Study at the University of Western Australia (UWA)
Founded in 1911, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Located in Perth, Western Australia’s capital, UWA is the most geographically isolated Group of Eight university — Perth is closer to Singapore, Jakarta, or Bali than to Sydney. This position makes UWA a natural entry point to Southeast Asian markets, with a calmer and more intimate study environment than the east coast metropolises.
Why choose UWA
UWA stands out for three reasons. Marine and ocean sciences: UWA Oceans Institute, the Marine Microbiology Lab, and coral ecosystem research place UWA in the global top tier. Mining and geological engineering: the WA Mining School is a world reference, directly linked to the Australian mining industry (the largest in the world). Emerging space industry: Perth hosts the South West Land Division of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world’s largest telescope. For students aiming at raw materials industry, ocean research, or astronomy, UWA offers unique access.
Programmes
- Engineering — mining, civil, mechanical, electrical, software, biomedical, environmental
- Marine and Ocean Sciences — oceanography, marine biology
- Earth Sciences — geology, geophysics, planetary sciences
- Business — Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing, Finance
- Medicine — Doctor of Medicine after Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Science — physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry
- Arts — social sciences, communication, Asian languages
- Architecture and Urban Design
Admission requirements
- Strong academic results, distinctions recommended for selective programmes
- IELTS Academic 6.5 minimum, no sub-band below 6.0. More stringent for Law, Education, Health Sciences
- TOEFL iBT 82 / PTE 58 equivalents generally accepted
- Application fee: AUD 150
- Scholarships: UWA offers merit-based scholarships to eligible international students — one of the rare Go8 to offer significant aid (amounts vary by program; check the official UWA scholarships page)
Tuition and cost of living
2026 international fees by discipline:
- Business: AUD 50,000–51,000/year
- Arts: AUD 42,000–43,000/year
- Sciences: AUD 42,500–52,000/year
- Overall range: AUD 39,000–55,000/year
Perth cost of living: AUD 18,000 to 22,000 per year — one of the cheapest in the Go8 (similar to Adelaide). Housing, transport, and food all more affordable than Sydney/Melbourne. Perth’s modest size (~2 million) facilitates student life.
Application calendar
- Semester 1 2026 — deadline a date that varies by program
- Semester 2 2026 — deadline a date that varies by program
Apply at least 4 months before deadline. UWA scholarships have their own deadlines, often earlier than academic applications — check the UWA Scholarships site.
See our complete guide on Subclass 500 visa and the Australian system.
How YourDreamSchool supports you
Since 2011, YDS has supported students applying to UWA and the other Group of Eight universities. We help structure your Statement of Purpose, prepare you for IELTS, build your Subclass 500 visa application, and anticipate life on the ground. Book a free orientation call with a YDS coach, or contact us with any questions.