About SAE University College
SAE University College is a globally recognised specialist higher education provider in creative media and technology, with roots stretching back to 1976 when it was founded as the world’s first dedicated audio engineering school.
In December 2023, SAE Creative Media Institute was officially designated a University College, placing it among a select group of high-performing higher-education providers in Australia.
Mission & Vision
SAE exists to nurture pioneering, creative talent by delivering practical, industry-connected education. Its goal is to equip students with the skills, mindset, and real-world experience needed to thrive in the fast-evolving creative and technology industries.
SAE’s pedagogy emphasises “learning by doing”: students engage in project-based workflows, using industry standard tools, under the guidance of working professionals.
Points of Excellence
SAE’s global network spans 47 campuses across 20 countries, enabling students to tap into a broad, cross-cultural creative community. Courses are delivered on-campus and online using cutting-edge technology, ensuring relevance to industry demands.
Strong industry partnerships and work placements are central: SAE’s course design is continuously shaped by employer needs, giving students direct exposure to professional standards.
In becoming a University College, SAE earned recognition from TEQSA (the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency), highlighting its academic rigour, quality assurance, and industry engagement.
Reputation & Achievements
SAE is widely known for producing career-ready graduates through its practical, hands-on approach to education. Its alumni work across major creative industries globally. SAE’s University College status further underscores its commitment to sustained excellence in creative media education.
Evolution & Future Plans
From its beginnings in Sydney in 1976, SAE has evolved into a global creative media educator. The transition to University College status marks a significant milestone. SAE plans to continue expanding its course offerings, deepening industry partnerships, and enhancing its global reach — all while maintaining its core, hands-on learning philosophy.
Student Experience
On-Campus Learning
Students at SAE benefit from small, collaborative class sizes and project based learning led by faculty who are active industry professionals. This structure ensures that students are not just creating in a vacuum, but working on real, relevant briefs.
Support & Community
SAE provides holistic student support — including academic advising, counselling, and career guidance — particularly for international students. The global SAE network also means students can connect with peers across 47 campuses in 20 countries, gaining both local and international perspectives.
Real-World Exposure
Through its embedded placement model, SAE ensures that students gain up to 80 hours of structured, real-world industry experience before graduating. This helps students build professional portfolios and transition smoothly into employment.
Campus Overview
Perth Campus
Located in Northbridge, within walking distance of Perth’s CBD, Swan River, public transport, and vibrant cultural precincts. The campus moved into its current purpose-built facility in 2015, combining creative design with technical infrastructure.
Facilities include: digital/analog recording studios, a flagship mixing console, 5.1 surround sound suites, mastering studios, a cyclorama production stage, foley and electronic music suites, and multiple computer labs.
The student community in Perth is diverse and socially active, supported by dedicated staff focused on best-practice teaching and learning. There are strong opportunities for local industry engagement, including work placements at local creative events and festivals.
Other Campuses
SAE University College also has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide each offering creative media courses rooted in SAE’s hands-on, industry-aligned philosophy. Its global footprint spans many countries, offering students a truly international network.
Why Choose SAE University College (Perth)
For students — especially international — SAE University College offers a powerful combination of practical learning, professional exposure, and global connectivity. If you’re passionate about a creative career and want to study in a supportive, immersive environment in the heart of Western Australia, SAE Perth provides a distinctive, industry aligned path to launch your future.