Perth, a city characterized by its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and a robust education system, stands as a prominent hub for international students seeking academic excellence in Australia. Nestled on the western coast, Perth is home to a selection of top-tier universities, making it an attractive destination for those pursuing higher education. These universities are renowned for their academic prowess, cutting-edge research, and a welcoming environment that fosters cross-cultural learning and growth. In this overview, we’ll explore the five leading universities in Perth that have consistently attracted students from around the world, offering a blend of high-quality education and an unforgettable Australian experience.
Table of Contents
1. University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked #72 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is also ranked in the top 100 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
UWA is the highest-ranked university in Western Australia and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia and the world. It is known for its academic excellence, strong research performance, and industry partnerships.
UWA is also ranked highly in a number of subject-specific rankings. For example, it is ranked in the top 50 in the world for Clinical Medicine, Ecology, Environmental Science and Engineering, Human Biological Sciences, and Oceanography.
Overall, UWA is a world-class university with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research. It is a great choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a successful career. The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a renowned Australian academic institution globally recognized for its outstanding education, research, and teaching. Nestled along the picturesque Swan River just minutes away from Perth, it boasts a stunning campus characterized by beautiful sandstone architecture.
For well over a century, UWA has epitomized academic excellence, producing a distinguished roster of accomplished alumni. Among them are a Prime Minister, a Nobel laureate, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, pioneering medical professionals and scientists, award-winning journalists, and celebrated figures in the realms of literature, music, and archaeology. This esteemed institution has significantly bolstered its international standing, attracting top-tier researchers and influential figures from various domains.
Popular Courses in The University of Western Australia
Architecture and Design
Business and Commerce
Data and Computer Science
Education
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Engineering
Music and Fine Arts
Law
Humanities and Social Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences
Psychology
Student Strength
The University of Western Australia (UWA) has a student strength of over 25,000 students, including over 5,000 international students. UWA’s student body is generally dominated by school leavers from within Western Australia, mostly from the Perth metropolitan area. There are comparatively smaller numbers of mature-age students.
Location
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is situated near Perth, Western Australia, along the scenic Swan River.
Community around the university
The community around the University of Western Australia (UWA) is vibrant and diverse. It is made up of students, staff, academics, and residents from all walks of life.
The UWA campus is located in the suburb of Crawley, which is a popular suburb for students and young professionals. Crawley is home to a number of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. It is also well-served by public transport, making it easy to get around Perth.
The suburbs surrounding UWA are also popular with students and families. Claremont, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Daglish, and Shenton Park are all within a short walk, bike ride, or bus ride of UWA, and they offer a variety of housing options, shops, and restaurants.
The UWA community is very welcoming and supportive. There are a number of student clubs and societies that cater for a wide range of interests, from sports and music to social justice and academic pursuits. UWA also hosts a number of events throughout the year, which are open to the public.
If you are looking for a vibrant and diverse community to live in, then the area around UWA is a great option. There is something for everyone, and you are sure to feel at home.
2. Curtin University
Curtin University is a great choice for international students for a number of reasons. It is a world-renowned university with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research. Curtin is also ranked among the top universities in Australia and the world. University tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to other universities in Australia and around the world.
Here are some of the top reasons to choose Curtin University as an international student:
Curtin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Curtin is also ranked in the top 200 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The university has strong partnerships with industry, which means that students have access to real-world learning opportunities and internships. These partnerships also help to ensure that Curtin’s graduates are highly sought-after by employers.
Curtin has a diverse student body, with students from over 130 countries. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Supportive services for international students: Curtin offers a range of support services for international students, including help with visas, accommodation, and academic support.
In addition to the above, Curtin University is also known for its excellent facilities and resources. The university has a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and learning spaces. Curtin also has a strong research focus, and its students have access to world-class research facilities.
Curtin University is ranked in the top 100 universities in Australia by the Good Universities Guide and the Australian Financial Review Best Global Universities rankings. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Curtin is ranked in the 201-250 band.
Overall, Curtin University is a great choice for international students who are looking for a high-quality education, strong industry partnerships, and a diverse and supportive learning environment.
