Perth vs Adelaide. Which is Better for International Students?

 

If you are planning to study in Australia, there are multiple options to choose from depending on your individual circumstances and preferences. However, if you want to select one between Perth or Adelaide, this blog post is for you. Let’s discover the answer to the question, Perth vs Adelaide. Which is better for international students? 

 

We understand choosing to study between Perth and Adelaide is a challenging task and many students get stuck in the confusion. Perth is the best place to study for international students, however, it can be a bit expensive as compared to Adelaide. So, it may not be a good option for those who are financially less stable. 

 

Learn more about the pros and cons, job opportunities, cost of living, and the best universities located in Adelaide and Perth.

 

Perth vs. Adelaide. Which is Better for International Students?

 

Both Perth and Adelaide are great choices for international students, but they offer different experiences.

 

Perth is known for its vibrant city life, beautiful beaches, and strong job market. So, it is an ideal destination for students who enjoy an active lifestyle and are looking for work opportunities. However, it can be more expensive to live in.

 

Adelaide, on the other hand, is more affordable and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It also has excellent universities and a lower cost of living, which can be beneficial for students on a budget.

 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and financial situation. Learn more about the comparison below.

 

1. Perth vs. Adelaide. Which Has Better Universities?

Adelaide

Adelaide’s universities have produced a number of world-class experts in their various professions. The three public universities in Adelaide are:

 

• Flinders University
• University of Adelaide
• University of South Australia.

 

Adelaide is also the location of the private Australian institution Torrens institution and the well-known Carnegie Mellon University campus. Torrens University Australia is the most affordable institution in Adelaide for undergraduate studies. 

 

Tuition fee for international candidates to bachelor’s programs is approximately $25,120. In addition to these universities, there are other educational institutions that focus on a variety of subjects, such as technology, hospitality, business, and more.

 

These universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certifications, and graduate diplomas in fields, including business, engineering, IT, and hospitality.

Perth

Perth is known as the “ Education City” of Australia. It is home to five top Australian universities, providing the students with a multitude of options to get higher education and excellent student support services. The top 5 universities located in Perth include:

 

• Murdoch University
• Notre Dame University 
• The University of Edith Cowan 
• The Curtin University of Technology
• The University of Western Australia.

 

The tuition fee for an international student applying for a bachelor program starts from $27,100, while for a domestic bachelor’s degree it starts at about $4,000.

 

For international students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Perth is also one of the greatest places to study. The universities in this city conduct top-notch research, especially in the fields of science and education.

 

Did you know? Murdoch University is the cheapest university for undergraduate courses in Perth.

University Rankings in Adelaide and Perth

 

According to the QS World University Rankings, Perth has superior universities than Adelaide. This ranking is based on various factors including academic excellence, staff to student ratio, citations per faculty, foreign population of students and employer reputation.

 

The following data provides a brief comparison of universities between Adelaide and Perth. 

 

Rank	Educational Institute	Adelaide vs Perth
90th	University of Western Australia (UWA)	Perth
109th	University of Adelaide	Adelaide
193rd	Curtin University	Perth
363rd	University of South Australia	Adelaide
425th	Flinders University	Adelaide
561st-570th	Murdoch University	Perth
601st-650th	Edith Cowan University	Perth

 

Looking at this table, you will notice that Perth has the greater ratio of better universities as compared to Adelaide. Moreover, Perth has got four entries in the list while Adelaide has only three.

 

However, choosing the best university in either city could prove a challenging task. 

 

Before you continue, here’s a piece of advice:

To determine which institution best fits your long- and short-term objectives depends upon personal choices. Therefore, it is better to take professional help from immigration lawyers as they can provide you with customized solutions according to your academic background and other preferences. 

 

2. Perth vs Adelaide. Which Has a Lower Cost of Living?

Perth

Did you know that Perth is the second most expensive city in terms of cost of living, after Sydney in Australia. The accommodation cost of an on-campus student ranges from $90 to $280 per week.

 

However, educational institutions including The University of Notre Dame, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia also pay some of these expenses under specific conditions. 

 

Homestays with an Australian family cost between $235 and $325 per week. Just make sure the organization you select for your homestays adheres to the Homestay Standards set forth by Australian Government Schools International (AGSI).

 

Additionally, boarding institutions charge from $11,000 to $22,000 per year. A number of private secondary schools also provide food, accommodation, and laundry facilities. It is noteworthy to acknowledge that Perth’s elevated cost of living is indicative of a robust local labor market and economy.

Adelaide

A shared house in Adelaide costs between $160 and $250 per week, $200 and $500 per week for managed student housing with internet costs, or a residential college room near campuses costs between $450 and $550 per week.

