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Australia is known for its top-tier education, diverse culture, and excellent living standards. Its cities are vibrant educational and lifestyle centers, perfect for both studying and living well.

Discovering the best Australian cities for study and living reveals a mix of great academic offerings, rich cultural experiences, and a high quality of life. Whether it's the beautiful beaches of Sydneyexternal icon, Melbourneexternal icon's thriving cultural scene, or Brisbaneexternal icon's inviting atmosphere, these cities provide students with an enriching environment to pursue studies, career and enjoy a fantastic lifestyle in Australia.

In-demand occupations in Australia

Understanding which skills will be most sought after in the upcoming year can assist you in planning for your future career goals and learning. This inaugural Jobs and Skills Report 2023external icon that was published recently provides an initial assessment of the national skills system and Australia’s current, emerging, and future skills needs.

Top occupations in Australia
Registered Nurses
Advertising and Sales Managers
Software and Applications Programmers
Aged and Disabled Carers
Child Carers
Motor Mechanics

See the full list of occupations in demand in Australia hereexternal icon.

Consider the employment opportunities when selecting a state for your studies. Some states offer more job opportunities for certain occupations than others. This decision will benefit you when searching for an internship during your studies or when securing your first professional job after graduation.

Alice Guan (MARN1909953)external icon, migration agent at IDP

Book IELTS for study and migration

Sydney

Pinkish colourful sunrise over Sydney city CBD on waterfront of Harbour.

Sydney is Australia’s largest city with a population of more than 5 million residents and a thriving multicultural scene. As one of Australia's best-known, most vibrant destinations and surrounded by world-famous attractions (hello Opera House), Sydneyexternal icon has six universities under its belt and is one of the country's biggest, most diverse student cities.

Local attractions

Top universities in Sydney and their IELTS requirements

UniversityOverall IELTS scoreMinimum IELTS score for each skillAccepts One Skill Retake
University of Sydney6.56.0Yes
University of New South Wales 6.56.0No
Macquarie University6.56.0Yes
Western Sydney University6.06.0Yes
University of Technology Sydney6.56.0No

Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission.

Top occupations in demand in NSW

OccupationsNo of job ads
Registered Nurses2881
Advertising and Sales Managers2238
Software and Applications Programmers1883
Child Carers1518
Construction Managers1467

Melbourne

Melbourne Flinders Street Train Station in Australia at sunset.

Melbourneexternal icon is Australia’s most liveable city (as ranked by Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2022) and is popular among sport lovers and art enthusiasts alike. 

Local attractions

Top universities in Melbourne and their IELTS requirements

UniversityOverall IELTS scoreMinimum IELTS score for each skillAccepts One Skill Retake
University of Melbourne6.56.0No
Monash University6.56.0Yes
RMIT6.56.0Yes
Deakin University6.06.0Yes
Swinburne University of Technology6.06.0No

Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission.

Top occupations in demand in Victoria

OccupationsNo of job ads
Registered Nurses3024
Advertising and Sales Managers1722
Software and Applications Programmers1475
Aged or Disabled Carers1233
Retail Managers1215

Brisbane

With its year-round warm climate, excellent education opportunities and family-friendly attractions, it’s easy to see why Brisbaneexternal icon is one of Australia’s most popular migration destinations. As Australia’s fastest growing city, the job market is expanding at twice the rate of the population, making employment more accessible than other states.

Local attractions

Top universities in Brisbane and their IELTS requirements

UniversityOverall IELTS scoreMinimum IELTS score for each skillAccepts One Skill Retake
The University of Queensland 6.56.0Yes
Queensland University of Technology 6.56.0Yes
Griffith University 6.56.0Yes
University of Southern Queensland 6.06.0No
Australian Catholic University 6.06.0Yes
Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission

Top occupations in demand in Queensland

OccupationsNo of job ads
Registered Nurses1868
Generalist Medical Practitioners1474
Metal Fitters and Machinists1212
Child Carers1132
Motor Mechanics1114

Adelaide

Image of Adelaide along the river, close to the official IDP IELTS test centre

Adelaide is a highly livable city, offering a great climate and a flat terrain conducive to cycling and walking. Although the job market in Adelaideexternal icon is competitive, the city attracts numerous international students and graduates seeking work. If you're contemplating Adelaideexternal icon as your study and work destination, expect an exceptional experience.

Local attractions

Top universities in Adelaide and their IELTS requirements

UniversityOverall IELTS scoreMinimum IELTS score for each skillAccepts One Skill Retake
The University of Adelaide6.56.0No
Flinders University6.06.0No
The University of South Australia6.06.0Yes
Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission

Top occupations in demand in South Australia

OccupationsNo of job ads
Registered Nurses688
Aged and Disabled Carers315
Software and Applications Programmers309
Generalist Medical Practitioners302
Motor Mechanics293

Perth

Downtown Perth skyline in Australia at twilight.

Despite being over 2,000 km from the nearest capital city, Perthexternal icon is a very popular migration destination. With a population of just over 2 million residents, Perthexternal icon is an exciting regional city known for its emerging arts scene and more affordable cost of living.

Local attractions

Top universities in Perth and their IELTS requirements

UniversityOverall IELTS scoreMinimum IELTS score for each skillAccepts One Skill Retake
University of Western Australia6.56.0Yes
Curtin University6.56.0Yes
Murdoch University6.06.0No
Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission

Top occupations in demand in Western Australia

OccupationsNo of job ads
Metal Fitters and Machinists1026
Registered Nurses911
Motor Mechanics854
Civil Engineering Professionals675
Electricians636

Canberra

Dramatic evening sky over Parliament House in Canberra, illuminated at twilight.

Canberraexternal icon, Australia's capital, boasts cultural institutions, scenic landscapes, political significance, and a vibrant community. It an ideal study and work city, that merges academic excellence with career opportunities and offers a blend of urban amenities within a picturesque setting.

Local attractions

Top universities in Canberra and their IELTS requirements

UniversityOverall IELTS scoreMinimum IELTS score for each skillAccepts One Skill Retake
The Australian National University6.56.0No
University of Canberra6.06.0Yes
Australian Catholic University6.06.0Yes
Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission

Top occupations in demand in the Australian Capital Territory

OccupationsNo of job ads
Software and Applications Programmers433
Construction Managers247
Registered Nurses240
Generalist Medical Practitioners145
Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists130

Get expert migration and study advice

Most universities and academic institutions have different requirements when it comes to IELTS scores and enrollment. The best way to find out about the requirements for the course you’re interested in is to contact the course provider directly.

You can also get in touch with an education counsellorexternal icon as they have access to information from multiple education providers. 

If you require assistance with Australian immigration or visa applications, seek expert migration guidance from IDP's team of multilingual migration agents.

Whether you're starting your stay in Australia or seeking an extension, IDP's registered agents can provide assistance. Whether your goal is to study and obtain permanent residency or have a temporary stay, they can help you with various visa types.

To receive support, book an appointmentexternal icon with one of their registered MARA agents located across most of Australia.

Speak to an expertexternal icon

Need help booking your test?

Ready for test day? Book your IELTS testexternal icon today and get one step closer to living, working or studying in Australia!

Whether you need to find out who accepts IELTS, or you want to know how to access free official IELTS practice material, we're here for you. Contact us if you have any questions about your booking, or need support getting ready for your test. 

Source: Analysis based on Skills Priority List 2023, Internet Vacancy Index and Jobs and Skills Australia employment projections