Popular Courses in Curtin University
Nursing
Business and Management
Engineering & Technology
Computer Science
Human Resources
Architecture and Built Environment
Art and Design
Law
Marketing
Information technology
Psychology
Student Strength
Curtin University has a student strength of over 58,000 students, including over 14,000 international students. Curtin’s student body is generally dominated by domestic students, but the proportion of international students has been growing in recent years.
Curtin’s students come from all over the world, and they represent a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. Curtin is committed to providing its students with a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
Location
Curtin University is located in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. The main campus is located in the suburb of Bentley, about 6 kilometers south-east of the Perth central business district.
Community Around The University
Curtin University, situated in Perth, Australia, cultivates a vibrant and diverse community marked by a rich student population hailing from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The student community actively participates in clubs, societies, and events, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual learning. Beyond the campus, Perth’s multiculturalism further contributes to an inclusive atmosphere, embracing and celebrating different cultures. The university’s research community is engaged in innovative and collaborative projects, often partnering with industries and international entities. These academic endeavors, coupled with strong industry ties, provide students with practical experiences and numerous opportunities for growth. Curtin University also prioritizes community outreach, encouraging participation in volunteer work, educational initiatives, and sustainability projects. Diverse events and activities hosted by the university enrich the overall experience, promoting engagement and connections within the community and beyond.
3. Murdoch University
Murdoch University is a highly ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence. It is ranked in the top 5% of universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to other universities in Australia and around the world. Murdoch University has a diverse student body, with students from over 100 countries. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
The University has strong partnerships with industry, which means that students have access to real-world learning opportunities and internships. These partnerships also help to ensure that Murdoch’s graduates are highly sought-after by employers. Murdoch University offers a range of support services for international students, including help with visas, accommodation, and academic support.
In addition to the above, Murdoch University is also known for its excellent facilities and resources. The university has a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and learning spaces. Murdoch also has a strong research focus, and its students have access to world-class research facilities.
Popular Courses in Murdoch University
Nursing
Business and Commerce
Social work
Teaching and Education
Human Resources
Science and Research
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Law and Criminology
Marketing
Information technology
Psychology
Student Strength
Murdoch University has a student strength of over 25,000 students, including over 5,000 international students. The university’s student body is generally dominated by domestic students, but the proportion of international students has been growing in recent years.
Exact Location
The exact location of Murdoch University is at 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia. It is located in the southern suburbs of Perth, about 15 kilometers from the city center. The university campus is large and covers over 227 hectares. It is home to a variety of facilities, including libraries, laboratories, classrooms, sports fields, and student accommodation.
Community Around University
The community around Murdoch University is vibrant and diverse. It is made up of students, staff, academics, and residents from all walks of life.
The Murdoch campus is located in the suburb of Murdoch, which is a popular suburb for students and young professionals. Murdoch is home to a number of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. It is also well-served by public transport, making it easy to get around Perth.
The suburbs surrounding Murdoch are also popular with students and families. Kardinya, Leeming, Coolbellup, Bibra Lake, North Lake, Bull Creek, Winthrop, Bateman, or Willagee are all within a short walk, bike ride, or bus ride of Murdoch, and they offer a variety of housing options, shops, and restaurants.
The Murdoch community is very welcoming and supportive. There are a number of student clubs and societies that cater for a wide range of interests, from sports and music to social justice and academic pursuits. Murdoch also hosts a number of events throughout the year, which are open to the public.
4. Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a great choice for international students for many reasons. It is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, affordable tuition fees, a diverse student body, strong industry partnerships, and supportive services for international students.
ECU is located in Perth, Western Australia, which is a beautiful and vibrant city with a lot to offer students. Perth is also a relatively affordable city to live in, and it has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
ECU offers a wide range of courses and programs, including business, nursing, education, psychology, social work, accounting, marketing, human resources, computer science, information technology, and engineering. ECU is also known for its strong programs in mining and resources engineering, mineral exploration, petroleum engineering, environmental science, sustainability, Indigenous studies, creative industries, and performing arts.
