Education Providers

Q: What is the difference between a university, a college and a VET provider?

Universities are major higher education institutions that award academic degrees (bachelor's, master's, and PhDs) and conduct research. Higher Education Colleges are smaller, private institutions that deliver undergraduate (bachelor's) degrees and/or postgraduate (master's) degrees. Vocational Colleges (Vet Providers) offer a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs covering a wide array of disciplines. There are a number of private colleges in Perth, as well as TAFE International WA, the Western Australian government's colleges. StudyPerth lists all types of providers in Perth, along with the Australian Qualifications Framework level each qualification sits at.

Gain a world-class education from Perth's top-rated universities, colleges and schools in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Experience a city of opportunity

When you study in Perth, you’re living and learning in a city renowned for its internationally accredited universities and colleges, exceptional English language institutions, hands-on vocational education colleges, reputable schools and university pathway providers.

With world-leading education providers, countless courses available, and expansive job prospects, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.

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Universities in Perth

Explore Perth's top rated universities.

Perth Colleges

On-Campus Pathway Colleges

Preparing students for higher education, Perth's pathway colleges offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and university studies.

Perth’s Pathway Colleges include:

Higher Education Colleges

Perth's higher education colleges offer a diverse range of courses across a variety of study areas. With a strong emphasis on practical skills and industry connections, these colleges equip graduates with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Perth’s Higher Education Colleges include:

Vocational Colleges

Perth's vocational colleges give students access to a diverse and comprehensive range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs covering a wide array of disciplines. You can enrol in a VET course at a private college or one of the Western Australian government’s colleges through TAFE International WA.

Perth’s Vocational Colleges include:

English Language Colleges

Boasting a vast array of high-quality colleges, year-round courses and an enviable student lifestyle, Perth has become one of the top destinations for students looking to learn and study English as a second language (ESL)

Perth’s English Language Colleges include:

Perth Schools

Perth leads the way in educational excellence with a range of world-class primary and secondary schools available to students. Choose from a variety of primary and secondary schools that provide an enriching educational experience for young learners.

Types of Education Providers

There are several types of education providers in Perth, and choosing one depends on the course you're looking to study.

Universities are major higher education institutions that award academic degrees (bachelor's, master's, and PhDs) and conduct research.

Higher Education Colleges are smaller providers that offer undergraduate (bachelor's) degrees and/or postgraduate (master's) degrees.

Vocational Colleges offer a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs covering a wide array of disciplines. There are a number of private colleges in Perth, as well as TAFE International WA, the Western Australian government's colleges.

Pathway Colleges prepare students for higher education, with programs designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and university studies.

English Language Colleges are where students can learn and study English as a second language (ESL).

Schools include primary schools and high schools, providing an enriching educational experience for young learners.

Levels of Study

Australian Qualifications Framework

Did you know that all education providers in Perth follow the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)?

The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australia and covers all education sectors, including:

School education
Vocational education and training, and
Higher education

Learn more about the AQF

Frequently Asked Questions

Perth has five universities: Curtin, Edith Cowan, Murdoch, Notre Dame and The University of Western Australia. StudyPerth lists each with its campus locations and CRICOS code. Perth also has higher education colleges and pathway providers that deliver university-level qualifications.

Universities are major higher education institutions that award academic degrees (bachelor's, master's, and PhDs) and conduct research.

Higher Education Colleges are smaller, private institutions that deliver undergraduate (bachelor's) degrees and/or postgraduate (master's) degrees.

Vocational Colleges (Vet Providers) offer a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs covering a wide array of disciplines. There are a number of private colleges in Perth, as well as TAFE International WA, the Western Australian government's colleges.

StudyPerth lists all types of providers in Perth, along with the Australian Qualifications Framework level each qualification sits at.

CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Only CRICOS registered providers can enrol international students on a student visa. StudyPerth publishes the CRICOS code for Western Australian providers listed so you can verify it before applying.

Yes. The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private Catholic university with its main Western Australian campus in Fremantle. The other four Perth universities are public. StudyPerth notes public or private status for every university in its provider listings.

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