
Universities in Perth: Education in West Australia
Discover the leading universities in Perth, Australia. This guide compares UWA, Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, and Notre Dame—highlighting programs, campuses, and student life.

Perth is one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse cities. Located on the West Coast, it combines modern infrastructure, a growing job market, and an excellent education system. With a strong reputation for research, international collaboration, and student satisfaction, the universities in Perth Australia, have become top choices for local and international students alike.
This guide offers a complete overview of the top institutions in the region, with a detailed Perth universities list to help you make informed decisions about your academic future.
Table of Content
Universities in Perth Australia List
Choosing a University in Perth
Why Study in Perth?
Perth offers an academic environment supported by innovation, affordable housing compared to major eastern cities, and excellent student services. The city has a strong focus on technology, mining, environmental science, medicine, and business education. International students in Perth also benefit from post-study work opportunities and regional visa advantages.
Key reasons to choose Perth include:
- High academic standards
- Diverse student population
- Research-driven institutions
- Access to scholarships and internships
- Favorable regional visa settings
Universities in Perth Australia List
The following Perth universities list includes the most prominent institutions, their type, major disciplines, and main campuses:
University Name |
Type |
Popular Areas of Study |
Campus Locations |
University of Western Australia (UWA) |
Public, Group of Eight |
Engineering, Medicine, Science, Law |
Crawley (main), Claremont |
Curtin University |
Public |
Business, IT, Health, Engineering |
Bentley (main), Perth CBD, regional WA |
Edith Cowan University (ECU) |
Public |
Nursing, Arts, Education, Cybersecurity |
Joondalup, Mount Lawley |
Murdoch University |
Public |
Veterinary Science, Media, Law, Health |
South Street, Mandurah |
University of Notre Dame Australia |
Private Catholic |
Medicine, Theology, Education, Law |
Fremantle (WA campus) |
1. University of Western Australia (UWA)
Founded in 1911, UWA is a member of the Group of Eight, known for academic excellence and research output. It consistently ranks among the top 100–150 universities worldwide.
Known For
Advanced research, global partnerships, and high graduate employment rates.
Strengths
Science, engineering, medicine, business, environmental studies, and law.
2. Curtin University
Curtin is the largest university in Western Australia and has a strong reputation for innovation, practical learning, and international collaboration. Its Bentley campus is equipped with modern labs and startup incubation spaces.
Known For
Industry partnerships, global campus network, and applied research.
Strengths
Business, information technology, engineering, health sciences, and data science.
3. Edith Cowan University (ECU)
ECU is recognized for its student satisfaction, teaching quality, and practical course design. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs with strong ties to industry.
Known For
Teaching excellence and career-focused education.
Strengths
Nursing, performing arts, education, cybersecurity, and communications.
4. Murdoch University
Murdoch is a research-intensive university known for innovation in areas like environmental science, media, and veterinary studies. It offers flexible learning models and has strong regional ties.
Known For
Interdisciplinary research and modern campus infrastructure.
Strengths
Veterinary science, journalism, law, public health, and international affairs.
5. University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle Campus)
Notre Dame is a private Catholic university offering a values-based education. Its Fremantle campus is set in heritage buildings and provides small class sizes with personalized teaching.
Known For
Holistic education and ethical leadership.
Strengths
Nursing, medicine, philosophy, theology, and education.
Choosing a University in Perth
Each university in Perth serves distinct academic and career goals. UWA is ideal for students focused on research and global recognition. Curtin offers practical learning with a strong focus on industry partnerships. ECU stands out for its teaching quality and student support, while Murdoch delivers flexible, research-led programs. Notre Dame appeals to students seeking a personalized and values-driven education.
Review each institution’s entry requirements, tuition fees, available scholarships, and graduate outcomes when planning your application.
Conclusion
The universities in Perth Australia provide high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines. From research-intensive programs to industry-focused degrees, the institutions listed in this Perth universities list offer strong academic foundations and career opportunities.
Use this universities in Perth Australia list to compare options and find the one that fits your academic goals and plans. Perth offers a competitive yet supportive environment where students can succeed academically and professionally.
FAQs
- What is the No. 1 university in Perth?
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked as the No. 1 university in Perth and is part of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight, consistently ranking among the world’s top 150 universities.
- How many universities are there in Perth?
Perth has five main universities: University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Murdoch University, and University of Notre Dame Australia.
- What is the cheapest university in Perth for international students?
While tuition varies by program, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Murdoch University are generally considered more affordable options compared to UWA and Curtin.
- How much does it cost to study in Perth?
The cost to study in Perth typically ranges from AUD $20,000–$45,000 per year for tuition, depending on the university and course. Living expenses add around AUD $1,200–$1,800 per month.