ECU is committed to providing international students with a positive and supportive learning experience. The university offers a range of services to international students, including help with visas, accommodation, and academic support. ECU also has a number of international student scholarships and bursaries available.
Ranking
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world for young universities (under 50 years old) by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, ECU is ranked in the 529th band.
ECU is also ranked highly in a number of other international and national university rankings, including:
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): 601-700
- US News & World Report Best Global Universities: 495
- Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings: 251-300
- Good Universities Guide: 5-stars for overall experience
ECU’s ranking is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, research, and student success. The university is known for its strong industry partnerships, which provide students with real-world learning opportunities and internships. ECU graduates are highly sought-after by employers, and they go on to successful careers in a wide range of fields.
Popular Courses in ECU
Nursing
Business and Commerce
Social work
Education
Human Resources
Science and Research
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Law and Criminology
Marketing
Information technology
Psychology
Student Strength
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has a student strength of over 31,000 students, including over 6,000 international students. ECU is one of the most multicultural student populations in Australia, typically welcoming around 7,000 international students from over 100 countries.
Location
The main campus is located in Joondalup, which is about 25 kilometers north of Perth’s central business district (CBD). The address for the Joondalup campus is:
Edith Cowan University (Joondalup Campus) 270 Joondalup Drive Joondalup WA 6027 Australia
Community around the University
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a great choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education, a supportive environment, and a strong reputation. ECU is located in Perth, Western Australia, which is a beautiful and vibrant city with a lot to offer students. The ECU community is vibrant and diverse, and the university offers a wide range of courses and programs. ECU graduates are highly sought-after by employers, and they go on to successful careers in a wide range of fields.
5. University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia is an esteemed institution that beckons international students seeking a unique and enriching academic experience. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, the university upholds rigorous standards, ensuring students receive a top-tier education. With a strong reputation in various fields such as healthcare, education, law, arts, and humanities, Notre Dame offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, providing international students the opportunity to choose a course that aligns with their academic and professional aspirations.
One of the standout features of studying at Notre Dame is its focus on personalized education. The university maintains small class sizes, promoting an intimate learning environment that facilitates meaningful interactions between students and professors. This approach not only encourages academic engagement but also cultivates a sense of community among students, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning atmosphere.
In addition to academic prowess, Notre Dame places significant emphasis on values and ethics. Rooted in the traditions of the Catholic Church, the university integrates a strong ethical framework into its academic curriculum. Students are exposed to a holistic education that not only hones their intellectual capabilities but also nurtures their moral compass and social responsibility. This unique blend of academic rigor and values-based education makes Notre Dame an attractive choice for international students seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational journey in Australia.
Ranking
The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) is ranked in the top 5% of universities in Australia by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It is also ranked in the 601-700 band in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and in the 495th band in the US News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings.
UNDA is a relatively young university, having been founded in 1989. However, it has quickly established itself as one of the leading universities in Australia. UNDA is known for its strong academic programs, its research focus, and its commitment to social justice.
Popular Courses in UNDA
Nursing
Business and Commerce
Social work
Education
Human Resources
Science and Research
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Law and Criminology
Marketing
Information technology
Psychology
Location
The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) has two campuses in Australia:
- Sydney Campus: Broadway and Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2007
- Fremantle Campus: South Terrace, Fremantle, WA 6160
The Sydney Campus is located in the heart of Sydney, close to public transport, shops, and restaurants. The Fremantle Campus is located on the banks of the Swan River, with stunning views of the Fremantle cityscape.
Both campuses offer a range of facilities and amenities, including libraries, laboratories, classrooms, sports fields, and student accommodation.
Student Strength
The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) has a student strength of over 12,000 students, including over 2,000 international students. UNDA is one of the most multicultural student populations in Australia, with students from over 90 countries.
Psychology is the most common course among all the top universities in Perth. If, as an international student, you are going to move to any other cities rather than Perth and do your psychology course, Read the list of top psychology universities in the whole of Australia.
Psychology is a common program at major universities in Perth. However, if you’re an international student planning to pursue a psychology course in a different Australian city, here’s a list of the country’s top psychology-focused universities.
