The University of Western Australia (UWA) prides itself on a diverse campus environment that attracts students from all over the globe. Together with its pathway program UWA College, UWA boasts a truly global student community. In this post, we’ll explore the latest demographic data that highlight just how international UWA’s student body is, and why so many students choose to study in Perth at UWA.
International Student Diversity at UWA
UWA’s international presence is significant and growing. As of 2025, the university enrolls over 28,000 students from 115 countries worldwide. This includes more than 8,000 international students studying across undergraduate and postgraduate programs – nearly one in three students on campus. Such a broad mix of nationalities creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere in classrooms, libraries, and on the beautiful Perth campus.
- Total Students: 28,000+ (2025)
- International Students: ~8,000 (30% of enrolments)
- Nationalities Represented: 115 countries
Explore more on UWA’s International Students page.
UWA’s commitment to diversity is also reflected in its student support and social life. There are 160+ clubs and societies—from cultural associations to hobby groups—run by students, ensuring you can connect with peers from your home country or discover new cultures.
UWA College: International Pathways to UWA
To further expand and support its international community, UWA established UWA College—an on-campus pathways college for overseas students. UWA College offers foundation and diploma programs that prepare international students for entry into UWA’s degrees.
- Pathway Enrolments: ~500 students in first 18 months
- Nationalities Represented in College: ~30 countries
These pathway students study on the main campus, use UWA’s facilities, and integrate fully into campus life before progressing to degree-level study. Upon completion, diploma students move directly into second year of their UWA bachelor’s degree—guaranteed, provided they meet progression criteria.
One of Australia’s Most Diverse Campuses
When compared nationally, UWA stands out:
- 115 nationalities represented—among the broadest in Australia.
- Roughly 8,000 international students, a high proportion compared to most Group of Eight universities.
- UWA is a member of the Group of Eight, Australia’s elite research-intensive universities, further enhancing its international appeal.
Even large east-coast institutions host similar numbers, but UWA’s combination of proportion (30% international) and national diversity places it at the forefront of Australian higher education.
Why International Students Choose UWA and Perth
International students enjoying UWA’s riverside campus.
- Global Reputation: UWA ranks in the world’s top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025), making its degrees recognized worldwide.
- Liveability of Perth: Perth is the 15th most liveable city (Economist Intelligence Unit 2024) with safe, sunny conditions and multicultural communities for 190+ nationalities.
- Affordability: Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Perth offers a lower cost of living, allowing students to focus on studies and campus life.
- Industry Connections: Perth’s strong economy—especially in mining, energy, and tech—provides internship and job opportunities for students during and after their studies.
Global Community and Connections
UWA’s international students come from every continent, including large cohorts from:
- Asia: China, India, Malaysia, Singapore
- Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya
- Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil
This global mix enriches classroom discussions and group projects, preparing all students for international careers.
Join UWA’s International Community
For prospective international students, UWA and UWA College offer one of the most diverse campus experiences in Australia. Whether you enter directly or via an international pathway, you become part of a global network of peers, benefit from world-class teaching, and enjoy life in vibrant Perth.
- Learn more on the UWA International Students page.
- Discover pathway options on the UWA College site.
Your journey to a truly global education and community begins at UWA—where diversity isn’t just a statistic, it’s a way of life.
The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers an excellent English language program – and with the Agent Scholarship Office by Good Friends Japan (in partnership with INTO Australia), you can apply with a guaranteed scholarship. This means you’ll improve your English at a world-class university with exclusive financial support, as long as you apply using the special form below (not directly through UWA).
Apply only via this form for our agent scholarship: