Interested in heading to Australia’s sunniest capital city? Aside from enjoying the most sunshine each year out of all Australian cities, Perth has so much to offer international students. From world-class education providers to beautiful beaches, here are some of the best reasons to live and study in Perth.
Perth’s liveability is second to none
Natural wonders, thriving nightlife and over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year? It’s no surprise that Perth has been ranked as one of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world. It’s both refreshingly laid-back and excitingly vibrant. Not to mention, it’s super affordable! To find out exactly how much it costs to live in Perth, check out our breakdown of living expenses here.
While living in Perth, you’ll have 19 glittering beaches, lush green parklands and a clean cityscape to enjoy. Of course, these spaces are hard to immerse yourself in unless the weather allows. So, what is the temperature in Perth? In addition to heaps of sunshine, Perth’s climate is comfortably warm year-round, making it the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor experiences – consult our guide to get you started.
Keen for a day trip? You’ll be spoiled for choice
Wondering what to see in Perth and surrounding areas? While the Perth cityscape is beautiful, there are plenty of fun adventures to be had outside the city as well. Seek out quokkas (tiny Australian wallabies) on the idyllic Rottnest Island or explore spectacular limestone caves and historic lighthouses around Margaret River. Wander through the fascinating desert sculptures at the Pinnacles or go dolphin-spotting at Busselton. You can even indulge in some wine-sipping at the beautiful Swan Valley, which is famous for its gorgeous vineyards and delicious wine, cider and ginger beers.
Perth is an educational hub
Education is at the heart of Perth. The city has not one, but five world-class universities and a variety of TAFE and vocational institutions to choose from, all with flexible study pathways. In fact, with so many education providers scattered throughout, sometimes Perth can feel like a bustling ‘student city’. That means you’ll have lots of support from both the local and international students around you.
In Perth, you’ll be welcomed with open arms
Diverse and multicultural, Perth locals value the fresh perspective that international students bring to the city. In fact, roughly 35 per cent of Perth’s population was born overseas, with the majority coming from England, China, India, New Zealand and Malaysia. With communities from all around the world, you will find plenty of cultural activities and festivals happening during the year. In other words, you’ll have no trouble finding a little piece of your home in Perth.
Perth is home to booming employment opportunities
Western Australia’s current unemployment rate is the lowest in Australia, sitting at only 3.4 per cent. Whether you’re looking for a casual job or a full-time career, Perth’s small size means that there are fewer competitors vying for the same positions. This may mean you get more opportunities to undertake more dynamic, hands-on jobs, even while you’re studying. Not sure which industries are hiring? You can learn more about Perth’s most in-demand careers here. For extra job-hunting tips, check out our handy guide on launching your career in Perth, or check out how to get a job in hospitality, where we spoke to employers in Perth to get their top tips.
You’ll be supported throughout your studies
As an international student, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are heaps of support services available to you. Students in Perth can turn to StudyPerth, which provides international students with various support services such as career guidance, workshops, education resources, social and networking events.
Studying STEM? Perth is the place for you
Universities in Western Australia are recognised world leaders when it comes to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students pursuing a degree in Perth will have a diverse range of specialisations to choose from, such as conservation biology, cybersecurity, physics, marine and freshwater science, and mathematics. Perth universities are also well-known for their award-winning, state-of-the-art research facilities and specialist laboratories.
A thriving arts and culture scene
If you’re wondering what to do in Perth, you won’t be for long. Featuring a rich tapestry of arts and cultural attractions, you don’t need to look far to find incredible art studios, theatre, live music events and multicultural festivals. To give you an idea of how much Perth values its arts industry, there are over 255 events held annually. Look out for the fantastic Perth Festival each February, which features shows by both local and international artists. You can also check out the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the State Theatre Centre of WA.
Perth is a foodie’s dream destination
Do you consider yourself a foodie? If so, you’ll love Perth. The city’s laneways are home to trendy small bars, cafés, food trucks and restaurants boasting a wide range of cuisines from around the world. You will find cooking masterclasses, food and drink events, and workshops being held every day of the week. On Sundays, you can even pick up all of your fresh produce from the local farmer’s markets. Be sure to check out our guide to eating out in Perth for more fun ideas.
Living in Perth could be a stepping stone to permanent residency
You may already know that the Australian Government offers migration incentives to international students who live and study in regional areas. So, you might be wondering: is Perth regional? As a matter of fact, it is! That means that studying and living in Perth could bring you one step closer to permanently settling in Australia after you complete your studies and calling Perth your forever home.
