Curtin University Admission Guide for International Students

Who Curtin is and why international students choose it

Curtin University is a large public university whose main campus is at Bentley in Perth, Western Australia (Boorloo), with a further campus at Kalgoorlie and additional Australian and international locations. It is a member of the Australian Technology Network (ATN), reflecting an applied, industry-connected approach across engineering, mining and resources, business, health and the sciences.

As the ATN anchor in the Perth market, Curtin is a common destination for international students who want to study in Western Australia, including many from India. Perth offers a large, established international-student community outside Australia's biggest east-coast cities.

Curtin is ranked by QS in the QS World University Rankings. Any specific position is a snapshot for one year, so check the current figure on the QS website or Curtin's own site rather than relying on a number that changes each cycle.

Entry requirements: what Curtin looks for

Curtin sets academic entry requirements for each course based on your prior qualification and results, and these vary by the country and qualification you studied and by the level of study. Some courses have prerequisites or additional selection criteria, so the requirement is best read per program.

Check your chosen course on curtin.edu.au for its academic requirements, then prepare certified copies of your qualifications, a copy of your passport photo page, and any supplementary forms the course requires. Documents not in English need professional English translations.

• A recognised prior qualification meeting the course's academic requirement
• Any course prerequisites or supplementary forms
• Proof of English proficiency (see below)
• Certified qualifications and a copy of your passport photo page

English language requirements

Curtin requires evidence of English proficiency through one of its recognised tests — commonly IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CAE (Cambridge) or OET — with the exact score set per course. Some programs, such as those in health, may require higher levels.

When you apply, if you don't yet meet the English requirement, you can indicate that you'd like to be considered for a Curtin English pathway; where eligible, you receive a conditional offer that packages your degree with Curtin English. Curtin also uses an online placement test to assess your English level, but that placement test cannot itself be used to meet the proficiency requirement. Always confirm the accepted tests and current scores for your course on curtin.edu.au.

• Recognised tests include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CAE and OET — score is course-specific
• Some health programs require higher English levels
• Not meeting the score can lead to a packaged Curtin English pathway offer
• The Duolingo English Test is not accepted for the Australian student visa — see the visa note

Curtin College and Curtin English pathways

If you don't meet Curtin's direct entry requirements, Curtin College offers pathway programs. A common route is the Stage 2 Diploma, which covers the same content as the first year of the matching Curtin undergraduate degree; on successful completion you can progress directly into the second year of that Curtin bachelor's program. Curtin College also offers foundation-style programs for students who need broader academic preparation.

For language, Curtin English programs can be packaged with your degree so you complete the required English level and then start your course. Confirm the exact pathway, entry points and any credit into the degree on the Curtin College and Curtin pathway pages before you commit.

Intakes and timing

Curtin's degrees run on a semester calendar, with the available intakes for each degree shown on its course page — check there rather than assuming a fixed month. Curtin College, the pathway provider, runs its own intakes in February, June and October, which can be useful if you are entering through a diploma or foundation route.

Whichever entry point you choose, apply early. After an offer you need time to accept, meet any conditions, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and lodge your student visa before your start date.

How to apply to Curtin

International students apply either directly through Curtin's online application portal or through a registered Curtin agent in their country. Higher degrees by research have a separate application process. TISC (the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre) is the Western Australian admissions centre used mainly by WA Year 12 school-leavers applying as domestic students, so most international applicants with an overseas qualification apply directly to Curtin or via an agent rather than through TISC.

Have your documents ready before you start — certified qualifications, English evidence, a copy of your passport photo page, and any supplementary forms. Once you accept your offer and satisfy any conditions, Curtin issues your CoE for the student visa stage.

• Direct — Curtin's online application portal (overseas qualifications)
• Registered Curtin agent in your country
• TISC — mainly for WA Year 12 school-leavers (domestic route), not most international applicants
• Then: accept your offer → meet conditions → receive CoE → apply for the student visa