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Edith Cowan University

Established in 1991, Edith Cowan University has grown rapidly into a quality university with excellent student satisfaction and internationally recognised research.

About Edith Cowan University (ECU)

ECU is one of Australia's youngest universities, named after one of Australia's most inspiring women. 

Since 1991, ECU has reshaped the way higher education is delivered.

ECU's higher education delivery approach has been rewarded with five-star ratings for undergraduate teaching quality for the past 18 consecutive years, with top ratings for overall experience, learning resources, skills development, and student support, in the Good Universities Guide, Australia's largest course comparison website.

ECU's courses are developed in consultation with industry and their teaching staff bring extensive knowledge and networks to engage and inspire students. Work integrated learning placements, fieldwork, practicums, and networking events are just a few of the opportunities students can expect as part of their ECU journey.

Campuses

Edith Cowan University's main campus is located in the suburb of Joondalup in Perth, Western Australia and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a sport and fitness centre, an award-winning library and student hub, an outdoor cinema and on-campus accommodation.

ECU's newest campus, ECU City, is located in Perth's city centre. ECU City represents the future of university education - a place where technology, industry, and creativity meet to deliver the creative thinkers the world needs. ECU City is where the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is located, as well as courses in business, law, technology, and humanities.

ECU's South West campus is located in Bunbury, a 2-hour drive south of Perth. This campus offers courses in arts, business, nursing, science, medical and health science, teaching, and social work. 

ECU also has a campus in Sri Lanka, located in Colombo.

Rankings & strengths

Australian universities are ranked by independent ranking organisations that collect and compare university performance data. Click the link below to discover an up-to-date list of ECU's global rankings.

Looking at the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, UWA ranks in the top 200 for the following subjects:

  • Sports-related subjects
  • Nursing
  • Performing Arts
  • Hospitality and Leisure Management
  • Engineering - Petroleum
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Edith Cowan University ranked 50th in the world for Sports-related subjects.

Is ECU the right university for you?

The right university for you will depend on what you want to study, where you want to live, the type of campus experience you prefer and the learning environment that helps you perform at your best.

Edith Cowan University has more than 30,000 students and offers study across areas including business and law, education, engineering, health, nursing, science, arts, and humanities, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Explore more of Western Australia's five universities.

Entry pathways to ECU

Each institution has its own selection criteria and application process. Use StudyPerth's course search tool to research your desired course and its entry requirements. Use StudyPerth's application guide to get started with your application.

Finally, if you want to study at a university but don’t meet the entry requirements, you can undertake a bridging or foundation course to help you get into university, known as Pathway studies. Edith Cowan College is Edith Cowan University's on-campus pathway to studying a university degree. 

How much does it cost to study at ECU?

Tuition fees vary depending on your level and field of study. Courses at Edith Cowan University can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for international students. Some specialised programs and postgraduate degrees may fall outside this range.

Use StudyPerth's course search tool to find and compare pricing for a range of courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

ECU has campuses at Joondalup, Perth city, and Bunbury, and is known for its teaching quality, nursing and education programs, cyber security research and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. StudyPerth's Course Search Tool lists its campuses, course areas and CRICOS code.
ECU suits students drawn to nursing, education, cyber security or the creative and performing arts, and those who value strong teaching support and a choice of campus locations across Perth and the South West. Use StudyPerth's Course Search Tool to compare education providers in Western Australia.

Study areas available at the institution

Edith Cowan University offers courses across a range of disciplines:

  • Business & Management
  • Creative Arts
  • Engineering & Mathematics
  • Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Law, Legal Studies & Justice
  • Medical & Health Sciences
  • Property & Built Environment
  • Sciences
  • Teaching & Education