Exchange guide Curtin University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.
Study abroad at Curtin University: overview
Study abroad at Curtin University gives exchange and visiting students access to Western Australiaโs largest campus community at Bentley, 6 km southeast of central Perth. Known globally for mining and energy engineering, architecture, cyber security, health sciences and triple-accredited business programmes, Curtin combines industry-focused labs with five on-campus student residences.
Enrollment
Approx. 63,400โ66,800 enrolled students across all campuses, making Curtin the largest university in Western Australia (Curtin Pocket Statistics).
International Mix
Approx. 19,100+ international students across Curtin onshore and global campuses.
Why students choose it
Main Bentley campus (Kent Street, Bentley, ~6 km southeast of Perth CBD) plus Curtin Perth City precinct. Best for students seeking Mining & Energy Engineering, Architecture & Design, Business, Computing or Health Sciences.
Language of instruction: English
Exchange & application at Curtin University
Curtin exchange applications close on 15 October for Semester 1 (February intake) and 15 April for Semester 2 (July intake), following home-university nomination to the Go Global team. Prepare 4 standard units (100 Curtin credits) plus 2โ4 reserve units.
Official links
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Open page
Exchange page
The universityโs own page for incoming exchange students.
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See courses
Course catalogue
The official list of courses. Check which ones are open to exchange students and taught in a language you speak.
โ Requirements
Official home-university nomination (for exchange), sound academic standing (minimum cumulative average equivalent to Curtin credit/60% or GPA 2.5/4.0), official transcript, English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0โ6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 depending on faculty), passport and proposed list of Curtin units.
๐จNomination Process
Your home university nominates you to the Curtin Go Global / Inbound Mobility team first. Curtin then sends online application details to submit your academic transcript, English proof and unit preferences for faculty assessment.
๐งญOrientation Week
Recommended arrival: Arrive at least 1 week before O-Week in mid-February (Semester 1) or mid-July (Semester 2) to settle into Bentley or Victoria Park accommodation.
Inbound Exchange & International Student Orientation at Bentley campus is essential for Curtin ID card issue, OASIS account setup and safety briefings.
Events hub: https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/orientation/
๐๏ธDeadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 1 October of the preceding year (partner nomination window; check your home institutionโs internal deadline). | 15 October of the preceding year for February Semester 1 intake. |
| 2nd semester | 1 April of the same year (partner nomination window; check your home institutionโs internal deadline). | 15 April of the same year for July Semester 2 intake. |
Arrival Checklist
- Accept your Curtin Letter of Offer, arrange OSHC for your full stay and obtain your Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) using your CoE.
- Book Curtinโs free airport reception service for new international arrivals or take the train/bus to Bentley or your residence.
- Activate your OASIS student portal, confirm unit enrolment in eStudent and register for lectures, workshops and labs.
- Collect your Curtin Student ID at Curtin Connect (Building 102) and link your student number to a Transperth Tertiary SmartRider.
- Attend O-Week market days and the Go Global inbound exchange welcome session to meet fellow exchange students and mentors.
Academics & courses at Curtin University
Full-time study at Curtin is 100 credits per semester (4 units ร 25 credits, or 75 credits / 3 units where approved). Classes combine applied workshops, labs and lectures anchored around the newly refurbished TL Robertson Library.
๐Course Registration
A standard full-time semester load at Curtin is 100 credits (4 units worth 25 credits each), though visiting Study Abroad and exchange students may take 75 credits (3 units) where approved by their home institution and student visa rules. Always list 6โ8 units on your initial application so faculty assessors have pre-approved backups.
๐Credit System
Curtin uses a 100-credit full-time semester system (typically 4 units ร 25 credits = 100 Curtin credits โ 30 ECTS or 12โ15 US semester credits).
๐ฏGrading System
Curtin grades on a 100-point percentage scale and 10-band grade notation: 10 (90โ100%), 9 (80โ89%, High Distinction), 8 (70โ79%, Distinction), 7 (60โ69%, Credit), 6 (50โ59%, Pass), and F (<50%, Fail).
โ๏ธExam Culture
Assessment blends practical studio or lab work, industry case studies, mid-semester tests and final exams held during the two-week examination period in June or November.
๐Library Access
The newly refurbished TL Robertson Library (Building 105) at the heart of Bentley campus offers 7 levels of collaborative zones, quiet floors, maker spaces and 24/7 swipe access for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at Curtin University
Nominated partner exchange students pay AUD 0 tuition to Curtin, while Study Abroad visitors pay a flat 3-unit or 4-unit semester package fee. Factor in compulsory OSHC insurance, Bentley/Victoria Park rent and daily expenses.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement) | Students nominated by a Curtin exchange partner pay tuition to their home institution; OSHC health cover, housing and visa costs apply separately. |
| Study Abroad (visiting fee-paying) | Approx. AUD 10,800โ14,400 per semester (3 or 4 units) | Fee-paying Study Abroad visitors pay a flat semester tuition rate based on enrolling in 75 credits (3 units) or 100 credits (4 units). |
| Full degree โ international | AUD 34,000โ44,000 / year (course-specific) | Annual full-degree international fees vary by faculty and credit load; check the official Curtin international fee calculator for your course. |
AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement)
Students nominated by a Curtin exchange partner pay tuition to their home institution; OSHC health cover, housing and visa costs apply separately.
