Applying
Undergraduate
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.
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
Our postgraduate courses include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters by coursework, Masters by research and Doctorates or PhDs.
International
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.
What are my options?
Watch our short explainer video about your options, then find yourself in one of the four categories below.
Select the category that best describes your background. You don't have to meet all of the points listed.
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
-
- 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 may also be required to have WACE and to satisfy English competency.
- If you're not in Year 12 but have an ATAR, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course. You may also be required to have WACE and to satisfy English competency.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you have no ATAR or VET qualifications, but you've achieved WACE, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course through our Experience Based Entry Scheme or the Creative Arts Portfolio Entry.
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
-
- 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.
- 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.
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
-
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.
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
-
- 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.
And a non-refundable application fee is payable for some courses, e.g. acting, contemporary music, or dance. In 2018 the fee is $75.
If you want to apply for a WAAPA course, you can apply direct to us.
Note If you're an ATAR student completing year 12 and you're interested in studying either a Bachelor of Music, or Performing Arts (Performance Making), or Arts (Arts Management), or Education (Secondary), specialising in Music Education, you'll need to apply via TISC AND apply direct to us.

WA Screen Academy
The Screen Studies major (Bachelor of Media and Communications degree) is only available if you have an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media or equivalent.
You can apply if you have a Diploma of Screen and Media, but you’ll need to complete a transitional semester (60 credit points) to qualify.
Talk to us if you need to check your eligibility. If you are eligible, you can apply direct to us.
Note You'll need to attend an interview after you've completed your application. See our auditions and interviews page for details.
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 semester 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 semester timetable and that you meet unit prerequisites per our handbook.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
General applications
Choose your course type from the options below and click through to apply.
Graduate Certificate
Let's go straight through to our online application portal.
Apply NowGraduate Diploma
Most of our Graduate Diplomas have straightforward application requirements. Check the course web page for any specialised prerequisites.
Apply NowMasters by Coursework
Most coursework Masters have straightforward application requirements. Check the course web page for any specialised prerequisites.
Apply NowMasters 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.
Note If you're a citizen of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda or Zambia, we may require you to apply via an ECU Authorised Agent.
Apply Direct to UsImportant 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Apply Direct to Us Find an Authorised AgentCountries with special arrangements
If you're a citizen of India, Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe you must apply through an ECU authorised agent.
Find an Authorised AgentApplying for a 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.
Note If you're a citizen of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh or Nigeria, we may require you to apply via an ECU Authorised Agent.
Apply Direct to UsImportant 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
We welcome you as an official ECU student. You should then review our pre-departure information, attend orientation and enrol in your study units.