Why live in Perth? If you’re considering studying in the Western Australian capital, you may be asking yourself this exact question. Well, there are so many things to love about living and working in Perth (Boorloo). From the beautiful landscapes, affordable cost of living and welcoming multicultural community, Perth is the place to be.
Let’s take a look at the 10 best things about living in Perth.
A stunning climate
If you love to spend a day at the beach, Perth is the place for you!
Known for its warm, dry summers, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city. Best of all, you won’t get too cold in winter. The average temperature in July is 18.5 ºC.
World-class education
If you’re looking for a world-class education, you can’t go past Perth.
Curtin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide in the 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Some of our courses are internationally ranked by other respected ranking systems, too. Our Mining Engineering, Earth Sciences and Tourism and Hospitality courses all place in the top 50 globally.
Affordable cost of living
Perth is one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia, especially compared to Sydney and Melbourne. You’ll spend less on rent, food and entertainment. Fewer worries about rent and bills mean you can relax and enjoy living in this beautiful city.
As an international student, it’s important to plan your budget to make sure you have enough money for the essentials (and some left over for the fun stuff!).
Proximity to international hubs
Perth is located on the west coast of Australia and is close to many Asian nations. China, the Philippines and central Indonesia are all located in the same time zone as Perth (UTC +8), making it easy to call your loved ones back home.
An abundance of natural wonders
From the river to the ocean, you can find it all in Perth. Spend your weekends relaxing on one of the white sandy beaches of Fremantle (Walyalup), an inner-city oasis. Or travel down to Margaret River (Wooditup) for a wine tour and a trip to the farmers’ market.
The famous Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is another must-visit destination. Located just a short ferry ride away from Perth, this island is famous for its charming wildlife, which includes cute small wallabies called quokkas.
A thriving hospitality and retail scene
Your time in Perth is sure to be filled with delicious food and drink, thanks to the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape. Whether you’re eating fish and chips on the beach, sipping wine with your friends after work or hunting for the city’s best kebab, Perth has an exciting and diverse food and drink scene.
There are so many cuisines to try, and if you’re missing your favourite dishes from back home, they won’t be too hard to find in Perth’s multicultural community.
Perth is also home to fantastic shopping precincts, which feature a unique blend of modern stores, quirky markets, and vintage boutiques.
In the city, you’ll find many shopping malls, including Enex Perth, Forrest Chase, Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall. For great deals on big-name brands, you can also check out Watertown Brand Outlet, which features shops like Adidas, Converse and Levi’s.
There are also many weekend markets in Perth, where you can purchase more handmade artworks and crafts, jewellery, produce and more.
Regional visa incentives
Perth is classified as a designated regional area by the Department of Home Affairs. This means international students who have graduated from Curtin University and are living and working in Perth may be eligible for a Second Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa (Post-Study Work stream). This could allow you to stay in Perth for another one to four years, where you can continue to enjoy all the city has to offer.
A booming employment market
The top industries in Perth for employment are healthcare, mining, education and hospitality. Nurses, engineers, teachers, and cafe and restaurant staff are in high demand. Western Australia is a hub for mining and construction, and there are many opportunities to succeed in those sectors.
You can study in these areas (and more!) here at Curtin University. Explore our areas of study to find a program that’s right for you.
A welcoming, diverse community
According to the 2021 Census, more than 40% of Perth’s population was born overseas. And as an international student, you won’t be alone – over 13,000 international students study at Curtin University every year.
You’ll also have the opportunity to partake in a range of events, activities and/or festivals aimed at celebrating the diversity of the community. From Lunar New Year celebrations to Diwali festivals to Asian street food walking tours, there’s something for everyone. Explore the events on offer via Destination Perth.
When you’re living and working in Perth, you’ll find a sense of belonging in the multicultural community at your doorstep.
Ample student support
Need support during your time in Perth? Curtin is the place to find it. We provide a wide range of support services designed specifically for international students.
From counsellors to student advisors, faith services to accommodation support, the staff at Curtin University are here to help you at every stage of your study journey.
StudyPerth is another great resource for you as an international student. Here you can receive guidance and support on a range of topics, from academia to employment to living in Perth.
Beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly locals – what more could you ask for? Perth is the perfect place for anyone wanting to make a change and expand their academic horizons.
