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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 Sydney, Melbourne's thriving cultural scene, or Brisbane'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 2023 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 here .

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) , 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), Sydney 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

University

Overall IELTS score

Minimum IELTS score for each skill

Accepts One Skill Retake

University of Sydney

6.5

6.0

Yes

University of New South Wales

6.5

6.0

No

Macquarie University

6.5

6.0

Yes

Western Sydney University

6.0

6.0

Yes

University of Technology Sydney

6.5

6.0

No

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

Occupations

No of job ads

Registered Nurses

2881

Advertising and Sales Managers

2238

Software and Applications Programmers

1883

Child Carers

1518

Construction Managers

1467

Melbourne

Melbourne Flinders Street Train Station in Australia at sunset.

Melbourne 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

University

Overall IELTS score

Minimum IELTS score for each skill

Accepts One Skill Retake

University of Melbourne

6.5

6.0

No

Monash University

6.5

6.0

Yes

RMIT

6.5

6.0

Yes

Deakin University

6.0

6.0

Yes

Swinburne University of Technology

6.0

6.0

No

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

Occupations

No of job ads

Registered Nurses

3024

Advertising and Sales Managers

1722

Software and Applications Programmers

1475

Aged or Disabled Carers

1233

Retail Managers

1215

Brisbane

With its year-round warm climate, excellent education opportunities and family-friendly attractions, it’s easy to see why Brisbane 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

University

Overall IELTS score

Minimum IELTS score for each skill

Accepts One Skill Retake

The University of Queensland

6.5

6.0

Yes

Queensland University of Technology

6.5

6.0

Yes

Griffith University

6.5

6.0

Yes

University of Southern Queensland

6.0

6.0

No

Australian Catholic University

6.0

6.0

Yes

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

Occupations

No of job ads

Registered Nurses

1868

Generalist Medical Practitioners

1474

Metal Fitters and Machinists

1212

Child Carers

1132

Motor Mechanics

1114

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 Adelaide is competitive, the city attracts numerous international students and graduates seeking work. If you're contemplating Adelaide as your study and work destination, expect an exceptional experience.

Local attractions

Top universities in Adelaide and their IELTS requirements

University

Overall IELTS score

Minimum IELTS score for each skill

Accepts One Skill Retake

The University of Adelaide

6.5

6.0

No

Flinders University

6.0

6.0

No

The University of South Australia

6.0

6.0

Yes

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

Occupations

No of job ads

Registered Nurses

688

Aged and Disabled Carers

315

Software and Applications Programmers

309

Generalist Medical Practitioners

302

Motor Mechanics

293

Perth

Downtown Perth skyline in Australia at twilight.

Despite being over 2,000 km from the nearest capital city, Perth is a very popular migration destination. With a population of just over 2 million residents, Perth 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

University

Overall IELTS score

Minimum IELTS score for each skill

Accepts One Skill Retake

University of Western Australia

6.5

6.0

Yes

Curtin University

6.5

6.0

Yes

Murdoch University

6.0

6.0

No

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

Occupations

No of job ads

Metal Fitters and Machinists

1026

Registered Nurses

911

Motor Mechanics

854

Civil Engineering Professionals

675

Electricians

636

Canberra

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

Canberra, 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

University

Overall IELTS score

Minimum IELTS score for each skill

Accepts One Skill Retake

The Australian National University

6.5

6.0

No

University of Canberra

6.0

6.0

Yes

Australian Catholic University

6.0

6.0

Yes

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

Occupations

No of job ads

Software and Applications Programmers

433

Construction Managers

247

Registered Nurses

240

Generalist Medical Practitioners

145

Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists

130

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 counsellor 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 appointment  with one of their registered MARA agents located across most of Australia.

Speak to an expert

Need help booking your test?

Ready for test day? Book your IELTS test 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