Best Universities In Perth For 2026: Top 7 Study Destinations

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is a hub for the best universities in Perth, attracting students from across the globe. The city is home to several well-regarded universities that collectively cater to thousands of students each year. Perth also has the lowest unemployment rate among Australian states at 3.7%, and the city's labour force participation rate is at a record high of 67.1%, indicating strong engagement in the workforce. Perth holds the 34th rank in terms of QS city rankings, making it an ideal choice for students and especially for individuals seeking universities in Perth for international students. In this article, we will guide you through the top universities in Perth for international students, helping you decide which university to choose!

Why Study in Perth?

Perth stands out as an ideal destination for students seeking quality education in a vibrant, affordable Australian city. Its world-class universities, safe suburbs, and high liveability make it a smart choice over pricier hubs like Sydney or Melbourne.

1. Top Universities: Perth is home to some of the famous universities, like The University of Western Australia, which ranks among the global top 100, offering strong programs in engineering, medicine, and business. Curtin University and Murdoch University provide specialized courses near student-friendly suburbs like Crawley and Bentley, with modern campuses fostering research opportunities.

2. Affordable Living: Cost of living is an important factor when moving to settle in a city. Students living in Perth face average monthly costs of AU$2,000, including rent at AU$550 weekly in suburbs like Joondalup or Mount Lawley, which is 15% cheaper than Sydney. Groceries run AU$250 to 350, transport AU$100 to 200, and utilities AU$100 to 200, allowing flexibility for international students.

3. Safe Neighborhoods: Suburbs such as Swanbourne, Nedlands, and Applecross have very low crime rates under 20 per 1,000 residents, with measures like CCTV, neighborhood watches, and university shuttles ensuring security. Areas near universities like Crawley and Murdoch prioritize student safety through patrols and safety apps.

4. Lifestyle Benefits: Perth ranks high on global liveability indexes, with pristine beaches in City Beach and Scarborough, and reliable public transport connecting suburbs like Fremantle and Subiaco. The vibrant nightlife in Northbridge and Leederville balances study with cultural events, sports, and outdoor activities.

5. Job Prospects: Perth offers post-study work visas paired with the booming sectors in mining, health, and tech, where graduates from UWA or Curtin secure high employability. Suburbs like South Perth and Victoria Park offer part-time jobs in retail and hospitality, easing financial pressures.

Top 7 Universities in Perth

Perth offers a vibrant educational topography with various options beyond its traditional universities. Known for its dynamic blend of technical colleges, vocational education providers, and specialty training institutions. Perth is also an ideal choice for thebest short courses in Australia. Perth caters to a wide range of academic and professional aspirations. Below is the breakdown of the top universities in Perth Australia. Amber offers the best options for student housing in Perth.

Note: The Australian government has significantly increased the financial requirements for international students in 2026. Students must now show evidence of at least AU$29,710 per year for living costs alone, not including tuition. 

1. Curtin University

Rankings: QS World University Ranking - 183
Times Higher Education World University Ranking - 251.
Fees:
1. Undergraduate (Graduate): AUD 35,000 - AUD 42,000 per year
2. Postgraduate Fees: AUD 36,000 - AUD 42,000 per year
Acceptance rate: 50%
Notable Alumni: Carrie Bickmore, Tim Winton, Frances O'Connor, Judy Davis
Top Courses: Engineering, Education and Educational Research, Petroleum Engineering, Earth and Marine Sciences, Geophysics, Geology

Curtin University is an Australian public research university established in 1966 as the Western Australian Institute of Technology, which becameCurtin University in 1987, located at Kent St, Bentley, WA 6102. It is named after John Curtin, the former Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to 1945. It has a population of 36,064 students, out of which 39.7% are international students from across the world. One fascinating fact is that Curtin was the first university in Western Australia to adopt a technology park concept, combining academia and industry for cooperative innovation, making it one of the top universities in Perth for international students. Another fact that puts Curtin on the list of the best universities in Perth is that 86.3% of Curtin graduates are employed full-time within six months of completing their course. The Perth universities' ranking always shows Curtin at the top. 

2. Edith Cowan University

Rankings: The QS ranking - 487
Times Higher Education (THE) World University- 351-400
Fees:
1. Undergraduate (Graduate): AUD 28,000 - AUD 35,000 per year
2. Postgraduate Fees: AUD 29,000 - AUD 37,000 per year
Acceptance rate: 65%
Notable Alumni: Jessica Watson, Brett Lee, Andrew Forrest, Lisa Scaffidi
Top Courses: Medical & Health Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Business & Law, Arts & Humanities

Edith Cowan University (ECU) was established in the year 1991 and is considered one of the best Universities in Perth. It has a student strength of 23,887 students, out of which 17.8% are International students, making it a top choice in universities in Perth for the international students list.Edith Cowan University is located in Mount Lawley, Perth, Western Australia. ECU offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in areas such as education, health, business, engineering, arts, and more. 93% of ECU graduates find full-time employment within three years of completing their degree, with an average graduate salary of AUD 86,900, which is the highest among the best universities in Perth for international students. ECU also makes it to the student satisfaction in the Australian Federal Government rankings (QILT) list, particularly for teaching quality and support, as 81.8% of Edith Cowan University ECU students were satisfied with the overall quality of their educational experience. It is one of the best universities in Perth for higher education. 

