University of Western Australia
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 16.5%
- SAT Range
- 1330–1480
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.85
- Size
- Large (52,374 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:9
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 89.0%
- Retention Rate
- 96.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $12,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $45,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at UWA centers around the Guild of Students, which runs clubs, events, and services from the guild village precinct. Over 150 clubs cover everything from academic societies to cultural groups to recreational activities. The UWA Union building houses food outlets, study spaces, and gathering areas where students congregate between classes. Residential colleges play a significant role in first-year experience. St George's, St Catherine's, Trinity, and other colleges provide on-campus living with meals, academic support, and social programs. College life can be intense with its own traditions and rivalries. Many students form their closest university friendships through college. Off-campus housing in nearby suburbs like Nedlands, Subiaco, and Claremont is popular for later years. The sporting and recreation programs use excellent facilities including an athletics track, swimming pool, tennis courts, and the Matilda Bay foreshore for rowing and sailing. Intervarsity sports competitions bring out school pride. The social scene extends into Perth's northern beaches and the bars of Northbridge, accessible by bus and train from campus. Perth's laid-back culture permeates student life, with outdoor activities and beach trips common weekend pursuits.
Location & Surroundings
Perth claims the title of the world's most isolated major city, sitting on Australia's southwestern coast roughly 2,000 kilometers from the next significant urban center. This isolation shapes the experience profoundly. You cannot easily weekend in Sydney or Melbourne as students at eastern universities might visit each other. Perth creates its own world. The climate compensates for the distance. Mediterranean conditions bring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer days regularly exceed 35°C but low humidity makes it bearable, and beaches provide relief. Winter sees temperatures between 8°C and 18°C with regular rainfall greening the parks and gardens. The campus sits along the Swan River with the Perth CBD visible across the water. Fremantle, the historic port town, lies 20 minutes south and offers markets, cafes, and maritime atmosphere. The beaches stretching north from Cottesloe to Scarborough draw students for swimming, surfing, and sunsets. Margaret River wine country sits three hours south for weekend wine tasting. The Indian Ocean and outback begin within hours of the city, offering adventure travel without international flights.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Australian students access HECS-HELP loans that defer tuition payment until income reaches threshold levels. Annual contributions vary by field, ranging from roughly $4,000 for humanities to $11,000 for medicine and law. International students pay substantially more, with annual fees ranging from $35,000 to $80,000 AUD depending on program. Living costs in Perth run somewhat lower than Sydney and Melbourne, with shared accommodation near campus available for $200 to $300 weekly. A modest student lifestyle requires $20,000 to $25,000 annually beyond tuition. Career outcomes benefit from UWA's standing as Western Australia's premier university. Graduates dominate leadership positions across the state's major companies, government agencies, and professional firms. The mining and resources sector provides particularly strong employment opportunities for relevant fields, with salaries often exceeding national averages. The university's career center offers resume assistance, interview preparation, and connections to employers. Industry placements and internships are embedded in many programs, providing practical experience and professional networks. The alumni network maintains strong engagement, and UWA graduates often preferentially hire fellow graduates. The downside of Perth's isolation is that career opportunities concentrate locally unless you plan to relocate interstate or internationally.
Campus Location
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