Perth University Open Days 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Institution

Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—and there's no better way to find the right fit than experiencing a campus in person. University open days give you the chance to walk through lecture halls, meet lecturers and current students, explore facilities, and get a genuine feel for whether a university could become your home for the next few years.

Perth is home to five world-class universities, each with its own character, strengths, and campus atmosphere. Whether you're a school leaver weighing up your options, an international student considering a move to Western Australia, or someone currently completing a pathway or English language course in Perth, open days are designed for you. They're free, they're welcoming, and you don't need to be enrolled or have confirmed your course to attend.

Think of a uni open house as an exploration tool—a chance to compare campuses, ask the questions that matter to you, and start imagining what your student life could look like.

I chose Perth because of its welcoming environment for international students, and the high quality of life it offers - the perfect balance between nature, culture, and education.

- Thais, international student from Brazil, Murdoch University

2026 Perth University Open Day Dates

All five Perth universities host open days between March and August, with the busiest period falling across two action-packed weekends in March. This means you can visit multiple campuses in a short timeframe and compare them while the experience is fresh.

Dates confirmed at time of publishing via TISC. Always check the university website directly for the most current information.

Pro tip: Four of the seven open days fall on Sundays, and Transperth offers free travel for all SmartRider holders every Sunday—meaning you can explore campuses across Perth without spending a cent on transport.

Meet Perth's Five Universities

The University of Western Australia

Located on the banks of the Swan River in Crawley, UWA is Perth's oldest university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. The heritage-listed sandstone campus is set among beautiful gardens and is home to over 25,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students from 100 countries. UWA is renowned for research excellence and offers a broad-based undergraduate degree structure that allows you to explore before specialising.

Getting there: Bus routes from the city centre (approximately 10 minutes), or a pleasant riverside walk from the city.

Coming from a mountainous and often rainy area in southern China, I found the sunny weather and beautiful beaches of Perth particularly captivating.

- Sheldon, Master of Information Technology student at UWA, read his story.

Curtin University

Curtin's Bentley campus sits approximately six kilometres south of the city centre and has the energy of a small town—complete with its own bus station, food precinct, and vibrant student community. Curtin is Western Australia's largest university and is known for its strong industry connections, practical course design, and global outlook. The campus has undergone significant modern redevelopment while maintaining green, open spaces.

Getting there: Curtin Central Bus Station on campus, with frequent services from the city centre. Curtin also operates a free on-demand shuttle service called curtinlink.

Murdoch University

Set on a spacious, leafy campus in Perth's southern suburbs, Murdoch is known for its supportive, community-oriented atmosphere and strong programs in veterinary science, environmental science, and health. The campus includes native bushland and even its own farm and veterinary hospital, giving it a unique character that's hard to find at other metropolitan universities.

Getting there: Murdoch train station is a short walk from campus on the Mandurah line, with frequent services from the city centre.

Edith Cowan University (ECU)

ECU operates across multiple campuses in Perth, with the main campuses located in Perth city centre, and Joondalup. Known for its practical, career-focused approach and strong support services for international students, ECU also houses the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at its Perth city campus. ECU's modern facilities and student-centered teaching style make it a popular choice.

Getting there: The Perth City Campus is right next to the Perth train station and Perth Busport. The Joondalup campus is adjacent to the Joondalup train station.

I was initially drawn to Perth for its vibrant tech industry and the welcoming community it offered.

- Dhruv, Master of Data Science graduate from ECU, read his story.

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Notre Dame's Fremantle campus occupies beautifully restored heritage buildings in the heart of one of Perth's most vibrant and characterful port towns. The campus has a distinctly intimate feel, with smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on personal attention and pastoral care. Notre Dame offers programs across arts, sciences, business, education, health sciences, law, medicine, nursing, and philosophy.

Getting there: Fremantle train station is a short walk from campus on the Fremantle line.

What happens at a University Open Day?

If you've never attended a uni open house before, you might be wondering what to expect. Open days are designed to give you a comprehensive look at university life, and there's plenty to do:

Campus Tours: Guided and self-guided tours let you explore lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, student hubs, sporting facilities, and accommodation. Current students often lead tours, giving you an honest, firsthand perspective.

Course and Faculty Information Sessions: Academics and course coordinators present detailed information about specific programs, including course structure, career pathways, and what makes their approach unique. This is where you'll learn the difference between similar courses at different universities.

