STEM Study
ECU is a massive supporter of studies in STEM. And with an increasing number of jobs requiring creative thinking, problem solving and collaboration, supported by knowledge of subjects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, we'll prepare you for the future by building your STEM skills.
Why study at ECU?
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A great student experience
As an ECU undergraduate, you can expect the best overall student experience of any of the 38 public universities in Australia. More about QILT.
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The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 18 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
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One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
Skills for now and into the future
Students programming a robot
As the world of work changes, through automation, globalisation and the explosion in digital technologies, we need to change our skills to match.
In fact, it's predicted that future workers will spend more than double the time on job tasks that require science, maths and critical thinking than happens today.
This is why STEM is so important.
ECU's STEM Superstars
It's good to know that when you study at ECU, we have staff who are exceptional role models in the world of STEM. Meet two of them here.
Global adventure a dream come true for Shannon
Each year, a cohort of STEM educators, researchers and innovators are chosen by a panel of leaders in their fields to join a 12-month leadership program. In 2024, ECU Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Coastal Ecologist Dr Shannon Dee was selected.
Creative thinking leads to superstar status for Chandra
Professor Chandra Salgado Kent from ECU's School of Science and the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research is a marine scientist who's taking a creative approach to making positive change in conservation science that includes using satellite trackers and drones.
STEM student stories
Paige turns to crime for a life in the lab
Like many school leavers, working out what she wanted to study at uni was a bit of a challenge for Paige Smith. She had a passion for all things science from a very young age, but where to start?
How a high school dropout discovered the magic of physics
"If you told me 10 years ago I'd be at university studying physics, I'd have laughed at you." Meet Nathan Pittaway, a mature age uni student in the process of changing his life, one physics exam at a time.
Courses
What can you study here?
To help our domestic and international students with a career direction, we group similar fields of work into study areas.
Within the five study areas below you'll find both undergraduate (first degree) and postgraduate courses in the range of STEM fields.
Why wait until university?
At ECU, our School of Engineering has programs for high school students who are interested in STEM subjects.
Engineering and technology workshops
Our CREATE program offers practical workshops where students can explore STEM disciplines in a fun way with industry professionals. Check it out in this short video.
CREATE Creating Real Engineering and Technology Experiences
The IGNIS Mission Student Interns Program
High school students with an interest in space and engineering can join ECU's engineering experts and space industry professionals as part of this mission to design, build and launch a satellite into Low Earth Orbit.
Cargo spaceship orbits Earth
Download a guide
If you prefer paper over pixels, please download one of our guides.
Domestic Students
International Students
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Experience STEM at ECU.
Facilities
View our facilities
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Exercise Physiology Lab
Exercise Physiology Lab
View a 360 Degree virtual tour of the Exercise Physiology Lab -
Cyber Security Training Room
Cyber Security Training Room
View a 360 Degree virtual tour of the Cyber Security Training Room -
Science Superlab 2
Science Superlab 2
View a 360 Degree virtual tour of the Science Superlab 2 -
Science Superlab 1
Science Superlab 1
View a 360 Degree virtual tour of the Science Superlab 1
Student stories
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The lecturers at ECU are lifelong professionals who have extensive experience in the subjects they are teaching
During my study I've found that the lecturers at ECU are lifelong professionals who have extensive experience in the subjects they are teaching, rather than just an academic background. This makes the lectures very interesting, as we get to learn about real world issues and solutions. There are many opportunities for developing important contacts within the industry. Representing the university at two major industry conferences allowed me to develop critical networks in Federal and State law enforcement, and private industry.
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There are fantastic opportunities to learn and grow and it looks great on your resume!
One of the things I didn't know before I started my course was the plethora of opportunities ECU provides to students – from networking events to volunteering opportunities. It has been the most valuable aspect for me and helped me get involved with running and attending different workshops to spread knowledge about cyber security and to learn about what it's like working within the industry.
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What amazed me is the amount of practical units my course has
I've always been passionate about wildlife and the environment, so I chose to study Biological Sciences at ECU. Before starting my studies, I didn't know how hands on my course would be.
I've participated in a lot of lab work, been able to use modern equipment and even gone on camps as well. The lecturers have been amazing. They are so enthusiastic about the subjects they teach and are extremely knowledgeable.
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.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
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.