Curtin University Information  

Introduction

Curtin University, Western Australia's largest and culturally diverse university, has a strong commitment and an ongoing responsibility to prepare its graduates to live and work in a global environment. We are widely recognised for the practical and applied nature of our courses, which equip graduates with essential skills through exposure to industry and business. This combination enables our graduates to be effective in the workplace immediately upon graduation.

As part of this approach, Curtin has always fostered successful partnerships with industry, business and government to enhance the quality of our scholarships, teaching and research. We will continue to develop existing partnerships and to establish new ones in areas relevant to our research and teaching.

The Student Guild plays a vital role in representing the interests of all students in all aspects of University life. Curtin also has the only full-time campus-based Centrelink office, as well as a branch of BankWest, a child care centre, a pharmacy, a travel agent, a variety of cafes, a tavern and a hairdresser.

Curtin offers a range of programs that enable students to get more out of university life. All Curtin students have the opportunity to broaden their experience by interacting with 'UNILIFE' located at Building 102. Curtin provides innovative programs to ensure its graduates enter the marketplace with an edge. With more than 60 major research centres and institutes, students are provided with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, which often leads to exciting and dynamic career paths.

Scholarships

Scholarships are part of Curtin's commitment to rewarding academic excellence and enabling students from all backgrounds to realise their potential, to graduate with high practical employability skills and to achieve their ambitions. Curtin offers a number of undergraduate scholarships over a wide range of disciplines. Scholarships are awarded for Academic Merit to reward those students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement over the course of their studies; and are also available to students who have overcome significant barriers (including educational disadvantage, financial disadvantage, disability, rural and remote isolation). Additionally, Curtin offers specialised scholarships within particular fields of study and one-off awards to students who are nominated by their Principal or receive the Top ATAR in their school. The range of Curtin scholarships is complemented by a large number of Commonwealth Scholarships that are also available to Curtin enrolled students. Further information is available at scholarships.curtin.edu.au

Campuses and Centres

Bentley Campus

The Bentley Campus is the academic base for most of Curtin's students, bringing together a diversity of ages, cultures and learning disciplines. It covers 116 hectares and features a large number of retail outlets including banking services, bookshops, cafes and a chemist. A range of support services is available to students, including learning support, health, counselling and disability services. A non-denominational University Chaplain is available to all students, providing wide-ranging support, assisted by occasional visiting chaplains. Housing Services offers a comprehensive housing service to its students and staff. With 1,175 bed places on or adjacent to the Bentley campus and an extensive database of private accommodation options, we can help you find suitable housing with minimum delay. Seven residences are located on the Bentley campus (see www.housing.curtin.edu.au).

Kalgoorlie Campus

The Kalgoorlie Campus is home to Curtin's Western Australian School of Mines (WASM). The second year of all mining and metallurgy courses is offered at both the Bentley and Kalgoorlie Campuses while third and fourth years of all mining and metallurgy courses are only offered at the Kalgoorlie campus. This format enables students to capitalise on the opportunity to study and work in WA's mining capital.

Curtin Sydney

Curtin Sydney offers foundation, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students can choose Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programs majoring in Accounting, Marketing and Management, as well as pathway courses including a Foundation Certificate in Commerce and a Diploma in Commerce. For further information on applying to our Sydney Campus, please view the website at http://sydney.curtin.edu.au or alternatively contact the Sydney Campus on (02) 8399 7888.

Curtin Singapore

Curtin Singapore gives unprecedented access to a quality education in one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. Further information is available at http://singapore.curtin.edu.au.

Curtin Sarawak

Established by invitation of the Sarawak State Government, Curtin's Sarawak campus offers programs in business administration, commerce, science and engineering. Further information is available at www.curtin.edu.my.

Curtin's Western Australian based students have the opportunity to study at Sarawak or Singapore.

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Admission requirements

Only candidates who meet admission requirements are eligible for selection to Curtin courses.

There are a number of ways to satisfy admission requirements. However the principal means is by attaining the required Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or its interstate or overseas equivalent. In 2011/2012, the minimum ATAR for the University was 70.00 for all courses. Other qualifications may also be acceptable. The University reserves the right to determine the appropriate equivalence. Although an applicant may be eligible for admission to the University, this does not guarantee a place, particularly in courses for which there is competition for the number of places available.

