Prospective students were given an up-close look at ECU's capabilities.
The sun was shining and the energy was unmistakable, as record numbers turned out for Open Day at Edith Cowan University (ECU) South West's Bunbury Campus.
By midday, more than 900 prospective students, alongside their friends and families, had descended on the Campus. Across the three-hour event, from 10am to 1pm, a total of 1,240 people experienced firsthand what ECU South West has to offer, a sharp rise from almost 800 attendees in 2025.
For Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd, the numbers reflect something deeper.
"This isn't just about Open Day attendance, it's about connection," Professor Rudd said.
"Students and families are coming here to see what their future could look like, in a place that genuinely knows them, supports them and is part of their community."
Professor Rudd said ECU South West continues to play a critical role in meeting the region's demand for skills, jobs and industry-ready graduates.
"Regional education is essential to the future of the South West. We are working with local industries to ensure our courses align with real workforce needs, so students can study here and step into meaningful careers here," she said.
"What makes ECU South West, being the Bunbury campus and the ECU Learning Centre Busselton, special is the experience. Smaller class sizes, direct access to lecturers and learning support, strong industry connections and a real sense of belonging. That's something students feel the moment they arrive."
Open Day gave visitors the chance to explore courses, ask questions and get a clear sense of where their studies could take them.
For many, it was also an opportunity to experience ECU's facilities and hands-on learning environments.
The virtual hospital in the School of Nursing and Midwifery proved especially popular, with crowds gathering to interact with virtual patients in a simulated clinical setting.
Science labs were equally busy, with visitors examining underwater invertebrates through microscopes while speaking directly with lecturers and Student Ambassadors about environmental management and conservation.
Future teachers explored the demonstration classroom designed for Early Childhood and Primary education, while across the campus, Arts and Humanities, Business and Law, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences and the WAAPA performers all drew strong interest.
Student Life teams were also on hand, speaking with attendees about the support available throughout their studies, from academic advice to counselling and accommodation.
Professor Rudd said the day reinforces ECU South West's role as both a university campus supported by regional learning centres, and a community resource.
"We are here to support ambition in all its forms," she said.
"Whether students are the first in their family to consider university, looking to change careers, or ready to take the next step straight out of school, ECU South West offers a pathway that is personal, practical and connected to where they want to go."
If you missed ECU South West Open Day, you can explore courses and connect with staff via the ECU South West website.
