Best Universities in Sydney vs Melbourne for International Students (2025)

If you’re planning to study in Australia, chances are Sydney and Melbourne are at the top of your list. Both cities are buzzing with world-class universities, multicultural vibes, and endless opportunities. But when it comes down to choosing between them, the question is: Which city offers the best balance of education, lifestyle, and affordability for international students?

Let’s dive into the academic strengths, subjects, tuition fees, and living costs of Sydney and Melbourne so you can make an informed choice.

🎓 Why Choose Sydney?

Sydney is Australia’s financial powerhouse, home to stunning beaches, corporate headquarters, and some of the country’s oldest universities. For students who want strong industry connections—especially in business, technology, law, and healthcare—Sydney is hard to beat.

Top Universities in Sydney

• University of Sydney (USYD) – Australia’s first university, world-renowned in medicine, business, and humanities.

• UNSW Sydney – A global leader in engineering, law, and business innovation.

• Macquarie University – Famous for finance, actuarial studies, and communications, with a campus in a major business district.

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Highly practical, focused on IT, design, and business.

Tuition Fees in Sydney (2025 Estimates)

• Arts & Social Sciences: A$46,000–53,000 per year

• Business: Around A$53,000 per year

• Engineering & Computer Science: ~A$57,000 per year

• Medicine & Health: A$58,000–62,000 per year

💡 Sydney is perfect for students who see themselves working in high-paying industries and want networking opportunities in Australia’s biggest business hub.

🎓 Why Choose Melbourne?

Melbourne is often called Australia’s “cultural capital.” It’s a student-friendly city packed with art, music, festivals, and a thriving café scene. More importantly, it’s a global education hub with a strong focus on research, creativity, and health sciences.

Top Universities in Melbourne

• University of Melbourne (UniMelb) – Consistently ranked among the world’s top 50, strong in law, medicine, and the arts.

• Monash University – Known for pharmacy, engineering, and international collaborations.

• RMIT University – A go-to for design, technology, and applied sciences.

• La Trobe University – Recognized for health sciences and humanities.

Tuition Fees in Melbourne (2025 Estimates)

• Arts: ~A$38,000–40,000 per year

• Science: ~A$47,000 per year

• Commerce: ~A$44,500 per year

• Engineering & Data Science: A$49,000–57,000 per year

• MBA: Around A$99,000 for the full program

• Medicine: Can reach up to A$113,000 per year at top universities

💡 Melbourne is ideal if you’re after a slightly lower cost of living, research opportunities, and a vibrant cultural environment.

💰 Cost of Living: Sydney vs Melbourne

Of course, tuition is only part of the story. Living expenses can make or break your budget.