Approx. AUD 10,800โ14,400 per semester (3 or 4 units)
Fee-paying Study Abroad visitors pay a flat semester tuition rate based on enrolling in 75 credits (3 units) or 100 credits (4 units).
AUD 34,000โ44,000 / year (course-specific)
Annual full-degree international fees vary by faculty and credit load; check the official Curtin international fee calculator for your course.
Fees change annually โ verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Curtin University
Curtin offers five on-campus residences at Bentley (Kurrajong Village, Erica Underwood House, Guild House, Vickery House and St Catherineโs @ Curtin) with utilities included, alongside affordable shared houses in Waterford, Karawara and Victoria Park.
Curtin University offers official housing
Five on-campus residences managed with UniLodge and St Catherineโs right on the Bentley campus (~AUD 255โ470/week including utilities and Wi-Fi), plus Curtin Housing Advisory Services for off-campus leases.
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Perth
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Curtin University
Curtin Connect (Building 102), Curtin Health & Counselling (Building 109) and the New to Curtin Mentoring Program provide one-stop arrival, medical, academic and visa support.
๐ก๏ธMandatory Insurance
Yes โ continuous Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders.
๐ฅCampus Clinic
Curtin Health Services (Building 109, Bentley) offers on-campus doctor appointments, nursing support and direct OSHC billing.
๐ง Mental Health
Curtin Student Wellbeing and Counselling Services (Building 109) provide free confidential psychological counselling, wellbeing advisors and AccessAbility support.
Allianz Care Australia OSHC (Curtin preferred provider โ can be bundled with your Offer Acceptance)
Medibank, Bupa, nib or ahm Australian government-approved OSHC plans
Select reciprocal national health insurance exemptions only where explicitly accepted by Home Affairs (e.g., Norway/Sweden/Belgium)
Campus services
Curtin Go Global & Inbound Exchange Office
Exchange nominations, Study Abroad admissions, unit pre-approvals, Learning Agreements and arrival orientation.
Curtin Connect (Building 102)
One-stop student service centre at Bentley for ID cards, eStudent enrolment, SmartRider concession setup, fees and visa queries.
Curtin Accommodation & Housing Advisory
Applications for Bentley on-campus UniLodge residences and free tenancy contract advice for private rentals.
Curtin Student Guild
Over 100 student clubs, Guild cafes, food pantry/financial relief and independent student academic advocacy.
Curtin Health, Counselling & AccessAbility (Building 109)
On-campus GP clinic, free psychological counselling, disability adjustments and multifaith chaplaincy.
Student life at Curtin University
Campus life is energized by 100+ Student Guild clubs, Curtin Stadium social sports, food truck markets and weekend regional trips through Curtin Volunteers!.
Student Clubs
- 100+ Curtin Student Guild academic, cultural and hobby clubs.
- Curtin Volunteers! weekend regional and environmental volunteering trips across Western Australia.
- Curtin International Students Committee (ISC) social mixers and cultural festivals.
Buddy Program
The New to Curtin Mentoring Program matches incoming exchange and international students with an experienced peer mentor before O-Week to help navigate OASIS, classes and campus life.
Sports & Recreation
- Curtin Stadium (Building 111) featuring a full fitness centre, indoor sports courts, group fitness classes and social sport leagues.
- Social futsal, basketball, badminton, volleyball and netball competitions open to exchange students.
- Curtin Surf Club and Outdoor Adventure clubs organising weekend coastal trips to Scarborough and Margaret River.
Public Groups & Communities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Curtin O-Week and the Inbound Exchange Orientation session.
- Collect your Curtin ID at Curtin Connect (Building 102) and activate your Tertiary SmartRider discount.
- Check your 75โ100 credit load and class timetable in eStudent (OASIS).
- Set up 24/7 swipe access at TL Robertson Library (Building 105).
- Join Guild clubs and Curtin Volunteers! at the O-Week stalls.
Key exchange dates at Curtin University
Lock in the 15 October (Semester 1) and 15 April (Semester 2) application deadlines early, plan arrival for mid-February or mid-July O-Week, and keep June/November exam periods clear before booking return flights.
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1
Semester 1 nomination & application
Nomination by 1 October; application by 15 October (prior year)
Applies to February Semester 1 start; submit unit preferences with backups for engineering and health units.
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2
Semester 1 O-Week, classes & exams
O-Week mid-February; classes late FebโMay; exams in June
On-campus residences open before O-Week; final exams finish in mid-to-late June.
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3
Semester 2 nomination & application
Nomination by 1 April; application by 15 April (same year)
Applies to July Semester 2 start; apply early for Bentley on-campus UniLodge rooms.
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4
Semester 2 O-Week, classes & exams
O-Week mid-July; classes late JulyโOctober; exams in November
Mild winter start transitions into warm spring weather for October study weeks and November exams.
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