Top 10 reasons to live and study in Perth
Perth is becoming one of the most popular study destinations in Australia and is ranked the 12th most liveable city in the world*. Perth has quality education, safety, a lower cost of living, and a multicultural community. It continues to experience strong economic growth and offers plenty of employment opportunities.
Here are the top 10 reasons to live and study in Perth.
1. High quality education
Perth is home to leading education providers with a wide range of degrees to select from. The city’s institutions offer academic excellence, great student support services, state-of-the-art research facilities, practical learning and work experiences to help students be job-ready before they graduate.
2. Benefit from a growing job market
Western Australia’s (WA) economy is expected to grow by 3.25% in 2024-25 - ahead of other Australian cities. The unemployment rate has averaged just 3.4% (lowest in Australia) with wages growing at their fastest rate in a decade.
Perth is the corporate headquarters of more than 30% of businesses on the Australian Stock Exchange and many globally renowned resource and energy companies such as Chevron, Shell, Rio Tinto and BHP. The recent Perth City Deal will see a $1.75 billion investment in projects and infrastructure that will accelerate job creation and urban renewal and support social and environmental sustainability. You will be able to find work experience and career opportunities across a range of industries.
In Australia, international students have the benefit of being able to work 48 hours a fortnight during the school term and unlimited hours during term break. As a regional city, Perth offers students opportunities for extended post study work rights. Learn more about the WA State Nominated Migration Program where WA can nominate people to stay and work to help meet skills shortages (eligibility criteria apply).
3. Feel safe
Perth is very safe to live in. The city has low crime rates, a world-class health system, cleanliness and a friendly local community.
There is safety across the whole public transport system with security cameras and emergency help available. After 7pm, buses will stop anywhere along routes outside the city centre so you can get off closer to your destination.
4. Enjoy a lower cost of living
Perth has a lower cost of living compared to other Australian cities. The city has a wide variety of affordable student accommodation from on campus apartments to shared rentals.
Perth has an extensive public transport system and international students get a 40% discount as a Tertiary SmartRider. The Central Area Transit Buses (CAT) are free city buses, and you can hop on and off along their routes as many times as you like. Check out UNiDays and Student Beans for an extensive list of retailers offering student discounts.
Read our blog for more ways to budget and save money in Perth. We also advise you to use a Cost of Living Calculator to help you plan your expenses before arrival.
5. A multicultural community
In Perth, 32% of the population are born overseas with over 35% of people speaking a language other than English. The city has welcomed people from more than 200 different countries, with England, India, China, New Zealand and Malaysia listed as the most common countries of birth (excluding Australia).
It’s this diversity that provides a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for students. Currently, over 53,000 international students call Perth their home.
6. Be near Asia, Africa and other continents
From Perth, it takes about the same amount of time to fly to Singapore as it does to Sydney (just over 5 hours). In fact, Perth shares a time zone with 60% of the world’s population. It’s in the same time-zone as many Asian countries and a direct flight away from many capital cities in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.
7. Great weather almost all year round
As Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth averages about 9 hours of sunlight per day during the year. Make use of the sunny weather to visit any of the 19 white sandy beaches, swim in the ocean, surf, enjoy outdoor picnics and relax under beautiful sunsets. Catch a ferry and travel along the Swan River to capture beautiful views of the harbour.
8. Experience a great outdoor lifestyle and wildlife encounters
With Perth’s sunny weather and natural beauty you can enjoy a great outdoor lifestyle. Perth is home to Kings Park – one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks. Two-thirds of the 400-hectare area is protected native bushland and is a haven for biological diversity.
Perth is a great place to get around on a bike with many cycle lanes and paths. You can cycle along Perth’s Northern Beaches or spend a day cycling around Perth Hills along the 41km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. Visit the port city of Fremantle for a variety of markets, entertainment and cafes to enjoy.
Right in Perth, you’ll see Western Grey Kangaroos at Whiteman Park and native black swans on Swan River. You can spot wild dolphins at Rockingham and meet the world’s largest population of quokkas (smallest wallaby species in Australia) on Rottnest Island.
9. Great variety of food to enjoy
Perth boasts a thriving and diverse food scene that reflects its multicultural community and coastal lifestyle. The city has become known for its fusion cuisine; combining flavours and cooking techniques from around the world. Since Perth is next to the Indian Ocean with a vibrant fishing industry, there’s a wide variety of fresh seafood on offer.
The city has a growing cafe culture serving artisan coffee and gourmet breakfasts and lunches as well as day and night markets where you can sample local produce, gourmet treats and street food. Venture outside the city and tour the food and wine regions of Perth Hills, Margaret River or Swan Valley.
Must-visit dining districts include Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley, the port city of Fremantle, The Esplanade in Scarborough and Leederville’s Oxford Street. For more budget-friendly options, check out cheap eats in Perth.
10. Exciting events throughout the year
There's always something new and exciting to do in Perth. There are incredible live music events, art galleries, museums and multicultural festivals through the year. Check out the Perth Festival, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts or the Perth Cultural Centre that hosts interesting displays and art-related activities. Have a look at Perth’s Events Calendar for a comprehensive list of events throughout the year.
* Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index, 2023
Think Perth might be the right city for you? Learn more about the great facilities and services available at our NEW KBS Perth campus and read our complete guide to studying in Australia.
