Murdoch University (Perth): Fees, QS Ranking & Scholarships Guide for International Students

Murdoch University is a public university in Perth, Western Australia, founded in 1973, with its main campus in the southern suburb of Murdoch. It is known for veterinary science, environmental and conservation science, biomedical and health sciences, law, business, and education, and it has a reputation for a friendly, research-active community with strong sustainability themes. This guide covers what Murdoch University international students should know: its QS position, third-party fee ranges, estimated living costs, scholarships, English requirements to confirm, Perth's lifestyle, and the Temporary Graduate visa. Because I could not read Murdoch's own fee calculator, treat fees as indicative and confirm them in writing.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Murdoch University, a public university in Perth, Western Australia, founded in 1973
• QS World University Rankings: reported to have risen from #431 in 2024 to #423 in 2026
• International undergraduate tuition (third-party): about A$30,000 to A$38,000 a year, with postgraduate coursework about A$32,000 to A$40,000
• Perth fee cluster (third-party): about A$34,000 to A$42,000 a year for Arts, Business, IT, and general Science degrees
• Living costs (third-party): about A$22,000 to A$26,000 a year
• Scholarships: Murdoch says its awards exceed A$2.5 million in total value each year across international and domestic students
• Strengths: veterinary science, environmental science, biomedical science, law, and education
• Fee tool: Murdoch provides a tuition fee calculator for exact course fees

Rankings and reputation

A QS rank of about 423 in the 2026 edition, up from 431 in 2024, places Murdoch in the top half of ranked world universities and among mid-sized Australian public universities. Its reputation is strongest in veterinary science, environmental science, and health-related fields, and it is distinct as Western Australia's veterinary school. Look at subject rankings for your area, accreditation for professional courses, and outcomes rather than relying on the overall rank.

Academics and signature programs

Murdoch teaches across health and medical sciences, veterinary and life sciences, environmental and conservation science, business and law, information technology, education, arts, and social sciences. Veterinary science and other professional courses have accreditation and placement requirements, and entry can be competitive. Ask about class sizes, practical components, and whether your course meets registration requirements for your home country.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission is based on academic results, English ability, and prerequisites for professional courses, and international students apply directly or through agents. After an offer, you accept, pay the deposit, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, and apply for a student visa. Ask about pathway options, credit for previous study, and any clinical or placement prerequisites.

English language requirements

• Murdoch typically asks for IELTS around 6.0 to 6.5 overall for many courses, with higher scores for health, education, and law, but I could not confirm the exact scores
• Other tests such as TOEFL and PTE Academic are usually accepted
• Pathway and English programmes are available for students who narrowly miss the requirement
• Confirm the requirement for your course before booking a test

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a CV or statement where required, and passport details, with additional documents for health, veterinary, and education courses. Ask about working with children checks, immunisation, and placement requirements.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put undergraduate tuition at about A$30,000 to A$38,000 a year and postgraduate coursework at about A$32,000 to A$40,000, with Perth fees for general degrees clustering around A$34,000 to A$42,000. Murdoch provides a tuition fee calculator, and you should use it for your exact course and intake. Add the Overseas Student Health Cover, the student visa application charge, and living costs, and ask whether fees rise each year.

Estimated living costs

• Australian student visa applicants must show they can afford tuition, travel, and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for the length of the visa
• Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours in term under current rules
• Public transport concession fares are available in most cities
• Rents have risen in most Australian cities, so book housing early

Scholarships

Murdoch says its awards exceed A$2.5 million in total value each year and are available to international and domestic students across all levels. I could not read the current scholarship list, so ask for the names, percentages, criteria, and deadlines that apply to your course, and whether they require a minimum grade to continue.

Campus life and student support

The Murdoch campus is a green, suburban setting in southern Perth with wildlife on site, veterinary facilities, and a close-knit community. Perth is a sunny, coastal city with beaches, parks, and a relaxed pace, and it sits in the same time zone as much of Asia. Ask about housing, transport to the city, and the support services available to international students.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Western Australia's economy is driven by mining, resources, agriculture, health, education, and a growing technology sector, and Murdoch's veterinary, environmental, and health programmes connect to local employers. Ask for placement arrangements and graduate outcomes, and whether professional registration applies in Australia and in your home country.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa

Eligible international graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia after their studies, generally for two years after a bachelor's or coursework master's degree and longer after research degrees, with an age limit and study-requirement conditions. Rules change often, so confirm eligibility and current conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the visa.

Veterinary and professional courses

Veterinary science and other professional courses require accreditation and often include placements, clinical requirements, and extra costs. If you plan to practise in your home country, check that the course is recognised there, and ask Murdoch about the registration process and any additional exams.

Life in Perth

Perth is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, with a Mediterranean-style climate, beaches, and a strong outdoor culture. Rents have risen, so book housing early and consider proximity to the train line, since the campus is south of the city centre.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover, prepare evidence of funds, and be ready to show you are a genuine student when applying for the visa. Budget for the visa application charge, flights, and a housing deposit.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and learning how Australian assessment works, with tutorials, assignments, and exams. Students who use academic support and English workshops early adjust faster.

A realistic budget

At about A$36,000 a year for tuition and A$24,000 for living, a three-year degree could cost around A$180,000 before scholarships, so plan carefully and confirm every discount in writing.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the exact fee for my course and intake, and does it rise annually?
• Which scholarships apply to me, and are they automatic?
• Does my course include placements, and are checks or vaccinations required?
• Is the course accredited for professional registration at home?
• What pathway options exist if I do not meet the entry requirements?
• How does Murdoch help international students find housing in Perth?

Who Murdoch suits best

Murdoch suits students who want a friendly Australian university in Perth with strengths in veterinary, environmental, and health sciences and a suburban campus. It may suit less well students who want the top-ranked Group of Eight brand, a city-centre campus, or the lowest possible fees.

Murdoch compared with other Perth universities

Perth has several universities, and Murdoch competes on teaching, professional programmes, and community feel. Compare fees after scholarship, course content, placements, and location before choosing.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and check accreditation and fees.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
5. Apply for your student visa and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, passport, and financial evidence several months before your intake. Keep written confirmation of fees, scholarships, and any pathway credit.

Working while you study

Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours in term under current rules, though conditions change and you should check them with the Department of Home Affairs. Part-time work can help with living costs but should not be relied on to pay tuition. Ask Murdoch about on-campus jobs, careers advice, and how placements fit with your visa.

Preparing for Perth

Perth has hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, and rental demand is strong, so book housing early and budget for a bond of several weeks' rent. Set up a local bank account soon after arrival, consider transport to the campus, and use orientation to meet other students before classes begin.

Frequently asked questions