How to Apply to Computer Science at Curtin University: The Bachelor of Computing With Computer Science, Cyber Security and Software Engineering Majors, A-level, IB, Gaokao and Canadian Requirements, English, Fees, Scholarships and Credit

Curtin University is in Perth, Western Australia. Its undergraduate computer science is a major within the Bachelor of Computing (B-COMP). This guide covers 2027 entry, based on Curtin’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. The degree

• Length and intakes: three years full-time on campus in Perth (also offered at Curtin Singapore), with Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July) intakes; CRICOS 0100817.
• Three majors: after programming fundamentals and theory, you choose a major. Computer Science covers software design, algorithm analysis, artificial intelligence, computer communications, databases and graphics, with a strong mathematical and logical emphasis. The others are Cyber Security and Software Engineering.
• What you use: C and Java for core concepts such as object orientation and algorithms, with Linux skills taught from basic to advanced.
• Placements: Curtin works with industry partners on course content and offers final-year placement opportunities to suitable students, not to everyone.
• Honours: students who perform well in first year can apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Computing) honours degree; acceptance is not automatic.
• Accreditation: the course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

2. Entry: overview

• Guaranteed ATAR 80 or an equivalent overseas qualification, plus the prerequisite and English requirements.
• Prerequisites: the Computer Science and Cyber Security majors need mathematics including calculus; Software Engineering needs mathematics. No desirable subjects are listed.
• Equivalents shown on the course page: 8 points from the best three A-levels (A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1); IB Diploma 30; Canadian provincial high school diploma 70%; HKDSE 18.

3. Entry: students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: the country lookup on the course page loads dynamically, so the Gaokao score for this course is not shown in Curtin’s static pages; use the lookup on the course page or ask Curtin International. For reference, Curtin’s overseas qualifications list for courses requiring ATAR 70 sets 67% of the maximum (for example 503/750); the Bachelor of Computing requires ATAR 80, so the score will be higher.
• Calculus: Curtin does not say whether Chinese high school mathematics meets the “including calculus” requirement for the Computer Science major; confirm with Curtin.
• A-levels: 8 points from the best three, with mathematics.
• IB Diploma: 30, with mathematics.
• AP: for ATAR 70 courses, Curtin’s list places AP under US qualifications: a US high school diploma plus two to four AP exams totalling 6. The requirement for this higher-ranked course is not published; US-curriculum students should ask Curtin.

4. Entry: students at Canadian high schools

• Provincial high school diploma (including BC): 70% with mathematics, including calculus for the Computer Science major. Curtin does not say which BC course meets the calculus requirement, so ask Curtin.
• IB or A-levels in Canada: the same scores as above.

5. English

• Curtin gives two different figures: the Bachelor of Computing page lists IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 in each band, while the English requirements page lists an undergraduate minimum of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. To be safe, prepare for 6.5 and confirm with Curtin.
• Other tests (English requirements page minimums): PTE 58 (from August 2026: Listening 50, Reading 50, Writing 51, Speaking 54); TOEFL iBT 81 (from June 2026: Reading 16, Listening 16, Speaking 19, Writing 19; 79 before that); new-format TOEFL (1–6 scale) 4.5 overall. Tests must be within two years of applying, from one sitting.
• School qualifications: an A-level English subject at E or above; an IB English subject at 4 or above; AP English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition at 3 or above; SAT (2016 onward) of 1000 or above with at least 400 in each section.
• Canadian students: a Canadian (except Quebec) high school diploma with 60% or more in final-year English meets the requirement.
• Not there yet: you can package a Curtin English course with the degree.

6. Transfer and credit

• Credit for recognised learning (CRL): Admissions assesses credit for previous university or vocational study when you apply, and the result appears in your offer. International applicants can choose not to be assessed. After admission you can apply for more credit, or for an assessment you skipped, with course outlines, transcripts and certificates. Course-specific credit rules are in Curtin’s Handbook.
• Applying with university study: if your overseas high school qualification is not listed, at least one year of full-time study at a recognised overseas university may give entry.
• English: at least one year of full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at a recognised university in Canada, the US, Singapore or South Africa meets the English requirement.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: about AU$45,112 for the first year in 2027 (based on 200 credits) and about AU$135,336 for the course. Fees are reviewed each year and may rise; administrative and incidental fees and textbooks are extra.
• These three scholarships are for self-funded international students starting at Curtin’s Western Australian campuses from 2027 and are assessed automatically when you apply:
  • John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship: 40% off tuition for up to four years of a bachelor degree; needs a weighted average of 95% or equivalent in your most recent study, and 70% or above from the second semester;
  • Curtin Global Merit Scholarship: 20% off tuition for up to four years; needs a Distinction-level result or equivalent;
  • Global Future Leaders Scholarship: a one-off AU$10,000 tuition credit; needs a Credit-level result or equivalent and at least a year and a half of study in Western Australia.
• Note: Curtin does not publish how the Gaokao, A-levels, IB or Canadian grades map to these levels; Admissions decides.

8. Timeline (2027 entry, Perth)

• Semester 1: international applications close on 28 January 2027; Semester 2 closes on 1 July 2027. Visa processing times and packaged English courses mean you should apply earlier.
• How to apply: through a registered Curtin agent or Curtin’s online application. Student visa holders must study full-time on campus.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China (Gaokao, A-level, IB, AP):

• A-level 8 points from the best three or IB 30, with mathematics (including calculus for the Computer Science major)
• Check Gaokao and AP scores with the course page lookup or Curtin International
• Prepare for IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band); Semester 1 closes on 28 January 2027

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• A 70% provincial diploma with mathematics including calculus; 60% in final-year English meets the English requirement

Transfer students:

• Credit is assessed when you apply; a year of full-time university study can support entry
• Strong first-year results let you apply to transfer to the computing honours degree

Sources: Curtin University, Bachelor of Computing; Applying with overseas qualifications; Overseas qualifications recognised by Curtin (PDF); English language requirements; Accepted English qualifications and tests; How to apply as an international student; Credit for recognised learning; International scholarships; John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship; Curtin Global Merit Scholarship; Global Future Leaders Scholarship. Information is for 2027 entry. Check Curtin for the latest details.