Choosing to go to university is a significant decision – a decision that will shape your future in more ways than one. But for those weighing up their options right now (hello!), it’s important to remember that the choice you make is about more than just earning a degree; your choice is an investment in your career, your personal development and the network you’ll build along the way.
So why should you consider university, and why Curtin specifically? Here we’ll break down the five things you’ll be thinking about when making your choice of why (and where) to study:
Careers
Whether you have a clear career path in mind or are still exploring your options, a university degree gives you the flexibility and foundation to pursue a wide range of opportunities.
The career benefits of a university degree are backed up by data. Full-time employment rates for recent graduates are at record highs according to the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey and median salaries for graduates are on the rise too. The 2022–23 period saw undergraduate incomes grow by 4.4% with those having completed postgraduate coursework seeing a 5.5% income growth (2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
At Curtin, our connections to industry partners and collaborators make us an ideal choice for anyone looking to step into the workforce prepared to start a career. We’re proud that our graduates have been rated the best in Australia for employer satisfaction – demonstrating they possess the skills and qualifications highly valued by employers (QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey).
Our courses are designed with your future career in mind. With work-integrated learning opportunities, you don’t just gain theoretical knowledge; you also have the chance to put that knowledge into practice in real-world settings. Whether it’s through internships, practical projects, showcases or industry collaborations, Curtin ensures you graduate job-ready.
Curtin Careers also offers invaluable support, from career advice to networking events, giving you a head start in building your professional network. Whether you’re unsure of what direction you want your career to take or are looking for assistance in acing an interview for your dream job – our team are here to empower you with the support, resources and skills you need to succeed.
Community
University is a fabulous place to meet like-minded people who share your passions and can support your journey, both during your studies and beyond. Think of it this way: when you start your studies, you’re joining a community.
The Curtin community is diverse and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in student life in a way that suits you. You might join one of our clubs, become a society member or volunteer your time with Curtin Volunteers!
Curtin Volunteers! provides volunteering and leadership opportunities that both benefit the wider community and offer you an opportunity to develop skills that look great on your CV. Hear from volunteers Mikaela, Mihir, Yangchen and Eliza about their experiences in the Curtin Volunteers! community.
We’re committed to helping students succeed, both academically and personally – and offer a range of support services. On campus alone you’ll find counselling services, disability support and health services to help you navigate any personal challenges.
Whatever your interests, needs and field of study, there are so many opportunities to make the most of student life and join the Curtin community.
Facilities
The facilities available at a university make a huge difference to your overall learning experience. Having access to the right tools, technology and software will prepare you for the real world by developing practical, hands-on experience – the kind that are critical in today’s job market.
Curtin’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to support your learning and enhance your experience. From high-tech labs and collaborative learning spaces to the newly refurbished library, our campus is equipped to fire up your creativity and inspire innovation.
There’s even more to explore depending on your area of study, from the artists and designers to the scientists and engineers. Here are some highlights:
- Experiment with the latest assembly and prototyping tech at our award-winning School of Design and the Built Environment (check out a video walkthrough below)
- Work with cutting-edge tech; theatre, production and studio spaces; and the latest in prototyping and fabrication equipment
- Practice teaching in our purpose-built classrooms designed to mimic real-world teaching environments
- Build practical skills in specially made teaching clinics and laboratories – all designed to prepare you for your chosen health career
- Participate in simulated court proceedings at the high-tech Jeanette Hacket Moot Court facility in Perth city
- Utilise the study spaces across campus to make the most of your degree (take a look at the options in our Science and Engineering building here)
- Sharpen your skills with the latest tech at innovative facilities such as our Computer Superlab and Cyber Security Computer Lab.
Global opportunities
If you’re thinking about university right now, you’d do well to consider the full range of benefits a university can offer you – like opportunities to take your studies international.
Studying abroad, experiencing different cultures and gaining a global perspective can be a major drawcard of certain universities.
Thankfully, studying at Curtin opens the door to a world of opportunities – literally! Through global partnerships and exchange programs, our students can study abroad (whether at an international Curtin campus or partner institution) or complete internships internationally. These opportunities are a chance to develop that uniquely global perspective that’s so valued in today’s interconnected world (a world where cross-cultural understanding is more important to employers than ever).
Hear from Arlene, an Actuarial Science student who completed a short-term study tour to Thailand through the New Colombo Plan which shaped her university experience.
For Arlene, this was an opportunity to apply her skills and knowledge in actuarial science on a global scale. Many students, like Arlene, use Curtin’s scholarships, funding and support to make these global opportunities possible.
From virtual internships to year-long exchanges, check out the programs we have to offer on our global experiences page.
There’s even the option of an intercampus exchange, with Curtin’s locations including Singapore, Dubai, Colombo and Malaysia. Each campus provides a unique international experience, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while continuing your studies.
Read more about our global locations.
Options
One of the best reasons to consider university is the flexibility it gives you to explore different life paths.
University education doesn’t lock you into any one career or industry. You will acquire the skills that make you an asset across various fields, can switch courses as you learn and may even use your degree as the foundation for further study down the line.
For Francesca Martino, Curtin’s Bachelor of Advanced Science made perfect sense – a practical degree, tailored to her interests with a solid pathway into Honours – but it wasn’t where her journey at university started.
“I originally enrolled in Curtin’s Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Science. Transferring to Curtin’s Bachelor of Advanced Science was a game-changer for me. The emphasis on practical experience through year-long projects in my second and third years has been invaluable. I’ve worked with cutting-edge technologies, including seeding and environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies, and gained skills in project management, writing and experimental design.”
Francesca Martino, Bachelor of Advanced Science (Environmental Science) (Honours)
It’s the additional experiences and projects Curtin offers which Francesca believes have broadened her skills and strengthened her applications for graduate jobs.
At Curtin, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, solve complex problems and communicate effectively – skills that are valuable no matter where your career takes you.
Create your Universe
In the end, choosing to go to university is about more than just earning a qualification – it’s about investing in your future, developing new skills and opening doors to opportunities you might not have considered before.
Here at Curtin, you won’t just walk away with a degree; you’ll graduate with real-world experience, industry connections and a global perspective that sets you apart. Whether it’s the hands-on learning, supportive community or world-class facilities, Curtin offers everything you need to succeed in today’s fast-evolving world.
If you’re ready to take the next step and create your Curtin Universe, check out the courses we have to offer here.
