World class capabilities

Victoria is home to leading universities and research institutions

Victoria welcomes a large number of international students, attracted by our innovative education system, diverse study options, and outstanding student experience.

Victoria is home to eight world-leading public universities, including two of the world’s top 50 universities – with the University of Melbourne being Australia’s highest ranked overall. Victoria also offers leading vocational education and training, both onshore and offshore.

Melbourne is consistently named as Australia’s best student city and in 2024 was ranked as the world’s 4th best by QS Best Student Cities Ranking.

Our international students bring intangible value, cultural diversity, and global capabilities into our education institutions, actively building stronger learning communities.

Victoria’s Global Education Network is the largest in Australia and our Study Melbourne Hubs provide support, information, and welfare services to enhance the experience of our international students.

Victoria is a world-class centre for post-graduate learning, including in medical research, innovative healthcare, and medical technology. Our leading research institutions work with clinicians and patients to develop solutions to public health challenges. Significant investments in the sector, including to establish the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, and the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, underpin Victoria’s continued global leadership in this space.

Victoria’s top ten source countries for international student enrolments in 2023

• India
• China
• Colombia
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Philippines
• Malaysia
• Pakistan

Connecting people through events, experiences and environment

Our world-class events and experiences make Victoria one of the most vibrant tourism destinations in the world.

Victoria is Australia’s sporting and major events capital, and we are proud to welcome visitors from around the world. Melbourne is the only city in the world to host both a tennis Grand Slam and a Formula One Grand Prix.

As a global cultural destination, our calendar is filled with opportunities to showcase the best from around the world, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Victoria is also home to thriving creative industries spanning arts, culture, screen, and design. Institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum draw visitors from around the world. Our regional communities do too – boasting an array of inspiring and eclectic experiences, from local galleries and museums to the beauty of our great outdoors.

Better yet, all these experiences are easily reached. Our state is a major transit hub with two international curfew-free airports that service direct flights from the world’s largest markets.

Victoria is home to some of the best produce in the world. Our climate, matched with the passion and skills of our producers, means our visitors will eat and drink well while they enjoy our renowned hospitality.

Victoria is home to four UNESCO Creative Cities

• Melbourne, City of Literature
• Ballarat, City of Craft and Folk Art
• Geelong, City of Design
• Bendigo, City of Gastronomy

Empowering industry to innovate and engage

Victoria has a growing and dynamic economy, which is leading the nation.

We are an attractive destination for investment, and a leader in key sectors including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and the digital economy.

Victoria has welcomed major international corporations, with businesses including Siemens, BP, Mitsubishi, and Alibaba establishing their Australian headquarters here. Our state’s strong innovation credentials are demonstrated by the 19 unicorns that call Victoria home - with a combined valuation of $66.3 billion.

Victoria offers an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship and is recognised as an attractive base for regional operations. Across sectors including fintech, agtech, e-commerce, and gaming, we offer in-demand products and services to consumers and firms world-wide.

As a leader in renewables, biodiversity and climate action, Victoria is committed to ambitious clean energy targets. Our innovative culture, transport infrastructure, and green spaces have also consistently placed us among the world’s most liveable cities.

Victoria is an attractive investment destination

Foreign direct investment to Victoria has grown 32% over the past 5 years