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 onto the second year of their chosen CU undergraduate degree course. CC also offers international students a one-semester non-award program designed for students who already have a tertiary qualification but who 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 a healthy work-life balance and a growing job market, Perth is the ideal place to launch a career.

Nestled on the west coast of Australia, Perth is a treasure throve of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. From the stunning beaches of Cottesloe and Scarborough to the bustling urban laneways filled with coffee shops and artisanal boutiques, there is always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant city.

Venture beyond the city limits and students find themselves amongst rolling vineyards, towering forests, and tranquil waterfalls, all just waiting to be explored. Beyond its natural beauty, Perth is also one of the best places to live and work in Australia.

Perth has a vibrant economy and some of the lowest expenses in Australia for international students. Day-to-day living costs are a lot cheaper than other major cities in Australia (and worldwide), making it one of the most affordable destinations in which to study. This has a huge positive effect on the ability of international students to focus on their studies, while also having enough resources to fully enjoy their Australian experience. Students can easily enjoy activities, travel within the region, and experience the local cuisine and culture alongside their studies.

In the 2021 Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living Survey, Perth placed 71st overall, and was also rated one of Australia's most affordable capital cities.

The Australian government advises that a student living in Perth should allow a weekly budget of AUD 380 - 475 to cover living expenses, accommodation, clothing, groceries, entertainment, study materials, and transport.

Additionally, there are many local initiatives to make life more comfortable for international students. International students in Perth receive a Western Australian Government-sponsored 40 percent discount on all public transport which makes getting around Perth very affordable.

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 pathway programs available, each taught by a team of highly qualified and widely experienced staff, many of whom have studied and taught internationally. Students at CC benefit from relatively small class sizes and a more personalised learning environment, with more contact time with staff and tutors. CU 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 and so 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 are however a number of acceptable assessment providers, and the university website provides a comparison list.

Tuition fees for international students in the 2023/24 academic year are divided into two tiers, representing stage one and stage two diplomas.

Stage one diploma fees are set at AUD 27,000, which represent AUD 3,375 per unit or AUD 13,500 per semester.

Stage two diploma fees vary on a course-by-course basis and range between AUD 32,000 and AUD 39,000 for the total course amount. The list of specific course fees can be found on the college website.

The Master Qualifying Program (MQP) fees are set at AUD 15,200.

Additionally, there is a yearly Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) fee of AUD 744 for international students. The CC financial support services team can help and advise prospective students on further financial considerations such as visa requirements, accommodation and living costs.

Curtin College also has a range of scholarships for international students. Prospective students can view the full list with 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, a record-breaking 13.7 million people were employed in 2023, and the area's unemployment rate has dropped dramatically from 6.3 percent in 2014 to just of 3.5 at the end of 2022. This is the lowest it's been in half a century, and reflects the strength of the current employment market.