Melbourne has a reputation for being artsy and slightly alternative, with a more casual vibe than Sydney. Culturally, Melbourne has a great deal to offer: a full calendar of events such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Fringe Festival, Writers Festival, Food and Wine Festival and Spring Fashion Week.

When it comes to sport, AFL dominates the newspapers all year, alongside cricket and to a lesser extent, rugby and soccer. The city also hosts a number of major sporting events, including the Australian Open, Spring Racing Carnival and Formula One Grand Prix. 

The wide range of higher education providers in Victoria and Melbourne means that undergraduate degrees are available in just about every field and specialisation — from economics and law to acting, data analytics and animation.  

Regional Victoria is traditionally known for its course offerings in agriculture, forestry and education, although students still have access to most of the study fields on offer at metropolitan campuses. Some providers and campuses offer the opportunity to access fields of study not readily available in metropolitan areas, like outdoor education, or health courses with a regional focus.  

Your university experience depends on where you live and the feel of the campus you attend. Research each town thoroughly to find out what it has to offer. Regional campuses are usually smaller, which offers some advantages — the community feel means you are more likely to know many of your fellow students. Major drawcards for regional Victorian universities include a relaxing lifestyle, and proximity to some of the most beautiful areas of the state. 

Where to study in Melbourne and Victoria

Universities in Victoria include: 

• La Trobe University 
• Deakin University 
• The University of Melbourne 
• Swinburne University of Technology 
• Monash University 
• Victoria University 
• RMIT University 
• Federation University Australia 
• Australian Catholic University  
• Charles Sturt University 
• CQUniversity 
• Torrens University