WA’s Four Universities to Merge — What It Means for International Students

The Western Australian Government has officially announced a major structural reform of its higher education sector, with plans to consolidate the state’s four public universities — The University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, Murdoch University, and Edith Cowan University (ECU) — into two flagship institutions.

This significant overhaul has sparked widespread discussion across the country and may impact international students considering studying in WA or planning their long-term career pathways in Australia.

1. What Will the Two New Universities Look Like?

Under the current proposal, the four universities will be restructured into two core institutions:

• One research-intensive university, likely centred around UWA;
• One applied and industry-focused university, combining the strengths of Curtin, Murdoch and ECU.

This means changes could occur in course offerings, faculty structure, degree titles, and even CRICOS codes. For students planning to apply, it may affect admissions strategies, eligibility criteria, and how institutions are ranked.

2. Will This Impact Regional Campuses and Post-Study Work Visas?

At present, some campuses of Curtin, Murdoch and ECU — such as Joondalup and Mandurah — are classified as regional by the Australian Government, offering benefits such as:

• Up to 4 years of Post-Study Work Visas
• Additional migration points for studying in a designated regional area
• Access to local internships and government-backed programs

If campus classifications or university names change following the merger, there may be implications for these visa entitlements. Students should monitor announcements closely to ensure they still meet the criteria for regional benefits.

3. Expect Changes to Admissions and Application Systems

University mergers typically bring about transitional challenges, including:

• Temporary disruptions or changes to online application portals;
• Suspension or reconfiguration of existing pathway programs (such as Foundation or Diploma courses);
• Updated English language requirements, course prerequisites, and application procedures.

Students who are ready to apply are encouraged to submit applications early to avoid any confusion during the transition period. Those still planning should keep an eye on announcements and maintain flexible backup options.

4. New Opportunities: Greater Resources and Policy Support

While restructuring often brings short-term uncertainty, it can also create long-term benefits. The newly formed universities may become:

• Key recipients of government research and innovation funding;
• Hosts of globally attractive, high-quality programs;
• Better aligned with industry to enhance graduate employability.

For students aiming to stay in Australia post-graduation — whether through skilled migration or employment — these changes may lead to clearer and more direct pathways.

With such significant changes underway, early planning and accurate information are essential. Whether you’re preparing for the 2025/2026 intake or just beginning to explore your study and migration options, it’s crucial to revisit your course selection, university choices, and visa strategy in light of this reform.

If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.