The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia: World-Class Education, Research and Career Opportunities

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading Australian university located in Perth, Western Australia. UWA offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs across a wide range of disciplines and is currently positioned among the world's top 100 universities in the QS 2027 rankings, according to UWA.

UWA combines academic education with research, industry engagement, global learning and career development opportunities. Its main campus is located on Stirling Highway in Crawley, Perth, close to the Swan River and central Perth.

What is UWA Known For?

UWA offers programs across areas including:

• Business
• Commerce
• Engineering
• Computing
• Data Science
• Science
• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Arts
• Law
• Education
• Nursing
• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Psychology
• Health Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Marine Science

UWA's course portfolio includes undergraduate, postgraduate and higher-degree-by-research programs.

Business & Commerce

Students can explore:

• Commerce
• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Business
• Marketing
• Management
• Business analytics

Business students can develop professional skills through industry engagement, internships, work-integrated learning and career-development programs.

Computing & Data Science

Students interested in technology can explore:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Computing
• Software-related disciplines
• Information technology
• Artificial intelligence and data-related fields

UWA also offers a Diploma in Computer and Data Science as an international pathway into selected bachelor's degrees.

Engineering

UWA offers engineering study across areas including:

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Mining-related disciplines
• Environmental engineering
• Software-related engineering

Engineering students can combine technical study with practical projects and industry experience.

Science

Students can explore:

• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Environmental science
• Marine science
• Earth sciences
• Agricultural science

Depending on the program, students can undertake laboratory work, fieldwork, research and industry-related projects.

Health & Medicine

UWA has a substantial health and medical education portfolio.

Students can explore:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Health sciences
• Biomedical sciences
• Public health

Professional health programs may include clinical placements and practical training.

Architecture, Design & Planning

Students can study areas such as:

• Architecture
• Landscape architecture
• Urban planning
• Design
• Property and related built-environment disciplines

Law

UWA offers legal education and related study areas covering:

• Law
• Legal practice
• Corporate law
• Government
• Policy
• International law

Students can combine legal study with other disciplines through appropriate degree pathways.

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Students can explore:

• Arts
• Humanities
• History
• Politics
• International relations
• Communication
• Languages
• Social sciences

These programs can provide pathways into careers across government, media, education, communications and the community sector.

Academic Environment

Depending on the selected course, students may experience:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratories
• Workshops
• Studios
• Fieldwork
• Research projects
• Industry projects
• Placements
• Internships

UWA also provides extracurricular courses and programs focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and career development.

Work-Integrated Learning

UWA provides Work-Integrated Learning opportunities through dedicated internship and professional-experience units.

The 2026 UWA Handbook lists opportunities including:

• Professional Internship
• Professional Placement Experience
• Work Integrated Learning Internship Program
• Industry Internship
• Work Integrated Learning Internship in Arts
• Languages Teaching Practicum
• Hospitality Internship

Students can secure some WIL internships through UWA's Internship Board or by self-sourcing an organisation, subject to approval by the WIL team.

Industry Experience & Internships

UWA's WIL programs allow students to apply academic knowledge in workplace settings.

Depending on the unit, students may:

• Work with an employer
• Complete workplace tasks
• Develop professional communication skills
• Prepare proposals or reports
• Complete career-planning activities
• Reflect on workplace experience

For example, UWA's Professional Internship and WIL units are designed to develop communication, initiative, workplace performance and professional skills.

Global Opportunities

UWA provides significant opportunities for international study and global experience.

Students can participate in:

• Student exchange
• Study abroad
• Short-term programs
• Study tours
• International internships
• Global learning opportunities

UWA currently has 130+ student exchange partner universities worldwide, along with short-term programs, study tours and international internships.

Pathway Options for International Students

Students who don't meet UWA's direct-entry requirements can explore several pathways.

UWA Foundation Program

The UWA Foundation Program, delivered by UWA College, helps international students strengthen their academic and English-language skills before progressing into the first year of a bachelor's degree.

Diploma Pathways

UWA College offers diplomas that can provide entry into the second year of selected UWA bachelor's degrees.

Available pathways include:

• Diploma in Commerce
• Diploma in Computer and Data Science
• Diploma in Engineering

English Pathways

Students who need to improve their English-language proficiency can use courses provided by the UWA Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT).

Credit Transfer

UWA may also grant academic credit for previous tertiary study where completed subjects are equivalent and relevant to the chosen course.

International Student Admissions

International applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Meet UWA's English-language requirements
• Meet academic requirements
• Meet course prerequisites
• Provide academic records
• Provide English test results where required
• Provide a passport copy
• Submit additional documents where required.

Some courses, particularly medicine and other health programs, may have additional admission or inherent requirements.

