Curtin University vs Edith Cowan University

Curtin University vs Edith Cowan University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Globally, Curtin University is much higher ranked than ECU. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Curtin is 183rd and ECU does not feature in the world top 400. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, ECU ranks #487. In Times Higher Education 2025, Curtin is ranked 251–300, and ECU is 351–400. Curtin stands out in Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Geology, with top-50 worldwide rankings in Geology, Geophysics, and Earth & Marine Sciences, and #5 globally in Mineral & Mining Engineering. ECU is not ranked as high globally, but is strong in Education, Nursing, and Information Technology, and is highly rated nationally in student satisfaction and quality teaching.

General Information

Curtin is the larger university with a combined enrollment of about 65,000 against ECU's 30,000. Curtin places heavy emphasis on research and industry linkage, with its Technology Park providing international students with opportunities for internships and innovation projects. ECU is strong on practical, vocation-based training, and it excels in Nursing and Education — priorities for Australian migration occupations. Curtin's Bentley campus is more city-based, while ECU at Joondalup has a contemporary, community setting. With the future ECU City campus (2025), ECU will also have an urban study option appealing to international students.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Curtin's entry requirements are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 50%. International admission generally calls for 60–70% in previous studies, as well as English language competency exams like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE. Curtin also provides foundation courses and English entry for students who do not qualify for direct entry. ECU has more open admissions and acceptance rate is 61%; however, it is less competitive than Curtin. Undergraduate international students usually need 60% in high school studies, with IELTS , TOEFL iBT, or PTE exams for English proficiency. ECU also offers alternative entry through Edith Cowan College, which is favored by international students. 

Research Impact & Facilities

Both universities enable research, but Curtin possesses a more international research profile, particularly in Engineering, Earth Sciences, and Business, with mass-scale collaborations and facilities like the Curtin Technology Park. ECU's research tends to be more applied and industry-based, with notable strengths in Nursing, Education, and Cybersecurity. International students at Curtin get the benefit of mass-scale research projects, whereas students at ECU tend to get more direct contact with teaching staff and mass-scale, applied research projects.

Cost & Financial Aid

Curtin's typical international undergraduate fee ranges from AUD 20,000–25,000 per annum, with living costs of approximately AUD 20,000–23,000 per annum. Curtin provides a diverse range of international scholarships, ranging from merit scholarships through to faculty-specific scholarships. ECU's international undergraduate fee is comparable, typically AUD 20,000–23,000 annually, with similar living costs, although accommodation close to Joondalup could be marginally cheaper. ECU offers International Undergraduate Merit Scholarships and other fee waivers, which in many cases pay for 20% of the tuition for high-achieving students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Curtin graduates have high international employability, with the university achieving the highest full-time employment rate of WA public universities. Graduates succeed in Engineering, Business, Health, and Mining, and Curtin's global reputation facilitates international career mobility. ECU graduates excel in Nursing, Education, and IT, the highest demand sectors in the Australian job market and associated with skilled migration streams. The emphasis on student care and practice training in ECU guarantees high employability, particularly for international students seeking to stay in Australia after graduation.

Curtin University is the preferred choice for international students wanting an internationally ranked, research-focused university with significant industry connections and extensive global recognition, particularly in Engineering, Business, and Geosciences.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is best suited for international students who prioritize the quality of teaching, smaller classes, and professional pathways in Australia, particularly in Nursing, Education, and IT, where there are excellent job opportunities and migration possibilities.