Perth is Australia's best-kept secret for international students. The sunniest major city in Australia — and one of the most isolated in the world — Perth offers something the other capitals cannot quite match: world-class beaches, year-round sunshine, a strong and growing economy, and significantly lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne. For students who want a genuine, relaxed Australian experience — with real career opportunities — Perth is hard to beat.
📍 Why Study in Perth?
Perth is Western Australia's capital and one of Australia's most underrated study destinations. With the lowest living costs of any major Australian city, a booming economy, and over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Perth offers students an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of the cost of Sydney or Melbourne.
- Most affordable of Australia's major study cities — lower rent and lower course fees than Sydney or Melbourne
- Australia's sunniest city — over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year
- Strong economy driven by mining, construction, and healthcare — excellent student job market
- Less competition for jobs than in Sydney or Melbourne
- Curtin University and University of Western Australia — both highly regarded globally
- Stunning natural environment — Cottesloe Beach, Kings Park, Rottnest Island
- Relaxed, friendly community that genuinely welcomes international students
🎓 Courses Available in Perth
All courses below are CRICOS-registered and eligible for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). Study Destination will help you choose and enrol at no cost.
General English, IELTS prep, Cambridge, Academic English. From 4 weeks. Any entry level. Work up to 48hr/fortnight while studying.
Construction, Mining Support, Hospitality, Business, Healthcare, Childcare. Certificate III to Advanced Diploma. 52–104 weeks.
Bachelor's and Master's at Curtin University and University of Western Australia. 2–4 years. Partner work rights available.
💰 Cost of Studying in Perth
Perth is the most affordable of Australia's major cities for international students — with noticeably lower rent and course fees than Sydney or Melbourne.
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared accommodation (~$180–$270/week) | $800 – $1,200 |
| Food and groceries | $350 – $500 |
| Public transport (SmartRider) | $80 – $120 |
| Phone plan | $30 – $50 |
| Entertainment & going out | $150 – $300 |
| Total estimate | $1,300 – $1,900/month |
🏠 Accommodation in Perth
Perth has a relaxed rental market compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Accommodation is more affordable and easier to find, with excellent options close to universities and the city centre.
Most affordable option. Popular suburbs: Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Subiaco, Fremantle, Scarborough.
Includes meals. Great support for new arrivals. Organised through your school or a homestay agency.
All-inclusive options available near Curtin University, University of Western Australia, and the CBD.
Good for your first few days. Northbridge and the CBD have the most options.
💼 Working in Perth as a Student
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions — unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
- Minimum wage: $26.44/hour (2026 rate)
- Strong job demand in construction, mining support, hospitality, and healthcare
- Higher casual wages and lower job competition than Sydney or Melbourne
- Australia's minimum wage is reviewed each year — always check the current rate at fairwork.gov.au
🌤️ Perth Climate
Perth has a Mediterranean climate — the best of any Australian capital city for sunshine lovers. Summers (November–March) are warm and dry at 28–35°C with long sunny evenings. Winters (June–August) are mild and pleasant at 8–20°C. Perth receives over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year — more than any other Australian capital — making outdoor life a daily reality, not just a weekend activity.
🎓 Student Life in Perth
Perth's isolation is one of its greatest charms for students — the city has everything you need, with nature just minutes away. Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches are iconic student hangouts on summer evenings. Fremantle — 30 minutes south by train — is a historic port city with world-class markets, craft beer bars, and live music every weekend. Rottnest Island, famous for its quokkas, is a ferry ride from Fremantle and one of Australia's most memorable day trips. Perth moves at its own pace, and most students who come here end up extending their stay.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth a good city to study in as an international student?
Yes — Perth is one of Australia's most underrated study destinations. It offers high-quality education, lower costs than Sydney or Melbourne, a strong job market especially in mining, construction, and hospitality, stunning beaches, and a genuinely relaxed lifestyle. It is particularly popular with students who want to save money while having an authentic Australian experience.
How much does it cost to live in Perth as a student?
Perth is the most affordable major city in Australia for students. Living costs average $1,300–$1,900 per month including rent, food, and transport. Shared rooms typically cost $180–$270 per week — significantly cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne.
What courses are available in Perth for international students?
Perth offers English (ELICOS) courses, VET qualifications in Construction, Mining Support, Hospitality, Business, and Healthcare, and full degrees at Curtin University and the University of Western Australia. All are eligible for a Student Visa. Study Destination can help you choose and enrol for free.
Is it easy to find work in Perth as a student?
Yes — Perth has less job competition than Sydney or Melbourne, and its mining and construction economy drives consistently strong demand for casual workers. The minimum wage is $26.44/hour (2026 rate). Students with skills in hospitality, construction, and healthcare find it particularly easy to find work.
Is Perth far from other Australian cities?
Perth is on Australia's west coast, about 4–5 hours by flight from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. Within Western Australia however there is plenty to explore — Rottnest Island, the Margaret River wine region, and the stunning South West coast are all within easy reach for a weekend trip.
How do I apply for a student visa to study in Perth?
Enrol in a CRICOS-registered Perth course, then apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Study Destination handles the entire process for free — course recommendation, enrolment, and full visa lodgment. Contact us online or visit our Melbourne or Brisbane offices.
