xThe fourth largest city in Australia, Perth is known for its livability and isolation. Located on the western end of Australia, the city offers a high quality of life and is still one of the most cost-effective cities to live in Australia.
Perth is also famous for its mining and education industries. The city houses some of the top universities in Australia, like the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, and Edith Cowan University. Every year, thousands of students add to the ever-expanding population of the city to pursue their higher education, which helps boost the market of student accommodation Perth. Therefore, in this guide, we shall try to understand the reason behind Perth’s popularity.
Top Universities and Academic Opportunities
Perth is home to some of the top universities in Australia. These institutions are pioneers in educational research and training. Millions of students from all across the world apply to these prestigious institutions, but only a few thousand cut the mark. Let’s learn about them in detail:
- The University of Western Australia (UWA): UWA is one of the top universities in Australia and is also a part of the Group of Eight (G8), a group of 8 exclusive research-intensive universities, exactly like America’s Ivy League! UWA has constantly maintained the 77thspot in the top 100 universities in the world as per the QS World University Ranking 2025 and 2026.
- Curtin University: This is Perth’s largest university and is known for its strong foundation in engineering, mining studies, and business. Curtain university is famous for its sprawling campus which is one of the best in Australia!
- Edith Cowan University (ECU): ECU is another famous institution in Australia that is famous for its industry-relevant teaching in education, nursing, and the arts. The university is named in honour of Edith Cowan, the first woman to be elected to an Australian parliament.
- Murdoch University: MU is the most affordable yet renowned university in Australia that is recognisedfor its research strength, veterinary science, and flexible learning options.
- The University of Notre Dame Australia: This university is one of the top private universities located in Fremantle. It is a catholic university that is known for smaller class sizes and personalised teaching in Law and Health.
These universities are of great repute in the study abroad scene and therefore, attract a lot of students for higher education!
Affordable Cost of Living
Perth is also the capital of Western Australia, but even then, the rent for student accommodation in the city is much lower than that in Sydney or Melbourne. The reason for this affordability is the area and the surroundings of Perth. More than 85% of Australia’s total population lives on the eastern coast. Yes, you read that right! Just 15% towards the western side, where Perth is situated.
This means that there are fewer people and more space to live in. Therefore, Perth offers some of the most budget-friendly student lifestyle options in Australia. Although the cost of living highly depends on the lifestyle you lead, if you plan your budget accordingly, you can expect to spend a month in Perth for well under AUD 1000! The table below outlines the major expenses that students might incur while staying in the city:
| Expense Category | Amount (In AUD /Per Month) |
| Accommodation | 600-900 |
| Food | 200-400 |
| Transportation | 100-200 |
| Miscellaneous | 100-200 |
| Total | 1000– 1700 |
Note: These figures assume that you lead a good life with all important necessities, including some amount for leisure. Actual figures might vary based on your consumption.
Student Lifestyle and Environment
Every year, more than a hundred thousand students from 140 different countries come to Perth to pursue their higher education. This proves that Perth has a very youthful and charismatic vibe. More than 40% of the city’s population is youth, and hence, students find the city very attractive.
The city has a pristine coastline, with cool breezes sweeping the streets of Perth in the evening, and the overall climate is Mediterranean. There are clean beaches, large community parks, and outdoor activities which make the city more livable. In short, Perth boasts a safe and multicultural community for international students.
Tips for International Students Planning to Move to Perth
There are several mistakes that students make while moving into Perth. These mistakes not only cause financial losses but also mental and sometimes physical trauma. Therefore, students must keep the below mentioned tips in mind to avoid any sort of stress:
- Choose the right accommodation- Perth has a plethora of options for student accommodations, ranging from AUD 600 to AUD 3000 per month. Hence, students must make sure that they start looking out early to get the best options at the best prices. There are several student accommodation service providers, like University Living, that give early bird discounts to students who book their property early.
- Budget planning strategies- Perth is very affordable to live in. However, the city has a million things for you to spend your money on. If you come from a lot of money, the city will help you spend millions in just a day, but even if you come from a middle-class household, you can still live like a king in this gorgeous city.
- Preparing for Perth’s climate and lifestyle- The city has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot and dry summers with mild and wet winters. However, you’ll absolutely love the weather, especially in the Summer.
Conclusion
Perth is indeed one of the fun cities to live in Australia and has a lot to offer to international students. The city is ever-expanding and has immense potential for growth. Various industries are moving to Western Australia due to the abundance of rare-earth minerals. This means great future prospects and opportunities for students!
