Applying
Domestic and international students can apply for undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Edith Cowan University in Perth.
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Undergraduate application options
Our students include everyone from school leavers to people who've probably forgotten what a school looks like! As you'll see below, application options can vary, depending upon your situation.
Select the category that best describes your background. You don't have to meet all of the points listed.
If you're ready to apply now, don't forget to have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other required paperwork, ready to upload.
Apply NowPostgraduate 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.
Recent secondary education
- have completed secondary education* within the previous two years at a school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider
- will complete secondary education* this year at a school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider
- have started or completed some VET or higher education study while still at school
* Also applies to equivalent secondary education interstate or overseas
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- If you're in Year 12 and aiming to have an ATAR at the end of this year, you can apply via TISC for an undergraduate course. You'll also be required to achieve WACE and to satisfy English competency.
- If you're in Year 12 and completing a Certificate IV or another program that leads to undergraduate study, like a university enabling course, you can apply via TISC for an undergraduate course. You'll also be required to achieve WACE and to satisfy English competency.
- If you're not in Year 12 but are considered a School Leaver applicant and are completing the equivalent of 12 years of schooling through another recognised training provider, you'll also need to apply via TISC for an undergraduate course, or one of our University Preparation courses. This includes Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma study which can be complete or incomplete. You'll also be required to achieve WACE and to satisfy English competency.
- If you're a School Leaver applicant and have no ATAR or VET qualifications, but you've achieved WACE, you can apply via TISC for an undergraduate course through our Experience Based Entry Scheme or the Creative Humanities Portfolio Entry, or one of our University Preparation courses. You'll also be required to achieve WACE and to satisfy English competency.
- If you've already completed Year 12 and have an ATAR, you can apply direct to usfor an undergraduate course. You'll also be required to satisfy English competency.
- If you've already completed a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma and are not a current School Leaver, you can also apply direct to us for an undergraduate course.
- If you've completed a Certificate IV and are not a current School Leaver, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course, or one of our University Preparation courses but you'll also be required to satisfy English competency.
- If you've completed a Certificate III and are not a current School Leaver, you can apply direct to us for one of our University Preparation courses. You'll also be required to satisfy English competency.
Work and life experience
- left secondary education more than two years previously
- haven't undertaken VET or higher education study since then
- have professional or work experience that can demonstrate your readiness for higher education
- have completed non-formal programs that helped you prepare for tertiary education, or programs relevant to a higher education field of study you're interested in
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Work experience
- If you have work or professional experience, but no formal qualifications, you can apply direct to us for a University Preparation course.
- You can also apply direct to us through the Experience Based Entry Scheme.
- Or you can apply direct to us for a Graduate Certificate course.
STAT test
- If you've completed both components of the STAT or intend to do so, and you meet the minimum score, you can apply direct to us for a University Preparation course.
- If you've not met the required score, you can apply direct to us for one of our University Preparation courses.
Vocational education and training (VET)
- enrolled in a VET course at a public TAFE (or other VET provider) since leaving secondary education
- completed your VET qualification or weren't able to do so
- have other qualifications, such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate
- completed a Certificate IV during high school
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- If you've completed a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course.
- If you weren't able to complete your Diploma or Advanced Diploma, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course, but we may ask you to satisfy English competency requirements.
- If you've completed a Certificate IV, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course, or one of our University Preparation courses, but you may be required to have WACE and to satisfy English competency requirements.
- If you've completed a Certificate III, you can apply direct to us for one of our University Preparation courses.
- If you weren't able to complete your Certificate III or IV, you can apply direct to us for one of our University Preparation courses, but we may ask you to satisfy English competency requirements.
Higher education student
- studied a higher education course since leaving secondary education – recently or some time ago
- studied at a university or through a non-university higher education provider
- completed a bridging or enabling course delivered by or on behalf of a higher education provider
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- You can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course.
Other types of applications
The application process is different for some of our creative courses, or if you're intending to study specific units, rather than a full course.
WAAPA
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts applications are different to other undergraduate courses.
In most WAAPA disciplines you can expect to have auditions and interviews.
A non-refundable application fee is also payable for some courses, e.g. acting, contemporary music, or dance.
If you want to apply for a WAAPA course, or for the Music Education major as part of a Secondary Education course (Y68), please apply direct to us. We don't accept TISC applications.
Cross-institutional applications
If units aren't offered at your home university you can apply to study at another university – like ours.
Submit these documents with your application:
- A signed form or letter from your home institution approving the units you wish to study at ECU.
- A copy of your most recent academic record from your home institution – to confirm you meet our minimum academic and English entry requirements.
- A copy of your latest invoice or a Commonwealth Assessment Notice – if you have a Commonwealth Supported Place at your home uni.
More about cross-institutional study
Note
Before submitting your application, please check that the unit is available in our teaching timetable and that you meet unit prerequisites per our handbook.
Non-award students
If you're studying for general interest, professional purposes, or to gain entry to a degree program, submit these documents with your application:
- Copies of your academic transcripts and certificates (unless from ECU) - to confirm you meet our minimum academic and English entry requirements
- Proof of a change of name, if your qualifications are held in a different name, e.g. marriage certificate.
- If you're studying non-award units to satisfy accreditation with a professional body or association, include a copy of any assessment made by them.
Note
Before submitting your application, please check that the unit is available in our teaching timetable and that you meet unit prerequisites per our handbook.
Early Offer Application
If you're seeking an ECU early offer, you'll need to apply through TISC.
Make sure the ECU course you're interested in is shown as your first preference in your TISC application. You'll also be considered in the TISC main round of offers in December.
Early offers close just before this main round so please check the TISC key dates.
Note
You can only hold one early offer at a time. If you apply for an early offer and then change your mind about a course, you'll need to make a change through TISC.
Inherent requirements for entry to some courses
In some ECU courses, especially those offered by the Schools of Nursing & Midwifery and Education, you must meet our Inherent Requirements. These are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate your abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of those courses or units.
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
When you apply for our HAT program, you may receive an unconditional offer in your preferred course. If so, you must accept this offer and then enrol in the course as a first step.
In the second step, you'll be invited to apply for our HAT program through the ECU scholarships portal. We'll review your application and our HAT program team will invite you for an interview.
The HAT program has a limited number of places, but even if your application is unsuccessful, you'll still be eligible to study your chosen masters course and make a rewarding career change to teaching.
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, India, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sub-Saharan Africa country (excluding Mauritius, South Africa) 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.
What happens next?
Commonly asked questions about the application process.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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 or through TISC. Check the application submission dates for your chosen course, based on your circumstances.
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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.
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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 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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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 welcome you as an official ECU student. You should then review our pre-departure information, attend orientation and enrol in your study units.
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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 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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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.
Important dates
Don't forget to check submission dates for applications, semester periods and other Important dates.
Don't forget to check submission dates for applications, semester periods and other Important dates.
Don't forget to check submission dates for applications, semester periods and other Important dates.
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.