Curtin University

Curtin University: Practical Learning, Industry Experience and Global Opportunities

Curtin University is an Australian university with its major campus in Perth, Western Australia, and an additional Australian location in Kalgoorlie. Curtin also has international campuses in Colombo, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius and Singapore. The university has a strong international outlook and welcomes thousands of students from around the world to its multicultural Perth campus.

Curtin offers programs across Business and Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Engineering, with more than 100 courses and a strong emphasis on practical and industry-connected education.

What is Curtin University Known For?

Curtin is particularly known for:

• Business
• Accounting and Finance
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Computing
• Science
• Health Sciences
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Psychology
• Humanities
• Mining and related disciplines
• Environmental and natural sciences

Curtin describes its courses as career-focused, with many programs incorporating Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), internships, fieldwork, industry projects or placements.

Business & Commerce

Students can explore:

• Business
• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Marketing
• Management
• Business analytics
• International business

Curtin's business programs can incorporate practical experiences and industry engagement. For example, Bachelor of Commerce students can complete a practical capstone experience that applies their skills in an industry environment.

Information Technology & Computing

Technology-related study areas include:

• Information technology
• Computing
• Computer systems
• Networking
• Data-related disciplines
• Digital technologies
• Software and technology-related fields

Curtin also provides opportunities for eligible technology students to participate in professional-practice and internship experiences.

Engineering

Curtin offers engineering programs across multiple disciplines, including areas such as:

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Mining-related engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Petroleum-related fields

Engineering students can gain substantial professional experience as part of their degree. Curtin states that engineering students are required to complete 480 hours of industry experience across their degrees.

Science

Students can explore:

• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Environmental science
• Geology
• Agriculture
• Food science
• Marine science
• Applied science

Curtin provides fieldwork, internships and industry projects across science disciplines. Eligible science students can also undertake STEM Professional Practice units to gain internship experience for credit.

Health Sciences

Health is another important area at Curtin.

Students can explore:

• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Paramedicine
• Pharmacy
• Public health
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Other health sciences

Depending on the program, students can gain experience through professional placements, clinical learning and practical training. Curtin specifically lists industry experience opportunities across Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine.

Law

Curtin provides practical legal education through opportunities such as the John Curtin Law Clinic, where eligible students can apply legal knowledge to real-world cases under the guidance of experienced legal practitioners.

Students can develop experience relevant to:

• Legal practice
• Corporate law
• Government
• Compliance
• Policy
• Community and social justice

Humanities

Curtin's humanities portfolio covers areas such as:

• Communication
• Media
• Social sciences
• Creative industries
• International studies
• Humanities

Students can also access discipline-specific internships and international experiences.

Academic Environment

Depending on the chosen course, students may experience:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratories
• Workshops
• Fieldwork
• Industry projects
• Internships
• Placements
• Research
• Practical simulations

Curtin emphasises authentic learning, combining theoretical concepts with practical experience through work-integrated learning.

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning is a significant part of Curtin's education model.

Depending on the course, WIL can include:

• Internships
• Industry placements
• Fieldwork
• Industry projects
• Professional practice
• Clinical placements
• Work-based learning

Curtin says most of its courses integrate WIL through experiences such as internships, fieldwork, industry projects or placements.

Industry Experience

Curtin provides industry experience opportunities across several teaching areas.

Business & Law

Students can access:

• Business internships
• Legal internships
• John Curtin Law Clinic

Health Sciences

Opportunities include:

• Clinical placements
• Nursing placements
• Midwifery placements
• Paramedicine experiences

Science & Engineering

Students can access:

• Fieldwork
• Placements
• Industry projects
• Professional training
• Vacation programs
• Graduate programs
• Industry networking
• Site visits

Global Opportunities

Curtin provides opportunities for students to gain international experience through:

• Study abroad
• International internships
• International placements
• Global projects
• Study tours

Its Go Global programs can allow eligible students to undertake professional experiences overseas. Curtin lists international internship and placement opportunities across Business and Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science and Engineering.

Pathway Options

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements can explore alternative pathways through:

• Curtin College
• Curtin English
• English-language bridging programs
• Other recognised pathway options

Curtin specifically advises international applicants who don't meet the admission criteria to consider its alternative entry pathways.

International Student Experience

Curtin welcomes thousands of international students to its multicultural Perth campus.

International students can access:

• Orientation
• Academic support
• English-language assistance
• Visa guidance
• OSHC information
• Accommodation support
• Part-time work information
• Careers services
• Scholarship information

Curtin also provides dedicated information about budgeting and moving to Australia.

