Study in Perth

Perth is home to a significant number of Singaporean students, with active university clubs and cultural groups. The city’s close proximity to Singapore (approximately 5-hour flight) makes it an attractive choice for students who want to visit home frequently.

Perth, located on the west coast of Australia, is a popular study destination for international students, especially students from Singapore due to its convenient same time zone. Known as Australia's 'Education City,' Perth offers a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful natural landscapes, and a high standard of living, making it an attractive option for students seeking a dynamic and enriching educational experience.

Here are the five most popular and prestigious universities in Perth that you can study at:

There are many reasons why international students choose Perth to further their studies, such as:

High quality of living

Perth offers an exceptional quality of life with a perfect combination of urban and natural landscapes, which is a compelling reason why many choose Perth for furthering their studies. The city's clean air, open spaces, and beautiful beaches contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cultural diversity

Perth is known for its multicultural environment, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for international students to further their studies. This cultural diversity enriches the student experience and provides opportunities to learn about different cultures.

Safe environment

Another reason why Perth is ideal for international students looking to study in Australia is the city's moderate crime rate. Perth has low violent crime rates and a strong community focus on safety, providing peace of mind for young students and their families.

Excellent educational facilities

One of the key reasons to study in Perth is the state-of-the-art facilities and resources available at its universities. These institutions are equipped to ensure students receive a high-quality education, with excellent research opportunities and strong industry connections that can further enhance the learning experience.

Convenient transportation

Getting around Perth is easy and convenient, as the city is relatively compact. Public transportation includes buses, trains, and ferries, and there are also extensive cycling paths, making it easy for students to navigate and explore.

Depending on your circumstances, there may be financial assistance available to help with living expenses, tuition fees, air travel, and other costs when studying abroad in Perth. Some of these opportunities include:

Australia Awards

The Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) is highly prestigious and competitive. It offers government-funded grants to students from a selection of developing countries, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, who demonstrate leadership qualities and a drive for change. Singaporean students are not eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarships, while students with nationalities including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Vietnam are eligible.

Australia for ASEAN Scholarships

For students from ASEAN member states looking to study abroad in Perth, these scholarships offer the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in priority areas like maritime, connectivity, economic development, and sustainable development goals. Scholars will also participate in an ASEAN Emerging Leaders Programme, offering learning, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

The Australian Government Research Training Programme (RTP) supports international students undertaking research doctorate and research master's level degrees. This scholarship is awarded through a competitive process that considers academic merit, research experience, and potential, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to study in Perth.

Education provider and region-specific scholarships

Local educational institutions frequently offer scholarships to international students studying in Perth based on academic merit. For example, the University of Western Australia provides a variety of self-funded scholarships for international students, such as the Global Excellence Scholarship, Global Sporting Excellence Scholarship, and International Student Award. These scholarships are designed to support high-achieving students in their academic pursuits. The International Student Award is not available for Singaporean students, while citizens from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, among others, are eligible.

To apply for a student visa to study in Perth, you must first be enrolled in a course of study. You must then obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider and secure Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless you fall into one of the exemption categories. If you are under 18, you must also prove that you have a suitable welfare arrangement. The amount of evidence you need to provide during the application process will vary based on your country of origin and intended education provider. Therefore, it is advisable to check the latest visa policies on the official site to stay informed about any updates or changes.

To study in Perth, international students need to obtain a student visa (subclass 500). Here’s a brief overview of the application process: 

1. Receive an offer of admission: Before applying for a visa, you must receive an offer of admission from an Australian university and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). 

2. Prepare the required documents: Gather necessary documents, including a valid passport, CoE, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), financial evidence, and English language proficiency test results (IELTS is widely accepted). Students under the age of 18 may need to prepare additional proof of welfare arrangements. More information on requirements and documentation can be found on the Department of Home Affairs’ student visa website. 

3. Submit application: Apply for the student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Pay the visa application fee and submit the required documents. 

4. Attend health examination: Undergo a health examination with a certified or recognised healthcare provider, if required. 

5. Obtain biometrics: Provide biometrics at VFS Visa Application Centre, if required. 

6. Await decision: The processing time for student visas varies, so apply well in advance of your course start date. 

Start the process early to avoid delays, and ensure all documents are accurate and complete to prevent processing issues. Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest visa policies and requirements to stay informed.

For international students looking to study in Perth, the cost of living is slightly more expensive compared to smaller cities such as Hobart or Adelaide, but it is relatively more affordable than major cities like Melbourne or Sydney.

In Perth, rent will probably be the most significant expense, with weekly rates ranging from $200 to $435. Other costs include food ($100-150), electricity/gas ($10-40), transport ($20-50), internet/phone ($20-40), and miscellaneous expenses such as entertainment, personal care items, or school supplies ($50+). As a student here, you can expect your total weekly expenses to range from $400 to $765, depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Part-time job opportunities are available for international students studying in Perth, helping students earn extra money and meet new people. While on a student visa (Subclass 500), you can usually work up to 40 hours every fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours during study breaks. If you are looking to work while studying, it is best to refer to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs guidelines for more information on working rights and restrictions in Perth.

Students studying in Perth can look forward to diverse employment opportunities. The three largest industries currently are Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Mining, and Public Administration and Safety. Additionally, the Health Care and Social Assistance and Financial and Insurance Services sectors are rising in popularity.

The city’s affordability adds to its appeal for students looking to continue working after studying abroad, with the average annual salary in Perth being $77,000, according to PayScale data sourced from 22,000 individual reports. This is on par with other major cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

Regarding work-life balance, Perth is considered one of the best cities in Australia to live in. Additionally, the city leaped 21 places to secure 12th position on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual Global Liveability Index Report 2023. This ranking highlights the city's excellent quality of life, making it an attractive destination for students and professionals alike.

Explore more cities in Australia as study destinations and set yourself up for future success. And broaden your horizons today with the help of English proficiency tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Recognized by governments, employers, and educational institutions worldwide, you can access free IELTS online tests and sign up for IELTS preparation courses to ensure you meet the English proficiency level for studying in Perth to make the most of your educational journey. Whether you’re aiming for admission to top universities or securing a scholarship, the IELTS is your gateway to exciting new opportunities. Find out more from IDP Singapore today!