- Brisbane excels in Asian connectivity and diverse programmes, whilst Perth specialises in the resource sector and mining technology education.
- Master’s tuition fees range AUD 34,000-69,000 annually, with Brisbane business programmes costing significantly more than Perth.
- University of Queensland in Brisbane ranks 42nd globally, versus Perth’s University of Western Australia at 77th in QS World University Rankings 2026.
Australia hosts two vibrant student cities that offer distinct advantages for international education. Perth brings Mediterranean weather and coastal living, whilst Brisbane delivers subtropical warmth and strong Asian connectivity. Both cities in Australia provide quality education, part-time work opportunities, and multicultural communities that make international students feel welcome.
In this blog, we will explore the complete comparison between Perth and Brisbane for international students in 2026.
Cost of Living in Perth vs Brisbane
Budget management becomes a priority for international students balancing tuition and daily expenses in Australia. Rent in Perth is generally more affordable than in Brisbane, making accommodation costs a key factor influencing monthly spending patterns and overall financial planning.
| Expense Category | Perth (Monthly) | Brisbane (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared) | AUD 800-1,100 (₹48,160-66,220) | AUD 850-1,200 (₹51,170-72,240) |
| Food and Groceries | AUD 350-500 (₹21,070-30,100) | AUD 350-500 (₹21,070-30,100) |
| Public Transport | AUD 80-100 (₹4,816-6,020) | AUD 50-70 (₹3,010-4,214) |
| Utilities | AUD 150-220 (₹9,030-13,244) | AUD 140-200 (₹8,428-12,040) |
| Entertainment | AUD 150-250 (₹9,030-15,050) | AUD 150-250 (₹9,030-15,050) |
| Total | AUD 1,530-2,170 (₹92,106-₹1.3L) | AUD 1,540-2,220 (₹92,708-₹1.3L) |
Overall, Perth tends to offer slightly lower and more predictable living costs, while the cost of living in Brisbane reflects marginally higher flexibility and lifestyle variety at a comparable monthly budget.Â
Cost of Studying Masters in Perth vs Brisbane
Tuition fees represent the largest financial commitment for international students pursuing postgraduate education. Both cities host universities with varying fee structures based on programme specialisation and institutional reputation.
Masters Programme Costs in Perth:
- Business and Management: AUD 40,000-52,000 per year (₹24L-₹31.3L)
- Engineering and Technology: AUD 40,000-50,000 per year (₹24L-₹30L)
- Science and Research: AUD 41,000-50,000 per year (₹24.6L-₹30L)
- Arts and Humanities: AUD 34,000-40,000 per year (₹20.4L-₹24L)
Masters Programme Costs in Brisbane:
- Business and Management: AUD 45,000-69,000 per year (₹27L-₹41.5L)
- Engineering and Technology: AUD 42,000-52,000 per year (₹25.2L-₹31.3L)
- Science and Research: AUD 43,000-52,000 per year (₹25.8L-₹31.3L)
- Arts and Humanities: AUD 38,000-45,000 per year (₹22.8L-₹27L)
Top University Options in Perth vs Brisbane
Both cities host internationally recognised universities with strong research outputs and industry connections. Your choice depends on specific programme offerings and campus environments that support your academic ambitions.
Top 5 Universities in Perth
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|
| University of Western Australia | 77 |
| Curtin University | 183 |
| Murdoch University | 423 |
| Edith Cowan University | 487 |
| University of Notre Dame Australia | Unranked (Private Institution) |
Top 5 Universities in Brisbane
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|
| University of Queensland | 42 |
| Queensland University of Technology | 226 |
| Griffith University | 292 |
| Bond University | 591 |
| James Cook University (Brisbane Campus) | 413 |
Climate Comparison: Perth vs Brisbane
The weather in both cities influences daily student life significantly. Perth experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Brisbane offers a subtropical climate with warm, humid conditions and more consistent rainfall throughout the year.
Perth Climate:
- Summer temperatures: 21-32°C (December to February)
- Winter temperatures: 11-18°C (June to August)
- Annual rainfall: approximately 730mm, concentrated in winter months
- Over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually
Brisbane Climate:
- Summer temperatures: 21-30°C (December to February)
- Winter temperatures: 11-21°C (June to August)
- Annual rainfall: approximately 1,010mm spread throughout the year
- Around 2,900 hours of sunshine annually
Brisbane experiences higher humidity and rainfall year-round, creating a greener environment. Perth offers drier conditions with more concentrated winter rainfall, ideal for beach activities during most months.
Key Takeaways
Perth and Brisbane present distinct advantages for international students pursuing quality Australian education in 2026. Perth offers a Mediterranean climate, pristine beaches within 30 minutes of university campuses, and competitive monthly living costs of AUD 1,530-2,170 (₹92,106-₹1.30L). Brisbane provides subtropical warmth, and stronger Asian market connections with monthly expenses of AUD 1,540-2,220 (₹92,708-₹1.3L).
Masters programme tuition fees typically range from AUD 34,000 to 69,000 per year (₹20.4–₹41.5 lakh) across both cities. Perth is known for its strength in resource and mining-related disciplines, while Brisbane offers a broader range of academic programmes across multiple fields.
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FAQs
Which city offers lower monthly living costs for international students?
Both cities cost virtually the same at AUD 1,530-2,170 (₹92,106-₹1.3L) for Perth and AUD 1,540-2,220 (₹92,708-₹1.3L) for Brisbane monthly.
What is Brisbane's highest-ranked university in QS Rankings 2026?
University of Queensland ranks 42nd globally, making it Brisbane’s premier institution for international students.
How much do business masters programmes cost in Brisbane annually?
Business masters in Brisbane cost AUD 45,000-69,000 (₹27L-₹41.5L) per year, significantly higher than Perth’s programmes.
Which city provides cheaper public transport for students?
Brisbane offers permanent 50 cent fares (AUD 50-70 or ₹3,010-4,214 monthly) versus Perth’s AUD 80-100 (₹4,816-6,020 monthly).
What climate does Perth have compared to Brisbane?
Perth has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers, whilst Brisbane offers subtropical warmth with higher humidity.
Can international students work part-time while studying in Perth or Brisbane?
Students on subclass 500 visas can work 48 hours fortnightly during term, with unlimited hours during holidays.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for masters programmes in Australia?
Most Australian universities require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0 for masters admission.
Can students bring dependants on their Australian student visa?
Yes, students can include spouses and dependent children under 18 on their subclass 500 visa application.
What is the post-study work visa duration for masters graduates?
Masters graduates receive a 2-3 year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) depending on qualification and location.
Which city offers better technology job opportunities for graduates?
Brisbane provides stronger fintech and digital sectors, whilst Perth focuses on mining technology and resources.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
