Curtin University: Western Australia’s Top University for Graduate Employment

Tarang Patel

study in Australia

29/04/2026

31 Views

Tarang Patel

study in Australia

29/04/2026

31 Views

Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest and most internationally diverse university, ranked 183rd globally by QS 2026, and the only WA university to hold a QS Five Stars Plus rating.

Overview

Can you picture yourself enrolled in a prestigious institution of higher learning that enjoys excellent connections within the corporate world and is among the best universities in the world? This is what Curtin University offers you.

Dedicated to the country’s most respected Prime Minister in the wartime years, Curtin University is named after John Curtin. This institution of learning was established in 1966 and offers education services across the globe with its branch campuses located in Perth, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Mauritius and partnerships with over 90 universities in 20 nations. Its main campus in Bentley is approximately 8 kilometres away from Perth’s central business district and is spread over 116 hectares with one of the most culturally diverse student populations in Australia.

Curtin University is the biggest institution of learning in Western Australia, accommodating over 57,000 students, where 25 per cent come from over 100 nations. It is the only Australian university in the western region that has been ranked by QS with the Five Stars Plus rating, which is the highest a university can achieve in the world.

Perth itself is consistently rated as one of the most livable cities in the world and has been dubbed the Energy Capital of the Southern Hemisphere, boasting many of the world’s biggest companies in the mining, oil and gas, tech, and healthcare sectors. This makes Perth one of the most advantageous places in Australia to study and start a career if you are a student in any of those disciplines.

Curtin University has particular strengths in mining and resource engineering, petroleum engineering, health science, business, and IT, making these some of the more sought-after areas of study to get into right now.

NOTE: Be sure to explore other top universities to study in Australia to broaden your perspective and find the environment that suits you best.

Curtin University Rankings

183rd: QS World University Rankings 2026
201–250: Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026
201st: Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) 2025
152nd: US News & World Report Best Global Universities
12th in Australia QS World University Rankings 2026
4th globally Mineral and Mining Engineering (QS by Subject 2026)
QS Five Stars Plus: The only WA university to hold this rating

Programmes & Faculties

Curtin offers 500+ programmes across 5 faculties and more than 95 specialist research centres. All courses are taught in English, making it a strong choice for international students looking to study in Australia.

Faculty of Business and Law:

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Economics, Human Resources, Supply Chain
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Commerce multiple specialisations
Master of Professional Accounting
Master of Business Information Systems
Master of Marketing / Master of Finance
PhD in Business and Law

Faculty of Science and Engineering:

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Mining, Environmental, Mechatronics, Software
Bachelor of Science Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, Environmental Science
Bachelor of Computer Science / Cyber Security
Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) is globally ranked in programmes in Mining, Resources, and Metallurgy
Master of Engineering Civil, Petroleum, Mining, Mechanical, Environmental
Master of Computer Science / Cyber Security / Data Science
Master of Science in Physics, Chemistry, and Applied Geology
PhD in Science and Engineering

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Bachelor of Public Health
Bachelor of Psychology
Master of Public Health / Master of Health Services Management
Master of Nursing / Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
PhD in Health Sciences

Faculty of Humanities:

Bachelor of Arts Media and Communication, Journalism, Creative Writing, International Studies, Criminology
Bachelor of Education (Primary / Secondary)
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Arts, Master of Education, Master of International Relations
Master of Social Work
PhD in Humanities

Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning:

Bachelor of Architecture (Honours)
Bachelor of Construction Management
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
Master of Architecture / Master of Urban Design
Master of Property Development / Master of Construction Management
PhD in Architecture and Built Environment

The Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), part of Curtin, is internationally recognised as one of the best resources and mining engineering schools in the world. If you are targeting a career in mining, petroleum, metallurgy, or earth sciences, WASM at Curtin is a globally elite choice.

Admission & Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Studies: Equivalent to a senior secondary school diploma from Australia’s Year 12. For Indian applicants: a minimum aggregate score of 60-70% for general courses and 70-75% for nursing and engineering courses.
Postgraduate studies: Bachelor’s degree relevant to the field from an accredited institution. Minimum 60%-65% aggregate for most courses.
PhD/research: High academic standing at master’s level; confirmed research supervisor; research project.

