About Curtin University
Curtin University was founded in 1966 and is located in Bentley, a suburb around six kilometres southeast of Perth's core business area. It is one of Western Australia's major universities by enrollment and is a member of the Australian Technology Network, a consortium of institutions noted for practical research and strong industry linkages. Curtin University is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities in the world, with recent QS World University Rankings placing it in the 180s to 190s, and it operates additional campuses around the world, including Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Mauritius, in addition to its main Perth campus.The institution provides approximately 600 programs throughout undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and research degree levels, including subjects such as engineering, health sciences, business, information technology, the built environment, and now, since 2017, medicine through Curtin Medical School.
Why International Students Choose Curtin University
- Lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne: Perth is widely reported to be up to 20 percent more affordable than Australia's larger eastern cities, which matters significantly over a three to six year degree.
- Regional visa benefits: Perth is classified as a designated regional area under Australia's skilled migration framework, which can earn eligible graduates extra points toward permanent residency pathways after they complete their studies.
- Strong industry links: Curtin has close relationships with the mining, engineering, and health sectors that dominate Western Australia's economy, which benefits students seeking internships or graduate employment.
- Direct entry medical degree: Curtin Medical School offers Western Australia's only direct entry undergraduate medical degree, meaning school leavers can enter medicine without first completing a separate bachelor's degree.
- No application fee: Unlike many international applications elsewhere, Curtin does not charge international applicants a fee simply to apply for a course.
- Multiple intakes: Most programs run two main intakes a year, with some programs, including the MBA, running three intakes, giving applicants more flexibility around start dates.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements for International Students
International undergraduate applicants generally need to demonstrate the following to be considered for a place at Curtin.
- Academic qualification: Completion of a recognised senior secondary certificate equivalent to the Australian Year 12, such as CBSE, ICSE, WASSCE, A Levels, or the International Baccalaureate, with results meeting the minimum equivalency set for each program.
- Minimum grades: General entry programs typically require results in the region of 60 percent or higher in relevant subjects, though competitive programs such as engineering, health sciences, and business often expect 60 to 65 percent or above, and highly selective programs like Medicine require far higher academic performance, generally an ATAR equivalent above 95.
- Prerequisite subjects: Certain programs specify required subjects, such as Mathematics for engineering and IT courses, or Chemistry and Biology for health science and medicine related programs.
- English language proficiency: Most undergraduate programs require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0, or equivalent scores in the PTE Academic (58 or above) or TOEFL iBT (around 79 or above). Some competitive programs, including Medicine and Nursing, set a higher English requirement, often IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0.
- Age and welfare requirements: Applicants under 18 years of age at the time of enrolment must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before their visa can be processed.
There is no single centralised entrance exam for general undergraduate entry at Curtin, although school leavers in Western Australia apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre, commonly known as TISC, while direct international applicants generally apply straight through Curtin's own international application portal.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements for International Students
Postgraduate coursework programs, such as Master's degrees, generally require the following from international applicants.
- A recognised bachelor's degree: Most Master's programs require a completed bachelor's degree from a recognised institution in a related field, with a minimum GPA typically around 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, though competitive programs expect a stronger academic record.
- Relevant work experience for some programs: Business and management programs, particularly the MBA, generally require several years of relevant professional experience, often three to five years, with at least some time spent in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
- English language proficiency: The general postgraduate benchmark mirrors the undergraduate requirement, an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or equivalent PTE or TOEFL scores, although research degrees and some specialised coursework programs may require higher scores.
- Supporting documents: Certified copies of academic transcripts and testamurs, a valid passport, English test results, and for some programs a resume, personal statement, or portfolio, depending on the field of study.
- Research degrees: Applicants for a Master of Philosophy or PhD by research generally need a strong undergraduate or Master's academic record, a research proposal, and in many cases direct contact with a proposed supervisor before applying, along with proof of funding or a scholarship application where relevant.
Step by Step Application Procedure at Curtin University
The application process is broadly similar for both undergraduate and postgraduate international applicants, with a few differences depending on the program and level of study.
- Choose your course. Use Curtin's course search tools to confirm the entry requirements, intake dates, and campus location for your intended program before applying.
- Check your qualification equivalency. Confirm how your school leaving certificate or existing degree is assessed against Curtin's entry standards, since equivalency varies by country and education system.
- Prepare your documents. Gather certified copies of academic transcripts, certificates, a valid passport, English language test results, and any program specific documents such as a personal statement, portfolio, or resume.
- Submit your application online. International applicants apply directly through Curtin's international application portal, or through an authorised education agent in their home country. There is no application fee for international applicants.
- Receive your offer. Once your application is assessed, Curtin issues either a full offer or a conditional offer that specifies any outstanding requirements, such as final school results or English test scores.
- Accept your offer and pay the deposit. After accepting your offer, you will generally need to pay an initial tuition deposit and any other required fees before Curtin issues your Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This document is required to apply for your Australian student visa, known as the Subclass 500 visa.
- Apply for your student visa. Submit your visa application to the Australian Department of Home Affairs along with your CoE, proof of financial capacity, Overseas Student Health Cover, and other supporting documents.
