2027 Guide · International Students
Study in Perth,Western Australia.
Picture waking up to coastline and heading to class in a city that still lets you breathe.
Globally ranked universities, a strong resources and engineering economy, a coastal lifestyle — and, unlike Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, a Category 2 regional classification. This guide helps students from Nepal compare universities, courses, rent, jobs, transport, intakes and post-study options before choosing Perth.
Perth Study — Quick Facts
- Global student city
- Top 40Perth sits within the global top 40 in QS Best Student Cities 2027.
- QS-ranked universities
- 4 rankedUWA (77), Curtin University (189), Murdoch University (422) and Edith Cowan University (545) in QS World University Rankings 2027.
- Global liveability
- #13Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026 — one of 173 cities ranked worldwide.
- Regional city
- Category 2Eligible graduates may qualify for one additional year on a second Temporary Graduate visa if all requirements are met.
Source: QS Best Student Cities 2027; QS World University Rankings 2027; EIU Global Liveability Index 2026; Government of Western Australia; Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Why students choose it
Why international students choose Perth
Globally ranked universities with strong specialist areas
Whichever discipline calls to you, Perth's four universities have built something for it.
The University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin, Murdoch and Edith Cowan University (ECU) offer broad choice across business, engineering, resources, IT, cyber security, health, education, science, creative industries and research.
A genuine regional-study advantage in a major city
The scale of a real capital city, with a regional advantage in your back pocket.
Perth is a Category 2 designated regional area, so eligible graduates who meet the second Temporary Graduate visa rules may qualify for one additional year — unusual for a large capital city.
Direct exposure to WA's resources and engineering economy
Connect your studies to something tangible being built, mined and engineered.
Western Australia recorded more than 136,000 on-site full-time equivalent mining jobs in 2025, alongside major petroleum, construction, engineering, professional services and supply-chain activity.
A growing international education destination
Perth is investing in students like you, and the numbers show it.
International education is WA's largest service export — a record A$3.7 billion contribution in 2024 and more than 84,000 international enrolments between January and September 2025, across universities, TAFE, other higher-education and English-language providers.
A growing Nepali student and community presence
You are joining a community that is growing right alongside you.
Nepal was WA's sixth-largest international education source market in 2024 with 4,417 enrolments, and the 2021 Census recorded 4,212 Nepal-born residents in Greater Perth. NAWA and Perth Nepali Mandir provide cultural and social connections for newcomers.
Student concessions and a more compact city scale
A less congested city that still has beaches, services and jobs.
Transperth runs an integrated bus, train and ferry network, and eligible university and TAFE students can use a Tertiary SmartRider for concession fares.
Source: Government of Western Australia; Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration; ABS; NAWA; Transperth.
Regional study advantage
A major city with a regional classification
Perth is officially a Category 2 “City and Major Regional Centre” for Australian migration purposes — a post-study option not available simply from studying in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Western Australia adds a second tier: many smaller regional centres are Category 3.
Potential second 485 benefit
Who may qualify for the second Post-Higher Education Work stream
- 1Obtained the qualification used for your first Temporary Graduate visa from a degree-level CRICOS provider campus in a designated regional area.
- 2Lived only in a designated regional area for at least two years immediately before applying.
- 3Meet every other requirement of the second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Category 2 · Perth
Perth — a “City and Major Regional Centre”
+1 year
Generally, on a second 485 for eligible graduates.
Category 3
Many regional WA centres, such as Bunbury and Kalgoorlie
+2 years
Generally, for eligible graduates who study and live there.
5 regional-study points
Applicants who satisfy all regional-study points-test criteria may be eligible for 5 points for study in a designated regional area.
Designated Area Migration Agreements
Some regional WA areas are covered by DAMAs, but these depend on an eligible occupation, employer, endorsement and current agreement settings — not an automatic benefit of studying there.
The regional benefit is conditional
Studying in Perth does not automatically guarantee a second 485 visa, skilled migration, state nomination or permanent residency. Choose a course primarily for academic fit, accreditation, career goals and affordability, then consider migration settings as a secondary factor.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs — Regional migration; Designated regional areas and postcodes; Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Where you can study
Top education providers in Perth & Western Australia
Four QS-ranked public universities, a private not-for-profit university and the state's international TAFE provider.
- QS77
The University of Western Australia (UWA)
QS World University Rankings 2027
Crawley, Perth; regional Albany presence
Group of Eight research university with strengths across business, engineering, science, health, data, research and resources-related fields.
