Studying in Perth: Student Guide

Perth as a student city

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and the main city on the country's west coast. It is a coastal city, comparatively spread out, with a sunny climate and a time zone close to much of Asia. For students, it offers an international community, several universities and courses, and a relaxed pace of life.

As with any city, the experience varies by neighbourhood and budget. This guide describes Perth in general terms so you can decide whether it fits your priorities.

Universities based in Perth

Perth hosts several universities with campuses across the city and the wider Western Australia region. Programs span the arts, sciences, engineering, business, health and more.

Where a ranking is cited for a Perth university, attribute it to the issuing body (such as QS or THE) and a specific year, since rankings are updated annually. Confirm a university's current courses, campuses and entry requirements on its own official website.

• Several universities operate across Perth and Western Australia.
• Programs cover a wide range of fields and study levels.
• Check each university's official site for current courses and entry requirements.

Cost of living in Perth

Perth is often considered more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne for some costs, but this depends on the suburb and your accommodation choice, and prices change over time. Rent is usually the largest expense, alongside food, transport, health cover (OSHC), phone and internet, and study materials.

Budget in ranges and rely on official sources. Perth universities publish cost-of-living guidance, and the Australian Government sets the financial-capacity requirement for the Student visa (subclass 500) — verify the current amounts on the official source.

• Often more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne for some costs, but it varies by suburb.
• Plan for rent, food, transport, OSHC, phone/internet and study materials.
• Use official university cost pages and Study Australia for current ranges.

Getting around

Perth has a public transport network of trains, buses and ferries, managed by the state transport authority, which students use to reach campus and travel around the city. Because Perth is comparatively spread out, it is worth checking travel times from your accommodation to campus.

Fares, zones and any student or concession eligibility are set by the Western Australia transport authority and can change, so check the current fares on the official transport website and confirm whether international students qualify for any concession before assuming one applies.

Student life and support

Perth offers an outdoor-oriented student lifestyle with beaches, parks, riverside areas and a sunny climate, alongside campus libraries, study spaces and a calendar of events. Universities provide international student offices, orientation, health and wellbeing services and academic support to help you settle in.

For practical guidance on living in Australia, your rights as an international student, and staying safe and well, the official Study Australia resources and your university's student services are reliable starting points.