study Work Aspects | Strong in public service, healthcare, and creative sectors | Strong in finance, legal, tech sectors |
| Average Student Wages | AUD 20–25/hour | AUD 21–26/hour |
Choosing Between Two Great Cities
Both Melbourne and Sydney are fantastic places to study, but the right one for you depends on your goals and lifestyle. Melbourne is laid-back, diverse, and easier on your wallet—perfect if you’re looking for a rich student culture and creative growth.
On the other hand, Sydney is a fast-paced, global city full of ambition, making it ideal for those aiming to secure a corporate role after graduation.
If you’re still unsure which city suits you best, let us help you decide!
Contact us or visit us at Selset Education Centre—we offer free guidance, course matching, and university application support to help you make the right move for your future.