Experience academic excellence at the top-rated Perth universities in Australia

The educational landscape of Perth, Western Australia, is as appealing as the scenic beauty. Imagine studying in this dreamy backdrop at a top-class university that also offers relatively low-cost education compared to everywhere else in Australia. Perth universities are popular among international students for their affordable, world-class learning facilities and superlative research options. 

The universities at Perth offer an inclusive study environment, making room for students from different regions and cultures in the world at their campuses. This article covers the top 5 Perth universities that are highly notable for their educational standards and employment potential. Here, we mention the global ranking of each of these universities, along with their program fees, entry requirements, and famous courses for international students.

Top Perth Universities

Perth has many popular universities that have top ranks as per QS World University Rankings 2024. Detailed below are at least 5 of the top Perth universities for international students:

The University of Western Australia (UWA): One of the top-ranked and most sought-after universities in Perth for international students, UWA holds the prestigious 5-star ranking for quality of teaching and research. 

The university offers several courses that are in high demand among international students. These include Ecology, Urban Planning, Genetics, and Speech Pathology.

To gain admission to this top university, international students must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Recognised Indian equivalent qualification for Australian Year 12 completion with the required grades (for UG courses)

  • Postgraduate courses generally expect completion of a Bachelor’s degree or an Indian equivalent degree from an approved university or study institution

  • An overall 6.5 is accepted as proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS

Location 

Perth, Western Australia

Type of University 

Public 

QS Ranking

72

Average Tuition Fees

AUD 186,400 (indicative total fee for UG course)

Popular Courses

Ecology 

Urban Planning 

Genetics 

Speech Pathology

 Related Source: https://www.fees.uwa.edu.au/Calculator

Among the most popular Perth universities, the University of Western Australia offers excellent campus amenities such as 2 fully-stocked libraries, EZone - a dedicated learning area for Maths and Engineering students, a research centre, and a business school.

Guild Village is the campus's entertainment hub, offering students the option of several shops, cafes, and clubs. Students can also avail the basic amenities of a hairdresser, pharmacy, ATM, key cutter, shoe repair, and more.  

To suit varied interests and budgets, UWA offers various on-campus accommodation options, such as homestays and shared and private rentals. 

Curtin University: Among the other best options to study in Perth is the globally renowned leader in education and research - Curtin University. Besides Western Australia, the university has numerous campuses worldwide, such as in Malaysia, Dubai, Singapore, and Mauritius.

Some of the most notable programs at Curtin are Radiography, Fine Art, Language and Literature, and Fashion Design.

International students planning to apply to any of these study programs must meet the below-mentioned admission criteria:

  • Completion of Grade 12 on an equivalent of Australian Year 12 qualification from India from a recognised school or higher education institution (for UG degrees)

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an approved university in India (for PG programs)

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall score of 6.5

Related Source: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/applying/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-qualifications/#tests

Location 

Perth, Western Australia

Type of University 

Public 

QS Ranking

183

Average Tuition Fees

AUD 19,990 (indicative total fee for UG course)

Popular Courses

Radiography

Fine Art 

Language and Literature 

Fashion Design

 Related Source: https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/fees/understanding-your-fees/tuition-fees/student-fee-calculator/

Staying in trend with the latest technological advancements, Curtin offers state-of-the-art campus facilities such as an astrodome, social media command centre, media production studio,  engineering pavilion, simulated hospital ward, moot court, and stock market trading room.

There are many sports and social clubs for students, including artistry, illustration, and book clubs. They help students make the most of their leisure time on campus.

To make international students feel welcome in Perth upon arrival, Curtin University also offers a variety of comfortable and affordable accommodation options. These include both on-campus and off-campus accommodation facilities. 

Murdoch University: Running operations since 1973, Murdoch University has earned a name for itself in the Australian education industry. The university encourages free and independent thinking among students and is regarded as the best university in Perth for international students.  

Students can choose from a wide array of popular programs at Murdoch, some of which include Agriculture Sciences, Performing Arts and Music, Language and Culture, and Food Science.

International students planning to apply to any of these study programs must meet the below-mentioned admission criteria:

  • At least 60% aggregate in top 4 subjects in Grade 12 Indian qualification from a recognised school or higher secondary institution

  • An accredited Bachelor’s qualification in the related study domain from a recognised Indian university is a prerequisite for PG courses at Murdoch

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall score of 6.0

Related Sources: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/course/undergraduate/mj-acca

https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-proficiency-tests

Location 

Perth, Western Australia

Type of University 

Public 

QS Ranking

431

Average Tuition Fees

AUD 61,875 (indicative total fee for PG course)

Popular Courses

Agriculture Sciences

Performing Arts and Music

Language and Culture

Food Science

Related Source: https://handbook.murdoch.edu.au/fees/course-options

Some of the most talked-about campus facilities at Murdoch include the animal hospital and working farms, a law moot court, a sports science facility, an engineering pilot plant, an IT innovation hub, a simulated lab, and a media arts centre. 

