Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or above
Location: Oceania, Australia
GPA: 2.75

Curtin University Exchange

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Dates & Deadlines

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at Curtin University, Western Australia's largest university. You can choose from classes in the sciences, health sciences, and humanities divisions, or Curtin Business School (CBS), one of Australia’s largest, most comprehensive and international business schools. Curtin is also recognized for its focus on indigenous education and culture, supported by its Centre for Aboriginal Studies. This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline. 

Curtin's main campus, the Bentley campus, is located in Perth, the capital of the state of Western Australia. Perth's sunny, warm climate and relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal location to study abroad. Perth consistently ranks amongst the world's most livable cities and boasts more sunshine hours than any other Australian capital!  Curtin's green and beautifully landscaped subtropical campus is filled with a diverse student body including a large international student population. The Bentley campus is located within easy reach of the city center by public transportation.

Exchange programs differ from other study abroad options and require a high level of independence. University systems outside the US may differ from what you are used to at the UO, both in terms of academic structure and student services. Students most comfortable and successful in these types of programs typically have high levels of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and willingness to adapt to unfamiliar teaching styles and living arrangements.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2026 02/01/2026 Mid-July Late November
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Mid-July Late June
Calendar Year 2027 02/01/2026 Mid-February Late November
Spring Semester 2027 06/15/2026 Mid-February Late June

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

The Australian academic year runs from February to December:

  • Semester One runs from mid-February to late June
  • Semester Two runs from mid-July to late November. 

Course Availability:

At Curtin, "Units" are the equivalent to classes/courses at the UO and "Courses" are equivalent to UO majors. Curtin allows you to take units from most fields of study; however the fields of study of Law, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology are not available to exchange students.  

Please review the Unit offerings for exchange students on Curtin University's website using the "Course Search" link on the sidebar menu. You may need to use the current academic year’s unit list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at Curtin University.

You need to be flexible with choosing units and have multiple back-up units in case you do not get into your top choices. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for units at Curtin University. 

Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their course enrollment to Curtin University. 

Credits:

Most units at Curtin are each worth 25 Curtin credits, which transfer to the UO at the rate of 25 Curtin credits = 6 UO quarter credits. 

You will need to enroll in 75 - 100 Curtin credits (usually 3 or 4 units) at Curtin per semester.

Additionally, to maintain full-time student status at the UO while on a university exchange program, UO students need to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad. 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

  • 3.25 GPA is required for graduate students
  • Completed UO WR 121 and 122 with grades of B- or higher

Housing Description

Curtin’s accommodation is a popular way to stay close to campus. Due to high demand, we recommend you apply for student housing as soon as you are nominated to study at Curtin, as placement is not guaranteed.  

By living on campus, you'll enjoy comfortable and tidy single and shared accommodation, and have the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world. You will also benefit from 24-hour security patrols and the convenience of having supermarkets, shops, restaurants, cafés and a post office only walking distance away.  Off campus accommodation is also available. Use the link on the sidebar menu to find out more about housing options at Curtin University. 
 
Curtin does not offer a meal plan program, so you will either purchase meals at one of the various on-campus eateries or purchase groceries at the shopping center near campus, which includes large grocery stores.  The cost of eating out in Australia is high. It is recommended that students plan on purchasing groceries and preparing meals in their accommodations.