QS Best Student Cities 2027: Melbourne and Sydney Rank in Global Top 5 for International Students

When planning to study abroad in 2027, choosing the right destination city is just as crucial as selecting an academic institution. A student-friendly city delivers world-class universities while directly shaping living expenditures, post-study work opportunities, lifestyle safety, and long-term career outcomes.

Global higher education analyst QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) has officially published the Best Student Cities 2027 rankings, evaluating 150 premier student metropolises worldwide. In a standout performance, Melbourne and Sydney both secured positions in the global Top 5, reaffirming Australia’s status as a world-leading study destination.

Melbourne and Sydney anchor the Global Top 5

Under the 2027 benchmarks:

• Melbourne ranks #4 globally with an overall score of 94.8 points.
• Sydney ties at #5 globally alongside Munich.

Home to prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) institutions—including The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of Sydney, and UNSW Sydney—both cities excel across high student desirability, rich multicultural inclusivity, extensive graduate employment networks, and superior safety indices.

QS Top 20 Best Student Cities 2027

Balancing city desirability and living expenses

While leading Australian cities score exceptionally high for educational caliber and post-study opportunities, proactive financial planning for accommodation and living costs is essential. De1 Consultancy assists students in evaluating budget parameters across Melbourne, Sydney, and emerging regional educational hubs.

Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds / VnExpress / De1 Analysis