Living and Studying in Perth, Western Australia
Australia
Australia is the 6th largest nation in the world. Its land mass is divided into six states and two territories, with Western Australia being the largest and housing a population of over 20 million people. It is interesting to note that approximately one quarter of these people are from other countries. With this multicultural feel, spacious cities and suburbs, unique plants and animals, abundant resources and excellent standard of living, housing and education, it’s no wonder people flock to our warm and inviting country.
Perth
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, taking up almost a third of the entire continent – approximately a staggering 2,500,000 kilometres! Perth is its capital and arguably the most beautiful city in Australia. And like most Australian capitals the vast majority of people live alongside the picturesque coastline.
Perth is bound by the Swan River - aptly named because of the elegant black swans that frequent its waters and banks. Full of museums, galleries and a fantastic restaurant culture, it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with over 1.4 million people. According to a recent survey of 130 cities conducted by the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit, Perth is the 4th most liveable city in the world.
Well known as friendly, clean, safe and relaxed, it offers all the cosmopolitan attractions of a large international city. There are many daily direct international flights to and from Perth encompassing many of the major cities of the world.
Perth enjoys an extremely strong economy with low levels of unemployment, an excellent standard of living and low crime rates compared to many other cities in Australia. International students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying and work fulltime during holidays and industry placement.
Western Australia offers students world-class education, opportunities, employment and friendship during their stay. There are five universities and numerous private and public educational institutions in Perth. Since 1988, more than 80,000 international students from around the world have chosen Western Australia as their study destination.
Climate
Perth offers a Mediterranean-type climate with generally warm, dry summers (December to February) and mild, but often rainy winters (June to August). Average summer temperatures range between 15 degrees overnight and 26 degrees during the day, and winter temperatures range between 12 degrees overnight and 21 degrees during the day. Known as the sunniest major city in Australia with an average of eight hours of sunshine a day, it is perfect for sporting and outdoor leisure activities such as tennis, golf, whale watching, surfing, sailing and scuba diving. And of course there is always the strong cricket culture during summer and in the winter, the hard hitting Australian Rules Football for those who love their sport.
Cost of Living
For international students, Perth offers one of the lowest costs of living compared with most other major Australian cities. The Australian Government estimates a single international student requires approximately AU$12,000 per year (12 months) for living expenses. IDP Education Australia has calculated living costs of around AU$250 to AU$280 per week for international students in Perth, depending on individual circumstances and accommodation preferences.
Housing/Accommodation
Perth Institute offers an accommodation placement service to international students coming to Perth. The most common choice is ‘homestay’ which is staying with an Australian family.
Renting a house or flat in Perth is relatively inexpensive especially when compared to prices in the capital cities on the east coast of Australia. International students often choose to rent a flat with friends. There are many agencies and organisations that can help international students to find accommodation after their arrival. Students can also use the classified advertisements search engine on the website of Perth’s major daily newspaper.
Public Transport
There is an excellent public transport network of bus, train and ferry services. Perth Institute students are issued with a student identification card which entitles them to full student concessions on all public transportation. The city centres of Perth and Fremantle are served by the numerous ‘CAT’ free hourly bus services.
Visa Information
For more information on visas check out www.immi.gov.au
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General Information 
