Settled pristinely on Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain, Perth is the capital of Western Australia and the fourth largest city on the continent. Also perennially ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities and home to a handful of the top universities in Australia, there are endless reasons why to study abroad in Perth. From the beaches of Sunset Coast to the numerous cultural and music festivals held annually in the city, get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Subjects & Courses
Perth is home to four public universities, one private university, and several other specialist and technical schools across the cityscape. The University of Western Australia places in the top 100 of most international rankings, and is widely regarded as one of the best research institutions in the Pacific region. Curtin University and Murdoch University also find their way into many global rankings, and can be equally rewarding destinations where to study abroad in Perth.
If you enroll at one of these major universities, then you will have the option of selecting from a full course catalogue while you study abroad in Perth (one of the major benefits of studying in an English-speaking country). While the range of subjects that you can pursue is thus wide open, some of the most common fields in which international students enroll in courses tend to include Australian studies, environmental studies, international business, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
Some study abroad programs in Perth will alternatively give you the opportunity to enroll in a smaller international school as opposed to a full university, where you can benefit from enrolling in courses specifically tailored for international students. While the course-load will be more limited, this can be a nice way to get an introductory education to the city that might otherwise be overlooked within larger universities.
Life in Perth
Perth possesses a fascinating history as a geographically isolated outpost in Western Australia. First established in 1829, the city saw huge growth later in the 19th century during the Australian gold rush, then another boom after World War II as refugees from all over the world fled to the continent. Though thousands of miles away from Australia’s more densely populated east, today Perth is home to roughly 2 million citizens, and is regarded as a global city because of its deep international integration.
In addition to the beautiful landscapes and adventure travel opportunities which surround it, there are also tons of enriching activities to take advantage of within the city while you study abroad in Perth. Home to many museums, galleries, theaters, concert venues, and the like, you will never run out of exciting new things to try during your stay.
Frequent annual events such as the Perth International Arts Festival and Perth International Comedy Festival will also liven up your study abroad experience in Western Australia’s capital. With balmy temperate weather year-round, an architecturally beautiful cityscape, and relaxed outlook on life, Perth has fully earned its consideration as one of the world’s most livable cities.
Scholarships & Costs
As you’ve likely heard, Australia is an expensive place to travel. Everyday costs of living will not be cheap while you study abroad in Perth, so try to minimize the hit on your wallet by planning a budget and taking advantage of all the city’s free entertainments. You should also check out our Scholarship Directory for more information about all the financial aid opportunities available for studying abroad in Perth.
Accommodation & Visas
International students who study abroad in Perth will generally have the options of living in student dormitories, individual apartments, or homestays, depending on the structure of their program. There are pros and cons to all of these housing situations in terms of the lifestyle they will enable you to lead, so think carefully about which feels like it will lead to the best type of experience in line with your expectations.
You will usually have to apply for a student visa in order to study abroad in Perth as well. Most often your host school or study abroad program will help endorse you during this process, but in the meantime you can check out our Australian Embassy Directory for more information about the country’s visa policy.
Benefits & Challenges
Distance. Located in a remote region of a small island continent, living in Perth will certainly feel like you are far away from home. This can be one of the most beneficial aspects of studying abroad, as you come to discover yourself in an entirely new and distinct context.
Adventure Travel. Australians have a very outgoing culture, and for good reason; from surfing and scuba diving to camping and trekking, the continent features some of the very best adventure travel opportunities in the world.
Work & Play. Perth is a great destination where to study abroad because of the city’s combination of high quality academics and opportunities to cut loose and have fun. Studying abroad isn’t all about the grades after all!
