Undergraduate Studies

Earn a degree from one of Perth’s world-class universities or higher education colleges.

Higher education in Perth

Perth is home to some of the top universities and higher education colleges in Australia, so a degree from Perth is a qualification from an internationally respected learning centre.

Perth’s world-class universities include Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, Notre Dame University, and The University of Western Australia. You also have the option of studying at a higher education college, of which Perth has many.

At both universities and higher education colleges, you can choose from a wide range of courses and programs from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

The academic year at universities begins in late February and concludes in mid-November. It is divided into two semesters, but a few institutions follow a trimester system or provide summer courses from December to February.

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Types of undergraduate qualifications available in Perth

Duration: three to five years (depending on degree structure)
Entry requirements: year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV in TAFE or vocational education and training (VET)

A Bachelor's degree is typically the basic qualification needed for professional careers or advanced studies.

It usually blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, providing you with broad knowledge in your area of study. At this level, you can choose from various specialisations (majors or minors) to specialise in your chosen area.

Duration: one year
Entry requirements: completed Bachelor’s degree with required academic results

Honours is an additional amount of study undertaken after completing a Bachelor’s degree. It’s usually a one-year program that involves coursework and a research project or thesis.

In some cases, an honours degree will be built into your degree from the beginning. In other cases, if you perform exceptionally well in your Bachelor’s degree, your institution may give you the opportunity to complete an extra year of study to obtain your Honours.

Duration: two years
Entry requirements: year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV in TAFE or vocational education and training (VET)

An Associate degree is a short undergraduate program one level below a Bachelor’s degree. It is the same level as an Advanced Diploma offered by TAFE or VET colleges but provided by universities and other higher education institutions.

This degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree or help you enter the workforce as a paraprofessional who supports professionals but is not fully qualified to work independently in the field.

Universities and colleges available in Perth

Boasting internationally accredited universities and colleges, Perth provides a diverse range of educational opportunities for international students searching for quality education in Australia.

With countless courses available, learn from industry-leading lecturers and researchers in an environment that will help you shine.

Every university and college in Perth offers:

A wealth of academic resources
World-leading science and research facilities
A dynamic and stimulating learning environment
Internationally-renowned academic staff
Student support, guidance and career counselling
Modern recreational facilities
Religious facilities such as prayer rooms

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Admission requirements for Perth undergraduate studies

English language proficiency

You need to have a high-intermediate to advanced level of English. Most courses will require you to possess an IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.0 or higher. However, for some degrees, you may be required to have a minimum overall score of 6.5.

Academic background

You must have completed Year 12 or its equivalent or a Certificate III or Certificate IV in TAFE or vocational education and training (VET). If you don’t meet the requirements, several pathway colleges offer programs that help you become university-ready and get accepted into your chosen course.

Pathway Studies

Student visas

To study an undergraduate course in Perth, you must apply for a Student Visa. Click the link below for more information on obtaining a Western Australian Student Visa.

Student Visas and Migration

Start your application

When you apply to study at an institution in Perth, Western Australia, you are required to apply to the institution directly. This can be done online or via post.

We've broken down the application process into an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide.

Check out the guide to take the first step towards your Perth study journey!

Learn more

FAQs

Undergraduate courses in Perth predominantly consist of coursework in the form of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and independent study. However, depending on your chosen field, your course could include fieldwork, work placements, and internships.

Each University and course has different entry requirements. You can use our Course Search to find your course and check the requirements on the institution’s website. Most courses require demonstrated English language competence—an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

If you don’t meet the admission criteria for your chosen university, there are lots of university pathway courses available designed to help students prepare for entry into a university degree program. These pathway courses are available at several Western Australian institutions. Click here to learn more about pathway studies.

Yes, most institutions that offer undergraduate courses also offer some in a fully online format. Not all undergraduate courses can be done online, so be sure to check on your desired institution's website.

Generally, international students must maintain a full-time enrolment as part of the student visa requirements, so there is limited opportunity to study part-time in an undergraduate course.

Depending on the institution and chosen course, undergraduate courses range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 annually.  

According to the Western Australian Tertiary Institutions Service Centre, the top five courses based on applications are:

Commerce

Medicine

Engineering

Nursing

Education

Honours is an additional amount of study undertaken after completing a Bachelor’s degree. It’s usually a one-year program that involves coursework and a research project or thesis. Honours study develops your knowledge and skills as an independent researcher under the supervision of a member of staff with expertise in your chosen area. It can lead to a higher-paying job and can open doors to postgraduate research or be a pathway to a PhD.

Most Australian bachelor degrees take three years of full-time study, with four years for honours and longer for professional degrees such as engineering, law or medicine. Use StudyPerth's Course Search Tool to find the course you're interested in and find out how long it is.

You will usually need a completed secondary qualification recognised as equivalent to Australian Year 12, plus evidence of English proficiency. Requirements vary by course and provider. StudyPerth explains how Western Australian education providers assess overseas qualifications and what to do if yours falls short.

All five Western Australian universities offer bachelor degrees to international students: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame and The University of Western Australia. Undergraduate degrees are also offered to international students at various higher education providers. StudyPerth's Course Search Tool lists the study areas each education provider teaches, with campus locations and CRICOS codes, so you can find the course and provider that is right for you.