Compare NSW and Victoria universities for international students: rankings, post-study work rights, 485 visa extensions, job markets in Sydney vs Melbourne, cost of living and PR pathways in 2025.
Introduction
Over 200,000 international students choose Australia’s two powerhouse states every year: New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. Both offer world-class universities, vibrant cities, and clear pathways to post-study work visas and permanent residency. Yet the experiences differ sharply. Sydney delivers higher graduate salaries and stronger 485 visa extension options in regional NSW areas, while Melbourne wins on affordability and sheer volume of student jobs. This guide compares the latest 2025 data so you can decide which state truly matches your career and lifestyle goals.
University Rankings and Employability Outcomes
The University of Melbourne consistently ranks as Australia’s top university (QS 2025: #13 globally), followed closely by the University of Sydney (#18) and UNSW Sydney (#19). Monash University (#37) and UTS Sydney also feature in the global top 100.
When it comes to employability, however, NSW edges ahead. The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey shows UNSW and University of Sydney graduates achieve the highest full-time employment rates and median salaries among Group of Eight members. Victoria’s strength lies in volume: Monash, RMIT, and Deakin produce large cohorts in IT, engineering, and nursing — fields that dominate both the skilled occupation list NSW and Victoria skilled occupation list in 2025.
Post-Study Work Rights and 485 Visa Extensions
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) remains the cornerstone for international graduates. Both states qualify for the standard Post-Study Work stream (2–4 years depending on degree level).
NSW offers a clear advantage through regional incentives. Study at Western Sydney University, University of Newcastle, or University of Wollongong campuses and you become eligible for the 485 visa extension NSW regional areas provide — an extra 1–2 years. Victoria introduced similar 485 visa extension Victoria incentives in Geelong and Ballarat, but the list of qualifying regional institutions remains smaller. If you target the Graduate Work stream visa (18 months) because your occupation sits on the MLTSSL or STSOL, both states treat you equally.
Job Markets and In-Demand Occupations
Sydney’s job market favours finance, tech, and construction. IT jobs Australia, software engineers, data scientists, and civil engineers appear prominently on NSW priority occupations and the skilled occupation list NSW 2025. International student jobs NSW often pay 10–15% higher starting salaries than equivalent roles in Melbourne.
Melbourne counters with volume and diversity. The city hosts more hospitality, retail, and casual positions — crucial for the 40-hour fortnightly work limit during term. Nursing and healthcare jobs Australia, teaching, and accounting and finance careers Australia dominate Victoria priority occupations. Construction and trades occupations also grew rapidly after Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure program.
State Nomination and PR Pathways
Both NSW and Victoria nominate for the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491).
NSW reopened the 190 visa nomination program in 2025 with 4,000 places and continues strong support for the NSW 491 regional visa. Victoria maintains around 3,500 places for Victoria 190 visa nomination but prioritises healthcare, engineering, and IT. Processing times currently favour NSW (6–10 weeks vs Victoria’s 12–16 weeks). Choose your state based on where your occupation appears highest on the relevant priority list.
Cost of Living and Lifestyle Comparison
Sydney remains Australia’s most expensive city. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the CBD exceeds AUD 2,800 per month. Melbourne offers 25–35% lower rents and cheaper public transport. Groceries and eating out also cost less in Victoria.
Students who prioritise savings and a laid-back vibe lean toward Melbourne. Those who accept higher costs for faster career progression and networking opportunities choose Sydney.
Conclusion
Neither NSW nor Victoria is universally “better” — the right choice depends on your priorities. Pick NSW for higher graduate salaries, stronger regional 485 extensions, and faster state nomination processing. Choose Victoria for lower living costs, more casual job opportunities, and top-ranked universities like Melbourne and Monash. Align your degree, target occupation, and lifestyle preferences with the state that gives you the clearest path to both career success and permanent residency.
