Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a government university based in Perth, Western Australia, with satellite campuses at Joondalup and Bunbury. It has an enrollment of around 30,000 students, many of them international students. Admissions are fairly competitive with an acceptance rate of around 61%. Some of the most popular courses are Nursing, Education, Business, Engineering, and Performing Arts. The graduation rate stands at about 70%, with ECU graduates having a median salary of about INR 44,50,000 (after converting AUD 81,000 median earnings after ten years of graduation).
Curtin University is another big public research university based in Perth, Western Australia, with other campuses overseas. It is among Australia's largest universities, offering a place to approximately 60,000 students. Admissions are equally competitive, with the acceptance rate standing at around 50%. The most popular courses are Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Science. The graduation rate for Curtin is approximately 72%, and its graduates have a median salary of around INR 47,80,000 (approximately AUD 87,000 median income ten years after graduation).
| Edith Cowan University | Curtin University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 351 Times Higher Education 2026 # 487 QS World University 2026 # 351 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 183 QS World University 2026 # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 174 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 201 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 351 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 126 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 126 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -66 PG Programs -36 Doctorate Programs -2 | UG Programs -123 PG Programs -62 |
| Acceptance Rate | 61.0 % | 50.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-84 | GMAT-600 GRE-304 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 20393 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 26134 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 20217 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 22356 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14560 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The average salary of the different programs are given below:
| Curtin University is one of the top public universities in Perth, Australia. It is ranked #193 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
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| application requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements | 60% – 70% for admission in UG; Grading System Description; Portfolio |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.3/10 Read 9 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 9 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 251 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 601 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 84/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 23, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Feb 2, 2026 (Fees Deadline For 2026 Intake) | Dec 14, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 84/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -39270 |
| application dates | Jan 23, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Feb 2, 2026 (Fees Deadline For 2026 Intake) | 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) |
| ranking | # 101 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 | # 51 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 84/120 | IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 69/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| application dates | Jan 23, 2026 (Semester 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) | Jun 16, 2025 (Period 2 Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) Sep 1, 2026 (Curtin Global Merit Scholarship Deadline for 2025 intake) Jun 15, 2026 (Period 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Edith Cowan University | Curtin University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1988 | 1966 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | :1 | 20:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 0% Male, 0% Female | 48% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | The university has three campuses in Western Australia: Burnbury, Joondalup and Mount Lawley campus. Joondalup campus is the main campus and serves as the headquarters. | Campuses in 5 countries: Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore; Australia has campuses in 5 locations: Perth, Murray Street, St George Terrace, Kalgoorlie, Midland |
| Library | Libraries at each campus provide comprehensive book and journal collections, electronic resources and facilities for study and research. Each library features:
Students may borrow resources at any metropolitan campus using the library's self-check machines. | 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 |
| Campus Life | ECU scholars and alumni are among the finest in the world, with several playing important positions in the community. Their extraordinary accomplishments have now been acknowledged with accolades, bursaries, fellowships, and honors across Australia and beyond.
Affordable gym registrations, recreational night athletic events, facility rentals, and special event options are available to the student body and faculty. | 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 |
| Hostel | - | #Curtin Kalgoorlie (1 Bedroom) - $14560 |
| Famous Alumni | The Alumni Network brings next to each other 175,000 alumni to express their thoughts and offer assistance to ECU's undergrads. Edith Cowan University alumni include the following:
| 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) |
| 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. |
| Weather |
Edith Cowan University vs Curtin University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Curtin University is world-ranked and placed in the 487 band in QS World University Rankings 2026, with a specific strength in mining & mineral engineering, architecture, business, and health sciences. It is also a member of Australian Technology Network (ATN) and has strong research connections.Edith Cowan University (ECU) is positioned in the 183 band (QS 2026), and it has strengths in the areas of nursing, education, arts, and computer science (with a focus on cyber security). ECU is also strong for applied research and teaching.
General Information
Curtin University: A major research-focused public university with over 59,000 students, including a substantial international student cohort on its international campuses (Perth, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius).Edith Cowan University (ECU): An intermediate size university with around 31,000 students, including 6,000+ international students from 100+ nations. Its campuses are mainly in Perth and regional Western Australia.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Curtin University: Moderately selective with an overall acceptance rate of approximately 50%. Business, engineering, and health programs are more competitive.Edith Cowan University: Overall more open, with an acceptance rate of approximately 61%, which makes it desirable for foreign students in search of practical and career-focused programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
Curtin University: A research-active university (R1 equivalent) with high-impact research projects in energy, minerals, health sciences, and space technology. It has close industry connections in Western Australia and overseas.Edith Cowan University (ECU): Renowned for applied and industry-engaged research, particularly in cybersecurity, education, nursing, and creative arts (ECU hosts the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts – WAAPA).
Cost & Financial Aid
Curtin University: International fees range AUD $33,000–$42,000 annually, based on program. Provides scholarships such as the Merit Scholarship and Destination Australia for international students.Edith Cowan University (ECU): A bit cheaper, with fees ranging around AUD $29,000–$36,000 annually. Offers several international scholarships, usually amounting to 10–30% of tuition fees.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Curtin University: Curtin graduates enjoy a high reputation around the world, particularly in engineering, mining, business, and information technology. Curtin boasts one of Western Australia's most powerful industry employment networks, with graduates employed throughout Asia-Pacific and worldwide.Edith Cowan University (ECU): Solid graduate results in nursing, teaching, cyber security, and the arts, with among the very best graduate employment rates in WA. Not quite as highly regarded abroad as Curtin, though, but well regarded regionally and for professional education.
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