Expat Education Guide: Schools in Perth

Education Overview

Perth scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 14 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 24 education-related costs.

Perth offers a high-quality education system that consistently ranks among the top performers globally. The city is known for its strong public education sector, diverse international school options, and excellent university pathways. Western Australia's education system emphasizes STEM education, outdoor learning, and multicultural awareness, with many schools offering specialist programs in arts, sports, and languages.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$6,003

Monthly Costs

$4,158/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $200

Private School Application Fee $78

International School Application Fee $300

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,250/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,000/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 24 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 14 →

Subiaco

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and Catholic schools

Notable: Perth Modern School, Subiaco Primary School

Mount Lawley

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and selective schools

Notable: Mount Lawley Senior High School, Perth College

Claremont

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and selective schools

Notable: Claremont Primary School, Christ Church Grammar

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Practical Tips

You could apply for school enrolments in Term 1 (February) even for mid-year arrival

many popular schools maintain waiting lists and process them chronologically throughout the year

Plan your commute to Curtin's Bentley campus, considering public transport or carpooling

Student parking permits are costly, and public transport offers good access to the campus

Try contacting schools directly rather than using the Department of Education portal

school administration staff often know about upcoming vacancies before they're officially posted

You might want to explore Independent Public Schools in outer suburbs

they often have more flexible admission policies and smaller class sizes than inner-city schools

Useful Links

WA Department of Education

Official government portal for public school enrollment, school zones, and education services in Western Australia.

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University of Western Australia

Premier university in Perth offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs with comprehensive international student services.

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Curtin University

Leading Perth university providing diverse academic programs, research opportunities and support services for international students.

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School Curriculum and Standards Authority

Government authority overseeing WA curriculum, school assessments, and educational standards for primary and secondary schools.

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TAFE Western Australia

State vocational education provider offering practical training courses, certificates and diplomas across Perth campuses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Perth has 14 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Perth varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 24 education-related costs to consider when moving to Perth, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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