The University of Western Australia
About the university
With a founding purpose to "advance the prosperity and welfare of communities," the University of the State was established in 1911 and opened its doors in 1913 to a small student body of 184. More than 28,000 students hailing from 115 different countries are now enrolled.
In the realms of education, research, and student success, UWA has been at the forefront of groundbreaking innovations since its inception. However, a university is more than just a place to get a degree and do research.
Throughout Western Australia, the country, and the globe, UWA has played an important role in advancing knowledge, culture, and the economy for over a century.
As the sole institution in Western Australia to be ranked in the top 100 globally, UWA has earned praise for its creative curricula, strong ties to local businesses, dedication to the student experience, and groundbreaking research.
Choosing to study at UWA means becoming a member of a community that has a reputation for leading good change, both locally and globally. You will also become part of a network of dedicated and innovative leaders who are determined to make a difference.
UWA campus
West Australian capital Perth is excellent for the University of Western Australia. About 4,000 of 25,000 undergraduates are overseas students from 100 nations.
The famed Winthrop Tower greets you as you approach campus from Stirling Highway, but there's more. University of Western Australia Perth has modern studios, labs, tutorial rooms, lecture and performance theatres, libraries, cafes, shops, health services, athletic grounds, and more. UWA is almost a city with its own museum, gallery, and outdoor theater that is open to the public during specific seasons.
Campus celebrates old buildings and modern facilities in lush gardens. The beloved sandstone arches and pillars in our landscapes fascinate guests year-round. Campus makes Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle, and other popular destinations accessible by foot, bike, or vehicle.
In addition to Perth, UWA has campuses in Albany (five hours away), the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (where UWA Health Campus resides), Claremont, and Nedlands.
Subject rankings
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, UWA is pleased to be rated #1 in Western Australia for the most subjects that are listed in the top 100 globally. The dedication to offering top-notch education in fields as diverse as engineering, business, health, and the arts is evident in this accomplishment.
Among important subjects, UWA is consistently ranked among the top global institutions by the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), highlighting excellence in research, innovation, and teaching.
Research excellence
Globally, UWA is known as a top university that focuses heavily on research.
UWA takes great pride in being a part of the Matariki Network, which is comprised of top-tier research universities that prioritize the student experience, and in being a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia's top research-intensive universities.
United Western Australia's research in 28 different areas was deemed to be "well above world-standard" according to the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia outcomes by the Australian Research Council.