Of course Western Australia is beautiful (offering some of the best nature experiences this country has to offer), but did you know its capital city of Perth is also one of the best places to study and work in Australia? Especially if you are hoping to pursue a future in the mining or agricultural sectors, enrolling in one of Perth’s world-renowned educational institutions can give your career a serious boost. Thanks to a rapidly evolving economy and vibrant culture, the city is fast becoming a favourite for local and international students alike. Here are some of the top reasons to choose Perth as your study destination.
Kickstart your career in an engineering and science hotspot
Western Australia is the epicentre of the nation’s mining industry, and many of Perth’s educational institutions have strong industry connections. Curtin University, for example, is ranked second in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering, while the University of Western Australia is placed within the top 50 for Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Marine Sciences, and Civil and Structural Engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. If you study in Perth, it’s likely your degree will be up-to-date, relevant and, most importantly, more likely to result in you landing your dream job.
Take advantage of high demand in the jobs market
Currently, there is high employment across health care and social assistance, construction, retail, and education, with all of these industries expected to grow over the next few years (meaning it’s a good time to train in these areas!). Plus, Perth is predicted to 
face a trade skills shortage in the next decade, which means job hunters have their pick of opportunities in several industries, including truck operation, drilling and welding.
Attend world-class universities with high graduate success rates
Graduates themselves have reported how studying in Perth has benefited their professional future. In the 2018 Graduate Outcomes Survey, Murdoch University was ranked the number one university in the country for overall undergraduate employment after three years, with 96.7% of Murdoch undergraduates securing employment after three years. Of the other Western Australian universities, Curtin University achieved 92.9%, Edith Cowan University achieved 89.9%, and the University of Western Australia achieved 89%.
Get involved in the thriving startup scene
As Perth (and the world) transitions away from a resource-led economy towards a more sustainable mix, the local startup scene has taken the lead on innovation in the mining sector and beyond. Both government and private sector investment in Perth has created a strong support network, led by local not-for-profit Startup WA, for entrepreneurs chasing the next big thing. By studying in Perth, you can open yourself up to either working for a startup, or launching one yourself.
Enjoy an affordable student lifestyle
Perth is ranked in the top 20 most liveable cities in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, taking into account healthcare, education, infrastructure and cost of living (and that’s not to mention the city’s 19 beaches!). Median rents in Perth are much lower than in bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, so you’ll have more time to dedicate to work and study that advances your professional development rather than just focussing on your pay cheque.
Build close connections to Asia
From Perth, it takes about the same amount of time to fly to Singapore as it does to Sydney, and many multinational companies in manufacturing, technology, finance and logistics have offices that span the region. Australia’s economic integration with Asia will only increase over the next decade, and Perth is uniquely situated to take advantage of this boom.
Network in of Australia’s most international cities
With a population of just under two million people speaking over 170 languages, Perth is one of Australia’s most diverse cities. In fact, Curtin University has Australia’s third largest international student population, as around one-third of students studying there come from a country outside Australia. The city’s infrastructure is tailored to maximise engagement with international students, meaning you’ll feel right at home if you choose to study in Perth.
Main image credit: Tourism WA
