The University of Notre Dame Australia

Key Highlights

• TEQSA registration in the Australian University category runs through 2 April 2032.
• Established under Western Australian legislation in 1989.
• Private, not-for-profit Catholic university with campuses in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney.
• Fremantle is the registered head office and foundation campus.

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Fremantle is organised around a compact city precinct rather than a conventional enclosed campus. The Notre Dame Student Association, clubs and societies, social sport, volunteering, mentoring and chaplaincy provide routes into campus life. Catholic worship and faith activities are available, while student organisations and general support services serve the wider student community. The Fremantle Student Support Hub operates from the Michael J M Wright Library. Available support includes enrolment and transcript assistance, library and study resources, Wi-Fi and IT help, academic-skills guidance, counselling, financial assistance, wellbeing services, career development and campus security. Access and Inclusion can arrange reasonable adjustments according to individual needs. Transition initiatives also support students arriving from overseas, interstate or rural Western Australia. Housing requires early planning. Port Lodge is the university’s small on-campus Fremantle residence, with shared facilities and access to study space, support staff and security. The university reported that its Fremantle on-campus accommodation was full for Semester 1, 2026 and directed students to contact the residence team about waitlists. Shared student apartments and private rentals are alternatives, but availability and costs are not guaranteed by the university. Students should secure housing independently and verify current residence capacity before committing to enrolment.

Location & Surroundings

The Fremantle campus stands on Whadjuk country in the historic West End of Fremantle, at the mouth of the Swan River and about 14 kilometres from central Perth. University spaces occupy multiple heritage buildings woven into the city, placing students close to cafés, shops, markets, museums, restaurants and the waterfront. Bathers Beach and Esplanade Park are within easy walking distance. This dispersed urban layout makes walking or cycling practical between teaching buildings, study areas and nearby services. The Fremantle train and bus station is a short walk from campus. The university states that trains run approximately every 12 minutes, while the journey to Perth takes roughly half an hour. Bus connections extend toward Perth, Rockingham and Mandurah. Parking near campus is limited and generally relies on surrounding streets or public car parks. Students who plan to drive should investigate municipal and commercial parking before classes begin. The location suits those who value public transport, a coastal environment and direct integration with city life; students seeking a self-contained residential campus should consider the small scale of university-operated housing.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition depends on citizenship or residency status, program, discipline and study load. Notre Dame provides a 2026 fee calculator and separate indicative schedules for domestic and international students. International fees are calculated from the discipline and load of the courses taken, so an advertised discipline rate may not equal an individual invoice. Fees can change annually, and some programs add costs for uniforms, equipment, immunisations, field trips or other practical requirements. International students also pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee, with tuition generally due each semester at least four weeks before the program begins. The university’s 2026 international schedule lists indicative annual rates by discipline rather than one universal tuition figure. Domestic students may receive Commonwealth-supported places or use eligible Australian government loan arrangements depending on their course and personal eligibility. All students should use their formal offer and fee statement for budgeting. Accommodation, transport, meals and personal expenses are separate; the university suggests allowing approximately AUD 200–500 for textbooks in a full-time year, though actual spending varies. Scholarships exist for domestic and international students, with eligibility, value and application processes varying by award. Career support is available from first year through graduation and for up to 18 months afterward. CareerHub provides job listings, resources, workshops, event bookings and appointments with career officers. Professionally oriented programs may include placements, but students should verify whether these are mandatory, paid or unpaid, and whether travel or compliance expenses apply.