Melbourne has been named the best international student city in the country after the release of global rankings today highlighted unmatched educational opportunities, affordability and cultural diversity.
The Victorian capital has been the QS Best Student City index Australian leader since 2015 with growing numbers of students from around the world making Victoria their number-one choice.
Melbourne moved up one spot in the world rankings to fourth place, behind only London, Tokyo and Seoul.
Figures from the Department of Home Affairs show there are more than 140,000 student visa holders currently in Victoria – with numbers doubling since borders reopened. China, India, Vietnam, Nepal and Colombia are the countries that supply most students to Victorian universities and colleges.
International education is Victoria’s biggest service export, generating $8.4 billion in revenue last year and supporting more than 40,000 jobs across the state. The sector sits behind only food and fibre and manufacturing on the overall export earnings table.
Trade and Investment Minister Danny Pearson said it’s fantastic that the official rankings say Melbourne is number one in the country for international students.
“We welcome international students with open arms – they contribute so much to our community,” he said.
QS senior vice president Edward Harcourt said Melbourne’s rise to fourth in the rankings is a resounding affirmation of its commitment to enriching the calibre and experience of its educational environment.
“Melbourne’s impressive outcomes in critical metrics, such as employer activity, desirability, and student mix, play a substantial role in this outstanding achievement.”
