Thinking of studying at UWA College in 2025? This guide breaks down everything you need to budget for – from tuition fees and living costs in Perth to scholarships that can help fund your education. UWA College is the pathway program to the University of Western Australia (UWA), offering Foundation and Diploma courses that lead into UWA’s degrees. Knowing the costs upfront will help you plan your finances confidently for your study abroad journey in Perth.
UWA College Tuition Fees for 2025 (Foundation & Diploma Programs)
UWA College offers several programs, each with specific tuition fees for 2025. The fees vary by program and course length (standard vs extended options). All tuition costs are in Australian dollars (AUD):
- UWA Foundation Program: A$35,300 for the 8-month (Standard) program, or A$36,900 for the 12-month (Extended) program . This program prepares you for entry into UWA’s undergraduate degrees.
- Diploma in Commerce: A$37,900 for the 8-month diploma, or A$39,600 for the 12-month version . This pathway leads into business-related bachelor’s degrees at UWA.
- Diploma in Computer and Data Science: A$41,500 for the 8-month option, or A$43,200 for the 12-month option . This diploma leads into computing, IT and data science degrees.
- Diploma in Engineering: A$43,600 for the 10-month (accelerated) program, or A$52,200 for the extended 14-month program . This covers foundational engineering coursework before joining a UWA engineering degree.
These fees cover the full tuition of the program. Note that UWA College intakes occur in February, June, and October, with program lengths tailored to ensure you progress smoothly into the university .
Additional Mandatory Fees and Costs
Beyond tuition, keep in mind some additional fees when you enroll at UWA College:
- Administration Fee: A one-off enrollment fee of A$350 (paid when you accept your offer) .
- Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): Approximately A$351 per year . This compulsory fee supports student services and is charged each trimester.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): About A$488–$732 per year for singles coverage. OSHC is required by the Australian government for student visa holders and must cover the duration of your visa.
- Learning Materials: Estimated A$250–$450 annually for textbooks or online resources .
- Laboratory Fee (if applicable): A$100–$300 per year for programs with lab components (e.g. science or engineering subjects).
These costs are current as of late 2024 and are subject to change, so always check the latest updates from UWA College to get the most up-to-date figures.
Cost of Living in Perth for International Students
Studying in Perth, Western Australia, means budgeting for living expenses like housing, food, transportation, and personal costs. The cost of living in Perth is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, which is good news for students. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Accommodation: Your rent will likely be your biggest living expense. On average, a room in a shared student house or apartment in Perth costs around A$200–$300 per week . On-campus or purpose-built student accommodations with more facilities range higher (around A$300–$400/week), whereas a homestay (living with a local host family) might be about A$330/week . Choosing to share housing with other students is a popular, budget-friendly option.
- Food and Groceries: Budget about A$100–$120 per week for groceries if you cook most meals. This can be higher if you eat out frequently. Perth has a variety of affordable eateries and supermarkets. A monthly grocery budget might be roughly A$400–$500.
- Transportation: As an international student in Perth, you get a 40% discount on public transport fares . A student bus or train fare in the city is very reasonable. You might spend around A$15–$20 per week on public transport if you commute daily. Additionally, Perth’s city center offers free bus routes (like the Central Area Transit “CAT” buses) and many students also cycle, thanks to the city’s great bike infrastructure .
- Utilities and Internet: If you live in a student residence, utilities (electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi) may be included. Otherwise, for shared housing you might budget A$20–$30 per week per person for utilities. An unlimited internet plan could be around A$70 per month (often split among housemates).
- Personal Expenses: Don’t forget mobile phone plans, clothing, entertainment, and other personal items. A prepaid mobile plan with data might be ~A$30 per month. Allow maybe A$50+ per week for leisure, gym, social activities, and miscellaneous costs – this varies by individual lifestyle.
In total, a frugal student might spend around A$2,000 per month on living costs, whereas someone in a studio apartment or with a more active social life could need up to A$3,500+ per month. As of 2024, the Australian government’s student visa guidelines require showing about AUD $24,500 for one year’s living costs per single student (not including tuition) . Perth’s cost of living is lower than in Australia’s larger east coast cities (according to worldwide cost-of-living surveys) , so your money will go further in Perth.
Example Student Budget: Monthly vs Annual Expenses
To help you plan, here is an example budget for a single international student living in Perth. This assumes mid-range choices (e.g. sharing an apartment, cooking at home, moderate spending):
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (rent) | A$1,200 | A$14,400 |
| Food and groceries | A$400 | A$4,800 |
| Transport (public transit) | A$80 | A$960 |
| Utilities & Internet | A$100 | A$1,200 |
| Personal & miscellaneous | A$200 | A$2,400 |
| Total Estimated | A$1,980 | A$23,760 |
Your own costs may vary. For instance, choosing a more upscale student apartment or eating out often will increase your budget, while sharing housing and using all the student discounts can reduce expenses. It’s wise to use a budget calculator (like the one on the Australian Government’s Study Australia website) to personalize your estimates .
