About Melbourne

Relocating for your graduate research degree? Here’s why moving to Melbourne is easy.

Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city. It’s a vibrant multicultural hub with a population of more than five million people. No matter where you’re from in the world, you’ll feel at home in Melbourne.

A relaxed place to live and work

Melbourne is proud of its reputation as Australia’s most liveable city. It is a major centre for retail, commerce, healthcare and hospitality.

Here, you will find the services you need, plus job opportunities to support your studies. And if you’re moving with a partner, they’ll find work opportunities here, too.

If you're relocating with your family, Melbourne is a safe and fun place for children. The education system includes government, independent and Catholic schools. Opportunities for learning extend beyond the classroom, with renowned museums, zoos and markets.

Melbourne's suburban neighbourhoods are well serviced with sports grounds and swimming pools. And local playgrounds are a natural meeting place for families.

An easy city to get around

Melbourne’s public transport system includes extensive train lines and bus routes, as well as the iconic trams.

Well-used bike paths are a safe and efficient way to get around town. Cycling is also a great way to explore the parklands and riverside trails.

The University’s leafy Parkville campus is walking distance from the central business district (CBD). And our Fine Arts and Music campus is in the heart of Melbourne’s cultural precinct, right beside the CBD.

A cosmopolitan city

Melbourne is known as both the sporting and cultural capital of Australia. Experience a year-round calendar of popular events, including:

  • national and international art exhibitions
  • live theatre and stand-up comedy
  • musical performances
  • foreign film festivals
  • food festivals
  • international soccer, rugby and cricket matches
  • Melbourne Cup horse racing carnival
  • Australian Open tennis tournament.

In 2008, Melbourne was declared the second UNESCO City of Literature. This places Melbourne firmly on the international literary stage and acknowledges the city's:

  • prized book collections
  • writers’ festivals
  • community reading groups
  • public literary discussions.

The State Library of Victoria is the oldest public library in Australia, founded in 1854. It now attracts almost two million visitors each year. This makes it one of the most visited public libraries in the world, behind those in New York and Beijing.

A conveniently located city

Sometimes you'll need a break from your research. Make the most of your time here and explore regional Victoria. Melbourne is conveniently located one or two hours from:

  • surf beaches
  • bushwalking trails
  • cross-country skiing
  • wine-growing regions.

Rest assured – wherever you’re from, and whatever your interests, you’ll feel at home in Melbourne.

First published on 17 February 2022.

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