Applying
Whether you're finishing Year 12, coming from TAFE, transferring from another university, returning to study or applying as an international student, we’ll help you find the right application pathway and understand what to do next.
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How do I apply to ECU
Applying to ECU involves four key steps:
Find your application pathway
Choose the option that best matches your previous study, training or experience.
Check the requirements
Review the course entry requirements, supporting documents and any additional application requirements.
Submit your application
Follow the application instructions for your course and pathway. We’ll assess your application and let you know the outcome.
Not sure where to start?
Our Future Students team can help you find the right application pathway.
Postgraduate application options
Our postgraduate courses include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters by coursework, Masters by research and Doctorates or PhDs.
Choose your course type from the options below and click through to apply.
International application options
If you're not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, there are different ways to apply for ECU courses not involving research, depending on your home country.
Choose the application pathway that's right for you
Everyone’s path to university is different. Choose the option that best matches your previous study, work or life experience.
I'm in Year 12 or recently finished school
- completed school* within the last two years
- are completing school* this year
- started or completed some TAFE, VET or university study while still at school
* Includes equivalent secondary education completed interstate or overseas.
I've studied at TAFE or another VET provider
- completed or started a TAFE or other VET qualification
- completed a Certificate IV while you were at school
- have other qualifications, such as a Year 10 or Year 12 certificate
I'm applying with work and life experience
- left secondary school more than two years ago
- haven't completed recent TAFE or university study
I've studied at university or completed a bridging course
- completed or started study at a university or other higher education provider
- completed a bridging or enabling course
- are applying using your previous higher education study
Applying for an ECU Early Offer
If you're applying for an ECU Early Offer through TISC, make sure ECU is your first preference. If you're eligible, you'll be considered for an Early Offer before the main TISC offer round in December.
To be considered, you need to:
- make ECU your first TISC preference
- apply before the closing date
- meet the relevant entry requirements
If you aren't successful in the Early Offer round, you'll still be considered in the main TISC offer round in December.
Check the TISC key dates.
Check whether your course has inherent requirements
Some ECU courses, particularly nursing, midwifery and education courses, have inherent requirements. These are the essential abilities, skills and attributes you’ll need to complete your course, including coursework, professional placements and practical learning activities.
Next step: Check the inherent requirements for your chosen course before you apply.
Other application types
Some study options have a different application process or enrolment requirements. If one of the options below applies to you, you'll find information about how to get started.
Applying to WAAPA
Applications for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) follow a different process to most ECU courses.
Depending on the course, you may need to:
- attend an audition or interview
- submit a portfolio or other supporting material
- pay a non-refundable application fee.
This applies to many WAAPA courses, including acting, dance and contemporary music.
If you're applying for a WAAPA course, or the Music Education major within Secondary Education (Y68), you'll need to apply direct to ECU.
Important: Applications can't be submitted through TISC.
Next step: Find out about auditions, interviews and portfolios or apply now direct to ECU.
Study units at ECU while at another university
If you're currently studying at another university, you may be able to complete one or more units at ECU as a cross-institutional student.
You can apply if you:
- can't study the units you need at your home university
- have approval from your home university to study at ECU
- meet ECU's academic and English entry requirements
You'll need to provide:
- approval from your home university (a signed form or letter)
- your most recent academic transcript
- evidence of your Commonwealth Supported Place (if applicable), such as a Commonwealth Assistance Notice or fee invoice.
Next step: Learn more about cross-institutional study.
Study individual units (non-award study)
Non-award study lets you enrol in individual units without committing to a full degree.
You can use non-award study to:
- explore a subject before applying for a degree
- update your skills for work
- meet professional or accreditation requirements
- complete units before applying for future study
You'll need to provide:
- copies of your academic transcripts and qualification certificates (unless they were issued by ECU)
- proof of a name change if your documents are in a different name (for example, a marriage certificate)
- any assessment from a professional body or association if you're studying to meet professional accreditation requirements
Next step: Check the units you're interested in and apply for non-award study.
Application questions answered
When do ECU applications close?
Application deadlines vary depending on your course and whether you apply directly to ECU or through TISC. Check the important dates for application deadlines, semester periods and other key dates relevant to your circumstances.
I have an offer through TISC. What are my options?
If you've been made an offer, you have four possible options. To see those options and to understand what to do in each situation, please visit this TISC offers web page.
What happens if my application is successful?
We send you an Offer Letter for a place at ECU. The letter contains your student number and details about your course, such as the course code, study mode and campus. It also explains the steps for responding to your offer and what to do next.
What happens if my application isn't accepted?
If you don't get into the course you applied for, you can consider alternative pathways. Please contact our Future Students team for advice on this.
FAQs
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We can't give you an exact time-frame for processing your application, but you should allow at least 10 working days. If you applied directly to ECU, you can check progress by logging into your application online.
