Best Universities in Perth 2026

Best Universities in Perth for International Students 2026

 

Perth is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students. The city holds the 37th spot in the QS Best Student Cities around the world and is home to some of the best universities in Australia, including Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Notre Dame.
The climate is great, parks are plenty, and students can trek and enjoy beaches, making Perth a huge attraction. It is an easy city for students to live in. Many people live in private shared accommodations, although universities offer on-campus accommodations. Commuting around the city is easy if you live off-site, thanks to its good bus links throughout the city and plenty of bike paths as well.  Explore your options to study in Australia.
 

Top Universities in Perth Western Australia 2026

 

Five top universities in Perth Western Australia have appeared in QS World Ranking 2026. Following are some top options for international students seeking high-quality education, high student satisfaction rate, and strong post-study outcomes: 

 

Sr.	University Name	QS World Ranking 2026	Overall Performance Score
1	The University of Western Australia	77	73.7
2	Curtin University	183	57.6
3	The University of Notre Dame Australia	=294	46
4	Murdoch University	=423	36.1
5	Edith Cowan University	=487	32.8

 

UWA and Curtin University are the highest-performing institutions from Perth, as both have been ranked in the top 200 universities globally. The first two universities in this list operate as main campuses, while the latter operate under sub-campuses.

 

Why Study in Perth.

Perth is easily one of the most recommendable university cities in Australia for international students, and that too for good reasons. When international students choose to study in Perth, they enjoy the following benefits: 

• High Quality of Living:

International students have reported high quality of life and termed it as “an easy city to live in,” based on the student satisfaction rates, amenities, commute, and overall cost of lifestyle. 

• Beautiful Natural Landscapes: 

Perth has an undeniable beauty, with 12,000 kilometres of coastline and diverse landscapes. The city contains many parts, beaches, treks, and so much more. Students always have something new to explore when they choose to study in Perth, Australia. 

• World-class education: 

Perth is home to many top-ranked universities that are famous for high quality education and have accumulated top satisfaction rates from international students. The most notable university is the University of Western Australia.

Best Universities in Perth by Field of Study

The top universities in Perth are the University of Western Australia and Curtin University. Students interested in studying mining and engineering often choose Curtin University, while UWA is recognized for its academic excellence in medicine and science studies. 

• Mining and Engineering:

Curtin University is ranked number 1 in Australia and 5th in the world for Mineral and Mining engineering. Other top performing programs include geology and geophysics programs. 

• Medicine and Health Sciences:

UWA is ranked as the best in Australia for medical sciences. 

• Nursing and Physiotherapy:

Students interested in studying Nursing and Physiotherapy often find Edith Cowan University for its excellent programs. 

• Technology and Education:

Edith Cowan University excels in education, cybersecurity, and technology. It is regarded as one of the best universities in Australia for its technology and education programs. 

• Business and Law: 

Curtin University and UWA offer rank high for business and law education. 

• Arts and Humanities:

Murdoch University is often regarded for strong teaching in various humanities and arts disciplines. 

 

Best Universities in Perth for International Students

The best universities in Perth Australia include University of Western Australia and Curtin University. Both these universities have ranked consistently well in the world QS University Ranks over the last years and stand out for their academic excellence in programs like mining, engineering, medical sciences, and arts. 

•  University of Western Australia:

UWA is considered the best university in Perth. It has under 30,000 students, with about 5000 of them being international students. The university puts great emphasis on its research output and has more than 75 research and training centres. This means you get firsthand learning that enriches your education experience. It has a vibrant community, and the locals around are friendly. The university also consists of more than 100 clubs and societies, ensuring high quality of life for its students. 

• Curtin University:

Curtin university is widely regarded as one of the best study abroad options for international students. The university has around 50,000 students, with 15,000 of them being international students. The top six subjects offered here include occupational therapy, social work, engineering, nutrition, and health, along with architecture. The university has a focus on global learning, with campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, and Mauritius, as well as strong partnerships with other campuses around the world. 

• Edith Cowan University: 

ECU is a mid-sized university with almost 27,000 students of which 4,000 are international. The most recognized programs in terms of academic and research excellence include arts and humanities, business and law, education, engineering, medical and health services, nursing, and midwifery. However, the top five subjects include psychology, nursing, social work, nutrition and health, and communications. 

Cost of Living in Perth for Students 2026

Perth universities fees are considered high, and this accumulates to low scores for affordability when compared to other Australian universities. The average annual cost of tuition is AUD 31,850 for international students studying in Perth.
Apart from tuition fees, the average monthly cost of living in Perth is around AUD 3,000 to AUD 4,000 including rent, food, transportation, and utilities.
Mentioned below is a breakdown of what costs you can expect as an international students in Perth, Australia: 

Accommodation: 

• On-Campus costs around AUD 600 – AUD 700 per month. 
• Off-Campus living costs around AUD 350 per month. 

Lifestyle Costs: 

• Food costs around AUD 600 – AUD 700 per month. 
• Clothing costs around AUD 70 – AUD 100 per month. 
• Entertainment costs remain around AUD 60 – AUD 70 per month. 
• Transportation costs around AUD 150 – AUD 180 per month. 
• Groceries cost around AUD 147 per month. 

 

Total Cost (On-Campus): AUD 1,240 – AUD 2,200 per month. 

Total Cost (Off-Campus): AUD 1,152 – AUD 2,250 per month. 

 

 

Scholarships at Perth Universities

As an international student, you can apply to various scholarship options. These are aimed at providing financial assistance to support their study, given either by cash, a payment towards their course fees, or a discount on their tuition. 

Following are some scholarship options for international students: 

• The Western University Premier’s University Scholarship:

This limited-slot scholarship is offered to 10 international students in the form of AUD 50,000 payment towards their course fees and university costs. 

• The Western Australian premier’s WACE Scholarship:

This scholarship provides a one-off payment of AUD 50,000 to up to two international WACE graduates with the highest academic achievement to assist with their living, travel, and study expenses. 

• Curtin University Merit Based Scholarship:

Curtin University offers merit based scholarships such as Curtin Excellence Scholarship and John Curtin Scholarship Program, given to high achieving students against their tuition and living costs.

• Australia Awards Scholarship:

The Australian Government offers the Australia Awards Scholarship, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This scholarship is a long-term award provided to emerging students from developing countries, including Pakistan. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, allowances towards accommodation and study materials, health coverage, and a contribution to living expenses. 

Scholarship Application Process: 

Every scholarship has its own unique application process, start date, academic requirements, and eligibility criteria. Typical application process require the following: 

• An application form. 
• Academic transcripts. 
• Evidence of English proficiency
• A personal statement 
• A letter of recommendation

Conclusion

In conclusion, Perth stands out as a top study destination in Australia, offering globally ranked best universities, high quality education, and a higher standard of living. Students benefit from diverse programs, strong career outcomes, and a welcoming environment. While costs may be significant, scholarships and part-time opportunities help manage expenses. Overall, Perth provides a balanced and rewarding academic experience for students from around the world.

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