With applications in for 2027, plenty of Perth students are weighing up where to study. One future student has a good problem: a 20 per cent scholarship from both Edith Cowan University and Curtin University, for a career in data analytics.
Their shortlist was practical. ECU's campus is about 2km from home, its building is modern and everything is under one roof. Curtin is around a 15-minute commute, with a spread-out campus. Both offer graduate employment support, with ECU's running for 14 months after graduation and Curtin's for 12.
What locals said
The most common answer from Perth locals: it depends on the course.
"If you're going into mining or anything related to the resources industry, Curtin is a no-brainer. For pretty much everything else, I'd personally lean towards ECU." - Perth local
Several people praised ECU's teaching, with one saying staff "actually put effort into teaching you". Others simply said Curtin, pointing to its stronger overall reputation.
The student confirmed their offer is at ECU's new City campus in the Perth CBD, next to Yagan Square. One local noted that ECU runs data analytics through both its business school, based in the city, and its science school at Joondalup, so it is worth checking which one your course sits in.
Photo: Gardens on Curtin University's Bentley campus, by Orderinchaos via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Before you accept
Compare unit outlines, internship links and timetables for your specific course on the ECU and Curtin websites, and check offer and change-of-preference dates with TISC.
Sources: Edith Cowan University; Curtin University; TISC; comments from Perth locals.
Photo (top): ECU's City campus in the Perth CBD, May 2026, by Calistemon via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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