English language competence

Applicants should note that admission to Curtin University requires applicants to satisfy the University's English competency requirement. Applicants can demonstrate English competence through one of the following or other approved methods. A list of other qualifications which may be used to meet the English requirement is available from the University Admission Centre on (08) 9266 7805 or via email admissions@curtin.edu.au.
  • By achieving a scaled score of at least 50 in WACE courses: English, Literature, or English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EALD) (for eligible students), or from competence met in the previously offered subjects: TEE English, TEE English Literature or TEE English as a Second Language (ESL). You can meet the competence in English requirement with Year 12 results obtained in any year.
  • STAT (Special Tertiary Admission Test)
    140 (Written English) if sat after February 2010;
    145 (Written English) if sat prior to February 2010
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
    6.0 Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
    6.5 Overall
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) with a minimum final score of 58.
Applicants should note that some courses require a higher level of attainment in these tests. Contact the University Admissions Centre on (08) 9266 7805 or via email admissions@curtin.edu.au for further information.

School leaver applicants

Undergraduate Admission Requirements for School Leavers provides detailed information on requirements for university admission.

Applicants who have completed their secondary education interstate or in New Zealand should have met the requirements for entry to a university in their own state or territory, and obtained an ATAR or a score/aggregate that converts to the appropriate ATAR for admission to the course of their choice at Curtin.

Applicants who have completed their secondary education overseas should contact the University Admission Centre on (08) 9266 7805 or via email admissions@curtin.edu.au to have their eligibility assessed.

Students residing outside Western Australia should pay particular attention to interview and other special requirements for a number of courses. Information for individual courses may be accessed via the Course Search function.

Non-school leaver applicants

The University provides a number of avenues by which non-school leaver applicants may meet the university entry requirements. Please refer to the Undergraduate Admission Requirements for Mature Age Students.

Non-school leaver applicants under the age of 20 should refer to the School Leaver section. If secondary education was not completed there may be alternative pathways for entry, such as a completed Certificate IV, Diploma or an Advanced Diploma at a Registered Training Organisation.

Applicants with AQF Certificate IV level qualifications must show that they have attained a separate satisfactory level of competency in English.

Applicants should note that selection for a particular course may require completion of studies not covered in their AQF course. Applicants with technical and post-secondary qualifications, or applicants who are unsure of their eligibility, should contact the University Admission Centre for further information.

It should be emphasised that, for a number of courses there may be additional academic requirements than those required for standard entry to the University.

Overseas-qualified applicants

The University provides a number of avenues by which applicants with qualifications gained overseas may satisfy the admission requirements. In addition to qualifications that meet the University's admission standard, all applicants must satisfy the University's English competency requirement. Applicants with qualifications gained overseas, or applicants who are unsure of their eligibility, must contact the University Admission Centre on (08) 9266 7805 or via email admissions@curtin.edu.au for further information.

Students residing outside Australia should pay particular attention to the interview and other special requirements for a number of courses. Information for individual courses may be accessed via the Course Search function.

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Alternative entry courses

Curtin offers bridging programs to selected students who do not satisfy normal admission requirements for selected courses. Applicants are advised to check their eligibility for these courses, and ensure that the course will enable them to proceed into the undergraduate degree of their choice. Application for the following courses (except the Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health and the UniReady Enabling Program) is to be made direct to the University and not through TISC.