- QS189
Curtin University
QS World University Rankings 2027
Bentley; Perth CBD and Midland locations; regional Kalgoorlie
Strong industry links and recognised strengths in mining and resources, engineering, business, IT, health, architecture and construction.
- QS422
Murdoch University
QS World University Rankings 2027
Murdoch, Perth; Mandurah and Rockingham
Broad programs including veterinary and animal science, health, business, IT, education, environment and social sciences.
- QS545
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
QS World University Rankings 2027
ECU City in Perth CBD, Joondalup and regional South West (Bunbury)
ECU City opened in 2026 and hosts business and law, arts and humanities, WAAPA and selected technology and cyber programs; Joondalup remains a major teaching campus.
- QS1201–1400
The University of Notre Dame Australia
QS World University Rankings 2027 · Private not-for-profit
Fremantle, within metropolitan Perth
Higher-education programs in health, nursing, education, business, law and arts. Check exact international course availability.
TAFE International Western Australia
Government VET provider — QS ranking not applicable
Multiple metropolitan Perth campuses plus regional WA locations
Certificates, diplomas and practical vocational programs across business, IT, engineering, trades, hospitality, community services and health. International availability varies by campus.
Source: QS World University Rankings 2027.
What to study
Popular courses to study in Perth
A distinctive course mix: a large resources economy alongside growing health, construction, technology, education and service sectors.
Important: a popular course, skills priority and migration pathway are not the same thing. Separately check professional accreditation, occupation requirements, graduate demand and current migration rules.
- Engineering — Mining, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum, Chemical
- Mining, Resources, Geology, Earth and Environmental Science
- Business, Accounting, Finance, Commerce and Management
- IT, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science and AI
- Health — Nursing, Public Health, Allied Health, Health Management
- Construction, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Built Environment
- Education and Early Childhood Education
- Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
- Agriculture, Food Science and Animal/Veterinary-related study
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Clean Energy
Where it leads
Major employment sectors in Western Australia
An economy unusually strong in resources and engineering, with large health, construction, professional-services and service-sector workforces. Employment is never guaranteed and demand varies by occupation, qualification, experience and location.
Mining, resources and energy
Mining engineering, geology, petroleum, environmental roles, operations, maintenance, data, finance and project functions. 136,000+ on-site mining FTEs in 2025.
Health care, social assistance and care economy
Nursing, allied health, public health, aged care, disability, community services and health administration — care is a WA workforce priority.
Professional, scientific and technical services
Engineering consulting, science, analytics, legal and professional services, architecture, research and environmental consulting.
Construction and infrastructure
Civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, building, electrical and trade roles — a WA priority industry.
Technology, digital and cyber
Software, cyber security, data, cloud, IT support, systems and automation across mining, government, health and finance.
Clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence
Renewable energy, hydrogen and energy transition, manufacturing technology, automation and defence supply chains — current WA priorities.
Education and training
Schools, early childhood, tertiary and vocational education, administration and student support.
Retail, hospitality and tourism
Common casual and part-time work, plus tourism, events, food services and accommodation — a WA workforce priority.
Transport, logistics and supply chain
Freight, ports, warehousing, procurement and operations roles connected to resources, construction and trade.
Source: Government of Western Australia — WA Workforce Strategy; Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration economic indicators; Jobs and Skills WA.
Budgeting for Perth
Student accommodation and rental costs
For budget-conscious students, shared accommodation is usually more realistic than renting a whole apartment. Live listings reviewed on 9 September 2026 show a wide range by suburb, room type, campus access and whether bills are included.
Lower-cost room / outer or shared
A$130–260
per week · outer suburbs
Lower-priced rooms appear across outer southern and northern suburbs. Availability changes quickly; some listings include bills.
- Planning range
Private room in a share house
A$250–330
per week · common student areas
A practical planning range across Bentley, Murdoch, Victoria Park and Joondalup.
Inner-city or high-demand campuses
A$300–450+
per week · CBD, UWA/Nedlands, purpose-built
Rooms near the CBD, UWA/Nedlands or newer purpose-built accommodation cost more. Compare total cost, bills and travel time.
Budget tip: ask whether electricity, gas, water and internet are included. A slightly cheaper room can become less attractive if utilities or commuting costs are high.
Source: Flatmates.com.au live Perth listings reviewed 9 September 2026.
Getting around
Getting around Perth
Transperth operates Perth's train, bus and ferry network. Eligible university and TAFE students can access concession fares with a Tertiary SmartRider.
Confirm SmartRider eligibility. Check Tertiary SmartRider eligibility with your institution and Transperth before budgeting for concession fares.
