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International Students

You are considered an international, study abroad or exchange student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or

• not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, or

• not an Australian permanent resident, or

• a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.

As a community, we are committed to closing the feedback loop between staff and residents through compulsory Exit Surveys, conducted towards the end of every semester.

The feedback received allows us to continually improve services, facilities and programs for everyone.

The following results were derived from our 2019, Semester 2 Exit Survey.

We understand how important it is to you and your family to find good quality accommodation close to the UWA campus. While there are many accommodation options for international students in Perth, many choose to live at St Catherine's, since it gives you an immediate sense of belonging and an instant circle of friends from across Australia and around the world.

More than just a place to live, the excellent academic support, full calendar of sporting, cultural and social events, leadership opportunities and fantastic facilities makes St Catherine's your warm and welcoming home away from home.

Life at St Catherine's is all about living and learning together. It's a place full of energy and laughter, which promises friendships and connections that will stay with you forever. We pride ourselves on being an all-inclusive community of students from all walks of life - from across Australia and the rest of the world. Our group of diverse, accepting and supportive staff and residents offer you a home full of opportunity, support and interaction.

Your residency at St Catherine's takes away the stress and hassle of living away from home — it includes a spacious, fully furnished Single Room to call your own, internet, a UWA Sport membership, all utilities, meals in our Withnell Dining Hall and weekly professional room cleaning. And for those days where you just want a bit of fun, we have a big red slide, common rooms, music rooms, breakout areas and two rooftop gardens.

We also offer an exciting range of events and activities throughout the year in a safe and supportive environment, so it's OK to have a go and try something new with fellow residents — attend movie nights, share your cuisine during Multicultural Week, go on a mobile photography trail, or even practice yoga at the rooftop gardens. To get you settled in when you first arrive, we run a fun week-long orientation program where you'll get to meet your closest neighbours and other residents. You will also be introduced to staff and your Residential Adviser (RA), who is responsible for your pastoral care.

You'll be immersed in building strong academic networks and social and personal development opportunities through our two Flagship Programs, Youth Innovation and Indigenous Access. Services specially designed to assist you to be successful so you get the most out of your university journey,  include weekly unit specific tutorials, join a language exchange group, build on a great startup idea, network at one of our academic dinners, or sit in a yarning circle (or dialogue circle) to advance your cultural knowledge of Australia's First Peoples.

It is all of the above (and more!) that makes life at St Catherine's a truly unique and fulfilling experience that you won't get living elsewhere.

Compared to other major cities around the world, living and studying in Perth, Western Australia, is a smart decision for international students. Voted one of the top 10 cities in the world for several years in a row, according to the 2016 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking, Perth holds international appeal with strong, cultural diversity and urban sophistication.

As the world's sunniest capital, you can't beat Perth's warm climate and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Perth also shares the same time zone with 60% of the world’s population, making it easier to keep in touch with family and friends. Perth is Australia’s most affordable capital city according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living Report 2017, beating Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

St Catherine's is located near the Swan River and just minutes from the Perth CBD, Kings Park, foodie hotspots and historic tourist attractions. Major bus routes also run past St Catherine's, making travel to other places of interest like Fremantle and Cottesloe Beach, easy.

Looking further afield, there are also a wealth of activities for you to experience in other parts of Western Australia, from the drama of the outback and spectacular coastlines to the subtropical wilderness in the North West. Our residents regularly organise road trips together to explore the many wonders that our vast state has to offer.

Applying to live at St Catherine's is separate from your application to study at UWA. The process is managed through the UWA Residential Colleges Application Portal. The portal will accept your application up to 12 months before your expected commencement at UWA. We recommend you apply as soon as possible and before receiving your offer from UWA.

International students can submit applications earlier but are required to be 18 years of age or older before they can commence living at St Catherine's College. 

Need help or want more information? Email our Admissions Team (uwa.admissions@stcats.com.au) to discuss and assist you with your residential application.