Meet Academics and Current Students: One-on-one conversations with lecturers and current students are invaluable. Ask about teaching styles, class sizes, work placements, and what day-to-day student life is really like.

International Student Sessions: Most Perth universities run dedicated sessions covering visa requirements, English language support, international scholarships, accommodation options, and student support services specifically for international students.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Information: Learn about available scholarships, bursaries, and financial support—many of which have specific eligibility for international students at both undergraduate open days and postgraduate open day events.

Interactive Experiences: Many faculties offer hands-on demonstrations—think science labs, engineering workshops, nursing simulations, media studios, and more. These experiences bring courses to life beyond what a website can show you.

Social Activities and Food: Open days have a festival atmosphere, with live music, food trucks, giveaways, and social spaces where you can relax and chat with other prospective students.

Who should attend?

Open days are for everyone considering tertiary study in Perth, including:

• School leavers and Year 12 students exploring undergraduate options.
• International students considering studying in Perth, whether you're offshore or already living in Western Australia. 
• Students on pathway, foundation, or ELICOS courses planning their next step into university.
• Postgraduate students looking to advance their career with a graduate degree—most universities include dedicated postgraduate open day sessions within their main event.
• Mature-age students and career changers exploring new study directions.
• Parents, guardians, and family members supporting a student's decision.
• Students considering transferring from another institution or interstate.

You don't need to have applied or received an offer to attend. Open days are an exploration tool. Come curious, leave informed.

For Students on Pathway Programs

If you're currently studying a foundation program, diploma, or English language course in Perth, university open days are especially valuable. They give you a direct look at the institution you may be progressing into—or help you explore alternative options you hadn't considered.

What are pathway programs? These are courses designed to prepare you for university entry if you don't yet meet direct admission requirements. They include foundation programs, diploma courses, and ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Upon successful completion, students typically receive guaranteed or conditional entry into their linked university.

Perth's pathway colleges and their university partners:

At open days, seek out pathway-specific information sessions and ask about:

• Credit transfer from your pathway course
• Entry requirements and guaranteed pathways
• Support services during the transition to university
• Scholarship opportunities for pathway graduates

Explore all pathway options in Perth: StudyPerth Pathway Studies | Education Providers

How to prepare for an Open Day

A little preparation goes a long way. Here's how to make the most of your visit:

Before you go:

• Register online - Most universities require or recommend registration. It's free and helps them plan sessions and resources. Check the registration links in the dates table above.
• Research courses and faculties - Browse the university website and shortlist programs you're interested in. This helps you prioritise which sessions to attend.
• Prepare your questions - Write down anything you want to know about courses, entry requirements, scholarships, accommodation, or student life.
• Plan your transport - Use the Transperth Journey Planner to map your route. Download the free Transperth app for real-time tracking on the day.
• Download campus maps - Most universities publish open day maps showing session locations, food areas, and key facilities.

On the day: 

• Wear comfortable shoes - University campuses are large, and you'll be walking for several hours.
• Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes during sessions and record your impressions.
• Talk to current students - They'll give you the most honest perspective on what daily life is like.
• Visit the student support and international student areas - These teams are there specifically to answer your questions.
• Take your time - Most open days run from 10am to 3pm. Allow at least 2-3 hours to see everything.

Your Open Day Checklist

Use this checklist to stay organised across your open day visits:

✅ Register for each open day online
✅ Research courses and shortlist faculties of interest
✅ Write down your questions
✅ Plan your transport route (Transperth Journey Planner)
✅ Download campus maps
✅ Charge your phone
✅ Wear comfortable walking shoes
✅ Bring water and snacks
✅ Take notes and photos at each campus
✅ Visit the international student and pathway information areas
✅ Ask about scholarships
✅ Compare your impressions across campuses

Start Exploring your Future in Perth

Perth's university open days are your chance to find the right fit. Whether you're choosing between undergraduate open days at multiple campuses, exploring a postgraduate open day for your next career move, or attending your first uni open house to see what university life is all about—these events are the best way to make an informed decision about your future.

Check the dates, register now, and start exploring your future in Perth.

Not sure which course or pathway is right for you? Explore study options in Perth on the StudyPerth website, or visit StudyPerth's education providers page to discover the full range of institutions available in Western Australia.

Need support along the way? StudyPerth offers free support services for international students, including counselling, legal advice, and career guidance.