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Universities in Western Australia

Universities in Western Australia Map

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia. It covers almost one-third of the country. The six universities are located in two city centres: Perth, the capital city of Western Australia and Fremantle, the port city, 30-40 mins driving distance way from Perth Central business district.
With a total population of 2.6 million and the STEM hub and engineering capital, Western Australia has over 100 education institutions that hold 55,000 international students study here.

Ranking of the Universities in Western Australia

There are a total 6 of universities located in Western Australia. Below is the table with their rankings.

Name of University QS 2022 University Ranking (Australia) QS 2022 University Ranking (Worldwide)
The University of Western Australia 7 93
Curtin University 11 194
Murdoch University 27 581-590
Edith Cowan University 30 651-700
Central Queensland University 28 601-650
University of Notre Dame 38 1201+

Location of the Universities

Name of University University Website Location
Curtin University https://international.curtin.edu.au/ Perth
Edith Cowan University https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/international Perth
Murdoch University https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/international-students Perth
University of Notre Dame https://www.notredame.edu.au/international/our-campuses Fremantle and Broome
The University of Western Australia https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/International-students Perth
Central Queensland University https://www.cqu.edu.au/ Perth

Why Study in Western Australia

Lower cost of living

Like most countries, the living cost in Australia also depends on the cities or regional areas. For example, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra are generally expensive than cities in Western Australia.

The rent of a small apartment studio in Perth can be around $1,000 a month, while a similar apartment can be rented for $1,600 or more per month in Sydney. The cost of transportation and dining out are also considerably cheaper.

Below is the example of cost of living in Perth, Western Australia.

Name Monthly Cost
Accommodation (Shared Rental) $820
Transportation (Public transport) $168
Food Expenses (30 times fast food / daily meal) $360
Groceries (Basic needs) $150
Mobile Plan $40

To customized your cost of living based on your personal lifestyle, click here

One additional year on post-study visa validity

In November 2019, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs had announced an additional post-study work arrangement. From 2021, international students studying at all locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will have a one or two years extension on the current two years Post-study workstream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

With this new post-study work arrangement, it will enable students who studied in the universities in the Western Australia region a minimum of one additional year of post-study visa duration than students who studied at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane regions.

Greater opportunities if you wish to settle in Australia

Study in the Western Australia region will be eligible for the designated regional areas for migration purposes If you want to settle down permanently in Australia.

When you graduated and wish to continue live and work in Australia, you can apply for visas such as:

  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
  • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

Completing your university studies in Western Australia will grant you 5 additional points for applying for all the skilled migration visas.

Relaxing lifestyle

University life is not only about study, you will also need to have fun. Western Australia has many places for you to chill out. The weather here is sunny and warm, and there are many coastal cities and beaches here for your relaxation.

Western Australia’s regional cities like Perth have a relaxing lifestyle compare with the crowded big cities. You can even go for a beach walk or surf, swim, and try other water sports in your free time between your classes.

With similar facilities like restaurants, bars, café, cinemas, shopping places, and healthcare facilities offered in big cities, you can find everything you need in cities in Western Australia. So in a way, you will have relaxed but exciting life here.


Western Australia offers a safe study environment for international students to gain a quality university education. If you are looking for a relaxing but exciting student lifestyle, lower living costs, and great post-study work opportunities after graduated, universities in Western Australia are the study destination for you.