Language Requirements

Programme Type: Most undergraduate & postgraduate

IELTS: 0 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 60
PTE Academic: 50

Programme Type: Business, Law, Humanities

IELTS: 5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 79
PTE Academic: 58

Programme Type: Health Sciences, Nursing

IELTS: 0 overall, no band below 7.0
TOEFL iBT: 94
PTE Academic: 65

Programme Type: Research degrees

IELTS: 5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 79
PTE Academic: 58

NOTE: If your English score falls short, Curtin offers an English Language Bridging programme and pathway options through Curtin English to help you reach the required standard and transition into your degree.

Documents Required

Certified Academic Transcripts and Completion Certificate
Passport copy valid
English proficiency test
Statement of purpose
CV / Resume (PG candidates)
Letters of recommendation (selected courses)
Portfolio (Architectural & Design Courses)
Research proposal & supervisor confirmation (only for PhDs)

Intakes & Deadlines

Semester 1
Semester Start: February
Apply By: November/December
Semester 2
Semester Start: July
Apply By: April/May

NOTE: According to Curtin, it is advisable to apply at least ten weeks before the starting date of your intended programme. Some programmes may be filled out earlier due to the competition; thus, it is better to apply earlier.

How to Apply

Navigate to apply.curtin.edu.au and register for an account
Select your program of study, review the admission requirements, and assemble the necessary paperwork
Apply for admission; the application cost is AUD 55 (approximately ₹2,970), and it is non-refundable
Get your Letter of Offer (either conditional or unconditional)
Confirm your offer by paying the first tuition instalment
Apply for your Australian Student Visa (subclass 500)

Fees and Scholarships

Tuition Fees

Bachelor of Arts / Humanities / Education: AUD 28,200 – 36,000 (₹15.2L – ₹19.4L)
Bachelor of Commerce / Business: AUD 34,000 – 40,000 (₹18.4L – ₹21.6L)
Bachelor of Science / Computer Science: AUD 36,000 – 43,000 (₹19.4L – ₹23.2L)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 40,000 – 47,000 (₹21.6L – ₹25.4L)
Bachelor of Nursing / Health Sciences: AUD 38,000 – 44,000 (₹20.5L – ₹23.8L)
Bachelor of Architecture: AUD 36,000 – 42,000 (₹19.4L – ₹22.7L)
MBA : AUD 45,000 – 48,000 (₹24.3L – ₹25.9L)
Master of Engineering (Petroleum / Mining): AUD 42,000 – 49,000 (₹22.7L – ₹26.5L)
Master of Computer Science / Cyber Security: AUD 38,000 – 44,000 (₹20.5L – ₹23.8L)
Master of Public Health / Nursing: AUD 35,000 – 43,000 (₹18.9L – ₹23.2L)
PhD (with scholarship): Often fully funded

Living Costs in Perth

Perth is significantly more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne for students. Total Estimated Living Cost AUD 20,000 – 27,000 (₹10.8L – ₹14.6L)

Scholarships for International Students

John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship:

40% off total tuition fees for the entire degree duration.
Automatic, no separate application; assessed when you apply. Requires CWA of 95% or equivalent in the most recent qualification.

Global Curtin Merit Scholarship:

25% off first-year tuition fees (capped at 200 credit points)
Automatically assessed with your course application. No separate form needed.

Global Scholars Program Scholarship:

One-off AUD 15,000 tuition credit
Automatic for students transferring from a Curtin global campus to Perth via the Global Scholars Program.

Science & Engineering International Merit Extension Scholarship:

Covers remaining undergraduate tuition
Applied automatically after the first year if CWA ≥ 80. For Science and Engineering students only.

Curtin Humanitarian Scholarship:

Full tuition + AUD 5,000/semester stipend
For students from humanitarian backgrounds, a separate application is required.

HDR Scholarships (PhD):

Full tuition waiver + living stipend AUD 37,145/year
Apply via Curtin Graduate Research; awarded to outstanding research candidates.