International students can apply directly through UWA's application portal or through an authorised education agent. UWA currently charges a non-refundable AUD 150 application fee for international applications.

International Student Experience

UWA provides dedicated support for international students, including:

• Pre-departure support
• Orientation
• International Student Lounge
• Academic support
• Careers services
• Accommodation guidance
• Student wellbeing
• Visa information

New international students can visit the International Student Lounge, where staff and student ambassadors help students transition into university life.

Quick Facts

• University: The University of Western Australia
• Country: Australia
• Main campus: Perth, Western Australia
• Study levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate and research
• Major areas: Business, Computing, Engineering, Science, Medicine, Law, Education, Arts and Health
• Key feature: Strong academic and research environment
• Industry opportunities: Internships, placements and Work-Integrated Learning
• Global opportunities: 130+ exchange partners, study abroad and international internships
• Pathways: Foundation, diplomas, English pathways and credit transfer

Q. Is UWA good for international students?

A. Yes. UWA offers a strong academic environment, international student support, global study opportunities, internships and a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Q. Does UWA offer internships?

A. Yes. Students can access Work-Integrated Learning internships, professional placements, industry internships and international internship opportunities, depending on their course and eligibility.

Q. Does UWA offer pathway programs?

A. Yes. International students can use foundation programs, diploma pathways, English-language pathways and eligible credit-transfer arrangements.

Student Life at The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers a diverse student experience on its Perth campus, combining academic study with clubs, societies, sporting activities, cultural events and career-development opportunities. UWA's international student community includes students from many countries, creating a multicultural campus environment.

Campus & Facilities

Students can access:

• Libraries and study spaces
• Laboratories and research facilities
• Computer and technology facilities
• Specialist teaching spaces
• Health and wellbeing services
• Career and employability services
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Cafés and social areas
• Student support services

UWA's Crawley campus is located close to the Swan River and Perth city, giving students access to both university facilities and the wider city.

Student Clubs & Activities

Students can participate in a wide variety of:

• Academic clubs
• Professional societies
• Cultural organisations
• Sporting clubs
• Arts and creative groups
• Volunteering
• Student leadership
• Special-interest societies

These activities can help students develop friendships, professional networks and leadership skills.

International Student Experience

UWA provides dedicated support for international students before and after arrival.

Support includes:

• Pre-departure information
• Orientation
• International Student Lounge
• Academic support
• Careers assistance
• Accommodation guidance
• Wellbeing services
• Visa-related information

The International Student Lounge provides a place where new international students can receive guidance and connect with staff and student ambassadors.

Q. What is student life like at UWA?

A. Students can experience a multicultural university environment with clubs, societies, sports, social activities, career opportunities and dedicated international student support.

UWA Courses – Business, IT, Engineering, Science, Medicine and More

UWA offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs across a broad range of disciplines.

Popular Subject Areas

Business & Commerce

Students can explore:

• Commerce
• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Business
• Marketing
• Management
• Business analytics

Students can develop professional skills through projects, internships, industry engagement and career-development activities.

Computing & Data Science

Students can study:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Computing
• Software-related disciplines
• Digital technologies
• Artificial intelligence and data-related fields

The Diploma in Computer and Data Science also provides an alternative pathway into selected UWA bachelor's degrees.

Engineering

Students can explore:

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Mining-related disciplines
• Environmental engineering
• Software-related engineering

Engineering education combines technical knowledge with practical projects and professional development.

Science

Study areas include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Environmental science
• Marine science
• Earth sciences
• Agricultural science

Students may gain practical experience through laboratories, fieldwork and research.

Health & Medicine

UWA offers programs in:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Health sciences
• Biomedical sciences
• Public health

Professional programs can include clinical placements and practical training.

Architecture & Design

Students can explore:

• Architecture
• Landscape architecture
• Urban planning
• Design
• Property
• Built-environment disciplines

Law

Students can pursue:

• Law
• Legal practice
• Corporate law
• International law
• Government
• Policy

Arts & Humanities

Students can study:

• Arts
• Humanities
• History
• Politics
• International relations
• Communication
• Languages
• Social sciences

Practical Learning

UWA provides opportunities to connect academic learning with professional experience through:

• Internships
• Work-Integrated Learning
• Industry projects
• Professional placements
• Laboratories
• Fieldwork
• Research projects

The university's 2026 Handbook includes dedicated WIL units covering professional internships, industry internships and professional placement experiences.

Industry Experience & Internships

Depending on the course, students can gain professional experience through:

• Work-Integrated Learning internships
• Professional placements
• Industry internships
• Research placements
• Employer projects
• International internships

UWA's WIL internship opportunities allow students to apply their academic knowledge within professional organisations.