Studying in Perth

Curtin highlights Perth as a destination offering:

• A sunny lifestyle
• A strong economy
• Multicultural communities
• Indigenous cultural experiences
• A comparatively lower cost of living than Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
• Access to Australia's resources and mining industries

Quick Facts

• University: Curtin University
• Country: Australia
• Main Australian campus: Perth
• Additional Australian location: Kalgoorlie
• International campuses: Colombo, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius and Singapore
• Study levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate and research
• Major areas: Business, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Engineering
• Key feature: Work-Integrated Learning
• Industry opportunities: Internships, placements, fieldwork and industry projects
• International opportunities: Study abroad, global internships and international placements

Q. Is Curtin University a good university?

A. Curtin can be a strong choice for students who want practical, industry-connected education and international opportunities, particularly in engineering, science, business, health, IT and related fields.

Q. Where is Curtin University located?

A. Curtin's major Australian campus is in Perth, Western Australia, with another Australian location in Kalgoorlie. It also operates international campuses in Colombo, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius and Singapore.

Q. Does Curtin University offer internships?

A. Yes. Curtin offers internships, industry placements, fieldwork, professional-practice opportunities and industry projects across multiple disciplines

Student Life at Curtin University

Curtin University offers a vibrant student experience centred around its Perth campus, where students can enjoy academic life alongside clubs, sporting activities, volunteering, cultural events and social programs. The campus is designed to provide students with study spaces, recreational facilities and everyday services in one connected university environment.

Campus & Facilities

Students can access a wide range of facilities including:

• Libraries and quiet study spaces
• Computer and technology facilities
• Specialist laboratories
• Collaborative learning spaces
• Health and wellbeing services
• Career and employability support
• Curtin Stadium and fitness facilities
• Cafés, food outlets and retail services
• Student accommodation options
• Social and recreational spaces

Curtin describes its Perth campus as a vibrant community with food, events, shops, accommodation and recreational opportunities available throughout university life.

Student Clubs & Activities

One of the biggest parts of student life at Curtin is getting involved with the Curtin Student Guild.

Students can join more than 100 clubs and societies, including:

• Academic clubs
• Professional societies
• Cultural clubs
• International student clubs
• Religious communities
• Sporting clubs
• Gaming and hobby groups
• Social-interest organisations

These clubs regularly organise networking events, career sessions, social activities and cultural celebrations, helping students build friendships and professional connections.

Sports & Recreation

Students interested in staying active can participate in recreational and competitive activities through Curtin Stadium.

Available opportunities include:

• Social sports
• Fitness programs
• Gym facilities
• Indoor sporting activities
• Tennis and recreation
• Sporting clubs
• Group fitness sessions

Curtin welcomes students of different sporting abilities, making social sport an easy way to meet new people while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

International Student Experience

Curtin has a multicultural international community and provides dedicated support to students studying away from home.

International students can access:

• Orientation programs
• Academic support
• Student wellbeing services
• Visa and enrolment guidance
• Accommodation assistance
• English-language conversation support
• Careers and employment guidance
• Cultural and social events
• International student clubs

Curtin also has an International Student Committee through the Student Guild, representing international students and organising events throughout the academic year.

Café Connect

A popular initiative for international students is Café Connect, a regular community event where students can meet others, enjoy free refreshments and learn about topics such as careers, wellbeing, volunteering, cultural awareness and life in Australia.

Q. What is student life like at Curtin University?

A. Curtin offers a multicultural and welcoming student environment with more than 100 clubs and societies, sporting activities, campus events, volunteering opportunities and dedicated support for international students.

Curtin University Courses – Business, Engineering, IT, Health and More

Curtin University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs across major study areas including Business and Law, Science and Engineering, Health Sciences and Humanities. Students can choose from a broad range of career-focused degrees supported by practical learning and industry engagement.

Popular Subject Areas

Business & Commerce

Students can explore areas such as:

• Business
• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Marketing
• Management
• Business analytics
• International business

Business students can develop practical skills through industry projects, internships and capstone experiences.

Information Technology & Computing

Technology students can study areas including:

• Information Technology
• Computing
• Software development
• Networking
• Data-related technologies
• Digital systems
• Computer science-related disciplines

These programs combine theoretical learning with practical projects and industry engagement.

Engineering

Curtin is well known for engineering education across disciplines including:

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Mining engineering
• Petroleum engineering
• Environmental engineering

Engineering students complete substantial professional experience as part of their degree, helping prepare them for industry careers.

Science

Students can explore:

• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Environmental science
• Geology
• Marine science
• Agriculture
• Applied science

Science programs can include laboratory learning, research projects, fieldwork and professional practice opportunities.

