Perth has a documented historical connection with Bhutanese students, but the available figures do not establish that it is still their leading Australian destination—or identify which Perth university has the largest Bhutanese community. In 2019, Western Australia recorded 2,222 Bhutanese student enrolments, equal to 56.4% of all Bhutanese enrolments in Australia. That is a substantial state-level share for that year, not a current student count or a university ranking.
What the figures say about Bhutanese students in Western Australia
A City of Perth-commissioned report reproduces Department of Education, Skills and Employment data showing 2,222 Bhutanese student enrolments in Western Australia in 2019. The report records 3,938 Bhutanese enrolments nationally, so WA accounted for 56.4% that year. Bhutanese enrolments represented 4.2% of WA’s international enrolments, and Bhutan ranked fifth among WA’s source markets by enrolments. The report also places Bhutan among the source markets with more than 1,000 students in WA higher education.
These are enrolments, not a count of unique people: one student can enrol in multiple courses. The figures support a strong historical Bhutan–WA connection, but they do not show how many Bhutanese students live in Perth now. Nor do they prove that WA remains the top state for Bhutanese students. The City of Perth report provides the 2019 state comparison.
Does Perth currently have the most Bhutanese students?
The available evidence cannot answer that question. Australia’s Department of Education maintains an interactive series with international student data by country and state or territory, including later reporting periods. Its definitions distinguish student headcounts from course enrolments; students may also move between providers or states. Check the latest Bhutan-specific data before treating any state as the current leader. The data series does not, by itself, establish which individual university has the most Bhutanese students.
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For an institution-level comparison, seek comparable, current Bhutanese student headcounts from the universities themselves. Do not infer a university’s community size from WA’s 2019 total. The Department’s country-by-state data page explains the official data route and measures.
Why Perth may appeal as a study destination
The Western Australian Government promotes a broad education sector, citing more than 140 education and training providers and courses in fields including engineering, health, technology and education. It also emphasizes lifestyle, employment and career pathways. These are the state government’s destination claims, rather than an independent comparison proving Perth is better than another Australian city. Course availability and suitability depend on the provider and program. The WA Government’s international education page was last updated 17 August 2026.
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Study Australia describes Perth as a regional city and says that status can create opportunities for additional migration points, family sponsorship and extended post-study work rights. Those are conditional possibilities, not guaranteed benefits of enrolling in Perth. They depend on the applicable rules and a student’s circumstances, so verify current eligibility and visa conditions with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before relying on them. Study Australia also points to support services provided through StudyPerth. Study Australia’s Perth profile outlines its destination information.
Plan the full cost, not just tuition
There is no single reliable cost for “studying in Perth”: tuition and other expenses vary by institution, course and study period. Before accepting an offer, compare the total cost for the same course and duration, including tuition, required ancillary charges, accommodation and everyday living expenses. UWA, for example, tells international applicants to review fees, ancillary costs and living costs; its guidance is specific to that university, not a universal Perth fee schedule. UWA’s international application guidance sets out its own cost and application information.
National figures provide context, not a Bhutanese or Perth estimate. For year-to-date June 2026, the Australian Department of Education reported 687,810 international students and 771,270 international student enrolments; student numbers were 7% lower than in the same period of 2025. The difference between students and enrolments matters because an individual can take more than one course. These figures describe Australia nationally and should not be used as a Perth or Bhutan-specific count. The Department’s monthly summary and data tables give the reporting context.
Scholarships: check the round and eligibility
The WA Government lists the Premier’s University Scholarship and the Premier’s WACE Scholarship. Its page states that the Semester 2, 2026 Premier’s University Scholarship round closed on 29 May 2026. That closed round is not evidence that an application is currently available, and the listing alone does not establish eligibility for a particular Bhutanese applicant. Check the live page for the next round, eligibility and application conditions. The WA Government scholarship page contains the program information and round status.
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Applying to a university
Requirements depend on the institution and course. UWA’s international applicant guidance, for example, calls for academic results, English test results, a passport and any course-specific documents. It describes both direct and agent application routes and includes Bhutan in its international application information. Confirm the exact checklist with the provider for the course you intend to take; another university may have different requirements. UWA’s application instructions are a university-specific example.
Preparing to study in Australia
After receiving an offer, work through the Australian student visa requirements and arrival arrangements separately from university admission. UWA’s international student guidance covers pre-arrival preparation, accommodation, visa responsibilities and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The page is guidance for UWA students; confirm your own visa obligations and insurance requirements through the relevant official channels. UWA’s international student information covers these topics.
Bhutan-side student visa paperwork
Bhutan’s Department of Immigration has a separate student visa process. Its listed paperwork includes a recommendation, passport, admission offer, forms and statement of purpose. These are Bhutan-side requirements and should not be mistaken for the Australian student visa application. Confirm current forms and requirements with Bhutan’s Department of Immigration. The Bhutan Department of Immigration’s student visa page lists its process.
How to make a fair destination comparison
If you are choosing between Perth and another Australian destination, compare evidence that answers your own decision rather than relying on an old state-level share or a broad destination claim. Use the same course duration and cost categories, and distinguish student counts from enrolments.
Quick Recap
- Ask providers for current Bhutanese student headcounts if community size is important to you.
- Compare course content, accreditation and available study options for your intended field.
- Calculate tuition plus ancillary and living costs over the same period.
- Check scholarship eligibility and application dates directly with the awarding body.
- Verify visa and post-study options against current official rules; do not treat regional-city status as a guaranteed migration outcome.
- Compare accommodation and student support services, including what is available before arrival.
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