Besides these, students can have lots of fun with various extracurricular activities such as dance club, book club, debate club, photography club, and many more.

Fully furnished apartments and shared living amenities make up for the on-campus accommodation options at Murdoch University. Additionally, other safe living options are also available in proximity to the university for the convenience of international students.

Edith Cowan University: Consistently awarded a 5-star rating for quality of teaching by the Good Universities Guide for 17 years in a row, Edith Cowan University is among the most highly demanded study institutions in Perth. 

Among the many popular programs at the university that offer brilliance in education and research, the most notable ones include Welfare Services, Studies in Human Society, Music, Tourism, and Graphic and Design Studies.

The standard entry requirements for international students interested in applying to one of the programs at Edith Cowan are:

  • Recognised secondary school grades for all Undergraduate courses

  • Bachelor’s qualification or an Indian equivalent from a recognised university (prior work experience also preferred for some courses)

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall score of 6.0 in each band of the tes

Location 

Perth, Western Australia

Type of University 

Public 

QS Ranking

529

Average Tuition Fees

AUD 35,300 (indicative fee for first-year UG course)

Popular Courses

Welfare Services

Studies in Human Society

Music

Tourism

Graphic and Design Studies

Related Source: https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/courses/bachelor-of-arts

Besides being the leader in education and research, Edith Cowan University prides itself on offering its students the best in-house campus facilities. Some of the most popular ones include a SMART Lab, TV Studio, Art Gallery, Giant Super Labs, and Security Operations Centre. 

Sports and recreation clubs, student government, social clubs, and societies are students’ ways of interacting, networking and engaging in co-curricular activities on campus.

International students at Edith Cowan University can feel relaxed and at rest with furnished accommodation options such as a self-contained studio apartment, private room, and several other studios and shared apartments on campus. 

The University of Notre Dame Australia: Yet another 5-star ranked university in Western Australia in teaching quality, development of skills, and learner engagement, the University of Notre Dame is one of the top choices among international students choosing Perth for higher studies. 

Some of its most notable programs chosen by students at the university are in the domains of Environmental Studies, Curriculum and Education Studies, Architecture, and Banking and Finance. 

The University of Notre Dame Australia accepts applications from international students if they meet the following entry requirements for courses:

  • Completed higher education equivalent to Australian qualification from a recognised Indian school (for Undergraduate programs)

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university for Masters courses

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall score of 6.0 in each band of the test

Related Source: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/admission-requirements/english-language-requirements

Location 

Perth, Western Australia

Type of University 

Private 

QS Ranking

1401+

Average Tuition Fees

AUD 36,000 (indicative annual fee for PG course)

Popular Courses

Environmental Studies 

Curriculum and Education Studies Architecture 

Banking and Finance

 Related Source: https://www.notredame.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/392855/2024-Indicative-International-Student-Fees.pdf

Some of the most notable facilities available on campus at the University of Notre Dame Australia are study space, meeting rooms, a computer lab, a theatertheatre room, a communications lab, simulation labs for students in Nursing, and a refurbished library.

The university campus provides fitness classes, participation sports, social sports, a gym, and more for student recreation.

Self-contained houses on campus, private rental apartments, and homestays are some of the preferred accommodation options for students at the university.

FAQs

1. How many universities are there in Perth?

The city of Perth in Western Australia is home to at least 5 prominent universities renowned for their quality of education and rank well in the QS World University Rankings.

2. Which universities are the best in Perth for international students?

The names of the top international universities in Perth that are the most sought-after by students worldwide are:
The University of Western Australia 

  • Curtin University 

  • Murdoch University 

  • Edith Cowan University 

  • The University of Notre Dame Australia

3. Is Perth better than Melbourne for international students?

Both cities have their positive qualities in terms of education standards, faculty, and the overall experience offered to students. Melbourne is, however, a bigger city than Perth and houses slightly more facilities for student comfort than the latter.

4. Which are the most popular courses in the universities of Perth?

Perth universities offer a variety of study programs to meet varied student needs and preferences. Some highly demanded ones include Medicine, Nursing, Commerce, Engineering, and Education.

5. What are the entry criteria for students in Perth universities?

The entry requirements vary from one university to another and also between courses. However, some standard entry criteria include completion of higher secondary education from a recognised Indian school for UG courses and an approved Bachelor’s degree from an Indian recognised university for PG courses. Additionally, Indian students must also meet the required English language proficiency requirements through a test such as IELTS.

6. What is the cost of living while studying at a Perth university?

The average cost of living for international students residing in Perth is estimated at AUD 500 per week (approximately). This is generally exclusive of the tuition fee for the course pursued at a Perth university or the book/stationery fee.

Related Source: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/international-students/life-in-perth/living-costs#:~:text=Everyday%20expenses,vary%20according%20to%20your%20lifestyle.  

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