Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a vibrant city known for its sunny climate, stunning beaches, and growing economy. With 46 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 600 courses, Perth is an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education and a relaxed lifestyle. Whether you're interested in a bachelor degree, a vocational diploma, or a short-term English course, headstartacademy.com.au helps you find CRICOS-registered options that match your goals. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026, ensuring you have accurate information to plan your studies. From the City of Perth to the broader Greater Perth region, this guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Australia's sunniest capital.
Counted from the official register for Perth: 608 non-expired CRICOS courses across 46 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Perth on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-07). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Edith Cowan University is a government CRICOS provider with 69 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$11,700 to A$304,500. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00279B, Government, 69 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 41 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$15,000 to A$112,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 41 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 31 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$4,300 to A$61,400. Common levels include Diploma, Certificate III, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00197D, Private, 31 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Macallan College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 31 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,000 to A$38,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Certificate IV.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03468F, Private, 31 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Kaplan Business School Pty Ltd
Kaplan Business School Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 30 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,900 to A$75,180. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02426B, Private, 30 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
West Australian Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd
West Australian Institute of Further Studies Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 27 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$5,450 to A$37,750. Common levels include Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03188C, Private, 27 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd
Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 25 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$16,000 to A$53,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Certificate IV.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03402B, Private, 25 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Dynamic Education Group Pty Ltd
Dynamic Education Group Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 23 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,750 to A$31,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03425F, Private, 23 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
ILSC (Brisbane) Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 22 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$5,850 to A$31,750. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02137M, Private, 22 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Perth Technical College Pty Ltd
Perth Technical College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 21 active courses matched to Perth. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,500 to A$41,000. Common levels include Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03437B, Private, 21 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-07).
Perth stands out for its Mediterranean climate, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is a hub for industries such as mining, engineering, technology, and healthcare, offering strong internship and job prospects. Perth's student-friendly precincts like Northbridge and Subiaco are packed with cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. The international community is large and welcoming, with students from over 100 countries. Public transport is efficient, with the Transperth network covering trains, buses, and ferries, plus a free CAT bus service in the CBD. Perth's relaxed pace of life combined with world-class education makes it a popular choice for international students.
Perth is home to 46 CRICOS-registered providers, including 3 government institutions and 43 private colleges. Notable universities include The University of Western Australia (UWA, Group of Eight), Curtin University (known for engineering and business), Murdoch University (environmental science and law), Edith Cowan University (ECU, strong in nursing and education), and the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle campus close to Perth). Government TAFEs include South Metropolitan TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE. Private providers range from small language schools to large vocational colleges. All are registered on CRICOS, ensuring they meet Australian quality standards and ESOS Act protections.
Over 608 active courses are delivered in Perth across all study levels, from English language courses to doctoral degrees. The most popular fields include management and commerce (25% of enrolments), information technology, health, engineering, and society and culture. Students can also find specialised courses in mining, marine science, and agriculture. Course levels range from Certificates I-IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor degrees, Graduate Certificates, Masters, and PhDs. HeadStart Academy's database, sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026), allows you to filter by exact level and location to find your ideal course.
Living costs in Perth are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Indicative weekly expenses include rent (AUD 280-500 for shared accommodation or studio), groceries (AUD 70-110), transport (AUD 35-55 with student concession), and utilities (AUD 30-50). Total estimated cost is around AUD 450-800 per week. Note that these are indicative ranges and actual costs vary based on lifestyle and accommodation type. The Australian Government recommends international students budget at least AUD 21,041 per year for living costs (excluding tuition). Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current financial requirements.
Perth's public transport system includes trains, buses, and ferries operated by Transperth. The Mandurah Line connects the CBD to southern suburbs, while the Joondalup Line serves northern areas. Most university campuses are easily accessible: UWA (Crawley) is a short bus ride from the CBD; Curtin University (Bentley) is 15 minutes by bus; Murdoch University (Murdoch) has its own train station; ECU (Joondalup and Mount Lawley) are on train lines. The City of Perth operates free CAT buses in the CBD. Student concession cards offer 50% off standard fares. For outer suburbs, travel times can be 30-60 minutes from the CBD.
Perth is ideal if you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, sunny weather, and a strong job market in resources and technology. Pros: lower living costs than eastern capitals, excellent outdoor activities, growing economy, and regional post-study visa benefits (up to 4 years for some qualifications). Cons: geographic isolation from other Australian cities, fewer cultural attractions compared to Sydney/Melbourne, and limited part-time job options in some fields. Consider your personal preferences: if you value warm weather and a close-knit community, Perth is an excellent choice. For those seeking a fast-paced urban environment, other cities might be better.
Follow these three steps to start your journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's free search tool to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that the provider and course are registered on the CRICOS register to ensure quality and student protections. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (academic transcripts, English language tests like IELTS or PTE), prepare your documents, and submit your application before the deadline. Institutions will issue an offer letter if successful. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your student visa: Once you accept the offer and pay any required fees, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For visa assistance, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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