UWA College (in Partnership with INTO), Perth: Foundation & Diploma Fees and Pathway Guide

UWA College is the pathway college of The University of Western Australia (UWA), run in partnership with INTO, an international education company. It is based on UWA's Crawley campus in Perth and offers a Foundation Program, diplomas that lead into the second year of UWA degrees, and English courses. UWA is a member of Australia's Group of Eight research universities. This guide covers fees, programmes, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: UWA College, the pathway college of The University of Western Australia, run in partnership with INTO
• Location: UWA's Crawley campus, Perth, Western Australia
• UWA Foundation Program 2026 (third-party): about A$35,300 for the 8-month standard option and about A$36,900 for the 12-month extended option
• Diplomas 2026 (third-party): 8-month diplomas from about A$37,900 (commerce) to A$43,600 (engineering); longer options cost more
• Diploma areas: commerce, computer and data science, and engineering, among others
• Pathway to: UWA undergraduate degrees, with diplomas leading into second year
• Living costs (third-party estimate): about A$27,000 to A$30,000 a year in Perth

Rankings and reputation

UWA College is a pathway college, so it is not ranked. UWA is a Group of Eight university and ranks among the world's top universities in QS and other tables. Judge UWA College on progression to your target UWA degree.

Academics and signature programs

The Foundation Program prepares students for first-year UWA degrees with academic English and subject streams. Diplomas teach first-year university content with smaller classes and support, leading into second year. Ask for progression requirements and which UWA degrees each diploma leads to.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on school results, age, and English. Students under 18 need approved accommodation. After an offer, you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment and apply for a student visa.

English language requirements

• English entry depends on the programme; check UWA College's requirements
• English courses are available
• UWA sets its own English rules for degree entry
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes school transcripts, English results, and passport details. Choose the programme length that matches your level.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put UWA College's 2026 Foundation Program at about A$35,300 for 8 months and about A$36,900 for 12 months, and 8-month diplomas at about A$37,900 to A$43,600. Other sources give slightly different totals, so confirm official fees with UWA College. Add OSHC and Perth living costs.

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

Ask UWA College about scholarships, and whether UWA scholarships apply after progression.

Campus life and student support

UWA's Crawley campus sits on the Swan River with sandstone buildings, gardens, and sports facilities, and UWA College students use the campus. Perth's city centre is a short bus ride away.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Career outcomes depend on the UWA degree you complete. Western Australia's resources, engineering, health, and agriculture sectors employ many UWA graduates. Perth is classed as a regional area for some migration purposes, which can affect post-study work.

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.

About INTO

INTO is an international education company that runs pathway colleges in partnership with universities in the UK, US, and Australia. At UWA College, INTO and UWA work together on admissions, teaching, and student support. Ask how the partnership affects your enrolment and student status.

Diplomas leading to second year

UWA College diplomas in commerce, computer and data science, and engineering cover first-year university content. Students who meet progression requirements can enter the second year of a related UWA degree, which can save a year compared with a foundation plus a full degree.

Living in Perth

Perth is sunny and relaxed, with beaches, parks, and the Swan River. Rents are lower than Sydney but have risen. Public transport includes buses and trains.

Under-18 students

Students under 18 need approved accommodation and welfare arrangements, often a homestay arranged through the college. Ask about supervision, costs, and what changes when you turn 18.

Living costs and work in Australia

Australia's student visa requires evidence of funds for living costs, set by the Department of Home Affairs. Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours a fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. Do not rely on part-time income to pay tuition.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Get official fees in writing, confirm progression requirements for your target UWA degree, arrange accommodation, and read the refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current UWA College students about teaching, progression, accommodation, and life in Perth. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

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 for the Foundation plus A$27,000 to A$30,000 in Perth living costs, a year could cost about A$63,000 to A$66,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What are the official fees for my programme?
• Which UWA degrees can I enter, and with what grades?
• Should I choose a foundation or a diploma?
• What accommodation is available for under-18 students?
• When are the intakes?
• What happens if I miss the progression grade?

Who UWA College suits best

UWA College suits students who want a supported route into a Group of Eight university in a relaxed, sunny city. It may suit less well students who already meet direct entry.

UWA College compared with other Perth pathways

Curtin College and Murdoch pathways prepare students for other Perth universities. Compare progression requirements, fees, and target degrees.

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.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition, OSHC, rent or homestay, transport, food, and books. Perth rents have risen, so book accommodation early. Keep a buffer for the first months.

Key takeaway

UWA College is a structured route into a Group of Eight university in Perth. Confirm official fees and progression requirements in writing.

Support for international students

UWA College offers orientation, academic support, welfare services for under-18 students, and help with accommodation. Students can use UWA facilities and join many clubs.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, set up a bank account, phone, and SmartRider transport card, and attend welcome events.

Comparing total costs

To compare UWA College with direct entry or other Perth pathways, add the pathway fee to the remaining years of degree tuition and living costs. A diploma that leads into second year may cost less overall than a foundation plus a full degree.

What a typical week looks like

Foundation and diploma students attend lectures, tutorials, and study skills sessions, with regular assessments to track progress. Smaller classes mean more contact with teachers than in first-year university.

Final checks before you apply

Check UWA College's official fee schedule for your start year, since third-party figures vary, and confirm the progression score for your target UWA degree.

Frequently asked questions