History
The University of Western Australia (UWA) was established in 1911 as the State's first university and founded with a mission to ‘advance the prosperity and welfare of our communities’, the University opened in 1913 to just 184 students. For more than 100 years, UWA has contributed to the intellectual, cultural and economic development of Western Australia, the nation and our world.
Education
The UWA curriculum and global networks will prepare you for the ever-changing world outside your degree.
By working alongside industry partners on real challenges, and taking on networking opportunities, work placements and internships, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and connections to kick start your dream career.
CRICOS Code: 00126G
Research
Over the years, we have strengthened our international reputation for excellence, and we now attract researchers of world standing across a range of disciplines, with international leaders in many diverse fields.
UWA is a proud member of the internationally recognised Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia's leading research intensive universities, and a foundation member of the Matariki Network of high-quality, research-intensive universities with a focus on student experience.
UWA produces high-impact research with top ratings in a range of fields. The Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research for Australia 2018 outcomes has rated us as ‘well above world-standard’ for research in 28 fields.
Career
UWA is #1 in WA for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022). We produce highly employable graduates who go on to forge long and successful careers. UWA graduates consistently receive high levels of satisfaction from employers.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
77 -5
2024
72 18
2023
90
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
101
2023
101 -2
2022
99
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
149 -6
2024
143 -12
2023
131
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
91 -8
2023
83
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
We offer student support services dedicated to helping you get your studies off to the best start. We’ll set you up for success and support you over your journey with us.
The International Students’ Department of the UWA Student Guild exists to look after the welfare of all international students studying in UWA.
The Education Student Office is located on the Nedlands campus (ground floor of the ALVA building).
Housing services
The University of Western Australia offers several options for students looking to stay and live close to UWA or Perth CBD.
UWA has partnered up with purpose-built student accommodation and co-living properties located in the City of Perth to give UWA students exclusive access to accommodation.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodations provide a community living experience, fostering greater independence. While their room types are tailored to undergraduate and postgraduate students, can cater to couples.
Library services
Our five unique campus libraries ensure you can access conveniently located services and comfortable spaces for study and collaboration whenever you are spending time on campus.
Members of the University Library can borrow and request more than 900,000 items, while a UWA Graduates membership includes online access to a selection of research databases.
ICT services
UWA offers a range of online and person-to-person help so students can make the most of their email and network access and technical support.
Medical services
UWA Health and Medical Services is a fully equipped and accredited service supporting the UWA community with high-quality safe and confidential care.
UWA Health and Medical Services is for current UWA students and staff, along with members of your immediate family (including children and legal partners for both domestic and international students).
Campus life
The University of Western Australia sits in the prime location of our state’s thriving capital city, Perth.
Our main campus is home to 25,000 students, with more than 4,000 international students hailing from 100 countries. We also have an Albany campus in the heart of the South West (a five-hour drive from Perth), and our UWA Health Campus at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, along with additional facilities in Claremont and Nedlands.
We’ve got cafés all over campus, the Tav and the Refectory which houses your favourites like Subway, Roll’d, Utopia and Rocketfuel, along with other cuisines. Next door, Guild Village provides a grocery store, pharmacy, ATM and more.
Sports facilities
Join our gym with state-of-the-art equipment or sign up for group fitness classes, free yoga or social sports including basketball, Ultimate Frisbee and more.
Immerse yourself in the opportunities available to you through sport and make your time at university unforgettable.
UWA Social Sports competitions are the perfect way to have fun and be active while hanging out with your friends, classmates and workmates. The competitions are open to everyone – you don't have to be a UWA Student to get involved!
Student clubs
At UWA, there are over 160+ clubs and societies spanning anime to zoology, and Australia's most active Student Guild, you're sure to find your community at UWA no matter what you’re interested in.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject are compiled each year to identify leading universities in particular subjects. In 2023 UWA maintained ranking as #1 in the state, with the highest number of subjects in the global top 100. The Academic Ranking of World Universities also releases subject rankings annually across five key disciplines. UWA consistently achieves strong results in both rankings.