Aboriginal Bridging Course
Offered by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, this two-semester course is designed for applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Students of the course will be immersed in the university environment and prepared for mainstream studies. In addition to providing the necessary skills to assist in making the transition into university undergraduate degree programs, the course also enables students to meet the entry requirements for Bachelor Degree courses. For further information contact the Centre for Aboriginal Studies Student Services on (08) 9266 7091, http://karda.curtin.edu.au/ or via email cas.enquiries@curtin.edu.au.
Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Course (ITEC)
Also offered by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, the ITEC is an enabling course designed to bridge Indigenous students into mainstream undergraduate degree programs. The broad aims of the course are to develop the knowledge and competencies required by Indigenous people to access and complete mainstream undergraduate degree programs. For further information contact the Centre for Aboriginal Studies Student Services on (08) 9266 7091, http://karda.curtin.edu.au/ or via email cas.enquiries@curtin.edu.au.
English Language Enabling Course
Offered by Curtin English - formerly Curtin English Language Centre (CELC) - Curtin's English Language Enabling course offers an advanced academic English program that prepares students from non-English speaking backgrounds for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Curtin. This course is only available for domestic and migrant students with an English proficiency level of not less than IELTS band 5 in all four skill areas or a TOEFL score of 520 (in addition to the University's standard academic entry requirements). For further information contact Curtin English on (08) 9266 7617 or via email celc.enquiries@curtin.edu.au.
Bridging Mathematics Units
Many students seek entry to a variety of courses that require a sound background in geometry, trigonometry and calculus. This 4-week summer bridging course is specifically for students who need to improve their skills in these areas. The course covers algebra, functions, trigonometry and calculus. Students who studied calculus some years ago can revitalise their maths skills with this course. For further information on the right pathway for you, contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics on (08) 9266 7672.
Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health
The Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health runs for one year. It is designed for students who don't meet the minimum university entrance requirements but who wish to undertake studies leading to a degree course at Curtin which has specific subject prerequisites. Successful completion of the enabling program will guarantee you a place in a general science course in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. A number of places are also available on a competitive basis in Engineering, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging and Health Science.
UniReady Enabling Program
Offered by Curtin Teaching and Learning, the UniReady Enabling Program is aimed towards developing students' independent learning skills in preparation for university -level study. It is a bridging course that facilitates access to university by meeting the conditions of Curtin's minimum admission requirements. this course is particularly suited to students who wish to gain entry to Humanities, Health Sciences and Business courses as well as some Curtin courses that do not have specific subject prerequisites. (Please note: Applicants must be over the compulsory school age as defined by the Western Australian School Education Act 1999 in the year they wish to study in the UniReady Enabling Program.)
UniReady Enabling Program - Summer
The UniReady Summer Program is specifically designed for current Year 12 students who have completed a minimum of four Stage 2 courses in Year 12 and have an ATAR below 70.00. This course is a five-week intensive enabling program held on the Bentley Campus during January and February. Applicants for this course apply directly to Curtin Teaching and Learning. However, applicants are also encouraged to lodge an application through TISC for other courses. Further information on the application process is available at: http://curtin.edu.au/uniready.

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Personal statements

A personal statement is required for the Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health (see course information for CUEEC). A template is available to help you complete the personal statement - click here.

A completed Intent to Study form is required to be submitted for the UniReady Enabling Program (see course information for CUURC). Click here to access this form.

Past and current students of Curtin University (including WAIT and WASM)

You should apply directly to Curtin University if you:
  • Are a current Curtin student seeking to course-switch into another course; or
  • Deferred your offer in 2012 and wish to commence your studies in your deferred course in 2013; or
  • Are a past Curtin student who has previously been awarded a grade or mark; or
  • Are a student completing your studies with Curtin College - formerly Curtin International College (CIC); or
  • Are a student who has completed the Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health and is now seeking admission into an undergraduate degree course; or
  • Are a student who has completed previous studies at Curtin College of Higher Education or VTEC; or
  • Are a student who is seeking enrolment into Cross-Institutional units; or
  • Are applying for mid-year entry; or
  • Are wishing to apply for special consideration for mid-year entry (application is through the University Admission Centre).
You should apply through TISC if you:
  • Are a student who has completed the UniReady Enabling program and is now seeking admission into an undergraduate degree course; or
  • Deferred your offer in 2012 and now wish to apply for entry to a different course not the course you deferred from, either at Curtin or another WA University; or
  • Have been/are enrolled in either Curtin Extension or Open Universities Australia (formerly Open Learning Australia), and are now seeking admission into an undergraduate degree course; or
  • Are wishing to apply for special consideration (supporting application also to be lodged with University Admission Centre).

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General Information

Selection

Whilst student selection is based upon merit, government, economic and social priorities are reflected in the selection guidelines prepared by the University each year. The individual selection of eligible students for Curtin courses is made within the above guidelines by the relevant Curtin teaching school and will normally take into account the following factors:
  • ATAR or performance in any previous tertiary level studies
  • Attainment of prerequisites
  • Demonstration of English competency
  • Where applicable:
    • Performance in aptitude or ability tests
    • Interview
    • Assessment of a portfolio of work
From these criteria, all applications are evaluated and ranked in order of considered merit for each Curtin course nominated as a preference. If an applicant's ranking is sufficiently high, an offer of a place will be made in the course listed as a first preference. If not, the applicant will be considered for the course listed as second preference and so on.