Health Sciences

Curtin offers a broad health portfolio including:

• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Paramedicine
• Public health
• Biomedical sciences

Many health programs include clinical placements and professional practical training.

Law

Students interested in legal studies can explore:

• Law
• Corporate law
• Legal practice
• Government and policy
• Social justice
• Compliance

Eligible students can also gain practical experience through Curtin's legal internship opportunities and the John Curtin Law Clinic.

Humanities & Creative Industries

Study areas include:

• Communication
• Media
• Journalism
• International studies
• Social sciences
• Humanities
• Creative industries

Students can combine academic learning with internships, industry projects and creative practice depending on the course.

Practical Learning

Practical education is an important part of the Curtin learning experience.

Depending on the chosen degree, students may participate in:

• Internships
• Industry placements
• Work-integrated learning
• Clinical placements
• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork
• Industry projects
• Capstone experiences
• Research projects

Curtin's work-integrated learning approach helps students apply classroom knowledge in real professional and community environments.

Industry Experience & Internships

Curtin provides industry experience across multiple faculties.

Business & Law

Students may access:

• Business internships
• Legal Internship Program
• John Curtin Law Clinic
• Industry projects

Health Sciences

Professional learning can include:

• Nursing placements
• Midwifery placements
• Paramedicine experience
• Clinical training

Science & Engineering

Students can participate in:

• Fieldwork
• Industry placements
• Professional engineering experience
• STEM internships
• Industry projects

Curtin specifically highlights work-integrated learning as a key way students develop industry-ready skills before graduation.

Careers & Employability

Curtin provides dedicated career development services to help students prepare for employment in Australia and internationally.

Students can access support including:

• Career advice
• Resume assistance
• Cover letter guidance
• Interview preparation
• Job search resources
• Employer networking
• Internship opportunities
• Graduate career preparation
• Employability workshops

Curtin also provides specialised support for international students looking for part-time work during study and graduate employment after completing their degree.

Career Areas

Depending on their degree, graduates can pursue careers across sectors such as:

Technology

• Software development
• IT
• Networking
• Data and digital technologies

Business

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Consulting
• Management

Engineering

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Mining and resources
• Environmental engineering

Health

• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Paramedicine
• Public health

Science

• Research
• Environmental science
• Marine science
• Biotechnology
• Laboratory science

Law & Humanities

• Legal services
• Government
• Policy
• Communication
• Media
• Social services

Placement & Internship Opportunities

Depending on the course, students may gain professional experience through:

• Internships
• Clinical placements
• Industry projects
• Fieldwork
• Professional practice
• Research placements
• Community-based learning

The duration and compulsory nature of placements vary according to the selected degree.

Accommodation

Curtin offers several accommodation options near its Perth campus.

Students can explore:

• On-campus residences
• Guild House
• Shared student apartments
• Private rentals
• Off-campus accommodation support

Curtin recommends arranging accommodation as early as possible because on-campus accommodation is in high demand. The university also provides accommodation coaching services to assist students searching for suitable housing in Perth.

Global Opportunities

Curtin students can develop international experience through opportunities such as:

• Study abroad
• International exchange
• Overseas internships
• Global placements
• International projects
• Cross-campus study opportunities

These experiences allow eligible students to gain global exposure while continuing their academic journey.

Q. Does Curtin University provide internships?

A. Yes. Curtin offers internships, work-integrated learning, industry projects, clinical placements and professional experience opportunities across many business, engineering, health, science and humanities programs.

Q. Does Curtin have accommodation for students?

A. Yes. Curtin provides on-campus accommodation options as well as support for students seeking off-campus housing in Perth.

Q. Is Curtin good for international students?

A. Curtin provides dedicated international student support, cultural communities, careers guidance, accommodation assistance, visa information and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities designed to help students settle into university life in Perth.

Curtin University Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

Curtin University charges international students course-specific tuition fees. The actual amount depends on the course and units studied. Curtin's published indicative fees are generally based on a full-time study load of 100 credits per semester, and fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition Fees for International Students

Indicative 2026 fees include:

Course	Indicative 2026 Fee
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 37,418 for Year 1
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)	AUD 43,320 for Year 1

Fees can be considerably higher for some specialised programs, so students should check the exact course fee before applying.

International students should budget separately for:

• Accommodation
• Food and living expenses
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Books and study materials
• Transport
• Visa and travel expenses
• Course-specific costs

Undergraduate Tuition Cost

The total tuition cost depends on the course duration and annual fee.

For example, using an indicative annual fee of AUD 43,320:

AUD 43,320 × 4 = AUD 173,280

This is an illustrative calculation only. Actual tuition depends on the course, study load and future fee adjustments.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is separate from tuition fees.