- Arrange accommodation and prepare to arrive. Apply for on campus housing or arrange private accommodation, book flights, and attend orientation once you arrive in Perth.
Applicants intending to apply for Medicine follow a distinct pathway, which is covered separately below, since it involves additional testing and interview stages that general programs do not require.
Studying Medicine at Curtin University: Admission Requirements for International Students
Curtin Medical School, established in 2017, offers Western Australia's only direct entry undergraduate medical degree, the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, generally referred to as the MBBS. This is a five year, on campus program that begins straight after secondary school, unlike graduate entry medical programs elsewhere that require an existing bachelor's degree first.
Academic Requirements
International applicants to Medicine at Curtin are expected to meet a very high academic bar, generally an ATAR equivalent of around 95 or above, inclusive of any bonus points, based on their Year 12 or equivalent results. Strong performance in science subjects, particularly Chemistry and Biology, is essential, and applicants must satisfy specific Chemistry prerequisites, either through a recognised Chemistry qualification at the required grade or through approved bridging or first year university Chemistry units.
Testing and Interview Requirements
Beyond academic results, applicants must also complete the University Clinical Aptitude Test, known as the UCAT, which assesses cognitive abilities, reasoning skills, and behavioural attributes considered important for a career in medicine. Applicants who meet the academic and UCAT thresholds are then invited to a Multiple Mini Interview, a structured interview format used to assess communication skills, ethical reasoning, and general suitability for medical training. Applicants who are not offered a place and wish to reapply in a future year must resit the UCAT, since previous scores are not carried forward indefinitely.
English Language Requirements for Medicine
Because medicine involves extensive patient communication and academic writing, the English language requirement for Medicine applicants is generally higher than for general undergraduate programs, commonly an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall, with no individual band below the required threshold, or equivalent scores on other approved tests.
Important Notes for International Medicine Applicants
- International applicants must not be Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, or holders of an Australian humanitarian visa, since a separate domestic admissions pathway exists for those applicants.
- Curtin publishes a dedicated international admissions guide for Medicine each year, and applicants are strongly advised to review the inherent requirements of studying medicine, which outline the physical, cognitive, and behavioural demands of clinical training, before accepting an offer.
- Because the MBBS trains students to a professional standard, students are expected to meet defined professional behaviour standards throughout the course, and enrolment can be terminated if these standards are not maintained, regardless of academic performance.
- Graduates should be aware that completing the MBBS at Curtin does not automatically grant the right to practise or register as a doctor outside Australia, and international students planning to return home to practise should contact their national medical regulatory body for guidance on how an Australian qualification is recognised.
Given the competitiveness and additional testing requirements, prospective Medicine applicants should begin preparing well ahead of the standard application deadlines, since UCAT registration and sitting windows, along with interview scheduling, follow their own separate timelines distinct from the general course application deadline.
Popular Programs at Curtin University for International Students
The table below summarises some of the programs most frequently searched for by international students, along with their general level, indicative entry requirements, and typical duration. Because Curtin uses course specific pricing and entry standards, applicants should always confirm exact figures for their intended program on Curtin's official course pages before applying.
| Program | Level | Typical Entry Requirement | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | Undergraduate | ATAR equivalent of around 95+, Chemistry prerequisite, UCAT, interview | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Undergraduate | Senior secondary certificate meeting general entry standard | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Chemical) | Undergraduate | Strong Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry results | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Nursing | Undergraduate | General entry standard, higher English requirement (IELTS 7.0 typical) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | Undergraduate | General entry standard, Mathematics preferred | 3 years |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Postgraduate | Bachelor's degree plus relevant work experience | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Master of Engineering (Civil) | Postgraduate | Relevant Bachelor's degree in Engineering | 2 years |
| Master of Public Health | Postgraduate | Relevant Bachelor's degree | 2 years |
| Master of Health Administration | Postgraduate | Relevant Bachelor's degree, some work experience preferred | 2 years |
| Master of Information Systems and Technology | Postgraduate | Relevant Bachelor's degree | 1.5 to 2 years |
Cost of Living in Perth: On Campus vs Off Campus
Perth is consistently reported as one of the more affordable Australian cities for international students, but accommodation and lifestyle costs still make up the largest share of a student's overall budget. Curtin advises international students to have access to at least AUD 3,300 when they arrive to help settle in, and to budget a minimum of roughly AUD 475 per week for a single student, or around AUD 825 per week for a family of four, to cover overall living costs in Perth.
On Campus Accommodation
Curtin offers a range of on campus housing options at its Bentley campus, including catered residential college style accommodation, shared apartments, and self contained units. On campus rooms generally start from around AUD 250 per week, although the exact price depends on the type of room, whether it is a private or shared unit, and which residence you choose. Living on campus typically includes benefits such as furnished rooms, access to the Curtin Stadium gym, proximity to classes and campus bus stations, and support from residential advisors along with 24 hour campus security.