Courses for which an interview, portfolio or aptitude test is required are detailed in the Course Search function. Applicants may be advised by mail, or phone, of the dates on which they may be required to attend for an interview.

Special consideration for entry

Curtin realises that, at times, an applicant's preparation for entering University may have been compromised or disadvantaged by circumstances outside their control. To apply for Special Consideration Entry, applicants should submit a standard application through TISC for their desired course preferences, and submit separately a Special Consideration Application Form, personal statement and supporting documentation to the Manager, University Admissions Centre, Curtin University for assessment. For further information contact the University Admission Centre on (08) 9266 7805, and refer to the guidelines for special consideration from www.futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.

StepUp to Curtin Entry Pathway

Students are often prevented from achieving their true academic potential when faced with educational, financial, social or distance disadvantage. Because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at university should have the opportunity to access higher education, Curtin established the StepUp to Curtin Entry Pathway. Through StepUp, students have the opportunity to choose from a large range of courses at Curtin, even if their ATAR is below our minimum entry rank.

Western Australian TISC applicants, with an ATAR between 60.00 - 69.95 (inclusive) from any year, will be automatically assessed against the StepUp to Curtin eligibility criteria. Those eligible will be given a notional ATAR of 70.00 for entry to Curtin and will be notified of their eligibility to be considered for admission to courses at Curtin through StepUp via their Universities' Admissions Advice Letter (UAAL). To be automatically eligible, TISC applicants will need to have met the following criteria:
  • are from an identified low socio-economic or regional postcode; or
  • their school has been identified as having significant proportion of students coming from a low socio-economic background; or
  • are from an indigenous background; or
  • are an Australian/New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; and
  • have met Curtin's English competency requirements.

TISC applicants from interstate, and mid-year direct entry applicants, who would like to be considered for admission to Curtin courses via the StepUp to Curtin Entry Pathway must submit a StepUp to Curtin Application Form so they can be assessed against the eligibility criteria. Successful StepUp to Curtin applicants will be given a notional ATAR of 70.00 for entry to Curtin.

All applicants who meet the StepUp to Curtin eligibility criteria can receive:
  • Personal one-to-one support through the application and enrolment process;
  • Special consideration with regard to meeting entry requirements;
  • Assistance with housing; and
  • Possible monetary assistance through scholarships and for the purchase of textbooks.

Students are selected based on:
  • Completing studies which lead to gaining an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR);
  • Their potential to succeed at higher education if given the opportunity;
  • Achieving an ATAR lower than 70.00;
  • English competency also being achieved.

For further information please contact the StepUp to Curtin Project Officer - university Admissions Centre on (08) 9266 4144 or StepUp@curtin.edu.au or visit www.futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/stepup.

Deferment of studies

Applicants in receipt of an early, main or second round offer may defer commencement of their studies, in the course originally offered, for a period of up to twelve months, subject to the course being available in the desired academic period (semester). You will be contacted by Curtin University in May and September and provided with information on how to apply to study in either of the next two semesters. A place of study for the same course will only be guaranteed for the following two semesters, subject to availability. For further information refer to the Can I defer? section.

If you have a deferred Curtin place and you wish to apply for courses other than your deferred course, you must apply through TISC. (See Did you defer your place in 2012?). Please view Calendar for relevant applications and processing deadline dates.

External and online studies

Courses available on an external basis are indicated on the individual course entries available via the Course Search function or the Indicative ATARs table. For further information regarding availability of external courses, please refer to the Curtin 2013 Undergraduate Guide located at http://handbook.curtin.edu.au/.

Some Curtin courses are delivered either partially or fully online. In these courses, students do not attend classes on campus. Course materials are available online with students learning using a wide variety of sources that can include interactive videos and animations, simulations, online workgroups, etc. Students are required to have internet access for Online Studies. Online Studies courses are indicated on the individual course entries available via the Course Search function.

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Fees and charges

All offers for undergraduate courses at Curtin will be made as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) until all places are taken. Please see Paying for university study for more information. Visit the Fees@curtin website http://fees.curtin.edu.au, telephone: (08) 9266 3500, email: fees@curtin.edu.au.

