Location
Australia
International students
6000
THE World Ranking
351
Established in 1991, Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a modern Australian institution with a reputation for delivering a progressive and forward-thinking curriculum. ECU ensures that its students are well-placed to meet the future needs of society by equipping them with the transferable skills and knowledge needed for careers in specialist fields. The university has been awarded a five-star rating for teaching quality in the most recent Good Universities Guide (2026) and has maintained this record for 19 consecutive years. This consistency marks ECU as amongst the highest rated universities in Australia (Good Universities Guide 2026).
ECU is situated in Perth, the state capital of Western Australia. Perth is known for its sweeping landscapes of ancient rock formations, world-class wineries, kilometres of sandy coastline, and clear, warm waters. It is a dynamic city with a rapidly growing economy and plenty of attractions, activities and culture for students to discover.
There are over 250 courses available at ECU. Many of the university's courses have been developed in collaboration with professional partners to ensure programmes remain at the cutting-edge of the ever-evolving needs of industry. A wide selection of courses at ECU also includes vocational modules and industry placements in relevant subject areas. Designed to equip students with real-world work experience and strong critical thinking skills, these unique opportunities ensure ECU graduates have everything they need to stand out to in the job market.
ECU is committed to fostering a welcoming learning community and has a diverse population of around 7,000 international students representing over 100 countries worldwide. The university provides a range of support services which aid the academic and personal development of its total population of 30,000 students. It also offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries, which provide equal learning opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
ECU is committed to providing a memorable learning experience for its students. In 2026, ECU once again earned a five-star rating for teaching quality, marking 19 consecutive years as a leading Australian university in teaching excellence (Good Universities Guide)
ECU was rated five stars for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the following categories:
Overall education support
Student Support
Skills Development
Learning Resources
Teaching Quality
The latest undergraduate ratings again put ECU at the top of all Western Australian universities.
The university is also rated number one in Western Australia for student support, full-time employment and overall experience, for postgraduate coursework students.
At the individual discipline level, ECU was rated number one in Australia in the subject areas of:
Education and Training (Postgraduate)
Business and Management (postgraduate)
Computing and Information Systems (postgraduate)
For the third year in a row, ECU was ranked Australia's leading public university for Skills Development (QILT 2025), helping graduates become career-ready and future-focused.
This continued strong national performance reflects ECU's commitment to immersive learning –providing students with practical learning opportunities through industry work placements and internships, along with access to modern industry-quality in-house facilities.
ECU is ranked number one in the QILT 2025 rankings among Western Australian universities for:
Overall experience of students
Teaching quality and engagement
Skills development
Student support and services
ECU offers a wide range of programmes across the following schools:
Known for its strengths in communications, media, psychology and social work, the School of Arts and Humanities prepares students for impactful careers through industry-connected learning and practical experience. Home to the WA Screen Academy, the School offers specialist training in screen production, filmmaking and digital storytelling. Many programs are delivered at ECU City, providing access to world-class creative and media facilities in the heart of Perth.
Offering studies in business, finance, marketing, management, project management, hospitality and law, the School is ranked #3 in Australia for teaching quality among business schools (Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2025). Ranked among the world's top 250 universities globally for Business and Economics (THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026), ECU City places students in the heart of Perth's commercial and legal district, with access to industry-ready facilities and strong business connections.
Offering studies across civil, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical and renewable energy engineering, the School of Engineering is recognised internationally for the quality of its teaching, research, industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities. Students gain practical experience through industry-connected projects and work-integrated learning opportunities
The School of Medical and Health Sciences offers industry-informed courses across public health, biomedical science, nutrition, exercise and sports science, occupational therapy and paramedicine. Accredited by leading professional bodies, students gain hands-on experience through advanced simulation facilities and work-integrated learning opportunities.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery combines state-of-the-art simulation facilities with extensive clinical placement opportunities, providing students with valuable real-world healthcare experience throughout their studies. Graduates are prepared for rewarding careers in healthcare settings across Australia and internationally
Offering studies in cyber security, computer science, data science, environmental science and conservation biology, the School of Science is home to world-class teaching and research facilities. It is also home to Australia's largest cyber security research and education program and the only Australian university recognised as an International Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.
WAAPA is an internationally recognised performing arts academy, offering world-class training across acting, dance, music, musical theatre, arts management, and production and design. Located at ECU City in the heart of Perth's cultural and arts precinct, students benefit from close connections to the city's creative industries, while more than 300 public performances each year provide valuable real-world experience.
