The Curtin University is a large public research university situated in the Bentley suburb of Perth, Western Australia. It is among the biggest universities in the nation, with an overall enrollment of more than 60,000 students, of which a considerable percentage are foreign students. The competition for admissions is moderately difficult, with an estimated 50% acceptance rate. The most sought-after majors include Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, and Geology. Curtin is especially prominent in Mineral and Mining Engineering, placed at #2 internationally and #1 in Australia (QS 2025) and also well regarded in Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences. Postgraduate outcomes are excellent, with around 86% of coursework graduates full-time employed within six months of graduating. Curtin graduates receive a median starting salary of approximately AUD 70,900 (~INR 37.2 lakh), and the university is ranked as the highest ranking public university in Western Australia for graduate wages and employment.
The University of Western Australia is a public research university in Crawley, Perth, Western Australia, with a scenic historic campus. It is a medium-sized university with a total of around 19,000 students, of whom about 12,500 are undergraduates. UWA is part of Australia's high-status Group of Eight, highlighting the research focus of the institution. Admissions are more competitive than at Curtin. It has an acceptance rate of 38%. Admission standards are higher, especially for competitive courses such as Medicine. The most popular courses are Medicine, Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. UWA is world-ranked in several disciplines, being ranked within the top 50 globally for Anatomy and Physiology (#30), Agriculture and Forestry (#37), Geology (#49), and Mineral and Mining Engineering (#13) (QS 2025). UWA graduates have high employability, and the university is ranked #1 in Western Australia for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings). Graduates have performed well around the world in Medicine, Law, Agriculture, and Public Policy through UWA's high global academic reputation and professional connections.
| University of Western Australia | Curtin University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.5 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 77 QS World University 2026 # 153 Times Higher Education 2026 # 77 QS World University 2025 | # 183 QS World University 2026 # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 174 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 151 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 111 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 101 for Law by QS World University 2025 | # 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 -34 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -2 | UG Programs -123 PG Programs -62 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38.0 % | 50.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-125 IELTS-6.5 PTE-64 TOEFL-82 | GMAT-600 GRE-304 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 46300 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 49500 [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) | Graduate employability ranking: #151-160, | 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 | Core subjects like chemistry, mathematics, English, and physics required for Indian students | 60% – 70% for admission in UG; Grading System Description; Portfolio |
| Campuses and B-Schools | School of Business, University of Western Australia | Curtin Business School |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.6/10 Read 10 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 9 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 121 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 550/800IELTS - 7/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 100/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -50200 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -66732 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 7, 2025 (Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake) | Dec 14, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Western Australia | Curtin University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1911 | 1966 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 22:1:1 | 20:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 49% Male, 0% Female | 48% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Located between the Indian ocean and Darling ranges the main campus is bisected by Swan river, is the city of Perth where the main campus is located surrounded by leafy gardens and grand sandstone buildings | Campuses in 5 countries: Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore; Australia has campuses in 5 locations: Perth, Murray Street, St George Terrace, Kalgoorlie, Midland |
| Library | Law Library, Education, fine art & architecture library, J. Robin Warren library, Barry J Marshall library are some of the university libraries. It allows one search which helps you find the resource even if it is not available with these university libraries. | 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 | Over 140 student clubs and societies, volunteering on and off-campus is offered to students, fitness is explored with fitness clubs, yoga sessions, and sports. Campus has various shops and eateries, art exhibitions, etc | 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 | Tim Minchin (comedian), Barry J.Marshall (Nobel laureate in Physics), Peter van Onselen (Australian author), Bob Hawk (former Australian PM), Melaine Perkins (CEO of Canva), Greta Scacchi (Actress), John Kinsella (poet). | 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% (2019) 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. | 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 |
Curtin University vs University of Western Australia
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
UWA is higher-ranked globally than Curtin. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UWA sits at 77 and Curtin at 183. In Times Higher Education 2025, UWA is at 149 and Curtin between 251–300. UWA stands out in Medicine, Agriculture, and Earth Sciences, frequently being in the global top 50 for these disciplines. Curtin is strong in Engineering, Mining, Petroleum Engineering, and Geology, with top 100 positions globally in these fields. Both institutions are strong subjects, but UWA's wider academic reputation provides an advantage.
General Information
The larger of the two is Curtin, with more than 60,000 students, to UWA's 19,000. Curtin prioritizes industry-focused education through its Bentley Technology Park and applied research agenda. UWA offers a more traditional research-focused setting in membership of the Group of Eight, complete with historic Crawley campus.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UWA has more competitive admissions, with increased academic requirements, such as an ATAR of approximately 80–85 and high English proficiency demands (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 82+). Curtin's requirements are somewhat lower (ATAR ~70, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 68+). Curtin receives a greater percentage of international students based on its wide range of programs offered, whereas UWA focuses on research-oriented professional degrees like Medicine and Law.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both universities are research-focused, but UWA is internationally recognized as part of the Group of Eight and has a high ranking in Medicine, Agriculture, and Earth Sciences. Curtin is a frontier in applied research in areas of Engineering, Mining, and Petroleum, facilitated by its Technology Park and industry collaborations.
Cost & Financial Aid
Curtin's fees range from AUD 30,000–38,000 annually for undergraduates and AUD 32,000–40,000 for postgraduates, with scholarships providing up to 25% fee reduction. UWA is generally more expensive (around AUD 35,000–45,000 annually, depending on program). UWA provides more significant scholarships, such as the Global Excellence Scholarship, which is very appealing to international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Curtin graduates have excellent job prospects, with 86% in full-time employment in six months and a median salary of around AUD 70,900 (~INR 37.2 lakh). Curtin graduates are well regarded in Engineering, Business, and Mining fields, backed by very strong industry networks. UWA graduates, on the other hand, enjoy the higher international reputation of the university and professional networks. Placed #1 in WA on employability, UWA graduates perform exceptionally well internationally in the fields of Medicine, Law, Agriculture, and Public Policy, with a very slight higher long-term earnings.
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