Curtin College

Curtin College (CC) is the on-campus pathway to Curtin University (CU), home to approximately 1,000 students from over 50 countries. Curtin College and Curtin University have been in partnership since 2000, providing students access to over 60 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Curtin University.

Curtin College is the only pathway provider located on campus at Curtin University. CC students benefit from shared use of the university facilities for the duration of their studies. College students can participate in university events and can even join the university clubs and societies. CC is the primary pathway provider for the university, and there are a range of course options available.

A CC diploma is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree, allowing students to progress directly to the second year of their chosen Curtin University (CU) undergraduate course. As Western Australia's largest university, Curtin enrols over 58,000 students from 130+ countries, and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide (Academic Ranking of World Universities).

CC also offers international students a one-semester non-award program designed for those who already hold a tertiary qualification but do not qualify for direct entry into a master's degree at CU.

CC is located about six kilometres from downtown Perth, in Western Australia. With an enviable work–life balance and a steadily growing job market, Perth is a fantastic place to kick-start a career. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Western Australia's unemployment rate averaged 3.3 percent in late 2022, placing it among the lowest in the nation.

Nestled on Australia's west coast, Perth is a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery and memorable experiences. Blessed with around 3,200 hours of sunshine each year - making it one of the sunniest capital cities in the country - Perth boasts iconic beaches and vibrant urban laneways filled with top-notch coffee spots and artisanal boutiques.

Known for its thriving economy, Perth also offers some of the lowest living costs in Australia for international students. Compared with other major Australian cities – and even many global hubs – day-to-day expenses in Perth tend to be considerably more affordable. This cost-effectiveness allows international students to focus on their studies while still enjoying the full breadth of the Australian experience, whether it's exploring the local culture, travelling around the region, or sampling the diverse local cuisine.

According to the 2022 Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living Survey, Perth continues to rank among Australia's most affordable capital cities. The Australian Government recommends that international students in Perth budget approximately AUD 470–500 per week to cover accommodation, groceries, utilities, entertainment, and study materials.

Moreover, there are various local initiatives designed to make life easier for international students. Notably, the Western Australian Government provides a 40 percent discount on all public transport for full-time international students, ensuring that getting around the city remains both convenient and cost-effective.

Curtin College has solidified its reputation with an extremely high quality of tuition. Since its foundation, CC has successfully guided over 12,500 students to achieve their aspiration of studying a degree course at CU, while cultivating a positive and inclusive working environment for all its students.

There are six UG pathway programs and one PG pathway program available, each taught by a team of highly qualified and widely experienced staff, many of whom have studied and taught internationally themselves.

Students at CC benefit from relatively small class sizes and a more personalised learning environment, with more contact time with staff and tutors to allow students to get the support they need.

Once students complete their pathway course and begin their degree at CU, they'll benefit from an institution that has been awarded a five-star rating across five categories in the 2022 Good Universities Guide, and has been ranked as Western Australia's top university for full time employment, staff qualifications, starting salary and learner engagement.

There are six diploma pathway routes for students at CC:

• Diploma of Commerce
• Diploma of Engineering
• Diploma of Health Science
• Diploma of Built Environment
• Diploma of Arts and Creative Industries
• Diploma of Information Technology

Applicants who have completed Year 12 or equivalent will study a stage two diploma. These are comprised of eight university level units, completed over the course of two to three trimesters, and give students direct entry to the second year of their CU undergraduate degree upon completion.

Students have a range of course options to choose from, based on their choice of diploma. Applicants who have completed only Year 11 will begin their diploma at stage one, which comprises eight pre-university level units studied over two to three trimesters. It brings them up to Year 12 level, where they may then complete stage two of their chosen diploma and progress to the second year of their undergraduate degree.

Similarly, there is also a Master Qualifying Program (MQP) available to international students, which guarantees entry to the first year of a master's degree course at CU. Students who undertake these preparatory courses will develop a toolbox of transferable skills to support them during their further studies and future career.

CC offers an alternative route to bachelor's degree qualifications, and students from a diverse range of academic and international backgrounds are encouraged to apply. There are separate academic and English language entry requirements for stages one and two, which applicants must meet to be admitted onto the pathway programs.

For the stage one diploma, the standardised pre-requisite to entry is four passes at General Certificate of Education (GCE) O-Level, with a grade of D or better, or completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 1 Diploma with at least 18 points.

For the stage two diploma, the standardised pre-requisite to entry is either two points from two GCE A-Level subjects, or three points from three GCE A-Level subjects, where in each case, two AS-Level subjects may be combined for one point (Example: 4 AS Level subjects as Grade D minimum direct into stage two diploma pathways). For those using the IB, the pre-requisites are either 20 or 22 points from six IB subjects, completed in one sitting.

International applicants may come from different assessment systems. The college website has a list of country-by-country grade level equivalents, where prospective students may find the information required to complete their applications. Requirements are subject to consideration by the college admissions team on ongoing basis.

There are additional entry requirements for language proficiency, which are also published on the university website. To ensure admission to the stage one diploma course, applicants must demonstrate a level equivalent to an overall score of 5.5 on the IELTS academic test, with no band score lower than 5.0.

For entry to the stage two diploma course, a level equivalent to an overall score of 5.5 is required, with all band scores minimum of 5.5 depending on the course of study. There is a number of acceptable assessment providers, and the university website provides a comparison list.

Curtin College divides its tuition fees for international students into two tiers, reflecting Stage One and Stage Two Diplomas:

Stage One Diploma:

• Total Fees: AUD 28,900
• Per Unit: AUD 3,612

Stage Two Diploma:

Fees vary depending on the specific course, ranging between AUD 32,500 and AUD 41,900 in total.

Full details are available on the Curtin College website.

Master Qualifying Program (MQP):

• Fees: AUD 16,200

The Curtin College Financial Support Services team can advise prospective students on additional financial considerations - such as visa requirements, accommodation, and general living costs - to help them plan their budget effectively. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective students should consult the official Curtin College website or contact the college directly.

Curtin College also has a range of scholarships for international students. Prospective students can view the full list of financial awards, alongside their terms and conditions, on the Curtin College website.

Perth's job opportunities, industry networking and alumni activities give international students the perfect start to their careers, making Perth one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. In addition, Perth's ‘regional city' status gives international students the following opportunities:

• Access to additional migration points
• Family sponsorship
• Additional year of post-study work rights

One of the many benefits of studying at Curtin College is the six diploma pathways which have employability built into the curriculum. They are designed in collaboration with local and regional business organisations to ensure that graduates are well prepared to take advantage of the abundance of job opportunities in the area.

In fact, Western Australia reached a record-breaking workforce of over 1.5 million people in 2023. The state's unemployment rate dropped significantly from around 5.2 percent in 2014 to approximately 3.4 percent by mid-2023, one of the lowest levels in decades and a clear indication of the region's robust employment market.