Students can consider:

• On-campus accommodation
• Shared student apartments
• Private rentals
• Off-campus housing

Curtin also provides accommodation support and coaching to help students find suitable housing in Perth.

International Student Cost of Attendance

Students should consider:

Tuition + Accommodation + Living Expenses + OSHC + Transport + Study Materials

Students should also allow for personal expenses and any compulsory costs associated with their specific course.

Scholarships & Financial Support

Curtin offers several scholarships specifically for international students.

John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship

The John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship provides eligible international students with a 40% tuition-fee reduction for the duration of their eligible course.

It is designed for high-achieving international students and has specific academic and course eligibility requirements.

Curtin Global Merit Scholarship

The Curtin Global Merit Scholarship provides eligible international students with a 20% tuition-fee reduction for the duration of their eligible course.

Global Future Leaders Scholarship

Eligible international students can receive a AUD 10,000 one-off tuition-fee credit through the Global Future Leaders Scholarship.

Global Scholars Program Scholarship

Eligible students studying across two Curtin global campuses can receive a AUD 15,000 one-off tuition-fee credit through the Global Scholars Program Scholarship.

Curtin English Scholarship

Students using an eligible Curtin English pathway may receive a tuition-fee credit of up to AUD 7,496.

Scholarships for International Students

Students should check:

• Academic requirements
• Citizenship requirements
• Eligible courses
• Scholarship value
• Duration
• Intake
• Application deadline
• Any course exclusions

A useful feature of Curtin's Global Curtin scholarships is that eligible international applicants are automatically assessed, with scholarship eligibility generally communicated in the offer letter.

Payment of Tuition Fees

Curtin calculates tuition according to the units a student enrols in.

Students should carefully check their offer and enrolment information for:

• Tuition amount
• Payment deadlines
• Scholarship deductions
• OSHC
• Additional course costs

Curtin states that tuition fees can increase in future years because fees are reviewed annually.

Cost Example for an International Student

Suppose an eligible student has annual tuition of AUD 43,320 and receives a 20% Curtin Global Merit Scholarship.

Scholarship:

AUD 43,320 × 20% = AUD 8,664

Remaining tuition:

AUD 43,320 − AUD 8,664 = AUD 34,656 per year

This is an illustrative calculation. The actual fee and scholarship depend on the student's course and eligibility.

The Honest Verdict – Is Curtin University Worth the Cost?

Curtin can be a strong choice for international students looking for practical education, industry experience, global opportunities and a Perth-based study experience.

Curtin Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want to study in Perth
• Are interested in Engineering
• Want to study Mining or resources-related disciplines
• Are interested in IT
• Want to study Business
• Are interested in Health Sciences
• Want practical industry experience
• Want access to internships and placements
• Are interested in Science
• Want international study opportunities
• Are looking for substantial international scholarships

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Prefer studying in Sydney or Melbourne
• Need the absolute lowest tuition fees
• Prefer a very small university environment
• Want a university located in Australia's eastern metropolitan centres

Frequently Asked Questions About Curtin University Fees

Q. How much does it cost to study at Curtin University?

A. Tuition varies by course. For 2026, examples include approximately AUD 37,418 for Year 1 of the Bachelor of Arts and AUD 43,320 for Year 1 of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Q. Does Curtin offer scholarships to international students?

A. Yes. Curtin offers scholarships including the 40% John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship and 20% Curtin Global Merit Scholarship, along with several fixed-value tuition credits.

Q. Can international students receive a 40% scholarship?

A. Yes. Eligible students can receive the John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship, which provides a 40% tuition-fee reduction for the duration of the eligible course.

Q. Is accommodation included in tuition?

A. No. Accommodation and living expenses are separate, although Curtin provides accommodation options and support for students searching for housing.

Q. Do Curtin tuition fees remain the same throughout the degree?

A. Students should not assume that they will. Curtin reviews fees annually, so tuition can increase in future years.

A Final Word – Why Curtin University Deserves Your Consideration

Curtin University combines practical learning, industry experience, international opportunities and a strong Perth-based student environment.

Its strengths across Engineering, Science, Health, Business, IT and Law, combined with internships, placements and work-integrated learning, make it an attractive choice for career-focused international students.

The scholarship portfolio is another major advantage, with eligible students able to receive 20% or 40% tuition reductions, alongside several fixed-value scholarship opportunities.

Overall Verdict: Curtin University is a strong option for international students seeking career-focused education, practical industry experience and global opportunities, particularly in Engineering, Science, Health, Business and technology-related fields.