Curtin University is a world-ranked, global university known for immersive learning approaches, high-impact research and successful industry partnerships.  The University is named after Australia’s most popular prime minister, John Curtin, who was a journalist before transitioning to politics in the 1920s. We take our future-focused approach from his statement that a great university must “look ever forward; for it the past should be but a preparation for the greater days to be.”

World rankings

Curtin’s international expansion and strong research focus have seen the University rise rapidly in international rankings, and we now maintain a place in the top 1% of universities globally (ARWU 2023). We also rank in the top 200 universities in the QS World University Rankings (2024), and have achieved a QS Five Stars Plus rating, the highest available for a tertiary institution. We are particularly known for the excellence of our resources-related programs, ranking 1st in Australia and 2nd in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering, and top-30 rankings for Geology and Geophysics (QSWUR by Subject 2023). 

Global opportunities

Curtin’s campuses are welcoming, culturally diverse learning and research environments. At Curtin, you’ll enjoy being part of a vibrant student community with global connections.

We have global campuses in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius and Dubai. As a Curtin student, you therefore have the opportunity to travel to and study at other campuses, or at many partner universities in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America or South America. Sharing your studies between two or more Curtin campuses, or at one of our partner universities, means that experience of other cultures and build international networks that can be valuable to your career and your personal life.

Research 

As a university with a reputation for innovation, Curtin excels in a diverse range of research areas that aim to make tomorrow better for communities all over the world. Demonstrating this, in the most recent national research assessment, Excellence in Research for Australia, Curtin performed strongly, with 95% of our research areas assessed 'at or above world-class level'.

We lead or contribute to more than 70 research centres and collaborations – including the high-profile Space Science and Technology Centre, the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, the Centre for Crop and Disease Management, and the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre.

Immersive learning in advanced facilities

Curtin’s undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are designed in close collaboration with industry experts to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. Throughout your study, you’ll be introduced to professional settings through work integrated learning and internships.

At Curtin, you’ll hone your skills in learning environments that simulate real workplaces, so you can step into your chosen career with confidence. Demonstrating the success of our approach, The Good Universities Guide (2024) rates Curtin as Western Australia’s top public university for graduate employment and starting salary – and has done for the past five years.

These are just a selection of our immersive learning facilities at Curtin Perth:

Resources and Chemistry Precinct

Our Resources and Chemistry Precinct is a hub for science and engineering learning and research. It includes several laboratories and collaboration spaces, and hosts Western Australia’s leading provider of chemical and forensic science services, the ChemCentre.

The Astrodome

Featuring a live feed from a 12-inch Meade Refractor telescope, our physics students have a direct link to national and global astronomy projects. 

Curtin Engineering Pavilion

The innovative design and technologies in our spacious Curtin Engineering Pavilion Complex double as hands-on learning tools for engineering students. 

School of Design and the Built Environment

This excellent new building in Curtin Perth’s Exchange Precinct has mechanical, electrical and hydraulic services and structural elements exposed so that our design and architecture students can observe how buildings function. 

Green Electric Energy Park (GEEP)

The GEEP laboratory enables our science and engineering students to conduct advanced experiments and research projects on renewable energy sources. 

Simulated hospital ward

Replicating a real Western Australian hospital ward, this facility includes acute medical and surgical areas, a critical-care area, a paediatric area and a general simulation room. The simulated hospital ward allows health students to learn in a realistic hospital environment.

Simulated pharmacy

Our pharmacy students gain experience in dispensing medications and managing stock in our purpose-built model pharmacy.

PC2 Superlab

Curtin’s physical containment level 2, or PC2, teaching lab features advanced equipment to help identify and classify bacteria, enabling our students to analyse samples and report results as an industry laboratory would.

Allied health clinics

Curtin Health Sciences students gain practical experience with real patients, through placements in specialist clinics in psychology, physiotherapy, exercise, oral health or speech.

Jeanette Hacket Moot Court

Take part in simulated court proceedings at our high-tech moot court facility in Perth city and practise your debating and legal skills in global student law competitions.

Curtin Tax Clinic

This student-run clinic is where our taxation students help members of the public with their tax return, under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners.

Stock trading tools

At Curtin Business School, students can get hands-on experience with Refinitiv Eikon trading and financial analysis software, the tools that professional stock traders use.

Media Production Studio

This studio has interactive media facilities with HD and 4K-compatible technology, and industry-standard digital recording and post-production vision and sound editing systems.

Curtin HIVE: the Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch

The HIVE is a learning and research facility comprising advanced equipment for visualisation, virtualisation and simulation.

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Curtin has a dedicated ‘Curtinnovation’ team that delivers a range of entrepreneurship programs. For example, over the past 22 years, our Ignition program has upskilled more than 700 entrepreneurs and 550 new businesses to make their mark in the start-up industry.

And in 2024, Curtin is offering a new Bachelor of Innovation degree, for students who think outside the box, strive for change, or aspire to set up their own future businesses.

Curtin University, located in Perth, Australia, is renowned for several reasons that highlight its academic reputation, research contributions, and community engagement. Here are some key factors that contribute to its fame:

1. Strong Academic Reputation

• Curtin University is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia and globally. It is known for its high-quality teaching and learning environment.

2. Research Excellence

• The university is recognized for its research impact in various fields, particularly in mining, engineering, health sciences, business, and information technology. Curtin's research is often conducted in collaboration with industry partners, enhancing its relevance and applicability.

3. Industry Connections

• Curtin has strong links with industry, especially in sectors like mining, energy, and engineering. This connection ensures that the curriculum is aligned with industry needs and offers students opportunities for internships and work placements.

4. Diverse Course Offerings

• The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines, including arts, science, health, and technology. This diversity attracts a broad spectrum of students.

5. Innovative Learning Environment

• Curtin is known for its commitment to innovative teaching practices, incorporating technology and hands-on learning experiences. This approach prepares students for real-world challenges.

6. Global Engagement

• Curtin has a strong international presence, with a diverse student body from over 100 countries. The university promotes global learning opportunities, including study abroad programs and international collaborations.

7. Sustainability Initiatives

• The university is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, actively promoting initiatives that reduce its carbon footprint and enhance community engagement in sustainability practices.

8. Recognition and Awards

• Curtin has received numerous accolades for its research, teaching, and innovation, further solidifying its position as a leading educational institution in Australia.

9. Supportive Community

• The university is known for its supportive environment for students, providing various services, including academic support, counseling, and career services, to help students succeed.