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Where Can I Study in Perth?

Last updated: 5 June 2024 Study in Perth

For international students, Perth is the “city of opportunity.”  With a low cost of living, beautiful climate and nature, and a wide range of job prospects, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. The city ranks 34th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023, owning many renowned universities and colleges, such as Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Notre Dame. These universities offer many courses at diploma, certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and research levels.

Learn more about what to expect studying in Perth below. To begin your application to study in Australia, arrange a free consultation with SI-Global today.

why study in perth

Top Reasons to Study in Perth

Perth is known for its sunny weather, clean sky, and aesthetically pleasing beaches. In addition to its beautiful nature, Perth has a record for having the lowest employment rate, a thriving economy, and innovative technological advances.

1. World-Class Education

Perth is home to renowned universities, such as Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and Murdoch University. One of the best is the University of Western Australia, which was ranked 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and has the highest entry. 

2. Cost of Living

The cost of living in Perth is very low compared to other major cities in Australia. It ranks 23rd and 50th for its desirability and student opinion rankings. If you plan to study in Perth, you are blessed with endless options for accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment, and leisure. 

3. Effective Transportation Facilities

Perth is a city built with convenience and an expansive network of accessible and affordable transport facilities. The easiest way to use public transport in Perth is to purchase a Transperth Smart Rider Card for travel on all public transport types. As an international student, you are eligible for a Tertiary Smart Rider, which offers discounts to students while travelling. 

4. Melting Pot of Different Cultures and Traditions

Perth, Western Australia, welcomes people from more than 200 different countries. With a multicultural population, it is also known for its fusion cuisine, combining flavours and cooking styles worldwide. In addition, Perth is home to various arts, music, entertainment, and sporting events throughout the year.

5. Career Prospects

There are many career opportunities for students in Perth after graduation. Some popular industries employing graduates include retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Also, many top universities in Perth provide internships during the academic year, where you can gain skills and experience or work part-time. 

List of Universities in Perth

Here are the top Perth Universities that are ideal for international students -

1. The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a public research university established in 1911 by an act of the Parliament of Western Australia. Committing to research and education globally, UWA ranks 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is in first position in Western Australia for graduate employability. 

The University of Western Australia staff are involved in more than 74 research and training centres and significant national research facilities, making it one of Perth's best universities for international students. Besides academics, the university campus offers recreational activity centres and essential amenities, including cafes, libraries, bookshops, and many clubs and societies to interact with people. 

QS World Ranking 2025

77th

Total Number of International Students

5000+

Student-Staff Ratio

19:1

Acceptance Rate

38%

Campus and Facilities

Teaching and Research facilities, Lecture and Performance Theatres, Tutorial Spaces, Studios, Transport and Parking spaces, and Subject-Specific Laboratories

Scholarships

Global Excellence Scholarship, Global Sporting Excellence Scholarship, International Student Award, UWA International Postgraduate Research Scholarships, and Forrest Research Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

2. Curtin University

Curtin University is an Australian public research university established in 1900 in Bently, Perth, Australia. Ranking 174th in the QS World Rankings 2025, Curtin University takes pride in being recognised nationally and internationally for its academic excellence and research, making it one of the top universities in Perth. 

Besides education, Curtin University has a vibrant campus life comprised of student clubs and societies, food and retail outlets, and eight short—and long-stay accommodation facilities. It is a place of inspiration and innovation, with technology-rich learning spaces and opportunities to meet new people. 

QS World Ranking 2025

174th

Total Number of International Students

50,000+

Student-Staff Ratio

86:2

Acceptance Rate

50%

Campus and Facilities

Food and retail outlets, bookshops, banks, cafes, and G-Mart

Scholarships

Global Curtin Scholarships, Diplomatic Scholarship, and Alumni and Family Scholarship

3. Murdoch University

Murdoch University is a public university established in 1873 in Perth, Western Australia, offering higher education to students. It operates satellite campuses in Dubai and Singapore, and its main campus is in Perth. According to the QS Stars Assessment 2024, the university has been rated five-star overall for teaching, employability, learning facilities, and inclusiveness. The university has 15 research areas rated “above world standard” by the Australian Research Council. 

It is one of the best universities in Perth, featuring beautiful bushland, specialised educational and recreational facilities and many student services. Whether you are a high school student who wants to upskill, change careers, or seek an overseas learning experience, Murdoch University allows you to think outside the box and create your career path. 

QS World Ranking 2025

436th

Total Number of International Students

3000+

Student-Staff Ratio

8:5

Acceptance Rate

79%

Campus and Facilities

Library, Cafes, Summer Courtyard, Clinics and Counselling Centres

Scholarships

2024 George Alexander Scholarship, Murdoch University Access Engineering Scholarship, and Academic Excellence Award: Postgraduate

4. Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University is a public research university established in 1991 in Joondalup, Australia. It values diversity and focuses on teaching, research, and solving real-world problems across social, economic, physical, and environmental domains. ECU ranks first in Western Australia for overall experience, student support, learner engagement, skills development, and learning resources. 

Among Australian universities, ECU ranks sixth for sports-related subjects in the QS 2023 Subject Rankings, with other subjects like business management, performing arts, nursing studies, and education ranking in the top 100 globally. ECU provides a supportive learning environment by offering different facilities and services, like computer labs, counselling, childcare, libraries, clubs, societies, cafes, and bookshops. 

QS World Ranking 2025

516th

Total Number of International Students

6000+

Student-Staff Ratio

29:8

Acceptance Rate

61%

Campus and Facilities

Computer labs, sports and fitness, childcare, libraries, clubs, societies, cafes, and bookshops

Scholarships

Western Australian Premier’s University Scholarship, International Undergraduate Scholarship, and International Master’s Scholarship

5. University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame is an Australian research university that offers admission into undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses to students who wish to pursue their academics in a unique scholar community. The university's faculties include arts and humanities, science, business, medicine, nursing, pathways, philosophy, and theology. It has obtained 5-star ratings for skills development in the Good Universities Guide 2023. 

The campus life is breathtaking as it aims to create a distinct home for students, staff, and faculty. The unified campus has around 28 eateries, 500+ student clubs and groups, 32 residence halls, and five recreational venues, making it one of the top universities in Perth. As a graduate of Notre Dame University, you will be guided by a community of scholars, scientists, and artists who work at the highest level and engage in many collaborative projects across various disciplines. 

University Name

University of Notre Dame

QS World Ranking 2025

316th

Total Number of International Students

8%

Student-Staff Ratio

9:1

Acceptance rate

13%

Campus and Facilities

Library, Research centres, recreational venues, and eateries.

Scholarships available

The University of Notre Dame International Scholarship Master of Business Administration, International Welcome Scholarship (undergraduate), and WA Premier’s Scholarship

Study in Perth

Being Australia's fourth most populous city with affordable living costs and unique academic options, Perth is home to many international students. If you want to study in Perth, you can give yourself the best chance of successfully applying by arranging a free consultation with SI-Global today.

Universities featured in this article:

  • University of Western Australia
  • Curtin University
  • Murdoch University
  • Edith Cowan University
  • University of Notre Dame Australia
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