 

Popular services like Flatmates and Flatmate Finders offer shared housing in Adelaide that allows students to spend the minimum amount for rent each month. The average cost of living on campus at an Adelaide university is between $300 and $550 a week, which usually includes meals.

 

Living expenses can vary no doubt, but you can save yourself from a lot of trouble by getting health insurance. In this manner, minor expenses such as eye issues, migraines, or counseling wouldn’t be as problematic.

 

Have a look at the table below that provides a brief comparison of the general living expenses of Perth vs Adelaide. 

 

Expense Category	Perth	Adelaide
Rent (1-bedroom apartment in the city center)	AUD 1,700 – 2,500/month	AUD 1,300 – 1,900/month
Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside the city center)	AUD 1,200 – 1,800/month	AUD 900 – 1,400/month
Groceries	AUD 200 – 300/week	AUD 150 – 250/week
Utilities	AUD 200 – 300/month	AUD 150 – 250/month
Public Transport	AUD 100 – 150/month	AUD 60 – 100/month
Eating Out	AUD 20 – 50/meal	AUD 15 – 40/meal

 

You should also read this: What are the Best Regional Areas to Study in Australia in 2024?

3. Perth vs Adelaide. Which City Offers More Job Opportunities?

 

Adelaide does not offer as many job opportunities as Perth. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides data on the unemployment rate and the number of employed individuals. It  shows that higher unemployment rates have historically plagued Adelaide, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In fact, it’s that Australian city where recent graduates struggle the hardest to find work.

 

Metric	Perth	Adelaide
Number of Employed People	1,524,100	941,100
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	3.9%
Underemployment Rate*	5.7%	7.1%

 

Let’s discuss the various industrial sectors that offer employment opportunities for international students and skilled workers.

Adelaide

According to Informed Decisions, the sectors in Adelaide with the biggest labor opportunities are:

 

• Education and Training
• Public Administration and Safety
• Financial and Insurance Services
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Perth

On the other hand, Perth employs the greatest number of people in following industries: 

 

• Safety and Public Administration
• Medical Care and Social Services
• Services for Finance and Insurance
• Expert, Technical, and Scientific Services Mining

 

Perth vs Adelaide. Which Suits Better for International Students? 

In terms of university rating, cost of living, job opportunities, and diversity, Perth is generally a better place for international students. However, if you are searching for more scholarship options, Adelaide might be your go to choice.

 

Let’s explore the following table to gain insights into Perth vs Adelaide, which is better for international students.

 

Criteria	Perth	Adelaide
University Rank	Higher ranked universities	Lower as compared to Perth
Cost of Living	HIgher	Lower as compared to Perth
Employment	More job opportunities	Less job opportunities
Diversity	Diverse population	Limited Population
Scholarships	Limited availability	Numerous options

 

Related Articles

What are the Benefits of Studying in Regional Australia?

5 Best Australian Regional Areas with Low Cost of Living! 

 

As you know each immigration case is different and demands personalized solutions. Therefore you must seek professional assistance to avoid complications. 

How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is a registered Australian organization that provides cost effective and genuine consultation to its clients. We have MARA-certified agents who assist students by providing solutions according to their particular situation.

 

We at The Migration, evaluate your eligibility, determine the best immigration program for you, and customize recommendations to fit your specific requirements. Therefore, don’t miss out on this opportunity and schedule an appointment now for seamless and smooth immigration services.

 

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FAQs

Which Australian city offers the easiest pathway to permanent residency?

Perth is the most preferred regional place for PR in Australia since it provides access to excellent employment possibilities and a wonderful lifestyle. Perth, offers a relaxed lifestyle with a variety of outdoor activities, numerous dining opportunities, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Which Australian city is best for international students in terms of cost of living?

Adelaide is the cheapest city to live in Australia for international students as it has the lowest cost of living as compared to major cities of the country. The average monthly living expenses for International students including rent or accommodation counts for AUD$ 2100.

What is the eligibility criteria for getting a scholarship in Adelaide and Perth?

You need to meet the following criteria to secure scholarship in Adelaide and Perth;

• Letter of recommendation.
• Excellent academic background.
• Research proposal for a master degree.
• Proficiency in English Language ( good score in TOEFL or IELTS).

What are the best regional areas to study in Australia in 2025?

Following are the top regional areas to study in Australia in 2025;

• New South Wales (NSW)
• Tasmania-Hobart
• Adelaide- South Australia
• Perth- Western Australia
• Gold Coast- Queensland
• Sunshine Coast

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it all about Adelaide vs Perth. Both cities are the best places for international students to study in Australia. Choose wisely by looking at the job opportunities, cost of living and the scholarship options offered by these two cities.

 

Make sure to compare the pros and cons of them and select one that matches your individual needs and preferences. However, if you are still confused, it is better to seek professional advice from the immigration lawyers. You can also contact us at The Migration for affordable and authentic consultation.