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Tertiary education in Perth is diverse, with four major public universities offering a wide range of courses and research opportunities. The University of Western Australia (UWA), established in 1911, is one of Australia's premier research institutions and the only university in the state to be part of the prestigious Group of Eight. UWA has a rich history and is famous for its striking neo-classical architecture. It is also the alma mater of Nobel Laureate Barry Marshall, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2005.
In addition to UWA, Perth is home to Curtin University, the state's largest university by student enrollment, which was previously known as the Western Australian Institute of Technology and has evolved into a major institution with a global reach. Murdoch University, founded in 1973, offers unique programs, including Western Australia's only veterinary school, and Edith Cowan University, established in 1991, is renowned for its contributions to the arts and education.
Private universities also play a significant role in Perth’s educational landscape. The University of Notre Dame Australia, established in 1990, provides a Catholic education with a distinctive European-style campus in Fremantle. The University of Divinity, based in Melbourne, opened a campus in Perth in 2022, offering theological education through its partnership with Wollaston College.
Beyond universities, Perth offers a variety of technical and vocational education through TAFE colleges, which provide training in trades and vocational fields. North Metropolitan TAFE and South Metropolitan TAFE are the two primary TAFE institutions in the metropolitan area, offering certificate- and diploma-level courses across a range of industries.
With its wide range of educational institutions, from primary schools to world-class universities and TAFE colleges, Perth continues to be a central hub for learning and professional development in Western Australia.