Campuses are spread out. UWA is in Crawley, Curtin mainly in Bentley, Murdoch south of the CBD, and ECU at both ECU City and Joondalup — commute times differ significantly.
Concession fares
Effective from 1 January 2026
- Go Anywhere fare, cash
- A$1.60
- Go Anywhere, best SmartRider discount
- A$1.28
- Concession DayRider
- A$3.20
Source: Transperth fares and Tertiary SmartRider.
Earning while you learn
Working while studying in Perth
A genuine capital-city job market — closer in size to Melbourne or Brisbane than to Hobart — with hospitality, retail, customer service, administration, warehousing and support roles, plus internships, vacation programs and graduate roles later in your course.
48 hrs
per fortnight while your course is in session
Applies to most Student visa (subclass 500) holders. Master's by research and doctoral students can have different rules — always check your own conditions in VEVO.
Unlimited
hours during scheduled course breaks
Breaks line up with seasonal work such as grape picking in Margaret River (February–April) and the Swan Valley.
Budget first
don't plan around part-time pay
Part-time work should not be treated as guaranteed income or the primary way to fund tuition and living costs.
Common part-time & casual jobs
Example employers only — vacancies and requirements change over time.
| Job area | Common roles | Example employers |
|---|---|---|
| Café & barista | Barista, café all-rounder, counter staff | Independent cafés across Perth CBD, Fremantle and Northbridge |
| Restaurant & hospitality | Waiter, kitchen hand, food & beverage attendant | Restaurants around Northbridge, Fremantle and Elizabeth Quay |
| Fast food & takeaway | Crew member, counter staff | McDonald's; Domino's; KFC; Guzman y Gomez |
| Retail | Retail assistant, cashier, store team member | Bunnings and Kmart (Perth-headquartered Wesfarmers); Target; JB Hi-Fi |
| Supermarket & grocery | Shelf filler, checkout operator | Coles; Woolworths; IGA |
| Casino, hospitality & events | Food & beverage attendant, bar attendant, bell services | Crown Perth (Burswood) and other venues — vacancies vary |
| Cleaning & housekeeping | Commercial cleaner, room attendant | Hotels across Perth CBD and Burswood |
| Aged care & disability (NDIS) | Support worker, personal care assistant | NDIS-registered providers and residential aged care homes |
| Childcare & early education | Assistant educator, room aide | Long day-care centres across Perth suburbs |
| Tourism & visitor services | Visitor guide, ferry or tour crew | Rottnest Island operators; Swan Valley wineries; Fremantle tour companies |
| Seasonal harvest (course breaks only) | Grape picker, vineyard hand | Margaret River (February–April) and Swan Valley vineyards |
| Warehouse & delivery | Picker/packer, delivery driver | Australia Post; Toll Group; Uber Eats; Domino's delivery |
Café & barista
- Common roles
- Barista, café all-rounder, counter staff
- Example employers
- Independent cafés across Perth CBD, Fremantle and Northbridge
Restaurant & hospitality
- Common roles
- Waiter, kitchen hand, food & beverage attendant
- Example employers
- Restaurants around Northbridge, Fremantle and Elizabeth Quay
Fast food & takeaway
- Common roles
- Crew member, counter staff
- Example employers
- McDonald's; Domino's; KFC; Guzman y Gomez
Retail
- Common roles
- Retail assistant, cashier, store team member
- Example employers
- Bunnings and Kmart (Perth-headquartered Wesfarmers); Target; JB Hi-Fi
Supermarket & grocery
- Common roles
- Shelf filler, checkout operator
- Example employers
- Coles; Woolworths; IGA
Casino, hospitality & events
- Common roles
- Food & beverage attendant, bar attendant, bell services
- Example employers
- Crown Perth (Burswood) and other venues — vacancies vary
Cleaning & housekeeping
- Common roles
- Commercial cleaner, room attendant
- Example employers
- Hotels across Perth CBD and Burswood
Aged care & disability (NDIS)
- Common roles
- Support worker, personal care assistant
- Example employers
- NDIS-registered providers and residential aged care homes
Childcare & early education
- Common roles
- Assistant educator, room aide
- Example employers
- Long day-care centres across Perth suburbs
Tourism & visitor services
- Common roles
- Visitor guide, ferry or tour crew
- Example employers
- Rottnest Island operators; Swan Valley wineries; Fremantle tour companies
Seasonal harvest (course breaks only)
- Common roles
- Grape picker, vineyard hand
- Example employers
- Margaret River (February–April) and Swan Valley vineyards
Warehouse & delivery
- Common roles
- Picker/packer, delivery driver
- Example employers
- Australia Post; Toll Group; Uber Eats; Domino's delivery
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500); Study Australia.