Off Campus Accommodation
Students who prefer to live off campus generally have three main options: private rental apartments or houses, shared housing with other students, or a homestay arrangement with an Australian family. Off campus private rentals in areas surrounding Curtin can be found from roughly AUD 140 to 235 per week for a shared room or budget option, rising significantly for a private studio or one bedroom apartment closer to the city centre. Homestay arrangements offer a more immersive cultural experience and are usually arranged through approved homestay networks rather than found independently.
Other Regular Living Costs in Perth
- Utilities: For a shared two bedroom apartment, utilities including water, electricity, and heating can cost around AUD 216 per month in total, typically split between housemates.
- Internet: Home internet averages around AUD 84 per month.
- Mobile phone plans: Typical mobile plans average around AUD 25 per month.
- Public transport: Students are eligible for the concession priced Tertiary SmartRider card, which costs AUD 10 upfront to obtain, after which fares are significantly discounted, including unlimited travel fare options for a set number of hours.
- Groceries: Grocery costs vary depending on shopping habits, but budgeting students can generally manage on a modest weekly grocery spend by cooking at home rather than eating out regularly.
- Dining out: A casual fast food meal typically costs around AUD 15 to 25, while a sit down dinner with a drink for two people at a nicer restaurant can cost AUD 100 or more.
- Health cover: As a condition of the student visa, international students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover for the full length of their visa, purchased from a government approved provider before arrival in Australia.
Overall, students who choose shared off campus housing and cook at home tend to spend noticeably less than the general weekly budget guideline, while students who prioritise convenience through on campus living or frequent dining out should expect to sit closer to, or above, Curtin's suggested weekly minimum.
Application Deadlines for 2026 and the Upcoming 2027 Intake
As of writing, Curtin's Semester 1, 2026 intake has already closed for most courses, and the Semester 2, 2026 intake, which began in July, has also closed for the majority of programs, with its official deadline having fallen in late June 2026. This means that prospective applicants reading this now should plan primarily around the following upcoming intake.
- Semester 1, 2027 (main intake, February start): Applications opened on 1 May 2026 and are scheduled to close for most courses on Thursday, 28 January 2027, though competitive programs such as Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Medical Radiation Science, and Psychology Honours typically close well ahead of this general deadline.
- Year 12 and Medicine applicants (Western Australian TISC pathway): Applications for Semester 1, 2027 through TISC, which also handles Medicine applications, were set to open on 2 June 2026, with its own separate set of key dates for offers and interviews.
- MBA intakes: The Master of Business Administration runs three intakes across the year, offering more flexible entry points than most other postgraduate programs.
Because competitive programs and scholarship rounds frequently close earlier than the general deadline, and because visa processing and Confirmation of Enrolment issuance both take additional time, international applicants are strongly advised to submit their application at least two to three months, and ideally longer for Medicine, ahead of their intended intake's general closing date. Always confirm the current, program specific deadline directly on Curtin's official application deadlines page before finalising your plans, since dates are reviewed and can shift from year to year.
How to Apply and Get Started
Once you have confirmed your intended course, checked your qualification equivalency, and gathered your supporting documents, you can begin your application directly through the Curtin University international application portal. Prospective Medicine applicants should review the dedicated Curtin international students admissions guide before applying, since Medicine follows its own testing and interview timeline separate from general course applications.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply as early as possible, particularly for competitive programs like Medicine, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy, since these often close well ahead of the general deadline once places fill.
- Confirm your qualification equivalency early so you are not caught off guard by a prerequisite subject you have not completed.
- Book your English language test well in advance, since results can take several weeks to be issued and verified.
- If applying for Medicine, register for the UCAT as soon as registration opens, since testing windows are limited and seats can fill quickly in popular test centres.
- Apply for on campus accommodation at the same time as your course application, since rooms, particularly for the first trimester of the year, fill up quickly.
- Budget realistically for both tuition and living costs before committing, factoring in whether you plan to live on campus or seek more affordable off campus shared housing.
Is Curtin University Right for You
Curtin University offers a genuinely appealing combination for international students: a respected, globally ranked degree, a lower overall cost of living than Australia's larger cities, a direct entry pathway into medicine that is rare among Australian universities, and favourable regional migration benefits tied to studying in Perth. Students prepared to meet its academic and English language requirements, and who plan their application and accommodation early, particularly for competitive programs like Medicine, will find Curtin a practical and well supported choice for both undergraduate and postgraduate study in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curtin University Admission and Cost of Living
Does Curtin University charge an application fee for international students?
No. Curtin University does not charge international applicants a fee simply to submit an application for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
What ATAR or equivalent score do I need to study Medicine at Curtin?
Competitive international applicants generally need an ATAR equivalent of around 95 or above, inclusive of any bonus points, along with a qualifying UCAT score and a successful Multiple Mini Interview.
Is it cheaper to live on campus or off campus at Curtin?
Off campus shared housing is generally more affordable, often starting from around AUD 140 to 235 per week, compared to on campus rooms, which typically start from around AUD 250 per week, although on campus living includes added convenience and support services.
When is the next application deadline for international students at Curtin?
The main upcoming intake is Semester 1, 2027, with applications generally closing in late January 2027 for most courses, although competitive programs such as Medicine close considerably earlier, so applicants should confirm the exact date for their specific course on Curtin's official deadlines page.