Curtin University
A practical, industry-linked Perth university with guaranteed-ATAR entry, the WA School of Mines and campuses on three continents.
- Students
- 64,991
- International
- 28%
- of students
- Tuition
- A$41,146
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 1966
About Curtin
Curtin University was founded in 1966 as the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) and gained university status in 1986, later taking the name of former Prime Minister John Curtin. Its main campus is in Bentley, about 6 km south-east of Perth's CBD, on a site laid out around a former pine plantation. It also runs the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie and international campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
Curtin had 64,991 students in 2024, including 18,066 international students (about 28%). Teaching is organised into four faculties: Business and Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science and Engineering. Its Western Australian School of Mines specialises in minerals and energy engineering, and its degrees span engineering, health, business, law, humanities and the built environment.
Admission is transparent: most degrees publish a guaranteed ATAR, so if you meet it and the prerequisites you get a place, from 70 for Commerce, Psychology and Architectural Science to 80 for Computing and Engineering. Curtin suits students who want a practical, career-focused degree in a sunny, relaxed city, and international students who value generous scholarships of 20% to 40% off tuition.
Look ever forward
University motto
Why students choose Curtin
Guaranteed ATARs: meet the published rank (e.g. 80 for Engineering, 70 for Commerce) and the prerequisites, and you are guaranteed a place.
The Western Australian School of Mines gives Curtin a strong reputation in mining and minerals engineering.
International students can receive the John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship (40% off tuition) or the Curtin Global Merit Scholarship (20% off) for the duration of their course.
Curtin's global campuses let students combine study in Perth with Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius or Sri Lanka.
Admissions
2027 intakes (Semester 1 from February/March 2027; Semester 2 from July 2027)
Selectivity
Curtin does not publish an overall offer rate. Most bachelor's degrees publish a guaranteed ATAR/selection rank: Computing 80, Engineering (Honours) 80, Commerce 70, Psychology 70, Architectural Science 70. Competitive courses set minimums instead, e.g. Physiotherapy (Honours) minimum 90 and Pharmacy (Honours) minimum 80; Medicine also requires the UCAT ANZ.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR (guaranteed or minimum selection rank) | Physiotherapy (Honours) min. 90; Computing 80; Engineering (Honours) 80; Pharmacy (Honours) min. 80; Commerce 70; Psychology 70; Architectural Science 70 |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma and international qualifications | Converted to an ATAR equivalent; see Curtin's International admissions guide and course pages |
| English language | IELTS 6 IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 6.0 in each band for most courses such as Computing, Engineering and Commerce; Nursing requires 7.0. Other accepted tests are listed on Curtin's English language requirements page. |
Deadlines
- Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Midwifery, Semester 1 2027 Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months20 January 2027
Course-specific closing date for direct applicants; Medical Radiation Science and Oral Health Therapy close earlier, on 1 December 2026.
- Direct applications, Semester 1 2027 (most courses) Non-binding In ~4 months28 January 2027
Applications opened 1 May 2026. The same closing date appears in the international view of the Engineering and Commerce course pages. Year 12 students and Medicine applicants apply through TISC, which has its own dates.
- Semester 2 2027 Non-binding In ~9 months1 July 2027
Closing date for mid-year entry in courses that offer it, such as Computing, Engineering and Commerce; domestic direct applications open 1 March 2027.
Dates are from Curtin's application deadlines page and course pages (checked 29 September 2026). International students should check the international view of their course page and allow time for a student visa.
How to apply
International students apply directly through Curtin's online application portal (up to five course preferences per application) or via an approved agent, and can package a Curtin English pathway with their degree. Domestic Year 12 students and Medicine applicants apply through TISC; other domestic applicants can apply directly to Curtin.
What admissions looks for
- An ATAR or equivalent at or above the course's guaranteed or minimum selection rank.
- Course prerequisites, such as specific ATAR subjects for engineering and health courses.
- English proficiency at the level set for the course (higher for nursing and some health programs).
- For Medicine, performance in the UCAT ANZ and further selection steps.
Tips for applying to Curtin
- 1 Check whether your course lists a guaranteed ATAR: if you meet it and the prerequisites, your place is assured.
- 2 Use all five course preferences when applying directly, especially if your first choice is competitive.