3. Murdoch University

Rankings: The QS World University - 423, Times Higher Education (THE) World- 401-500
Fees:
1. Undergraduate (Graduate): AUD 30,000 - AUD 38,000 per year
2. Postgraduate Fees: AUD 31,000 - AUD 39,000 per year
Acceptance rate: 70%
Notable Alumni: John Butler, Penny Dimond, Professor Lyn Beazley, Simon Baker, Rove McManus
Top Courses: Veterinary Science, Criminology, Nursing, IT, Sustainable Agriculture, Media

Murdoch University was founded in the year 1973. Murdoch University ranks within the top 10 in Australia for teaching quality in some disciplines, especially in the fields of law and social work. Murdoch is one of the top universities in Perth for international students, serving over 12,655 students and maintaining a strong global connection through its various programs and international partnerships. Out of 12,655 students, it has an international student population of 17.5%, which makes this institution one of the best universities in Perth for international students. Its track record for employability is also very strong, with 85% of graduates getting employment within four months of completing their studies, making it an ideal choice for students seeking universities in Perth for international students.

4. University of Notre Dame

Rankings: QS World University - 294, U.S. News & World Report- 401-500
Fees:
1. Undergraduate (Graduate): AUD 32,000 - AUD 40,000 per year
2. Postgraduate Fees: AUD 33,000 - AUD 42,000 per year
Acceptance rate: 55%
Notable Alumni: Dr Peter Wark, Tim Cahill, John Howard, Cate Blanchett
Top Courses: Medicine, Law, Education, Physiotherapy, Commerce, Arts.

The University of Notre Dame was founded in the year 1989 and is located in Fremantle, Broome, Western Australia. It has a student population of approximately 3,000 students, of which about 25-30% are international students, with the majority coming from countries like China, India, and various parts of Southeast Asia. When it comes to its employment ratio, it is notable as well, as 94.1% of graduates secure full-time employment shortly after graduation. Notre Dame University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well. The university is ranked 2nd in Western Australia, making it one of the best universities in Perth for international students. The average graduate salary that one can expect is AUD 60,000 to 65,000 per year, depending on the field of study. Courses such as Nursing, Health Sciences, and Education tend to have higher starting salaries.

5. The University of Western Australia, Perth

Rankings: QS World University Ranking - 77,  the U.S. News & World Report- 142
Fees:
1. Undergraduate (Graduate): AUD 40,000 - AUD 48,000 per year
2. Postgraduate Fees: AUD 41,000 - AUD 50,000 per year
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Notable Alumni: Maggie Beer, Lance Corporal Andrew Jones, Colin Barnett, Professor Peter Doherty
Top Courses: Science & Environmental Studies, Engineering & Technology, Business & Law, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

TheUniversity of Western Australia, Perth, was founded in the year 1911. It is located in Crawley and is one of the best public universities in Perth. It has a student population of approximately 26,352 students, out of which 20% are international students (5,207 international students). It consistently ranks in the top 10 universities in Australia, making it one of the best universities in Perth Australia. Its employment rate is impressive as well, as 67% of the undergraduate students secure a full-time job within a span of 4 months, and 82.3% of the postgraduate students ensure a full-time job very shortly after completing their course. Undergraduate degree holders can expect an average salary of AUD 71,000 per year.

6. Polytechnic West

Rankings: TAFE excellence in Australia, top 5 vocational
Fees: Undergraduate (Graduate): AUD 12,000 - AUD 18,000 per year
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Top Courses: Vocational Engineering, IT, Business, Health Services, Construction, Hospitality.

Polytechnic West, now part of South Metropolitan TAFE following a partnership with Challenger Institute of Technology, is a leading vocational education and training provider in Perth, Western Australia. Although it has not made the university list, it is one of the best universities in Perth for international students. The institution operates across several locations in the southern suburbs of Perth, including major campuses in Bentley, Carlisle, and Fremantle. It also offers student support services ranging from career counselling and job placement assistance to personal counselling and academic support. Ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed both during their studies and after graduation.

7. ECC College

Rankings: ECC is ranked #2 in the QILT survey and is the leading pathway provider in Perth
Fees:
Undergraduate: AUD 350 - AUD 450 per week
Postgraduate Fees: AUD 380 - AUD 500 per week.
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment with assessment.
Top Courses: English Language, IELTS Preparation, Pathway to University, and Academic English.

Edith Cowan College was established in 1994. It was first founded as the Perth Institute of Business and Technology. A significant change occurred in 2016 when Navitas and Edith Cowan University formed a joint venture, leading to the transformation of the Perth Institute of Business and Technology into what is now known as Edith Cowan College. ECC has more than 5% of the students from international backgrounds, which is also reflected in its multicultural student body. ECC holds no barrier to the age of talented individuals, as it accepts students under the age of 18 as well. This stands as one of the best universities in Perth Western Australia, for international students. 

Student Accommodation in Perth

Amber offers a range of student accommodation in Perth Australia, options designed to cater to various needs and budgets. The available properties near the best universities in Perth Australia, provide a variety of room types, including ensuite rooms, shared apartments, and studio rooms, ensuring flexibility for both solo and group living preferences. Accommodations come fully furnished with comfortable beds, study desks, and ample storage. The amenities provided include high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, social lounges, and 24/7 security. With the convenience of nearby public transport services, grocery stores, and universities, ensuring a safe and convenient living experience. Here is a list of a few top properties in Perth that you can explore:

1. Campus Perth from AU$315 per week
2. Murdoch University Village from AU$257 per week
‍3. Yugo Perth City from AU$469 per week

Perth is home to a range of world-class and best universities in Perth for international students, each offering unique opportunities for students. From Curtin University’s focus on engineering and business to UWA’s prestigious research programs, there is a university to suit every academic interest and career goal. Whether you are looking to study in a happening city with a booming economy or seeking an internationally recognized qualification, the best university in Perth Australia, provides excellent pathways to success.

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