City buildings near body of water during daytime

Australia City guide

Study in Perth

Perth is often the first name people search when looking at Australia. The free CAT Bus covers the city centre; UWA and Curtin share the Fremantle rail corridor heading south. Geographic isolation limits budget flight options to the east coast, but the natural resources economy generates strong demand for technical and scientific graduates.

Local vibe

The free CAT Bus covers the city centre; UWA and Curtin share the Fremantle rail corridor heading south.

Budget

Mid-range costs

Visa and paperwork

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Work while studying

Up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying

Direct admission

You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.

Applicants from Latin America usually split the budget across housing, insurance and transit before tuition in Perth. Residence halls sell out; homestay and shared flats are the common fallback across Australia.

ApplySite lists each verified institution: you compare entry rules, shortlist options and send the application to admissions. You do not pay ApplySite — tuition and official fees go to the institution directly, with no hidden platform charges.

The free CAT Bus covers the city centre; UWA and Curtin share the Fremantle rail corridor heading south. Geographic isolation limits budget flight options to the east coast, but the natural resources economy generates strong demand for technical and scientific graduates. Before committing to a neighbourhood, map peak-hour commute time to campus; in large cities that single calculation can reshuffle the entire housing shortlist.

In Perth there is a real distinction between living near campus and living in a central zone with good transit. The first cuts your daily commute; the second, in large cities, opens more part-time job and social options. Map the transit lines against the campus address before signing anything.

Comparing cities within Australia before deciding is an advantage few guides make easy. Real cost is not just tuition: living in a high-tier city can easily outweigh any savings on a similar programme in another city in the same country. Perth is one of the Australia options listed on ApplySite — check the other cities in the country section to contrast living costs and academic supply.

Applying through ApplySite costs the student nothing: browse verified institutions, compare requirements, costs and start dates, and when you decide, your profile reaches admissions without intermediaries. The institution bills you directly at their official rates — no platform commission or hidden charges.

City guide

Why students choose Perth

  • The free CAT Bus covers the city centre; UWA and Curtin share the Fremantle rail corridor heading south. Geographic isolation limits budget flight options to the east coast, but the natural resources economy generates strong demand for technical and scientific graduates.
  • Mixed academic routes: languages, diplomas and degrees in Perth
  • Side-by-side comparison with other Australia cities on ApplySite
  • Program catalog in Perth expanding at launch

Education

Types of institutions

Universities and higher education

Institutions with their own admissions in Perth; check language of instruction and intake dates.

Colleges and vocational training

Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.

Language schools

Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.

Programs

What you can study in Perth

Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.

Languages

Catalog expanding at launch

Languages in Perth

Language schools and intensive courses in Perth to level up before college or university in Australia.

See programs →
Undergrad

Catalog expanding at launch

Undergraduate study in Perth

Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Perth institutions focused on local employability.

See programs →
Postgraduate

Catalog expanding at launch

Postgraduate programs in Perth

MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Perth's ecosystem.

See programs →

Student life

Markets, grocery chains and campus canteens drive weekly spend in Perth. Cooking in a shared flat saves money; eating out daily does not.

Visa and paperwork

To study in Perth you will typically need the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.

Guide to Australia →

Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.

Planning your budget

Cost of living in Perth

Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.

Housing $800 – $1,500/mo (estimate)
Food $300 – $550/mo
Transport $60 – $130/mo
Extras $150 – $350/mo

Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.

Australia

Other cities in Australia

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I work while studying in Perth?

In Australia, the usual rule is: Up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. Confirm limits on your offer letter and the official immigration site.

How much does it cost to live in Perth?

Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Perth.

How do I apply to a program in Perth?

On ApplySite you compare programs in Perth, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.

Are programs already listed for Perth?

The catalog rolls out in phases at launch. Until then use this guide and contact our team if you already have an institution in mind.

Do I pay ApplySite?

No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.

Are there hidden fees when I apply?

Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.

Planning your move to Perth?

Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.