When 20-year-old Ananya Iyer from Pune boarded her flight to Melbourne, she expected top-notch education, but what she found exceeded every assumption.
“Within the first week, I found a place that served the best masala dosa, met students from four continents, and joined a Deakin cultural club that felt like family,” she says, laughing. “Melbourne didn’t just meet my expectations, it made me feel like I belonged.”
Melbourne has once again secured its position as the 5th best student city in the world as per the QS Best Student Cities 2026, outshining global education hubs like Boston, Singapore, and Berlin. For thousands of Indian students like Ananya, though, the city’s real draw lies in its ability to blend academic excellence with inclusivity, cultural warmth, and career readiness.
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Academic excellence with a global edge
Melbourne is home to some of the world’s leading universities, including Deakin University, the University of Melbourne, Monash, and RMIT, which are renowned for research excellence and industry-aligned programs that prepare students for global careers.
“Melbourne is a perfect destination for Indian students seeking a great international study experience,” says Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia) of Deakin University.
“The city’s ecosystem supports academic, personal, and professional growth. On campus, dedicated teams take care of holistic welfare, guided learning and mentoring, and career guidance to help students navigate and succeed in the global industry.”
With a strong focus on practical learning, flexible course structures, and a teaching style that promotes critical thinking and collaboration, Melbourne provides Indian students with a globally relevant education that has real-world impact.
For students planning to study in Melbourne, Australian universities have expanded access through numerous dual-degree programs, pathway programs, research collaborations, and more. Deakin offers innovative dual-degree programs in emerging fields, joint PhD programs, and other initiatives with India’s top academic institutions to ensure a smooth path for Indian students aiming for international success.
A city that celebrates culture
According to the Victorian Government, over 60 Indian migrants move to Victoria every day, making Melbourne a vibrant multicultural hub. Suburbs like Point Cook, Clayton, and Docklands are teeming with Indian grocery stores, temples, cricket clubs, and local cafes serving a diverse range of dishes, from vada pav to filter coffee.
Melbourne also celebrates major Indian festivals in style from Diwali at Federation Square to Holi celebrations across universities, students find themselves embraced by a city that values their roots while encouraging global exploration.
“There’s a myth that studying abroad is isolating, but here, I’ve never felt alone,” says Shaurya Malik, a postgraduate student in Business Analytics. “It is a city of inclusion, and as a student, that makes a huge difference.”
Ready for work life – Jobs, internships and more
Melbourne’s student economy is bolstered by structured post-study work opportunities, industry placements, and support systems that prepare students for a global workforce. Indian students benefit from the Victorian International Education Strategy, which provides career mentoring, international networking, and dedicated mental wellness programs.
“Our goal is to help students navigate not just a classroom, but a global career pathway,” says Priyanka Singh, Executive Director, Deakin University (South Asia).
“Deakin’s integration into Melbourne’s innovation ecosystem in areas like cybersecurity, health, and analytics means our students are job-ready and future-ready. Through Deakin TALENT, our dedicated career guidance team, students receive one-on-one support to find internships, sharpen employability skills, and transition confidently into the workforce.”
Belonging, but with a worldly view
In a time when higher education is increasingly competitive and outcomes-focused, Melbourne strikes the rare balance of rigor and warmth. It is as much about the resume as it is about the relationships.
“From chai cafés to AI labs, Melbourne offers Indian students the best of both worlds,” smiles Ananya. “I came here for a degree, but I’ve gained confidence, connections, and a global perspective I’ll carry for life.”
Melbourne may be half a world away from home, but for Indian students in 2025, it feels closer than ever — in heart, in purpose, and in opportunity.
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