Categories > Education
The 5 Best International Schools in Perth for a World-Class Education
I’ve been canvassing good local high schools for my niece, but I’ll admit the international route has started looking pretty tempting. Finding the best international school in Perth suddenly feels less like a niche search and more like a serious option.
Perth has plenty of solid schools, though the globally focused ones can offer a smoother fit for students coming from overseas. They’re also worth a look if you want broader curricula, diverse classmates, and an education that travels well.
These international schools are the ones I’d be happiest putting on the family shortlist.
How much does it cost to go to an international school in Perth?
In Perth international schools, private kindergarten starts at around $16,100 per year. Private primary fees for Years 1 to 6 generally range from $17,800 to $21,170.
Private lower secondary fees for Years 7 to 9 range from about $22,820 to $25,750 annually. For Years 10 to 12, private school fees can reach $26,430 to $27,960 per year.
These figures cover tuition estimates only. Families should also budget for uniforms, excursions, technology, transport and other school-related costs.
1. International School of Western Australia
Address: 193 St Brigids Terrace, Doubleview
Contact: +61 (8) 9285 1144
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM
The International School of Western Australia makes my shortlist. Its Doubleview campus brings together students from more than 60 nationalities, so the global feel seems properly baked in.
From Kindergarten to Year 10, students follow the Australian Curriculum through an International Baccalaureate-style approach.
Years 11 and 12 then move into the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is handy for families eyeing universities overseas.
I also like the Northern Hemisphere calendar, especially for families still timing holidays around relatives abroad.
Graduates can earn a Western Association of Schools and Colleges-accredited High School Diploma alongside their International Baccalaureate pathway.
The catch is that students wanting the traditional Western Australian Certificate of Education route will need another school. There’s also a $150 application fee per child, and a place still depends on approval and availability.
2. Canning College
Address: Marquis St, Bentley WA 6102
Contact: +61892783500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM – 4 PM
If my niece were already in the senior years and university was the next big stop, Canning College would be hard to ignore. It’s built more around getting students university-ready than offering the full Kindergarten-to-Year-12 experience.
I like that students can choose pathways such as the Western Australian Universities’ Foundation Program and Diploma of Commerce. There’s also orientation, literacy support and Student Advisors, which should make settling into Perth a bit less daunting.
The university connections are another plus, with clear pathways into several Western Australian institutions.
For overseas students, that can make the jump from school to higher education feel far more manageable.
The downside is that programmes start from Year 10, so younger students are out of luck. Accommodation support is available too, but students are generally responsible for securing their own housing.
3. Wesley College
Address: Corner of Coode and Angelo Streets
Contact: +61 8 9368 8000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM
If I were looking for one Perth school my niece could grow with, Wesley College would definitely get a look. It runs from Pre-kindergarten to Year 12, with plenty happening beyond the classroom too.
For international families, the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students registration is a reassuring plus.
Boys in Years 7 to 12 can also board on campus, which makes the setup much more practical for students arriving from overseas.
I also like the mix of sport, enrichment, arts and community activities. It feels like the kind of school where students can find their thing without being boxed into academics alone.
The catch is that girls can only attend through Year 6, as Years 7 to 12 are boys-only.
Wesley also doesn’t offer short-term enrolments, so it’s less suited to families making a brief stop in Perth.
4. Methodist Ladies’ College Claremont
Address: 356 Stirling Highway, Claremont
Contact: +61 (08) 9384 4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Methodist Ladies’ College earned its spot on this shortlist. It combines a girls-focused education with boarding options and support for international students.
What catches my eye most is that wellbeing isn’t treated like an afterthought. The Inspire HER Wellbeing Framework supports students academically, socially, and emotionally right through their school years.
There’s also plenty to keep curious students busy outside regular classes. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, music, sport and outdoor learning all get a decent look-in.
The catch is that older boys can’t enrol, so it won’t suit families wanting siblings at the same school.
Boarding also means extra fees and arrangements, so parents will want to factor those into the budget early.
5. St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School
Address: 75 Elliott Road, Karrinyup
Contact: (08) 9341 9111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM
St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School caught my eye for its strong boarding setup. Girls in Years 7 to 12 can live on campus alongside students from regional WA and overseas.
I also like that school life isn’t all books and bells. Outdoor education, drama, music, sport and community service give students plenty of ways to find their crowd.
For international families, its Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students registration adds some welcome reassurance. The all-girls environment may also suit students who thrive in a more focused setting.
The catch is that it’s an Anglican girls-only school, so co-ed or non-denominational families may want other options. Year 7 places are also limited, so early planning wouldn’t hurt.
