Why is Edith Cowan University (ECU) the University for You?
Did you know that Hugh Jackman actually turned down a role in the famous soap opera 'Neighbours' to study ECU's very own Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts?
But guess what, Hugh Jackman isn't ECU's only TSP. ECU has been a top choice for students from around the world for a long time and there are 101 reasons why.
But before we get into all the reasons why ECU is the perfect university for you, here's a little something on the University's cool history.
The History of Edith Cowan University
Did you know that Edith Cowan University's origins date back to 1902 with the establishment of Claremont Teachers College, the first tertiary education institution in Western Australia? It was named after the first woman to be elected to Australian Parliament, Edith Dircksey Cowan, and is the only Australian university named after a woman.
Edith Cowan obtained government support for her scheme that worked to raise funds for students to attend universities in other states prior to a university being built in Western Australia. Her work in this area was acknowledged by naming Western Australia's oldest education institution and newest university after her, as well as her image being added to the Australian $50 note.
Why Should You Study at ECU?
Established in 1991, ECU has grown rapidly into a quality university with excellent student satisfaction and internationally recognised research. Students and graduates at ECU are amongst the best in the world, with many fulfilling crucial roles in society. Their outstanding achievements have been recognised throughout Australia and internationally through awards, grants, scholarships, and prizes.
Where is ECU?
Edith Cowan University or ECU is situated in Western Australia with more than 30,000 students at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels out of which approximately 6,000 are international students that come from all over the world. It offers more than 300 courses and has partnerships with several educational institutions to conduct courses on campus and offshore. It is no surprise that ECU is a top choice for students. Its focus on teaching and research is inspired by engagement and partnerships with those in a variety of different communities.
How are the Courses Developed at ECU?
ECU courses are developed in consultation with various industries, and the teaching staff have extensive industry experience and are well networked. It's why ECU students can expect placement opportunities, fieldwork, practicums, and networking events as part of their studies. This approach has been rewarded with five-star ratings for undergraduate teaching quality over the past fifteen years, along with consistently high ratings for overall education experience and skills development, as reported in the Good Universities Guide.
ECU'S eight Schools collectively deliver more than 250 diverse courses across Medical & Health Sciences, Engineering, Education, Arts & Humanities, Business & Law, Nursing & Midwifery, Science, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Did You Know?
ECU is home to the world-renowned Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, the oldest and most popular School of Education in Western Australia, the largest Nursing programme in the State, and Kurongkurl Katitjin, their Centre for Australian Indigenous Education and Research.
ECU Rankings
ECU has received various subject rankings, including top 250 in Education and top 300 in Business and Economics by Times Higher Education (THE), and 41st globally in Hospitality and Tourism Management by Shanghai Ranking. It is also ranked within the top 30 in the world for some subjects according to other ranking bodies.
- Times Higher Education (THE): Education Studies: Top 250
- Times Higher Education (THE): Business and Economics: Top 300
- Shanghai Ranking: Hospitality and Tourism Management: 41st
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: Ranks within the top 30 for specific subjects
ECU Has 3 Campuses to Choose From
With 3 campuses in Western Australia, offering modern and vibrant locations for students to study and learn, it's no surprise that ECU is sought after by a tonne of international students.
Nothing like a variety of choices when trying to pick the perfect location. So, here's a little bit about each campus.
- Joondalup Campus: This campus is the university's headquarters and boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a health and wellness building, a multi-million-dollar sport and fitness centre, an award-winning library and student hub, and outdoor cinema for summer months, and incredible on-campus housing.
- Mount Lawley Campus: The Mount Lawley campus is only minutes from Perth, CBD, and the Beaufort Street Cafe strip. It is equipped with extensive teaching resources, first-rate IT and performing arts facilities, a sport, and fitness centre, and on-campus accommodation. The campus is also home to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
- Southwest Campus: Located two hours away from the south of Perth, the Southwest Campus (Bunbury) is within easy reach of the world-famous Margaret River region. The Campus is the largest university campus outside the metropolitan area and features modern facilities, small class sizes, a comprehensive range of courses, and on-campus accommodation.
For more information on ECU, campuses visit their website, click this link Edith Cowan University Western Australia - World Ready (ecu.edu.au), and check out their interactive and downloadable campus maps.
ECU'S Teaching Schools
ECU is organised into 8 teaching schools with each school responsible for ongoing research programmes. Clearly, they have something in store for everyone, irrespective of their passions and interests. Here's the list.
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Science
- Kurongkurl Katitjin
- Business and Law
- Engineering
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
- ECU Southwest
ECU Offer Scholarships to International Students
Of course, when thinking about studying abroad expenses would definitely be on one's mind. But ECU has got that covered. The following are the three international student scholarships available at ECU.
- International Undergraduate Scholarship: It provides students with a 20% deduction on the whole tuition fee.
- International Master Scholarship: Students can get 20% off the first-year tuition fee.
- Welcome to ECU Online Scholarship: The university offers a 30% deduction on tuition fees each semester off campus.
ECU Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are offered to PhD students. They provide a stipend of AU $28,600 per annum, a relocation allowance, and an Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC).
Work-Integrated (WIL) Learning at ECU
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a learning experience that allows students to develop their skills in the workplace. What it lets you do is apply the knowledge and practical skills you develop in the classroom to a professional environment relevant to your area of study. This is a compulsory module and is aimed at making sure that you are future ready.
Types of Work-Integrated (WIL) Placements
There are two common types of placements for students doing work-integrated learning. They are:
Unpaid Placements: Here students complete a 450-hour unpaid placement (full-time for 12 weeks (or a part-time equivalent). During this time students become fully integrated into the workplace and complete projects that demonstrate meaningful placement outcomes. Any part-time work must be worked around the WIL placement. Students completing an unpaid placement are fully covered by university insurance for the duration of their placement.
Paid Placements: Paid placements including scholarships, Summer Vacation programmes, and internships offered by large companies are accepted as WIL options (if they meet the 450-hour WIL requirement). The best part? You get to decide and then discuss it with the WIL coordinator, to make sure it's compatible before you apply.
Top ECU Facilities for International Students
No matter what campus you are studying at or even if you are studying online, ECU offers a variety of great facilities, to make sure you have the best university experience.
Apart from the cafes, taverns, ATMs, bookshops, gyms, sports centres, and libraries, you will find heaps of useful services, as well. Here are a few.
- Wireless Networks: Available on all campuses. Multimedia equipment can be borrowed through campus multimedia centres
- Computing Facilities: On-campus 24/7 e-Labs for PC and Mac users, with the latest software
- Software for Home Use: Software for home use through licence agreements negotiated on behalf of students
- Security: Security officers are available on campus 24/7 to assist and protect students, visitors, and staff
- Student Guild: Run by ECU students and provides academic, social, and financial assistance, organises events, supports student clubs, and offers member discounts
Accommodation is available on all three campuses in the student villages. Everything you would require is within walking distance and also easily accessible by public transport.
Here are a few more reasons why you should join ECU:
- You can join a Quidditch Club.
- You can practice Law in a Moot Court.
- You can solve crimes in a Forensics Simulation centre.
- There's a Broadcast Studio produced entirely by students.
- You can be a Paramedic in Virtual Reality.
So, what are you waiting for?
Check out the AECC Course Search to finalise your course of study. For more information on studying at ECU, contact our expert counsellors at AECC.