LIVING AND STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA
Living and Studying in Australia
Why Western Australia is the Ultimate Study Destination for International Students
Western Australia (WA), the largest state in Australia, offers an international student experience like no other. With world-class education, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities for growth, WA is the perfect place to study, live, and thrive.
A High Quality of Life in a Vibrant State
WA boasts an enviable lifestyle that combines expansive outback adventures with breathtaking coastlines and lively cities. Whether you’re exploring pristine beaches, hiking through rugged national parks, or immersing yourself in local arts and culture, WA offers countless opportunities to make lifelong memories.
A Global Hub for Industry and Innovation
As the mining and engineering capital of Australia, WA is a global leader in resources and industrial innovation. The state is home to some of the world’s largest resource companies, including BHP, Rio Tinto, and Woodside, providing students with opportunities for hands-on work experience and industry connections across automation, engineering, and digital technology.
Connected to the World
Perth, the capital of WA, offers direct flights to major destinations across Asia, making it easier for international students to stay connected with home while accessing international business and research networks.
A Thriving Multicultural Community
WA is a diverse, welcoming community where you’ll meet people from all over the world. Beyond academics, WA’s lifestyle — from international festivals to a growing dining and events scene adds richness to your study experience.
Calculate your cost of living in Australia (https://costofliving.studyaustralia.gov.au/)
Why Perth is the Perfect City for International Students
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a sun-soaked city known for its warm, welcoming character and cultural diversity.
Sun, Sand, and Study
Perth enjoys a high number of sunny days compared to other Australian capitals, with a mild climate warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Whether relaxing on the beach, exploring parks, or enjoying riverside cafes, the outdoor lifestyle is a big part of the Perth experience.
A Cosmopolitan City with a Warm Welcome
Perth is home to people from a huge range of nationalities. As a student, you’ll find a genuine sense of community, with festivals, diverse cuisine, and everyday opportunities to connect with people from around the world.
Affordable Living
Perth generally offers a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious students, while still offering a modern city with a strong arts, music, and dining scene.
Perth’s Regional Migration Status
At the time of writing, Perth is classified as a Designated Regional Area (Category 2) for skilled migration purposes. This can provide benefits such as additional points under the skilled migration points test and extended post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, in line with current Department of Home Affairs settings.
Important: Regional migration classifications are set by the Australian Government and can change. There has been public discussion in 2025–2026 about a possible review of Perth’s regional status as part of broader migration reforms. Because this directly affects visa outcomes, students should always verify Perth’s current classification directly on the [Department of Home Affairs designated regional areas page](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/eligible-regional-areas) before making study or migration decisions, and should not rely solely on this page for time-sensitive visa planning. ATCWA’s Student Support team can also help point you toward a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
A Relaxed Lifestyle with Big City Perks
Perth strikes a balance between laid-back Australian living and genuine career opportunities, with world-class education institutions and a strong resources-driven economy.
A Campus at the Heart of it All
Perth’s central location makes it easy to access public and private transport, whether you’re heading to class, exploring the city, or relaxing at a nearby beach.
Why New South Wales is a World-Class Study Destination for International Students
New South Wales (NSW) is home to the most international students of any Australian state, and Sydney, its capital, is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. With globally recognised institutions, a booming economy, and an unmatched lifestyle, NSW offers everything you need for an outstanding study experience.
A High Quality of Life in an Iconic State
From Sydney Harbour to the beaches of Bondi and Manly, and the natural beauty of Greater Sydney and beyond, NSW blends world-famous city life with genuine natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring coastal walks, national parks, or the vibrant inner-city, there’s always something new to discover.
A Thriving Economic Hub
NSW has the largest economy of any Australian state, making up roughly a third of the national economy. Sydney is home to a large share of Australia’s top companies and is a major centre for financial services, technology, scientific and technical services, and telecommunications. International education is one of NSW’s largest service exports, and the state’s education technology (EdTech) sector alone generated over $1.7 billion in 2025. Other prominent industries include financial and insurance services, scientific and technical services, and information media and telecommunications.
Connected to the World
Sydney is Australia’s busiest international gateway, with direct flights to major destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas — making it easy for international students to stay connected with home while building global networks.
A Thriving Multicultural Community
NSW is home to the largest number of international students of any Australian state close to 300,000 enrolled students from around 180 countries. International education contributes billions of dollars annually to the NSW economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs across the state. Studying in NSW means joining one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, with a huge range of languages spoken and cultures represented across Greater Sydney.
Calculate your cost of living in Australia (https://costofliving.studyaustralia.gov.au/)
Why Sydney is an Exceptional City for International Students
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is one of the world’s most iconic cities — a place where world-class education meets an unmatched lifestyle.
A Cosmopolitan City with a Warm Welcome
Sydney is a true global melting pot, home to people from across the world. As a student, you’ll find community wherever you look, from cultural festivals to some of the country’s best international dining.
City Life and Culture
Sydney offers a rich arts and culture scene, a huge range of dining options, and year-round events from designer shopping strips to laid-back café culture, rooftop bars, and free public events throughout the year.
Cost of Living
Sydney is one of Australia’s more expensive cities to live in, reflecting its status as a major global city. Planning ahead with a realistic budget — including rent, transport, and everyday costs will help you make the most of studying here. Use the Study Australia cost of living calculator (https://costofliving.studyaustralia.gov.au/) to plan your budget before you arrive.
Sydney’s Migration Classification
Unlike Perth, Sydney is not classified as a Designated Regional Area for skilled migration purposes along with Melbourne and Brisbane, it’s excluded from the regional visa incentives (such as extra points and extended 485 post-study work rights) that apply elsewhere in Australia. This doesn’t affect your ability to study or work in Sydney under a standard student visa, but it’s worth knowing if you’re planning a longer-term migration pathway. As always, confirm current settings on the Department of Home Affairs designated regional areas page (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/eligible-regional-areas), or speak with a registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation.
Big City Opportunities
Sydney’s scale brings genuine advantages: a deep job market, strong industry connections, and a fast-paced environment that suits students looking to build a career alongside their studies.
A Campus in the Heart of It All
Our Bankstown campus gives you access to Sydney’s public transport network, connecting you easily to the CBD, other parts of Greater Sydney, and everything the city has to offer.
Sydney isn’t just a place to study it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities, where work, learning, and life come together.
Note: This page provides general information current at the time of writing. Migration rules, regional classifications, and visa settings can change always confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered migration agent before making decisions based on visa or migration outcomes.