Curtin University is a public research institution in Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, and it has a suburban location. It is a large university with about 39,852 undergraduate students and an overall enrollment of over 61,000 students (2023). The admissions are moderately competitive with an estimated acceptance rate of 50%. Its most popular majors are Engineering, Business, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Geology, while Curtin is listed among the world's best in Mineral & Mining Engineering (#2), Earth & Marine Sciences (#37), and Petroleum Engineering (#49). Curtin's graduate job outcomes are the highest among the public universities in WA, while student satisfaction ratings are high (77.4% undergraduate, 75.5% postgraduate).
Murdoch University is a public research university situated in Perth, Western Australia. Its primary campus is in Murdoch, which is famous for its greenery and expansive environment. It is a medium-sized institution with around 16,766 undergraduate students and an overall enrollment of about 24,000 (2023). Admissions to the university are less competitive with an estimated acceptance rate of 79%. Veterinary Science, Law, Environmental Sciences, Business, and Education are some of the popular majors. Murdoch is very strong in research across Veterinary Medicine, Law, and Environmental Studies, with 81% of its fields assessed as world-standard or higher. Graduate employment outcomes are good (67.7% full-time employment), and the students are very satisfied (77.4% undergraduate, 79.8% postgraduate). Murdoch also has international campuses in Singapore and Dubai, with a focus on global presence.
| Curtin University | Murdoch University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 183 QS World University 2026 # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 174 QS World University 2025 | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 423 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 126 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 251 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 501 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022 # 401 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| Programs | UG Programs -123 PG Programs -62 | UG Programs -58 PG Programs -27 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-600 GRE-304 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-79 | IELTS-6 PTE-50 TOEFL-60 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 20217 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 22356 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14560 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 22190 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 37080 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 4940 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Curtin University is one of the top public universities in Perth, Australia. It is ranked #193 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
| Average Salaries are given below:
|
| application requirements | 60% – 70% for admission in UG; Grading System Description; Portfolio | Apply online or through agents, PG applicants must fulfill country-specific requirements (vary with programs). |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Curtin Business School | NA |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.4/10 Read 9 reviews | 5.7/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 580/800IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 60/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -40349 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -57920 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jul 9, 2025 (Semester 2 Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) Feb 3, 2026 (Semester 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Jul 2, 2026 (Semester 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) | - |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Curtin University | Murdoch University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1966 | 1973 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 20:1:1 | 29.1:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 0% Female | 38% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Campuses in 5 countries: Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore; Australia has campuses in 5 locations: Perth, Murray Street, St George Terrace, Kalgoorlie, Midland | Located in Western Australia, Perth (Singapore and Dubai-international campuses), university’s main campus is South Street Campus. Home to a fully-operation engineering plant, main campus features beautiful native bushlands. |
| Library | 4 libraries: TL Robertson Library, John Cutin Prime Ministerial Library, WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie Library, Curtin Graduate School of Business Library; Several partner libraries in Malaysia and Singapore | Total e-books: 3,49,661; physical books: 3,53,744; digital journals: 63,132; physical journals: 305; total other resources: 70,159. This includes special and subject collections. |
| Campus Life | 130 Curtin Student Guild clubs including Computer Science Club and Curtin Harry Potter Society; Campus has food, retail, health, and childcare facilities; learning support services offering free programs and workshops for students | Find on-campus food options catering to snacking and hearty meals, hangout a student hub, join clubs or societies (over 100), get involved in organizations run by students, enjoy various events like stamp-out stress day or multicultural day at Bush Court or Tavern, join social sports team, or indulge in staying fit at Fitness Zone. |
| Hostel | #Curtin Kalgoorlie (1 Bedroom) - $14560 | #entertainment - $4160 #phone and internet - $780 |
| Famous Alumni | Judy Davis (Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress); John Butler (musician); Priya Cooper (Gold medal swimmer at Sydney Paralympics Games); Brad Hogg (cricketer); Tracy Ryan (poet) | Basil Zempilas (American TV presenter), Michael Keenan (member of Australian house of representatives), Adam Bandt (Australian Federal MP), Scott Ludlam (Former Senator-Australia), Kim Scott (novelist), Toby Miller (Author), Alan Eggleston (Australian Senator), Sue Lines (Australian Senator), etc. |
| City Life | Perth is a hub to innovation and industries and has a thriving economy. The unemployment rate is low as 3.5% and the city is known to be only 2.5 hours away (WA time zone) for 60% of the world's population. Access to global services is high and the city is known for its crystal clear beaches and sunset coasts. | Perth is a hub to innovation and industries and has a thriving economy. The unemployment rate (2019) is low as 3.5% and the city is known to be only 2.5 hours away (WA time zone) for 60% of the world's population. Access to global services is high and the city is known for its crystal clear beaches and sunset coasts. Explore Rottnest Islands, Fremantle, Kings Park, Swan Valley, and more. Multicuisine cafes, restaurants, and more offer both luxury and casual dining. |
| Weather |
Curtin University vs Murdoch University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Curtin University is ranked significantly higher internationally than Murdoch. Curtin is ranked 183rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and Murdoch is ranked 423rd. Curtin is ranked 251–300 in Times Higher Education 2025, while Murdoch is ranked 401–500. Curtin tops in Engineering, Mining, Geology, and Petroleum Engineering, all ranking in the top 100 globally. Murdoch is ranked high in Veterinary Science, Environmental Sciences, and Law, with Veterinary Medicine in the top 200 globally.
General Information
Curtin is the bigger institution, with a student population of over 61,000 compared to Murdoch's 24,000. Curtin has 123 undergraduate and 62 graduate courses, while Murdoch has 58 undergraduate and 27 graduate courses, with a focus on work-integrated learning and applied research, particularly in veterinary and environmental studies. Curtin's Bentley campus is suburban and city-focused, whereas Murdoch has a green, open, bushland campus.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Curtin has an acceptance of 50–60%, with a need for IELTS (6.5), PTE (69), TOEFL (68), and GMAT (600 for some courses). Murdoch is more open with an acceptance rate of 70–79%, and slightly below requirements (IELTS 6.0, PTE 50, TOEFL 73, GMAT 550). Curtin has more international students coming to it (18,066 in 2024, ~28%), whereas Murdoch's size provides a more intimate atmosphere, drawing both national and local students.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both universities are research-focused, although Curtin boasts a greater research output (74,000+ publications, 2.15m citations), specifically in Engineering, Mining, and Earth Sciences, through its extensive-scale Technology Park and industry collaborations. Murdoch focuses on Veterinary Science, Environmental Sciences, and Social Sciences, with 81% of its fields rated at world-standard or above. Murdoch's research environment is more compact but focuses on experiential, personalized experiences, and it has an international research presence through its global campuses.
Cost & Financial Aid
Curtin's fee for international undergraduates is between AUD 26,400–93,189 annually, with living expenses approximating AUD 6,200–28,600 per year. Murdoch charges differently per course but tends to be about the same price, with some courses slightly more expensive. Both institutions have scholarships available, but Curtin has more scholarships available to international students because it has more global students. Murdoch has solid need and merit scholarships available for domestic students, with limited assistance available for international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Curtin graduates have the highest employment outcomes of WA public universities, with high employability in Engineering, Business, and Mining. Murdoch graduates enjoy good outcomes, especially in Veterinary Science, Law, and Education, with 67.7% full-time employment and employer satisfaction (74.3%) high. Curtin's bigger size and industry connections deliver greater global opportunities, whereas Murdoch is strong in graduating career-ready students in professional and specialist areas.
1720771789.png?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch){kind=small}
