A student's guide to Australian cities: Sydney or Melbourne?

Sydney: the harbour city

Sydney, the capital city of Australia, is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. This vibrant city seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban sophistication, offering a rich cultural scene and a diverse population. As a major financial hub, Sydney attracts students from all over the world who are looking for both academic excellence and an exciting lifestyle.

Home to top-ranked universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, Sydney offers a wide range of programmes and research opportunities. These institutions consistently feature in global university rankings, reflecting their commitment to high-quality education and innovative research.

Beyond academics, life as a student in Sydney is dynamic and enjoyable. With stunning beaches like Bondi and Manly, you can indulge in surfing, swimming, and coastal walks.

Moreover, Sydney's strong economy provides excellent job opportunities and internships for Malaysian students. As a financial hub, it offers prospects in the banking, finance, and technology sectors. The city’s network of multinational corporations and innovative startups gives Malaysian students valuable work experience and networking opportunities, which are beneficial for their careers post-graduation.

Melbourne: Australia’s cultural capital

Melbourne is celebrated for its rich cultural scene, vibrant arts, and famous café culture. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, it offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it an exciting place to live and study. The city’s artistic vibe, with street art, galleries, and live performances, provides a stimulating environment for students from around the world.

Complementing this cultural richness are Melbourne’s prestigious educational institutions. The University of Melbourne and RMIT University are globally recognised universities that are consistently featured in global rankings due to their high-quality education and wide array of courses.

Besides its academic excellence, Melbourne’s student life is vibrant and engaging. The city hosts diverse events, a bustling music scene, and a strong sporting culture. Festivals, live music events, and sports matches provide plenty of entertainment options.

Additionally, Melbourne's diverse economy offers strong job prospects and numerous internships in technology, arts, and healthcare. The city’s multinational companies and supportive startup ecosystem provide ample opportunities for Malaysian students to gain valuable work experience and build professional networks.

1. Cost of living and accommodation

The cost of living in Sydney is generally higher than in Melbourne, with Sydney being approximately 22 percent more expensive. This includes student housing, transportation, and general expenses. That said, both cities offer affordable accommodation options if you know where to look. To manage living costs effectively, consider sharing accommodation and utilising public transportation. Additionally, both cities provide student discounts and deals that can help reduce everyday expenses.

2. Climate and environment

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. In contrast, Melbourne experiences more variable weather, with hot summers and cool winters. Known for its "four seasons in a day," Melbourne's unpredictable climate can lead to sudden weather changes, which can affect your daily activities and wardrobe choices.

3. Cultural and social opportunities

Both cities are culturally diverse and offer vibrant social scenes. Sydney's social life revolves around its beaches, outdoor festivals, and nightlife, providing plenty of opportunities for Malaysian students to enjoy the sunny outdoors. Notable events like Vivid Sydney, an annual festival of light, music, and ideas, and the Sydney Film Festival attract visitors from around the world, adding to the city’s lively cultural landscape.

Melbourne, on the other hand, is renowned for its rich arts, music scene, and cultural festivals, making it a hub for creative and artistic pursuits. The city hosts the Melbourne International Film Festival, one of the longest-running film festivals in the world, and the Melbourne Recital Centre, which offers a variety of concerts and performances. Additionally, Melbourne's strong sporting culture is highlighted by the Australian Football League (AFL) games, which are a major part of the city’s social life.

Both cities offer a dynamic and enriching environment, but the choice ultimately depends on your personal interests and lifestyle preferences.

4. Transportation and accessibility

Both cities offer reliable public transportation, but the ease of travelling may vary based on personal preferences and living locations. Sydney’s rail network has vastly more suburban connection points, and maximum waits at most stations are only 15 minutes, half or less of the wait times in Melbourne (30-40 minutes) day and night. However, it can be more expensive compared to Melbourne’s transport system.

Additionally, Melbourne boasts an efficient and affordable tram network, making it convenient for Malaysian students to navigate the city. In comparison, Sydney has a comprehensive bus system that complements its extensive train services, ensuring thorough coverage across the city. Both cities also have well-developed bike-sharing schemes and pedestrian-friendly areas, offering alternative ways to explore and commute within the city.

Choosing between Sydney and Melbourne is an exciting decision that can shape your study abroad experience in Australia. Whether you’re drawn to Sydney’s stunning harbour, vibrant nightlife, and excellent job opportunities or Melbourne’s rich cultural scene, diverse events, and creative industries, both cities have something unique to offer for Malaysians. Think about what kind of environment will inspire you academically and personally. Visit if you can, talk to current students, and imagine where you’ll feel most at home. Ultimately, both Sydney and Melbourne provide fantastic opportunities for growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Whichever city you choose, you’re sure to embark on an incredible journey.

Don't simply rely on our opinion—discover firsthand insights from our esteemed alumni, Mr. Gerald Fernandez, the CEO and Co-founder of Tapro. He shares his transformative experience of studying in Australia, offering valuable insights on how to become independent and embrace change.

To make this crucial decision easier, reach out to IDP Malaysia! Our experienced overseas education placement consultants can provide you with personalised advice tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Whether it’s finding the most affordable student cities or figuring out which Australian universities to apply to, you’ll have an experienced counsellor to guide you. With their help, you can navigate the application process, understand the IELTS requirements, and get insider tips on the best universities and living arrangements.