5 Reasons Why Malaysian Students Love Studying in Perth

When thinking about studying in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne were the first places that many students considered for enrollment. However, Perth is actually one of the best options as well, considering that the city has built a strong reputation as a student city that combines quality education, affordability, and supportive community. Perth offers a wide range of advantages that make it feel almost at home, especially for Malaysian students.

Let’s dive in more at the reasons why Perth makes its mark.

1. Enjoy Lower Cost Compared to Sydney and Melbourne

Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, which are recognised as student cities as well, Perth’s cost of living is considerably lower than both cities.

Here’s a quick overview of the living cost.

While these numbers might not seem very high, keep in mind that they pile up over time. With greater budget flexibility, it will keep your head clear when it comes to money and more time to focus on studies and personal growth.

2. Access Renowned Universities All in One Place

Besides being affordable, Perth is academically competitive as well. The city is home to five of the most respected universities in Australia.

• University of Western Australia (UWA) – Group of Eight research university
• Curtin University – strong industry links
• Murdoch University – known for health sciences & veterinary
• Edith Cowan University (ECU) – praised for student support
• University of Norte Dame (Fremantle campus) – respected for its arts, science, physiotherapy and bussiness programs

Students can choose from career-driven to research-intensive pathways because of the variety of schools. Malaysian students are particularly attracted to this flexibility, since employability and academic reputation are key factors when selecting a university to study.

3. Same Time Zone as Malaysia

One factor that many people tend to overlook is actually a very meaningful advantage when studying in Perth—the time zone. Both Perth and Malaysia operate on UTC+8, meaning that the time for both countries will always be the same.

This alignment might seem subtle, but it helps students feel more at home, especially for the first timers. The same time zone soothes the emotional and environmental transition. Parents can always check in daily without adjusting schedules while students can maintain social ties back home with ease. With this, studying in Perth seems less daunting for the young Malaysians.

4. Strong Community of Malaysians

Data from the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census shows that 31,268 people who were born in Malaysia live in Greater Perth, while the city of Perth itself contains 2.9% of Malaysia-born residents. This makes Perth one of the cities with the highest concentrations of Malaysians in the country.

This number shows that there is a strong Malaysian community all the way in Perth, creating a welcoming experience for fellow young Malaysians. The city illustrates a sense of familiarity while providing fresh opportunities while building a stronger sense of belonging and reducing culture shocks.

5. Safe, Relaxed, and Student-Focused Environment

Perth offers a lifestyle balance, which most students seem to underestimate before they arrive. With easy access to beaches and parks in a smaller city with less traffic, it feels more unobstructed and calmer. Students can also explore the cultural hubs without the buzzing metropolis. Based on Numbeo, Perth has a Crime Index of 41.8 which is categorised in the low to moderate range. So based on this data, Perth is still considered safe compared to many other global cities .

For Malaysian students, this balance of safety and balance makes Perth even more captivaitng. The smaller-city environment not only provides ample opportunities but also the downtime needed to recharge, making their study abroad journey in Perth both productive and fulfilling.

Quick Recap of Why Study in Perth

Final Thoughts

The city of Perth, Australia offers ample reasons why students, particularly Malaysians, love studying there. It is not just about pursuing a degree, it is about growing into a fresh environment that has the best of everything (affordability, academic excellence, and cultural familiarity). Perth combines world-class universities with a strong Malaysian community, giving students comfort, support, and opportunities in one destination.

Need Help to Study in Perth?

Connect with our counselors now and secure your place for the next intake. From choosing the right university in Perth to preparing your application, our counselors will support you for a smooth study abroad journey.