Students can obtain internships through UWA's Internship Board or, where permitted, source an organisation themselves subject to approval.

Careers & Employability

UWA provides career services designed to help students prepare for employment.

Students can access:

• Career advice
• Resume assistance
• Interview preparation
• Job-search resources
• Employer events
• Networking
• Internship opportunities
• Career-development programs

UWA also offers extracurricular opportunities focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and career development.

Career Areas

Depending on their degree, graduates can pursue careers in:

Technology

• Software development
• Data science
• AI
• IT
• Digital technologies

Business

• Accounting
• Finance
• Consulting
• Marketing
• Management

Engineering

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Mining
• Environmental engineering

Health

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Dentistry
• Psychology
• Public health

Science

• Research
• Environmental science
• Marine science
• Agriculture
• Laboratory science

Law & Policy

• Legal practice
• Government
• Policy
• Corporate law

Placement & Internship Opportunities

Depending on the selected course, students may undertake:

• Internships
• Professional placements
• Industry projects
• Clinical placements
• Research
• Fieldwork
• Work-integrated learning

The exact placement requirements vary by program.

Accommodation

Students can choose from:

• University residential colleges
• Student accommodation
• Private rentals
• Shared housing
• Purpose-built student accommodation

UWA provides accommodation information and support to help students choose an option suitable for their needs and budget.

Global Opportunities

UWA has a strong international study network.

Students can participate in:

• Student exchange
• Study abroad
• Short-term programs
• Study tours
• International internships
• Global learning

UWA currently lists 130+ student exchange partner universities worldwide, giving eligible students opportunities to study overseas while progressing toward their degree.

Q. Does UWA offer internships?

A. Yes. Students can access Work-Integrated Learning internships, professional placements, industry internships and international internship opportunities, depending on their course and eligibility.

Q. Does UWA provide accommodation?

A. Yes. Students can choose from residential colleges, student accommodation, private rentals and shared housing, with UWA providing accommodation guidance.

Q. Does UWA provide career support?

A. Yes. Students can access career advice, employability programs, employer connections, networking opportunities and internship support.

Q. Can UWA students study overseas?

A. Yes. Eligible students can participate in exchange, study-abroad programs, study tours and international internships. UWA has more than 130 exchange partner universities worldwide.

UWA Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

The University of Western Australia (UWA) charges international students course-specific tuition fees. The amount depends on the selected course and enrolment, and UWA reviews tuition fees annually. Students can use UWA's official fee calculator to determine the applicable annual course charge.

Tuition Fees for International Students

For planning purposes, international students can expect many UWA programs to fall broadly within the following range:

Study Area	Indicative Annual Tuition
Arts & Humanities	AUD 35,000+
Business & Commerce	AUD 40,000+
Computing & Data Science	AUD 40,000+
Engineering	AUD 45,000+
Science	AUD 40,000+
Health Sciences	AUD 40,000–55,000+
Medicine and selected professional programs	AUD 60,000+

These are indicative planning figures, not fixed UWA-wide fees. The exact fee should always be checked against the student's course and offer. UWA confirms that fees vary according to the course and enrolment.

International students should also budget separately for:

• Accommodation
• Food and living expenses
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Books and study materials
• Transport
• Visa and travel expenses
• Course-specific expenses
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

UWA states that the SSAF is compulsory for international students.

Undergraduate Tuition Cost

The total tuition cost depends on the degree duration and annual fee.

For example, if a course costs approximately AUD 42,000 per year:

AUD 42,000 × 3 years = AUD 126,000

This is only an illustrative calculation. Actual tuition can change depending on the course, study load and annual fee adjustments.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is separate from tuition.

Students can consider:

• Residential colleges
• Student accommodation
• Private rentals
• Shared housing
• Purpose-built student accommodation

Students should also budget for food, utilities, transport and personal expenses.

International Student Cost of Attendance

A realistic budget should include:

Tuition + Accommodation + Living Expenses + OSHC + Transport + Study Materials + Other University Fees

UWA provides separate information for international student fees and encourages students to use its fee calculator for their individual course.

Scholarships & Financial Support

UWA has a substantial scholarship portfolio for international students.

Global Excellence Scholarship

The Global Excellence Scholarship is available to high-achieving international students from around the world.

For students commencing eligible courses in 2026, the scholarship can provide:

• Up to AUD 48,000 over four years for eligible undergraduate degrees
• Up to AUD 36,000 over three years for eligible undergraduate degrees
• Up to AUD 24,000 over two years for eligible postgraduate degrees

The annual value depends on the student's equivalent ATAR or WAM.

For undergraduate applicants:

Equivalent ATAR	Scholarship per year
98.00+	AUD 12,000
90.00–97.95	AUD 10,000
85.00–89.95	AUD 6,000

For postgraduate applicants:

WAM	Scholarship per year
85.00+	AUD 12,000
75.00–84.99	AUD 10,000
65.00–74.99	AUD 6,000

Eligible students are automatically assessed based on their academic results.

International Student Award

The International Student Award provides eligible students from selected countries with a AUD 5,000 tuition-fee reduction per year.

For 2026, this can provide:

• Up to AUD 20,000 over four years for eligible undergraduate courses
• Up to AUD 15,000 over three years for eligible undergraduate courses
• Up to AUD 10,000 over two years for eligible postgraduate courses

India is included among the eligible countries.

UWA Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship

The highly competitive UWA Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship can provide eligible international students with:

• 50% off UWA tuition fees, or
• 100% off UWA tuition fees

Eligibility is restricted to specified international student groups and selected degrees.

Higher Degree by Research Scholarships

International research students can apply for scholarships that may include:

• International tuition-fee coverage
• OSHC
• Living allowance
• Research-related support

UWA's 2026 RTP stipend value is AUD 38,110 per year for eligible recipients.

Forrest Research Foundation PhD Scholarships

Outstanding international PhD students can also be considered for the Forrest Research Foundation Scholarship, which UWA describes as being worth more than AUD 50,000, including stipend, accommodation and research/travel support.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students have access to the UWA International Student Award, which provides a AUD 5,000 annual tuition reduction for eligible courses.

UWA India also has separate scholarship and fee-waiver initiatives for students commencing at its proposed India campuses, but these should not be confused with scholarships for studying in Perth.

Payment of Tuition Fees

UWA provides international students with a Statement of Account for each teaching period, showing the amount payable and due date.

Students should carefully check their:

• Acceptance of Offer
• Statement of Account
• Scholarship conditions
• Payment deadlines
• OSHC arrangements
• Additional fees

UWA warns that tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase during a student's degree.

Application Fee

International students applying directly to UWA, or through an agent applying on their behalf, are currently required to pay a non-refundable AUD 150 application processing fee.

Cost Example for an International Student

Suppose an eligible student has annual tuition of AUD 42,000 and receives the AUD 5,000 International Student Award.

Original tuition:

AUD 42,000

Scholarship:

− AUD 5,000

Remaining tuition:

AUD 37,000 per year

This is an illustrative calculation. The actual tuition depends on the student's selected course.

The Honest Verdict – Is UWA Worth the Cost?

UWA can be an excellent option for students seeking a high-ranking Australian university with strong academic, research, industry and international opportunities.

UWA Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want to study in Perth
• Prefer a research-intensive university
• Are interested in Engineering
• Want to study Computing or Data Science
• Are interested in Business
• Want to study Science
• Are interested in Medicine or Health
• Want strong international opportunities
• Want access to major scholarships
• Are looking for internships and Work-Integrated Learning
• Want a university with extensive global exchange opportunities

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Need the absolute lowest tuition fees
• Prefer a small specialist university
• Specifically want to live in Sydney or Melbourne
• Prefer a highly vocational rather than research-oriented environment

Frequently Asked Questions About UWA Fees

Q. How much does it cost to study at UWA?

A. Tuition varies significantly by course. Many international programs fall broadly within the AUD 35,000–60,000+ annual range, while some specialised programs can cost more. UWA recommends checking the official fee calculator for the exact course fee.

Q. Does UWA offer scholarships to international students?

A. Yes. Major options include the Global Excellence Scholarship, International Student Award, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships and Higher Degree by Research scholarships.

Q. Can Indian students get a scholarship at UWA?

A. Yes. Eligible Indian students can receive the AUD 5,000-per-year International Student Award for eligible courses.

Q. What is the maximum UWA Global Excellence Scholarship?

A. Eligible 2026 students can receive up to AUD 48,000 over four years for eligible undergraduate courses or AUD 24,000 over two years for eligible postgraduate courses.

Q. Is accommodation included in tuition?

A. No. Accommodation and living expenses are separate.

Q. Does UWA charge an application fee?

A. Yes. UWA currently charges international applicants a non-refundable AUD 150 application processing fee.

A Final Word – Why UWA Deserves Your Consideration

The University of Western Australia combines academic excellence, research strength, industry experience and global opportunities.

Its broad portfolio across Business, Computing, Engineering, Science, Medicine, Health, Law and Arts gives international students considerable choice.

The scholarship options are another major advantage. Eligible international students can access awards worth thousands of dollars, while exceptional students may qualify for scholarships covering 50% or even 100% of tuition fees under specific UWA Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship conditions.

Overall Verdict: UWA is a strong choice for international students seeking a high-quality, research-focused and globally connected Australian university, particularly for Engineering, Computing, Science, Business, Medicine and Health-related fields.