- 3 International applicants should check eligibility for the Curtin Global Merit Scholarship (20% off tuition) and the John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship (40% off) when applying.
- 4 Starting with a Curtin English pathway earns a one-off tuition credit of up to A$7,496 toward your degree.
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
International students can receive the John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship (40% off tuition for the course), the Curtin Global Merit Scholarship (20% off), one-off tuition credits of A$10,000 to A$15,000 for some pathways and global-campus transfers, and up to A$7,496 credit after a Curtin English pathway. Domestic students in Commonwealth supported places can defer their contribution through HECS-HELP.
- 40% off tuition for the course
- John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship
- 20% off tuition for the course
- Curtin Global Merit Scholarship
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Semester 1 from February/March, Semester 2 from July), with some trimester courses
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Guaranteed ATAR 80, February and July intakes, and an indicative 2027 international first-year fee of A$47,652.
Bachelor of Computing
Three-year degree with a guaranteed ATAR of 80 and February and July intakes.
Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours)
One of Curtin's most competitive courses, with a minimum ATAR of 90.
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Curtin Medical School's undergraduate-entry medicine degree, requiring the UCAT ANZ.
Bachelor of Commerce
Guaranteed ATAR 70 and the lowest international fee of Curtin's major degrees (indicative A$41,146 for 2027).
Research
- Exploration Geophysics and Petroleum Engineering share the Australian Resources Research Centre with CSIRO in Technology Park Bentley.
- The Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie is Curtin's largest campus outside Perth.
- Curtin operates the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library on the Bentley campus.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Business and Law
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals and Energy Engineering
- Curtin Medical School
Student life
The Bentley campus is large and green, laid out in a grid around the old pine plantation, and is being redeveloped under the Greater Curtin master plan, whose Curtin Exchange includes housing for 900 students, a hotel and shops. Two bus stations, including Curtin Central, connect the campus to Perth's transport network. In 2016 public art festival artists painted murals across eight campus buildings, and the Hayman Theatre has hosted student theatre since 1973.
- Curtin Exchange precinct with student housing for 900, shops and a hotel.
- Campus murals from the 2016 public art festival.
- Hayman Theatre, home of student theatre since 1973.
- Curtin Central bus station links campus to Perth's public transport.
Housing. The Curtin Exchange development on the Bentley campus includes housing for 900 students, alongside other residential colleges.
Location
Perth is Western Australia's capital, known for its beaches, the Swan River and a sunny climate. Curtin's Bentley campus lies about 6 km south-east of the CBD, linked by two bus stations and a shuttle to Canning Bridge train station, while the Graduate School of Business and Curtin Law School have buildings in the city centre.
Nearest airport: Perth Airport (PER)
Notable alumni
- JD Judy DavisActor; studied at WAIT (now Curtin) before graduating from NIDA
- RC Roger CookPremier of Western Australia; holds a degree from Curtin
- CB Carrie BickmoreTelevision presenter; BA from Curtin (2000)
- JB John ButlerMusician; studied at Curtin before leaving to pursue music
- FO Frances O'ConnorActor; BA from Curtin
- EG Elizabeth GainesFormer CEO of Fortescue; Curtin graduate
- RS Ryan StokesBusinessman, Seven Group Holdings; BCom from Curtin (1997)
- MC Michaelia CashAustralian senator and former federal minister; BA from Curtin (1990)
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for Curtin University?
Many Curtin degrees publish a guaranteed ATAR: 70 for Commerce, Psychology and Architectural Science, and 80 for Computing and Engineering (Honours). Competitive courses like Physiotherapy (Honours) require at least 90.
How much are Curtin's fees for international students?
Indicative 2027 first-year international fees range from about A$41,146 for Commerce and A$45,112 for Computing to A$47,652 for Engineering and A$53,794 for Physiotherapy; Medicine is about A$100,782.
What IELTS score does Curtin require?
Most undergraduate courses, including Computing, Engineering and Commerce, require IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 6.0 in each band; Nursing requires 7.0.
Does Curtin offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship gives 40% off tuition and the Curtin Global Merit Scholarship 20% off, both for the duration of the course.
When are Curtin's intakes?
The main intakes are Semester 1 (February/March) and Semester 2 (July). Direct applications for Semester 1, 2027 close on 28 January 2027 for most courses, and Semester 2, 2027 applications close on 1 July 2027.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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