International students applying to study at ECU need to meet both academic and English-language requirements to be accepted into their chosen course. All English entry requirements will depend on the course and study level.
Standard undergraduate course entry requires an IELTS Academic of 6.0 overall, with no band under 6.0.
Standard postgraduate coursework entry requires an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no band under 6.0
Students can visit the English competency page for more information on the English tests that are accepted by the university.
International students must submit one of the following academic documents:
Recognised secondary school results
Proof of completion of one-year equivalent tertiary study from a recognised international or Australian institution
Proof of completion of diploma program from a recognised international or Australian institution
International students are required to have one or more of the following:
Bachelor's degree - from a recognised institution equivalent to Australia's bachelor level
At least five years' professional work experience for select postgraduate business programmes, such as project management, MBA and international hospitality management and a few others
For postgraduate research - a 300-word research abstract of a proposed topic for students interested in research, alongside research experience and/or citations
For students who do not meet ECU's minimum entry requirements, Edith Cowan College (ECC) offers a range of study options, including:
Diploma pathways into undergraduate courses such as nursing, communications, counselling, science, IT, cyber security and engineering
Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP), for those wishing to pursue a master's degree with an undergraduate program that does not meet entry criteria
ELICOS, packaged from 5-52 weeks, subject to a diagnostic test
ECU offers numerous scholarships and bursaries to international students. Scholarships include academic scholarships that offer students a reduction of up to 20 per cent off their tuition fees.
The ECU Success Scholarship supports eligible international students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at ECU. The scholarship recognises student achievement and provides increasing scholarship benefits as students progress through their studies.
Students from eligible ASEAN countries receive a 20 per cent tuition fee reduction for the duration of an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course. The scholarship supports students commencing studies at ECU across a wide range of study areas.
International students commencing eligible creative discipline courses receive a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction for the duration of their course. Available for selected creative courses at ECU City, the scholarship recognises creative talent across areas including design, visual arts, performing arts and music.
Students can visit ECU's scholarship webpage to learn more about other scholarship offerings, bursaries and eligibility.
ECU is committed to ensuring that its students can develop their technical skills, hone their talents and have mastery of their craft, all while accessing top-notch facilities that cater to their specific needs.
Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Computing and technology students gain hands-on experience detecting, monitoring and responding to cyber security threats in one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest university-based Security Operations Centres. ECU is also the only Australian university recognised as an International Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.
Smart Lab
The Smart Lab provides business students with access to industry-standard financial market technologies and real-time market data, helping them develop practical skills in trading, investment analysis and financial decision-making.
Giant Superlabs
ECU's state-of-the-art Science Building at Joondalup features innovative Superlabs designed for collaborative science learning. The building is also home to the world's largest periodic table façade, spanning 662 square metres.
Moot Court
ECU's Moot Court is a realistic courtroom environment where students take part in mock trials and legal simulations to develop professional skills and confidence.
Home to the world-renowned WAAPA, ECU City features world-class theatres, performance venues and rehearsal spaces where students can develop their craft and perform in more than 300 public performances each year.
Students can develop industry-ready skills in ECU City's state-of-the-art radio, television and digital media studios, designed to mirror professional broadcasting environments.
The ECU Gallery, located at ECU City, showcases exhibitions and events that connect students with artists, industry and the wider community.
ECU's International Cafe is a social program designed to help students make friends, share cultures and build connections in a welcoming community.
Opened in February 2026, ECU City is a bold new campus in the heart of Perth, bringing together technology, industry and creativity in one dynamic vertical space. Students will find programs from the School of Arts & Humanities, School of Business & Law, School of Science, and WAAPA, all supported by cutting-edge facilities and industry connections. Located in the heart of Perth, ECU City connects students with Western Australia's business, cultural and entertainment precincts.
At Edith Cowan University, students can get real insights from Unibuddy Student Ambassadors. Current ECU students are ready to answer questions about courses, campus life, accommodation and more - helping students make confident choices and feel at home before they even arrive.
The 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject once again reinforce ECU's growing global reputation, with strong performances across existing subject areas and new fields of study entering the rankings.
Sports-related subjects are ranked 50th in the world and sixth in Australia.
Performing Arts is ranked in the global top 150, placing second among Australian universities.
Hospitality & Leisure Management has been ranked for the first time, debuting in the 101–150 band globally.
Nursing has strengthened its position, ranking in the global top 100.
Computer Science & Information Systems has also been ranked for the first time in 2026.
Overall, the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject highlight ECU's continued excellence across a broad range of subject areas and its continued growth as one of Australia's most highly regarded young universities.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University
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