Timing your application
Perth intakes in 2027 and when to apply from Nepal
There is no single deadline for every Perth institution. University semesters and TAFE or provider calendars differ, and some courses close earlier. Check the exact course before applying.
- 1
Main intake
February – March
A major intake across many universities.
- 2
Mid-year intake
June – July
Mid-year timing differs by provider — some courses commence in June and others in July.
- 3
Later terms
October – November
Some providers offer later terms, trimesters or course-specific sessions, more common in selected business and IT programs. Availability varies by provider and course.
Planning from Nepal: start 4–5 months ahead
For a February or July university intake, starting course research, document preparation, finances and application planning around 4–5 months before commencement is a practical buffer. Competitive courses, scholarships and visa preparation may need earlier action.
This is Genix planning guidance, not an official provider or visa deadline.
After you graduate
Post-study work after studying in Perth
The first Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) stay period depends on the qualification you apply with.
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master's by coursework or extended master's
2 years
Master's by research
3 years
Doctoral degree (PhD)
3 years
Eligible graduates may add one more year by studying and living in Perth (Category 2), or up to two more years in Category 3 regional WA cities such as Bunbury and Kalgoorlie.
* Subject to current Temporary Graduate visa rules and individual eligibility, including age, qualification, English, Australian-study and visa-history requirements.
Perth at a glance
Who is Perth best suited for?
- Education provider choice
- StrongUWA, Curtin, Murdoch and ECU provide broad university options, complemented by Notre Dame Australia and TAFE International WA.
- Job market
- Distinctive strengths in mining and resources, engineering, construction, health, technology, professional services, logistics and tourism.
- Student accommodation
- Shared rooms commonly appear around A$200–330 per week, with higher prices near premium locations and newer accommodation.
- Regional benefit
- Strong advantagePerth is Category 2, with a potential one-year second 485 regional benefit for eligible graduates.
- Transport
- Integrated bus, train and ferry network; concession fares for eligible tertiary students with a Tertiary SmartRider.
- Career diversity
- Particularly attractive for resources, engineering and energy, with further opportunities in health, construction, IT, education and services.
- Lifestyle
- Coastal, spacious and less congested, with beaches, outdoor recreation and a growing city centre.
Best suited for
Students seeking a major-city university experience with a regional classification, especially in engineering, resources, health, IT or construction.
Main trade-offs
- A smaller corporate headquarters market than Sydney or Melbourne.
- Geographically distant from Australia's east coast.
- Rental competition can still be strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coastline may be unfamiliar, but the community won't be. Perth has an established and growing Nepali community. The Nepali Association of Western Australia (NAWA), established in 2005, organises cultural, social and educational activities and is a community contact point for residents, new migrants and students.
Yes. Pashupatinath Bouddhanath of Western Australia operates Perth Nepali Mandir, supporting Nepali faith, culture, pujas and community events, and Perth has other Hindu temples and places of worship. Connecting with NAWA, Perth Nepali Mandir and university cultural groups is a practical way to hear about Dashain, Tihar and other celebrations.
Perth can be competitive for student accommodation, but it is not automatically cheaper than Melbourne and rental pressure can change quickly. Listings reviewed in September 2026 showed many private rooms around A$250–330 per week in common student areas, with lower and higher options. Eligible tertiary students can also cut transport costs with Transperth concession fares.
Start with Flatmates.com.au, realestate.com.au, Domain and your university's accommodation or housing-advice service. Nepali student and community groups can help with settling-in information, but verify any rental arrangement independently. Compare your exact campus before choosing a suburb — Perth universities are spread across Crawley, Bentley, Murdoch, Joondalup and the CBD.
- Inspect the room in person, or use a detailed live video inspection if you are overseas.
- Confirm rent, bond, bills, move-in date and lease terms in writing.
- Verify the landlord, agent or accommodation provider before sending money.
- If possible, use short-term accommodation first and inspect long-term options after arrival.
Potentially, yes. Perth is Category 2. An eligible graduate may qualify for one additional year on a second Temporary Graduate visa, but the benefit depends on the exact campus, qualification, residence history and visa eligibility. Category 3 areas elsewhere in WA may provide up to two additional years for eligible graduates.
Choose your course and campus mainly for academic fit, accreditation, career goals and budget. If migration is important to your decision, obtain individual advice from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.
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