Scholarships for International Students (UWA College & UWA)
Both UWA College and UWA offer scholarships for international students that can significantly offset the cost of studying. Here are some opportunities to be aware of:
- UWA College Success Scholarship: All international students who receive an offer to study a Foundation or Diploma program at UWA College are automatically considered for this scholarship. It can provide up to A$10,000 toward UWA College tuition fees . The amount awarded is based on your academic background and the program you enroll in. For example, 2025 entrants could receive up to A$10,000 for the Diploma of Engineering, up to A$9,000 for the Diploma of Computer and Data Science, or up to A$8,000 for the Diploma of Commerce or Foundation Program . You’ll be notified in your offer letter if you qualify – there’s no separate application required.
- UWA College Progression Scholarship: UWA rewards students who successfully transition from UWA College into UWA degrees. If you complete a UWA College pathway and progress to UWA, you may be eligible for a one-off tuition reduction of A$5,000–$10,000 in your first year at UWA . This “progression scholarship” is typically based on your grades at UWA College – the better your academic performance, the higher the award (exact criteria are determined by UWA admissions each year).
- UWA Global Excellence Scholarship: This is a prestigious UWA scholarship for high-achieving international students. Undergraduate students can receive up to A$48,000 (distributed as a tuition discount of up to A$12,000 per year over four years) . It’s awarded based on academic merit (your equivalent ATAR or international high school results) when you apply for an eligible UWA degree. Many UWA College graduates who excel academically can qualify for this when they progress to their bachelor’s studies. (Postgraduate students can receive up to A$24,000 under this scheme for a two-year master’s program .) You don’t need a separate scholarship application – eligible students are automatically considered upon applying to UWA.
- UWA International Student Award: UWA has the International Student Award which is a A$5,000 per year tuition fee reduction for students from select countries (such as India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, and others) . This is often automatically granted to eligible students upon admission and can usually be combined with other scholarships (check the terms to be sure).
- Good Friends Japan Agent Scholarship: In addition to the above, up to AUD 3,000 financial aid is available for students who applied through us, Agent Scholarship Office. It requires ambassador activities for Agent Scholarship Office.
Tip: Be sure to check the official UWA scholarships page and UWA College’s scholarships page for the latest information. Scholarship offerings can change each year, and there may be additional awards or bursaries (for example, country-specific scholarships, or family bursaries if you have siblings who studied at UWA). Most scholarships don’t require a separate application – if you meet the criteria, they are awarded automatically when you apply to UWA or UWA College.
Working Part-Time as a Student in Australia
Can you work to help support your living costs? Yes – on a student visa, international students in Australia can work part-time while studying. As of 2025, student visa holders are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (i.e. up to 24 hours a week on average) during academic terms . During official school vacation periods, you can work additional hours (even full-time, as there is no cap during breaks).
Perth’s job market offers plenty of opportunities for students – from hospitality and retail jobs to part-time office and campus roles – and the city’s average wages are relatively high. Australia has a strong minimum wage; from 1 July 2024 the national minimum wage is about A$24.10 per hour (and it usually increases slightly each year). In practical terms, if you work the maximum 48 hours in a two-week period at minimum wage, you could earn roughly A$920–$1,150 fortnightly before tax. Many students earn more than the minimum wage, especially for skilled part-time roles or shifts with penalty rates (e.g. weekend or evening shifts in hospitality).
While part-time work can help cover your living expenses (in our example budget, working ~20 hours a week at minimum wage could cover around 40–50% of monthly costs), it’s not advisable to rely solely on work earnings to pay tuition fees. Your primary purpose in Australia is to study, and you must maintain satisfactory course progress. However, the ability to work part-time is a great way to get extra spending money, gain work experience, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Just remember to balance your work and study commitments.
Bottom line: With careful planning, the cost of studying in Perth can be manageable. Between scholarship opportunities – like the UWA College Success Scholarship and UWA’s Global Excellence Scholarship – and the option to work part-time, international students have ways to reduce the financial burden. Be sure to factor in all the above expenses when planning your study abroad budget. For more details, always refer to official UWA College and UWA resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a UWA College advisor for the latest information on fees and support. With the right preparation, you’ll be set for an exciting and successful educational journey at UWA College and beyond!