Clinical health sciences

Students in courses that include supervised practice (including research) in a clinical setting are required to undergo screening for, and vaccination against a range of infectious diseases before beginning the placement. For specific details relating to these requirements, see http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/future_students/immunisation.cfm. Criminal record screening is also necessary and, where relevant Working with Children Checks.

Application for credit transfer through recognition of prior learning (RPL)(also known as advanced standing or exemptions and credit)

See Advanced standing/credit transfer.

Curtin careers centre

The Curtin Career Centre offers career planning and development support services to students and alumni up to 18 months beyond graduation. It is located in Building 303 Level 2 (upstairs from the Abacus Lab) on the Bentley campus or visit the Curtin Career Centre website http://unilife.curtin.edu.au/careers/about_the_careers_centre.htm, phone (08) 9266 7802 or alternatively email careers@curtin.edu.au.

Student guild

Information about the Curtin Student Guild will be available at the time of enrolment or alternatively you can view the website at www.guild.curtin.edu.au/index.php/en/. Students are encouraged to become financial members of the Guild which provides a range of very useful support services to students and is involved in organising many social, sporting and club-based activities at our campuses. For further information visit us at Building 106F, Bentley campus or contact the Student Guild on (08) 9266 2900, country callers: 1800 063 865.

OASIS - Curtin's student portal and electronic services

OASIS (Online Access to Student Information Services) is Curtin University student portal, providing a "one-stop-shop" for delivering eServices to Curtin students. On average, students log into OASIS more than 250,000 times each week. Through OASIS, students have access to their student record (eStudent), the Official Communications Channel (OCC), access to the university learning support systems student email account and Ask Curtin, an FAQ database for Future and Current Students. A range of other online services available to students within OASIS includes the Careers channel, access to library databases and a number of student news feeds, and, depending on enrolment, book lists for enrolled units and unit outlines. OASIS also provides access to University learning support systems.

Official communication channel (OCC)
A key feature of OASIS is the Official Communications Channel (OCC). This enables the University to communicate with students in a way that is quicker, more secure, more reliable and more responsive than regular mail. Many reminders regarding deadlines and important announcements you need to know about as a student are sent via the OCC. It is a condition of enrolment at Curtin that all students access OASIS at least weekly to read OCC communications (unless specifically exempted) and preferably two or three times a week.

eStudent
This is the means for students to access their student record online. Students can use eStudent to enrol in units, withdraw from units, register into classes, view examination results and fee balance, and review and change personal information. Students can also access their study plan and enrolment details, and print off an Academic eRecord or Enrolment Advice.

OASIS is available any time, from anywhere in the world. That means you can keep in touch with the Curtin community whilst you travel and when you are working off-campus.

Student services and amenities fee

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) supports the provision of a wide range of non-academic service and amenities to all students at the University. Curtin uses the SSAF revenue to enhance your university experience, and to expand and improve services and amenities for all students. For further information please visit http://fees.curtin.edu.au contact the University Fees Centre on (08) 9266 3500.

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Further information

The University admissions centre
The Admissions Centre is the first port of call for information related to your offer during the admissions rounds. Staff within the centre also provide a qualification assessment service as well as providing specialised information about eligibility for entry to University. Drop into Student Central, Building 101, or call (08) 9266 7805 to make an appointment.

Email: admissions@curtin.edu.au
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
Telephone Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
CRICOS Provider Code: 00301J (WA) 02637B (NSW)

Future students centre
The Centre consists of Prospective Students' Service and the Customer Management Unit. It is the first port of call for all questions regarding Curtin. If they don't have the immediate answers then they can direct you to the right people for help.

The Prospective Students' team hosts information sessions and tours of the Bentley Campus throughout the year. Students of any age, parents or advisors are welcome to attend. Check the dates for the sessions that particularly match your needs on the Future Students' website. Prospective Student advisors are also available for individual appointments. The Future Students Centre is located in Hayman Hall - Building 102 (opposite Curtin International). Operating hours are 8.30am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday.

Telephone: (08)9266 1000, 1300 CU 1000, 1800 CU 1000
Fax: 9266 7527
Email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au
Website: www.futurestudents.curtin.edu.au

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