Study in Perth, Australia
Perth is Australia's sunniest capital and one of its most affordable for international students. Situated on the Swan River with the Indian Ocean on its doorstep, Perth combines a relaxed coastal lifestyle with serious academic credentials — the University of Western Australia (#77 globally) is a Group of Eight member, and Curtin University (#176) is a leader in mining, engineering, and health sciences. Perth is classified as a designated regional area for immigration purposes, which means graduates can access additional years on the Subclass 485 visa and earn extra points under the skilled migration points test. With shared accommodation starting from AUD $130–$170/week in suburbs like Joondalup and Murdoch, Perth runs 25–35% cheaper than Sydney on comparable living costs. The city's economy is anchored by the mining and resources sector — Western Australia produces over 40% of Australia's exports — creating strong employment pathways for engineering, geology, IT, and trades graduates.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Next review: March 2027 · Let's Go Study Australia editorial team
Perth — Livability & Outcomes Data
EIU Global Liveability Index 2025
#11 globallyOverall: 94.6/100
QS Best Student Cities 2026
#36 globallyGraduate Outcomes (QILT GOS 2024)
81.3%
Full-time employment
$72,000
Median salary (AUD)
86.1%
Employer satisfaction
Sources: EIU Global Liveability Index 2025, QS Best Student Cities 2026, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. Data is indicative and updated periodically — verify with official sources.
Universities in Perth
Curtin University
Perth, WA
The University of Western Australia
Perth, WA
Edith Cowan University
Perth, WA
Southern Cross University
Sydney, NSW
Australian University of Theology Limited
Sydney, NSW
QS World University Rankings
Why Perth for International Students
Study Perth — International Student Support
Services available online and through university-based support
Study Perth is the Western Australian Government's initiative for international students. While it does not operate a walk-in centre like Melbourne's Study Hub, it coordinates airport welcome services, employment workshops, and a comprehensive online resource hub. Each Perth university also runs dedicated international student offices with advisors who assist with enrolment, accommodation, visa conditions, and welfare support.
- ✓ Airport welcome program for arriving students
- ✓ Employment skills workshops and job board
- ✓ Social events and cultural integration programs
- ✓ Safety resources and emergency contacts
- ✓ Accommodation search assistance
- ✓ Regional visa pathway guidance
Cost of Studying in Perth
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
AUD $24,000–$44,000
per year
Postgraduate
AUD $22,000–$48,000
per year
VET / TAFE
AUD $4,000–$20,000
per year
Weekly living costs
| Expense | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Shared rental | $130/wk | $280/wk |
| Private rental | $270/wk | $450/wk |
| Groceries | $70/wk | $160/wk |
| Myki (public transport) | $/mo | $/mo |
| OSHC health cover | $50/mo | $120/mo |
A realistic monthly budget in shared accommodation is AUD $1,800–$2,800, excluding tuition. Perth is consistently 25–35% cheaper than Sydney on comparable accommodation and groceries. Northern suburbs (Joondalup, Stirling) and southern suburbs (Murdoch, Rockingham) offer the best value.
Rent by suburb
Crawley / Nedlands
$220–$280/wk
Adjacent to UWA's Crawley campus, walking distance to university
Bentley / Victoria Park
$170–$230/wk
Next to Curtin University main campus, bus to CBD in 20 min
Joondalup
$130–$180/wk
ECU Joondalup campus, train to CBD in 35 min — one of Perth's most affordable student suburbs
Murdoch
$140–$190/wk
Murdoch University campus, train to CBD in 25 min, close to Fiona Stanley Hospital
After Graduation — Can You Stay in Australia?
Most graduates qualify for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate). The length depends on your qualification level:
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master degree (coursework)
2 years
Master degree (research)
3 years
Doctoral degree
4 years
Regional study bonus
+2 years
Permanent residency routes
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Points-tested, no employer or sponsor needed. Most successful applicants hold 85–95 points. Your Australian degree contributes 15–20 points. Perth's regional status does not directly add 189 points, but the extended 485 visa gives more time to accumulate work experience points.
Subclass 190 (State Nomination — Western Australia)
WA nominates based on its Graduate Stream and General Stream occupation lists. Mining engineering, healthcare, IT, and trades are priority sectors. Studying at a WA university and gaining WA work experience significantly strengthens a 190 application. WA nomination adds 5 points.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
Perth qualifies as a regional area for the 491 visa. This provides a pathway to PR via the 191 visa after 3 years of living and working in Perth. The 491 adds 15 points to your total — a significant advantage over the metro-only 190 pathway.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nominated)
Requires an employer to sponsor you after 2+ years on a 482 visa. Perth's mining and resources sector is one of the largest sources of employer-sponsored visas in Australia.
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.
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