Where is the best place to study in Australia?

East or west? Beach or bush? Vibrant and exciting city or quintessential Australian experience in a laid back coastal hamlet? There are so many places to study English in Australia that it begs the question, where’s the best?

Is there an ideal place to base yourself while studying here? And how do you decide which location is right for you?

Well, in short it depends on where you hope your studies will lead and the experience you want to enjoy while studying here.

A bit about Australia

Safe, welcoming and with a wealth of different experiences to enjoy, Australia ranks among the most popular places in the world to study English.

That’s in no small part due to the travel adventures you can have while studying here. From tropical beaches to the outback and thriving cities, Australia boasts a wealth of tourism attractions and cultural experiences to immerse yourself in.

But word to the wise, Australia is a big country and overseas students should be aware that the distances between the major capital cities and also regional areas can be vast.

For example, the distance by car between Perth and Sydney (4,100km) is longer than the distance between Paris and Moscow (2,800km).

That makes selecting a suitable study location all the more important and it should factor in other experiences you want to have while staying in Australia as well.

So many options available

From the Gold Coast to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, there are English language schools in locations right across Australia.

In fact, Australia has more than 1000 English language courses available with education providers that range from boutique language schools to major universities.

Selecting where you want to study depends on the type of study you hope to undertake and also the experience you want to enjoy. So, let’s break it down a little.

The capital cities

Australia has eight capital cities which each offer different experiences.

Sydney - Set on the iconic harbour, Sydney is Australia’s largest city and is known for the harbour bridge, opera house, beaches, and its vibrant cosmopolitan feel.

Melbourne - Located further south with a slightly colder climate, Melbourne is the second largest capital and is renowned for its culture, coffee, historic laneways, music and artistic influence.

Brisbane - To the north, Brisbane features a sub-tropical climate and is considered a laidback river city that boasts walks, parks and a great outdoor lifestyle. It also offers proximity to tourist attractions including the iconic Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Perth - On the west coast of Australia is the country’s fourth largest city, Perth. Known as the sunniest capital in Australia, it’s also the country’s most remote, and features a laidback lifestyle that revolves around beaches, art, culture, and natural attractions.

Adelaide - Known for its festivals, food, multicultural influence, and produce, including wine, Adelaide is located in South Australia and boasts a vibrant arts scene.

Canberra - Canberra is Australia’s national capital. Featuring a cooler climate, it’s a well organised city boasting a raft of tourism attractions including Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, museums, national galleries and more. Often referred to as the Bush Capital, it is known for its diverse and inclusive community.

Hobart - Located on the island of Tasmania in Australia’s south, Hobart is one of Australia’s oldest cities and features a wealth of history along with a vibrant food and wine scene. It’s known for its convict era architecture as well as the surrounding natural beauty.

Darwin - Set in the tropics of Australia’s far north, Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and is known for its indigenous culture, multicultural food scene, exotic animals, laidback lifestyle and outdoor markets.

Regional areas

From the Whitsundays to Byron Bay, the Illawarra, Adelaide Hills and Gold Coast, Australia boasts a raft of regional areas that all offer the opportunity to study English while immersing yourself in Australian culture.

Sometimes these regional centres are satellite cities to the capitals, offering big city proximity and a laidback regional lifestyle.

But in other cases, these regional areas are remote but well-suited to English study for those on a working holiday or those enjoying a study tour or tourism adventure.

Examples include the awe inspiring Whitsundays which is 12 hours drive from Brisbane but right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a mini tourism mecca boasting azure blue waters, and ample snorkelling, sailing and diving opportunities.

It’s also an area known for working holidays, courtesy of the fruit picking opportunities in nearby Bowen.

Meanwhile, north of Sydney, Byron Bay offers the opportunity to learn to surf while enjoying beautiful beaches and immersing yourself in a vibrant and artistic local community.

There are plenty of regional areas offering similar opportunities to work, play, and explore, all while studying English.

Like each of the capitals, many of the larger regional centres are also home to major universities, offering the opportunity to study English as a precursor to higher education.

Tips for selecting the right location

Deciding where to study in Australia comes down to a whole host of factors, including the course you plan to do, the experience you hope to have, and other activities that you might also be looking to do while you’re here.

In order to narrow down your options, it’s also a good idea to consider factors like:

Cost of living - Accommodation, public transport and general living costs can vary depending on what city or regional area you select, so it’s a good idea to conduct research into the locations you’re considering.

Accessibility - How accessible is the location to the things you hope to do and see while in Australia? Also how accessible is it in terms of available public transport?

Attractions - Different cities, towns and areas offer different attractions, so consider the experience you hope to have while studying. Would a major city suit your needs, or would you prefer a more casual regional lifestyle?

The climate - Australia’s climate varies a lot, with northern Australia hot and humid, while the southern states can be quite cold in winter. It's a good idea to be aware of those climate variations, seeking out a location that you will find comfortable.

Travel activities - Chances are you’re not just coming to Australia to study but also hope to enjoy a tourism experience while you’re here. How do you intend to fulfil that experience?

Safety and security - In general, Australia is considered one of the safest places in the world to study. But, of course, different locations have different levels of safety.

It’s worth investigating and weighing up the safety of each area and factoring in how comfortable you would feel residing and studying in that space.

It’s a personal decision

With so many study options and experiences on offer, it’s almost impossible to pick one singular ‘best place to study’ in Australia.

In reality, it’s a personal decision. But regardless of where you choose, studying English in Australia is all about immersing yourself in the language, culture and experience in a country that is renowned for its education system, its diversity, and its tourism opportunities.

Keen to learn more? You can search the course options available including different locations here.