Research is an integral part of WA universities’ success. WA has been a producer of high quality research for many years, and continues to expand its research partnerships around the globe. A city of just 1.5 million people, Perth has a tradition of ‘punching above its weight’. It is a focal point for innovation, scientific breakthroughs and is at the forefront of cutting edge technology. The numerous scientific and technological advancements developed by West Australian individuals and organisations have achieved global recognition and impacted many lives.
For example:
• Professor Barry Marshall revolutionised the treatment of stomach ulcers around the world when he proved that ulcers are in fact caused by a bacterium called helicobacter pylori, rather than stress and poor diet as was believed for decades. In 2005 Prof. Marshall and a colleague received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their life-changing discovery.
• Dr Fiona Wood, Director and Cofounder of Clinical Cell Culture (C3) in WA, is internationally recognised for her pioneering work and innovative use of tissue engineering technology in clinical burn practice and scar reconstruction, otherwise known as “spray-on skin”.
• The Australian Marine Complex in Perth is Australia’s largest marine industry hub, making WA the country’s biggest shipbuilding precinct, which produces 50 per cent of Australia’s commercial ships and 30 per cent of the world’s high speed light ferries.
• PIVoD Technologies is a world leader in producing video-on-demand technology and building control systems. These systems have been installed in the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), the Singapore Discovery Centre and the Amsterdam Science Park.

Vocational training is an internationally recognised system of education that is very popular with students and highly regarded by employers for its practical approach to education.
Vocational courses are career-focused and carefully designed in collaboration with industry to meet the current needs of employers, and are taught by qualified industry professionals with years of experience. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, work placements play an integral part in vocational programs. Students work with advanced technology and facilities and participate in industry projects. The WA education system also stands out for its flexible pathways to higher education programs. Perth institutions offer a variety of fully integrated flexible pathways to university. There are both government and nongovernment providers with established university linkages, offering direct entry into undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses through their customised programs. Pathway colleges have an excellent support network and assist students with their university applications at every step of the way. Perth has one of the highest standards of living in the world and the highest income per capita in Australia at AU$58,729 per annum. This is further reflected in the high standards of education, healthcare, transport, accommodation and recreational facilities. The burgeoning WA economy has resulted in the lowest unemployment rate in Australia and a surplus of part-time jobs for international students.
WA is rich in oil and gas, as well as minerals like iron ore, gold and diamonds. It is also a major food exporter producing fruit, fish, potatoes, barley, wine, and accounting for 45per cent of Australia’s wheat exports. It also boasts a well-educated workforce of over one million people. In 2004, Perth was voted one of the world’s top three “most liveable cities” by the Economist and recently Lonely Planet voted Perth as one of the world’s “top ten future cities”.