Australia Awards Scholarship (Govt of Australia):

Full funding – tuition, living, flights, health insurance
Apply via the Australia Awards website; open to eligible developing nations, including India.

Visa Guide

To study at Curtin, you need an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Documents Required

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Curtin University
Valid passport
Proof of financial funds
English language test results
Academic transcripts
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory
Genuine Student (GS) statement
Medical certificate (if required by Home Affairs)
Police clearance certificate

How to Apply

Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Curtin
Purchase OSHC mandatory before applying
Gather all documents, including financial proof and health/police certificates
Create an ImmiAccount at homeaffairs.gov.au
Submit your online application
Complete biometrics at VFS if required
Receive your visa grant and book your travel

Campus & Student Life

The Bentley Campus at Curtin University, covering a huge area of 116 hectares, is considered one of the best in Australia. The Bentley Campus combines excellent architecture awards, gardens, the beauty of the Canning River, as well as a brand new Curtin Exchange precinct, which includes accommodation for students, hotels, a transport centre, shopping centres, and state-of-the-art study rooms.

There are a total of six dormitories available on campus. All these dormitories can be conveniently accessed on foot from the university building, Curtin Stadium sports facility, and the city bus terminal. Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, offering a relaxed lifestyle, and one of the cheapest cities when compared to other Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

There are more than a hundred nationalities enrolled at Curtin University. There is a multicultural environment at Curtin University, as well as many student societies and Indian student societies.

Career Outcomes

The promise of Curtin University lies in its ability to produce graduates who are employable from the very first day. Curtin University has been ranked 1st in Western Australia for graduate employment outcomes for the past six years consecutively (Good Universities Guide 2026). More than 86% of the postgraduate coursework graduates found employment on completion of their studies.

Curtin University has the benefit of providing a curriculum that includes extensive work-integrated learning, industry-based simulators, and working relationships with companies such as BHP, Woodside Energy, Chevron, Shell, Rio Tinto, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG. This is one area where Curtin graduates gain a competitive advantage in the job market. As Perth is known as the Energy Capital of the Southern Hemisphere, students graduating from resource, engineering, and technology streams have better career options and salaries. International graduates can avail the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, allowing for post-study work for two to four years.

How Can We Help You?

Applying to a globally ranked university in Australia, choosing the right course, meeting all requirements, securing scholarships, and navigating the visa process takes careful planning and the right guidance.

My Study offers a free global education platform for students, providing end-to-end support for international students: from picking the right Curtin programme to completing your application, securing scholarships, and getting your Australian student visa approved.

FAQs

1. What is Curtin University best known for?

Curtin is best known for its world-class engineering programmes, particularly Mining and Petroleum Engineering through the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), as well as health sciences, business, IT, and architecture. It is consistently 1st in Western Australia for graduate employment outcomes.

2. How much are tuition fees at Curtin for international students?

Undergraduate fees range from approximately AUD 28,200 to AUD 47,000 per year (₹15.2L–25.4L) depending on the programme. Postgraduate fees range from AUD 28,400 to AUD 49,000 (₹15.3L–26.5L). MBA fees are approximately AUD 45,000–48,000 per year. PhD students with scholarships typically study tuition-free with a living stipend.

3. What English score does Curtin require?

The minimum for most programmes is IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0. Business, Law, and Humanities programmes require IELTS 6.5. Health sciences and Nursing require IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0. TOEFL iBT and PTE are also accepted. If you do not meet the requirement, Curtin English offers pathway programmes.

4. Are there automatic scholarships for international students at Curtin?

Yes. The John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship (40% off your entire degree) and the Global Curtin Merit Scholarship (25% off your first year) are both automatically assessed when you apply; no separate form is needed. Strong academic performance is the key requirement.

5. Is Perth a good city for international students?

Yes. Perth is one of the world’s most liveable cities and is significantly more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. It is safe, multicultural, warm, and well-connected. For students in engineering, energy, and resources industries, Perth offers unrivalled job and networking opportunities.