Perth consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities, and part of that is due to the safe, secure and stress-free lifestyle available to residents.
With low crime rates, a world-class health system and a friendly, welcoming community, Perth is a city where you can live a happy, healthy life.
While you’re here, it is still important to take care and look after yourself so your time in Perth is memorable for all the right reasons.
Perth boasts a world-class healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to both residents and visitors.
As an overseas student, you will need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to access most healthcare services.
Your educational institution will arrange health cover for you and will most likely have an agreement with a specific OSHC provider. You do not have to stay with this provider if you would prefer to switch to another.
OSHC providers allow you to claim 100 per cent of the government-set fee for a standard medical consultation.
OSHC covers:
OSHC does not cover:
To cover these additional services, we strongly recommend that you take out additional private health insurance.
AHM is one of Australia’s largest health insurers providing affordable health insurance for overseas students studying in Australia.
AHM OSHC also provides services to help students settle into Australian school life. These include orientations, interpreter services, emergency medical assistance, stress and trauma counselling, direct billing and more. AHM OSHC also offers Extras cover if required.
Find out more about AHM’s health cover here.
Allianz Care Australia is one of Australia’s largest OSHC providers.
Allianz benefits include:
Hospital in the Home
We offer a Hospital in the Home treatment model. For a number of conditions you could stay in the comfort of your home and have a medical specialist come to you.
Find out more information on overseas student cover here.
Bupa is a leading global health and care company, operating in more than 190 countries. In Australia, Bupa is the largest private health insurer, drawing on their international expertise and experience to provide members with better healthcare services, support and advice.
Bupa Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) can help ensure you’ll be covered for the cost of medical treatments if you get sick or have an accident, plus help you meet your visa requirements. As a Bupa member, you will also have access to great member benefits and exclusives as well as access to a large network of support including a 24-hour student support line, extensive doctor networks and more.
Find out more about Bupa’s cover here.
Medibank Private is one of Australia’s largest private health insurers offering students additional services as part of their OSHC including:
Find out more about Medibank Private health cover here.
There are always fun and exciting things to do on campus but it’s important to make sure you’re safe. Here are some simple tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on campus.
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures: Take some time to learn about the emergency procedures on your campus. Find out where emergency phones are located, memorise the number for campus security. Most campuses in Perth will have Security officers that are available 24/7. Security can walk you to your car, bus stop or accommodation after-hours.
Keep your friends and family updated: Let your friends and family know your schedule, especially if you're planning to stay out late or travel off campus. Consider using a tracking app to share your location with trusted contacts.
Avoid walking alone at night: If you must walk alone at night, try to stick to well-lit and well-travelled areas. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing headphones or using your phone.
When you get in a taxi or rideshare vehicle, it’s always safest to sit in the backseat.
Make sure the car has a meter and the driver’s identification card/badge is clearly visible. If they are a rideshare provider, make sure they have the rideshare app visible on the dashboard.
If you’re using a taxi or rideshare at night or when you’ve been drinking, it’s always safest to travel with a friend.
Taking care of your mental health while studying is important. Make sure to create a balanced routine with breaks and self-care. Don't forget to exercise and get enough rest for better focus. Set achievable goals and manage your time wisely to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Reach out for support from friends, family, or counselling services when you need it. Take time for hobbies, mindfulness, and staying connected with others.
For further assistance and services, visit Mental Health Commission of WA.
Cybersecurity and avoiding scams are vital for your online safety. With technology playing a huge role in education, it's crucial to protect your personal information and academic data. Here are some ways you can stay safe online:
For more information on cybersecurity, explore the Cyber Security Awareness Toolkit.
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. Their website is full of amazing resources and you will be able to talk to a professional via phone, email or even instant messaging.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support. Again, their website is full of resources and you can connect with someone to chat on the phone or on instant messaging, any day, any time of the week.
Multicultural Futures is a dynamic, charitable organisation that works in partnership with government and other service providers to support migrants and refugees as they build a new life in Australia.
Headspace provides tailored and holistic mental health support to 12-25 year olds. With a focus on early intervention, the team works with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.
For police assistance that isn’t an emergency, call 131 444.
If you need to report a crime that is not an emergency, call 131 444 for the Police Assistance Line, or ask someone in authority at your school, college or university to contact the local police station on your behalf. In addition, you can report a crime in person at your nearest police station.
If you would prefer to report a crime anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Perth is renowned for its world-class beaches so there’s no doubt you’ll be spending plenty of time there, especially during the warmer months.
To make your day at the beach a safe and memorable one, follow these guidelines:
It’s also important to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
The easiest way to do this is by using sunscreen, which is readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
We’re committed to supporting you and your positive wellbeing to help you succeed in your studies and other areas of your life. You can take advantage of the following free services if you're an international student in Perth.
We have partnered with Multicultural Services Centre of WA (MSCWA) to create a safe space to offer free counselling sessions, available in various languages.
Counselling sessions are available virtually (via Zoom or Teams) or in person at one of MSCWA’s offices. We will connect you with the right information, referrals and practical support and you can be confident all matters will remain confidential.
With our completely confidential service, you will:
What it can help with
How to book
To book an appointment, you may either: Email MSCWA directly to arrange a time, or reach out to our friendly Customer Service Officer in our Student Hub or email hub@studyperth.com.au for assistance with booking.
To help international students understand their legal rights, StudyPerth will provide FREE multilingual and confidential legal advisory services via My Legal Mate.
My Legal Mate provides answers to commonly asked questions about laws in Australia, as well as on-the-go legal information about any legal matter related to:
How it works
Through My Legal Mate, you can take part in brief interactive quizzes to better define your legal problem through a series of Yes/No answers.
This creates personalised pathways that walk you through legal and non-legal remedies, along with links to helpful resources.
Face-to-face legal advice
StudyPerth are onboarding a new provider for our FREE in-person legal advice. During this period, if you need to speak to a lawyer, please reach out to us: hub@studyperth.com.au. In the meantime please use the resources available on My Legal Mate.
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