Note: Please check your email regularly, because we may ask you for more information or ask for another document. If we don't hear from you it'll delay your application.
It's OK to apply to us before you have all your documentation. Your application will be held until the recommended submission dates. You should have all your documentation uploaded by then. Apply now direct to ECU.
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If you have previous study or professional experience, you may be eligible credit and recognition of prior learning. Check your eligibility for credits for completed qualifications through our credit and recognition of prior learning database.
You can apply for credit and recognition of prior learning once you've accepted an offer to study at ECU.
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It varies, depending on the course and the application. Please read your offer letter and any correspondence carefully and act as soon as you can.
Graduate Diploma
Most of our Graduate Diplomas have straightforward application requirements. Check the course web page for any specialised prerequisites.
Masters by Coursework
Most coursework Masters have straightforward application requirements. Check the course web page for any specialised prerequisites.
Masters by Research or PhD
If you're applying for a research degree, there are special conditions to meet. Please supply the following with your application:
- A 300-word research abstract and a 2-page research proposal.
- Information about your work, academic history and qualifications.
- References from any publications or conference papers you've co-authored.
For tips on how to present this information and more, please read our Research Start Guide.
High Achieving Teachers program - HAT@ECU
When you apply for one of the three Master of Teaching courses in our HAT@ECU program, you should follow this application with another for the accompanying HAT scholarship.
We'll review both applications and then our HAT@ECU team may invite you for an interview.
The HAT program has a limited number of places so there is no guarantee that (a) you’ll be interviewed by the team; or (b) that you'll be accepted into the program should you be interviewed.
However, even if your application for HAT@ECU is unsuccessful, you'll still be eligible to study your chosen masters course and make a rewarding career change to teaching.
Important dates
Don't forget to check submission dates for applications, semester periods and other Important dates.
What happens next?
Commonly asked questions about the application process.
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It varies, depending on the course and the application. Please read your offer letter and any correspondence carefully and act as soon as you can.
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If you don't get into the course you applied for, you can consider alternative pathways. Please contact our Future Students team for advice on this.
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Application deadlines can vary, depending on your course and whether you applied direct to ECU. Check the application submission dates for your chosen course, based on your circumstances.
Note: You can apply for a PhD at any time of the year.
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We can't give you an exact time-frame for processing your application, but you should allow at least 10 working days. If you applied directly to ECU, you can check progress by logging into your application online.
Please note that applications for a research degree take longer to process than coursework degrees because we need to assess your research proposal and other necessary documentation. It's best to apply at least 4 weeks before the cut-off date.
Note: Please check your email regularly, because we may ask you for more information or ask for another document. If we don't hear from you it'll delay your application.
It's OK to apply to us before you have all your documentation. Your application will be held until the recommended submission dates. You should have all your documentation uploaded by then.
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We send you an Offer Letter for a place at ECU. The letter contains your student number and details about your course, such as the course code, study mode and campus. It also explains the steps for responding to your offer and what to do next.
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If you have previous study or professional experience, you may be eligible credit and recognition of prior learning. Check your eligibility for credits for completed qualifications through our credit and recognition of prior learning database.
You can apply for credit and recognition of prior learning once you've accepted an offer to study at ECU.
Citizens of most countries
Apply direct to us, or via an ECU authorised agent if your home country does not have any special arrangements.
Countries with special arrangements
Most international students can apply directly for entry to an ECU course, but there are special arrangements for applicants who intend to apply for a student visa and who are from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sub-Saharan Africa country (excluding Mauritius) or Uzbekistan who must apply through an ECU authorised agent.
Masters by Research or PhD
If you're applying for a research degree, there are special conditions to meet. Please supply the following with your application:
- A 300-word research abstract and a 2-page research proposal.
- Information about your work, academic history and qualifications.
- References from any publications or conference papers you've co-authored.
For tips on how to present this information and more, please read our Research Start Guide.
Important dates
Don't forget to check submission dates for applications, semester periods and other Important dates.
What happens next?
Commonly asked questions about the application process.
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Application deadlines can vary, depending on your course and whether you applied direct to ECU. Check the application submission dates for your chosen course, based on your circumstances.
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Yes. If you've applied direct to ECU for a course, you can easily track progress through our application status check.
If you applied through an Authorised Agent you'll need to contact them about progress.
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We send you an Offer Letter for a place at ECU. This will be an Offer or a Conditional Offer (you must meet the conditions of your offer), or an alternative pathway offer. The letter also includes course details, fees to pay and more.
You then need to complete the online acceptance and pay the 'Fees payable now'. This includes your first semester course fees and Overseas Student Health Cover.
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Once you've successfully accepted your offer to study at ECU, and we've confirmed receipt of the required fees, we'll issue a Confirmation of Enrolment. If required, this document allows you to apply for a student visa to study in Australia.
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We welcome you as an official ECU student. You should then review our pre-departure information, attend orientation and enrol in your study units.
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.