Posted by : Shreyasee Sarkar

Author Designation : Career counsellor

An overview of Curtin University

Curtin University is one of Australia’s most innovative and forward-thinking institutions, renowned globally for its strong industry links, cutting-edge research, and commitment to real-world education. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Curtin also operates campuses in Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Mauritius, making it a truly global education provider.

For international students looking to study in a vibrant, multicultural environment while receiving world-class education, Curtin University offers a powerful mix of academic excellence, practical training, and career outcomes. With a strong focus on employability, sustainability, and innovation, Curtin continues to attract thousands of students from over 130 countries.

History

Curtin University was founded in 1966 as the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT). It was granted university status and renamed Curtin University of Technology in 1987, in honour of John Curtin, the 14th Prime Minister of Australia. In 2010, the name was officially shortened to Curtin University.

Key Milestones:

1966: Establishment as WAIT
1987: Granted university status and renamed Curtin University of Technology
1999: Opened its first international campus in Malaysia
2010: Name changed to Curtin University
2020: Recognised in the top 1% of universities worldwide

Today, Curtin is a research-intensive university with a strong international presence and a commitment to real-world solutions and sustainability.

Global Rankings

Curtin has consistently ranked among the top global universities, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance.

QS World University Rankings 2025:

Overall Rank: 183
Subject Rankings:
- Mineral & Mining Engineering: #2 globally
- Architecture & Built Environment: Top 100
- Nursing: Top 100
- Business & Management: Top 200

Times Higher Education (THE) 2024:

Overall Rank: =201–250
Impact Rankings (based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals): Top 100

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024:

Overall Rank: Top 200

These rankings validate Curtin’s research impact, innovation, student satisfaction, and global engagement.

Courses Offered and Fee Structure

Curtin offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across numerous faculties, including Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Business and Law, Humanities, and Aboriginal Studies.

Major Faculties and Popular Courses

Faculty	Popular Courses	Approx. Annual Fee (AUD)
Business and Law	BCom, MBA, LLB	$33,000 – $43,000
Science and Engineering	BSc, BEng, MSc in Data Science, IT	$35,000 – $45,000
Health Sciences	Nursing, Public Health, Physiotherapy	$34,000 – $42,000
Humanities	BA in Journalism, Mass Comm, Design, Arts	$28,000 – $35,000
Centre for Aboriginal Studies	Indigenous Community Development	$25,000 – $30,000

Fees may vary slightly based on specialisations and campus.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Curtin University maintains inclusive yet academically rigorous admission standards. The requirements may vary by course level and discipline.

Undergraduate Admissions

Academic Qualification: Completion of 12 years of education (equivalent to ATAR 70–90 depending on the course)
English Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (no band < 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
- PTE Academic: 58–64
Portfolio/Interview: Required for specific design, arts, and architecture courses

Postgraduate Admissions

Academic Qualification: Recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
English Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5–7.0 (depending on course)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79–94
- PTE: 58–65
Work Experience: Needed for MBA and some specialised master’s programs

Note: Curtin also offers pathway programs through Curtin College for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.

Scholarships for International Students

Curtin provides a variety of scholarships to support high-achieving international students. Scholarships are both merit-based and need-based.

Major Scholarships

Curtin International Merit Scholarship
- Value: 25% tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: High academic achievement in high school or bachelor’s degree
Curtin Global Curtin Scholarships
- Value: Up to 25% of tuition fees
- Eligibility: Open to students from specific countries
Destination Australia Scholarship
- Value: AUD 15,000 per year
- Eligibility: Study at a regional Curtin campus (e.g., Kalgoorlie)
Australian Government Scholarships
- Australia Awards
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

Must be commencing full-time study
Academic excellence
English language proficiency
Country-specific conditions may apply

Last 3 Years’ Placement Record

Curtin University places strong emphasis on industry-integrated learning and career support. Students benefit from internships, co-op programs, and career counselling.

Graduate Outcomes (as per QILT and Curtin Career Reports)

Year	Graduate Employment Rate (6 months post-graduation)	Median Starting Salary (AUD)
2022	78%	$65,000
2023	81%	$67,500
2024	84% (projected)	$70,000

Career Support Services

CareerHub portal
Resume/CV workshops
Mock interviews
Job fairs and employer meetups

Notable Alumni

Curtin has a vibrant alumni community spread across over 160 countries. Here are a few who have made a mark:

Tim Winton – Award-winning author (Booker Prize nominee)
Natasha Stott Despoja – Former Australian Senator and diplomat
Todd Sampson – Entrepreneur, TV personality, and CEO
Rashid Al Leem – Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA)
Deborah Mailman – Renowned actress in film and television
Alwi Shihab – Indonesian politician and academic

These individuals reflect Curtin’s emphasis on leadership, creativity, and social impact.

Conclusion

Curtin University stands as a global leader in education, innovation, and employability. It offers international students a high-quality, future-focused education grounded in real-world application. From its diverse campuses to its inclusive culture and strong industry partnerships, Curtin prepares graduates to excel in an ever-changing global economy.

Whether you are aiming for engineering, business, health, arts, or emerging technologies, Curtin’s robust academic framework, comprehensive support services, and post-study opportunities make it an ideal choice for global learners.

FAQ's

1. What makes Curtin University a good choice for international students?

Curtin offers globally ranked programs, strong industry connections, generous scholarships, and multi-campus flexibility. Its focus on employability and innovation enhances career prospects for international students.

2. Is Curtin University expensive for international students?

While tuition fees range between AUD 28,000 and AUD 45,000 annually, many scholarships and government financial aids are available to reduce costs significantly.

3. Can international students work part-time while studying at Curtin?

Yes. International students on student visas can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during breaks.

4. How is campus life at Curtin University?

Curtin offers a lively campus experience with cultural festivals, clubs, sports, accommodation, student unions, and extensive support services tailored for international students.