Living in Perth

Located on the Indian Ocean, with the City nestled alongside the Swan and Canning Rivers, Perth and its golden beaches provide tranquility and stunning views. The delightful Fremantle Port, famous for the America Cup win, is also close to Perth and well worth many a visit by car, boat or rail.

Students love Perth for all it has to offer them. Great beaches, open park lands, fishing, wildlife sanctuaries, sports facilities on land and sea along with the modern city restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums and libraries. International students find it easy to obtain part-time jobs and plenty of fun things to do with their money. Perth is one of the safest and friendliest cities in the world, well spread out, and with a population of 2 million, there is absolutely no feeling of overcrowding. To give you some idea of size, the whole of Germany, Japan and the UK could easily fit into the area of Western Australia. Perth’s Public Transport offers train, bus and ferry services that are very convenient and easy to use. Students in Perth are eligible to receive 40% discount on standard fares for public transport services.
You will not have to feel that you have left your shopping behind! The city abounds in shops and many of the suburbs have modern and spacious shopping centres. Markets are common and don’t be surprised to find all your local food specialities right here in Perth!

Perth is also a student city. There are five universities, giving the city a real student identity. All campuses are open to the public as places of relaxation and it is easy to access the libraries as readers. The climate is idyllic. In summer, December to March, the average  temperate is 30 degrees Celsius, but with a lack of humidity, you do not feel too hot. Spring and Autumn have perfect temperatures with averages around 23 degrees Celsius. Even in Winter June to August you will not feel too cold with average temperatures of 18  degrees Celsius. Browse our , with a variety of options to suit every taste and budget, available to buy online.

Western Australia has some of the best tourist attractions in the world including the Ningaloo Reef where you can swim with Whale Sharks, the world class Margaret River wine region and whale watching off many of our stunning beaches. You will just love the magic  Western Australia has to offer. Our Perth College is close to the banks of the Swan River. Belmont is within 5 km from the city with excellent access to transport. The Regional Colleges are all located in delightful large townships offering friendly service, great amenities and recreational activities.

DNA Kingston Training has its own bus to assist transport of students to excursions and events.

Living expenses

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia.

From 1 July 2016 the 12 month living cost is approximately AUD$382 per week (AUD$19,830 per year).

This amount includes accommodation, groceries, utilities, transport, entertainment, phone and internet.

Further information on living costs can be found at: http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/living-costs

Cost: $11,000 to $22,000 per year

Many private secondary schools provide accommodation, meals and laundry services for international students. Tuition fees are in addition to the boarding fees. You will live in a dormitory with other students of the same sex and will be supervised by adults.

Accommodation options

DNA Kingston Training can assist students in finding accommodation on your arrival into Perth and throughout your course

Hostels

Cost: $90 to $160 per week

Hostels are either privately-owned or run by non for profit organisations such as Youth Hostels Australia (YHA). Perth City YHA as well as Fremantle Prison YHA offer dedicated Twin Share and Single Student Rooms with personal desks and 5 star facilities like a swimming pool, movie room, communal kitchen and a shared bathroom. You can also search for privately-owned youth hostels in Perth.

Homestay

Cost: $235 to $325 per week

Homestay means living with an Australian family for all or part of your study period. It is a great opportunity for you to learn conversational English and experience first-hand the friendly Western Australian lifestyle and culture.

Single or shared rooms are available. Meals are usually included, but cheaper self-catering homestay is available. As you will be living in someone else’s home, you will be expected to clean up after yourself, especially in shared areas.

Shared Rental

Cost: $85 – $250 per week

If you cannot afford the upfront costs of renting a property, you may want to consider renting a room. Students and families often rent out furnished spare rooms in their houses and apartments, and this can be a great way to live independently without the expense of renting on your own.

Private Rental

Cost: $165 to $444 per week

If you want to be completely independent, you can rent a property and share living expenses with other students or friends. Rental properties are advertised on the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) website and in Perth’s local newspapers.

As with most capital cities, the rental market in Perth is competitive and you will need to make sure you have done some research and have a reliable source of income before you start looking. As most properties are unfurnished, you will also need to purchase electrical items, furniture, bedding and kitchen utensils. You will usually need to pay four weeks’ rent upfront (known as bond) as well as cover the costs for connecting the electricity, gas, telephone and internet.

Your rights as an international student

The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) sets out the legal framework governing delivery of education to international students in Australia on a student visa. The Australian Government, through the Department of Education and Training, administers the ESOS Act and its associated instruments.

The Department of Education and Training has developed the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS) which is the legal framework governing thedelivery of education to international students in Australia on a student visa.  The ESOS Act protects overseas students coming to Australia on Student Visas. It sets out clear roles and responsibilities for Education Institutions wanting to teach overseas students. DNA Kingston Training is governed by this Legislation.

Student can access further information on the ESOS legislative framework via the following website:   https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Education-Services-for-Overseas-Students-ESOS-Legislative-Framework/

Location and facilities

International students study at our Belmont campus, located 15 minutes from the Perth CBD.

Our premises are modern, providing a comfortable and professional study environment where students have access to computers, library facilities, practical equipment and breakout areas throughout the day. There is a focus on student support and creating a safe, caring, sophisticated learning environment. Social and sporting events are organised regularly to create a happy community lifestyle. Restaurants and cafes are within walking distance, along with lovely bike rides, walking paths, picnic facilities and sailing off the foreshore.
Regional Colleges in Bunbury, Mandurah and Geraldton are located in major centres which include free parking, close to shopping centres with modern, comfortable training rooms and practical training facilities.

Classrooms: Well appointed classrooms, workshops and laboratory areas have modern equipment and multi media facilities. Free wireless internet access on campus.

Social areas: Our premises have open lounge and outdoor areas where students can eat, drink and relax. Kitchen facilities include free coffee and tea, microwave ovens and fridges for all students to access.

Student Counselling and Information Centre: Student counselling is available throughout the day whether for personal or academic purposes. Accommodation and welfare support to international students are especially important, including airport pick up.

Employment Service:  International Students enjoy assistance with work experience and employment right through their training and once they graduate through DNA Kingston Training employment support services. DNA Kingston Training provides assistance to  students in resume and job applications. Though our strong industry connections, employers contact us to advertised vacant positions to our students. Available positions are advertised through our social media sites.