Perth, the western gateway to Australia, is a friendly, open city with a population of 2.2 million people and is seen as the economic powerhouse of the Australian economy with its commercial success underpinned by world-class educational institutions and research faculties.
Along with being a city of growth and success, Perth offers international students a dynamic mix of an exploding restaurant and laneway bar scene and internationally-recognized festivals, cultural and sporting events, along with clear blue skies, pristine, clean beaches, and beautiful parklands and unique natural landscapes.
Perth has continually been rated as one of the world's top 10 most liveable cities for the past decade (EIU 2004-14), ranked in the top 10 per cent of 215 world cities for quality of life (Mercer, 2012) and top 40 Best Student Cities in the World (QS, 2014).
Becky from Ontario chose to continue her studies in criminology and anthropology in Perth at the University of Western Australia.
Studying in Perth was very different from studying back home. The lectures are recorded so you can listen to them online whenever you want which was really useful for studying for my tests and exams, she said.
The class sizes were really small with less than 30 people in each class. This meant that not only did I get to interact with more of my classmates, but also the lecturers. We were able to engage in more group discussions and I got to learn so much more about the Australian way of life and history.
Read about Becky's experience studying and living in Perth.
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Perth, Australia as your number one study destination.
World-class education
Perth's five world-class universities provide quality-assured education with flexible study pathways. The state's practical approach to education, guided by teachers who are experts in their field, ensures you are taught the skills employers are looking for in today's competitive world.
Research conducted in Perth is respected globally, reaching new horizons in medicine and health sciences, agriculture, chemistry, geology, metallurgy, engineering, astrophysics, renewable energy, and environmental management.
A lifestyle that's hard to match
Despite being a highly developed, modern city, Perth is home to numerous nature reserves, parks and recreational grounds that enrich its landscape. International students and locals alike appreciate the city's clean, safe atmosphere, and the high standard-of-living.
It's also one of the few cities in Australia that gives students a discount on public transport'40 per cent off bus, train, and ferry tickets, and provides free travel zones within the city centre and other major precincts throughout Perth.
Work Opportunities in Perth
The Western Australian education system has a key focus on practical work experience. Business schools and employers recognize the importance of allowing students to apply their skills in a real business environment, and work together to provide rewarding internship opportunities. A number of multinational organizations and some of Australia's biggest companies open their doors to interns, often inviting students to join them on a permanent basis at the end of their studies.
Under the Australian post-study work arrangements, graduates who have completed a bachelor's degree or a two-year master's by coursework degree in Australia may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Graduates who have completed a master's by research degree or a doctoral degree may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for three or four years respectively.
StudyPerth is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to obtain information about studying and living in Perth, Australia. Visit www.studyperth.com.au to learn more about your future here and to use our free course, career, or scholarship search function.Photos: StudyPerth/Thinkstock