Curtin University

Curtin is a world-ranked, global university recognised for industry-connected programs that provide skills for agile careers.

Inspired by the motto ‘Look ever forward’, Curtin has thrived over the past 57 years. Established in Australia in 1967, Curtin is now a global university with campuses and locations in a further five countries: Malaysia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Curtin’s approach to university education is driven by five core values – integrity, respect, courage, excellence and impact – and is underpinned by a dedication to education and research partnerships that make a positive difference, both for people and the planet.

Curtin’s range of courses, research strengths, learning facilities and industry partnerships make the University a popular choice for students around the world. In particular, Curtin is renowned for immersive learning and simulated work environments to ensure that students can apply professional expertise as soon as they graduate. Testament to that approach, Australia’s most recent survey of employer satisfaction of university graduates placed Curtin graduates first in the country.1

Rankings 

High-quality education and strong research programs have seen Curtin rise rapidly in world rankings. In the past year, Curtin again increased its position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (201–250 band), and maintains a top-1% position in the Academic Ranking of World Universities. 

Internationally, Curtin is particularly well known for its earth and geosciences education and research programs. The University ranks first in Australia and second in the world for mineral and mining engineering and has top-50 rankings in geophysics, geology, petroleum engineering, and Earth and marine science.2 Curtin also hosts Australia’s top school of mines and lead’s Australia’s Trailblazer program for Resources Technology and Critical Minerals – both occupying key roles in providing the research expertise and workforce for future-focused resources industries. 

Teaching 

In addition to courses at campuses in five countries, Curtin delivers international education through 90+ partner institutions worldwide, offering Curtin students excellent opportunities for global mobility. 

Curtin is renowned as a highly connected university, with leading industry partnerships enhancing the work-integrated learning of its courses. Mining and metallurgy, engineering, radio astronomy and planetary science, energy transition, commerce and health are some of the disciplines with major collaborations that offer industry opportunities for Curtin students. 

Curtin also creates on-campus immersive learning experiences in simulated workplace environments, to help students graduate with practical skills that link directly with industry needs. These facilities include a simulated hospital ward and pharmacy outlet in the Faculty of Health Sciences, a simulated classroom in the School of Education, and a Moot Court at Curtin Law School. 

Curtin also has a highly regarded medical school, law school, and a business school that is recognised as an elite global business school through multiple international accreditations.

Courses 

Curtin offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across 10 study areas: 

• Agriculture, environment and sustainability 
• Architecture and construction 
• Arts and creative industries 
• Business, innovation, management and law 
• Culture, society and Indigenous 
• Education 
• Engineering, mining and surveying 
• Health 
• Information technology 
• Physical sciences, geoscience and mathematics 

The University also delivers innovative short courses known as Curtin Credentials, designed for professional development and industry education. 

Research 

The University continues to strengthen its research impact, while balancing science and technology research to address industry and societal issues, and research to extend human knowledge. 

The University is involved with more than 70 research centres, including the high-profile Space Science and Technology Centre, the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, the Centre for Crop and Disease Management, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre and the national Cooperative Research Centre for Future Battery Industries. Other major international collaborations include projects in liver cancer research and hydrogen storage materials.

Nationally, in the most recent national research assessment, Excellence in Research for Australia, Curtin performed strongly, with 95% of its research areas assessed ‘at or above world-class level’. And Curtin is also leading the Australian Government’s first ‘Trailblazer’ program in resources technology and critical minerals. 

The University has dedicated support for translating research outcomes into commercialisation and start-up initiatives, such as an electrolyser process to produce green hydrogen from untreated water; an AI chatbot that prompts users to better manage their life and emotions; and a device that saves children with chronic ear infections from surgery.

Campus life 

With more than 100 hectares of landscaped gardens close to the Canning River, Curtin Perth is a spacious and attractive campus. The campus hosts a vibrant, culturally diverse community, and offers many sports and recreation groups, social clubs, and campus social events. 

The University’s latest campus development is Curtin Exchange – a modern and lively precinct that includes student accommodation and a hotel, a transport hub, retail outlets, and high-tech learning and exhibition spaces.

To find out more about Curtin, visit curtin.edu.au.

1 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
2 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024