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AUSTRALIA · PERTH

University of Western Australia

public · Founded 1911 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a top-ranked public research university in Perth, offering over 500 programs across eight faculties. It provides a vibrant campus life and strong graduate employability, with international students comprising a significant portion of its diverse student body.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1911
Students: 28,000
International students: 7,900
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €22–36k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Perth, Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a globally recognised public research university in Perth, founded in 1911 as one of the first free-to-attend universities in Australia. A member of the prestigious Group of Eight, UWA consistently ranks in the world top 100 and is home to over 28,000 students from more than 115 countries. Its sandstone Tudor-Gothic campus on the Swan River is among the most beautiful in the Southern Hemisphere. UWA spans eight faculties offering more than 200 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate programs, with particular strength in health and medical sciences, engineering, law, and earth sciences.

Why study here

World top-100 university and member of Australia's Group of Eight research coalition.
Perth location offers world-class beaches, a booming resources and tech economy, and a safe, sun-drenched lifestyle.
Practical degrees: every undergraduate program includes internships, industry placements, or research opportunities.
Strong international community — nearly 8,000 international students from 115+ countries on one vibrant campus.
High graduate employability: ranked No. 1 in Western Australia for graduate outcomes.

Student life

Campus life at UWA revolves around a stunning riverside precinct with cafes, sports facilities, and cultural venues. The Guild of Undergraduates runs over 120 clubs and societies covering sports, culture, and academic interests. Perth offers exceptional outdoor living with nearby beaches, national parks, and a thriving arts and restaurant scene. On-campus accommodation options include St George's, St Catherine's, and Currie Hall, all within walking distance of lecture theatres.

Fees

InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately AUD 32,000–50,000 per year (approx. EUR 19,000–30,000) depending on program. Postgraduate coursework fees are typically AUD 28,000–54,000 per year.

HomeDomestic students pay Commonwealth-supported (HECS-HELP) rates, typically AUD 4,000–12,000 per year depending on discipline band.

LivingAnnual living costs in Perth are approximately AUD 20,000–26,000 (EUR 12,000–16,000) covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Scholarship holders may receive fee waivers. On-campus accommodation costs AUD 12,000–18,000 per year depending on room type.

Admissions

Entry basisSenior secondary qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 (ATAR or international equivalent)

Postgraduate entryRelevant bachelor degree with minimum 65% average or equivalent

Foundation pathwayAvailable through UWA College for students not meeting direct entry requirements

IELTS Academic6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

TOEFL iBT82 overall (minimum 20 in each section)

PTE Academic64 overall (no communicative skill below 58)

Cambridge C1 Advanced180 overall (no band below 169)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202690

Times Higher Education 2025Top 150

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024Top 151-200

University scholarships

Global Excellence ScholarshipUp to AUD 10,000 per year

UWA International Student Scholarship25% tuition fee reduction

Destination Australia ScholarshipAUD 15,000 per year

Accreditation

UWA is an TEQSA-registered higher education provider. Its medical, law, engineering, and accounting programs hold professional accreditations from the respective Australian and international professional bodies.

For international students

Australia

Student visa & funds

International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.

Working while you study

Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+

Main intakes

FebruaryJuly

Typical living cost

€1,600/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Western Australia · Australia

Botany

Botany at the University of Western Australia (UWA) focuses on the study of plants, their evolution, diversity, and how environmental and biological factors influence their structure, function, and ecology. This program provides a foundation for understanding the critical role plants play in all life on Earth. Graduates will gain insights into plant biology across various levels, from cellular functions to ecosystem dynamics, and explore adaptation in diverse environments.

University of Western Australia · Australia

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The University of Western Australia's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to enhance your career prospects by providing direct engagement with business leaders and a tailored leadership development program. This postgraduate degree offers opportunities to build resilience and versatility in a dynamic business environment. The MBA program focuses on personalized career solutions to help you achieve your professional goals. Through networking events, bespoke mentoring, and industry presentations, you'll gain exclusive interaction with senior business executives, fostering personal development and career advancement. Graduates are highly sought after for senior management roles in various sectors, including business development, strategy, marketing, and customer service, across public, private, and not-for-profit organizations.

Scholarships

for Australia

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)

ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.

Forrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)

Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships

Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.

University of Melbourne

Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne

Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.

Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.

University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)

For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.

University of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)

University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship

Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Western Australia?

International undergraduate tuition typically ranges from AUD 32,000 to AUD 50,000 per year. Postgraduate coursework fees are generally between AUD 28,000 and AUD 54,000 annually, depending on the specific program.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Perth?

Annual living costs in Perth are approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 26,000. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

Does the University of Western Australia offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, UWA offers several scholarships for international students, including the Global Excellence Scholarship (up to AUD 10,000 per year) and the UWA International Student Scholarship (a 25% tuition fee reduction).

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

Applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an equivalent score on tests like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced.

What kind of academic programs does UWA offer?

UWA offers over 200 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate programs across eight faculties, with strengths in health and medical sciences, engineering, law, and earth sciences.

Last updated 3 July 2026