Study Abroad Gateway Program
The Faculty of Science and Engineering operates the Study Abroad Gateway Program, which has developed from the positive relationships between this faculty and our partner universities, primarily in North America. The program has expanded over the years and is now the preferred program for many students wishing to study in Australia due to the high degree of personal care and ongoing support throughout their experience. Eligible students have the option of studying at Curtin for one or two semesters.
You don't need to be a Science and Engineering major to participate - we welcome students from all disciplines and have had a number of students from Liberal Arts, Psychology, Education, Social Sciences and other majors take part in our program. Students are welcome to choose units from other teaching faculties at Curtin and we are happy to assist you when considering units for credit at your university. In addition to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin has three other faculties from which units can be taken: Health Sciences, Humanities and the Curtin Business School. Browse our courses handbook for more information about what you can study at Curtin.
The study abroad office at your university will be able to assist you in choosing a Curtin course with units equivalent to what you currently study. Alternatively,contact the Study Abroad Office with the details of the course you wish to study. We will let you know if it contains equivalent units.
Orientation and support services
We understand how difficult and often daunting it can be to travel abroad, being on the other side of the world away from ones family and friends. Consequently the Gateway Program is designed to give you the best possible care and support from the moment you arrive at the airport.
You will be met at the airport and from there you will be accommodated in a Perth hotel for the first few days after you arrive. A member of our study abroad team will meet with you each day and you will commence an extensive two-week orientation program. This will include accompanied city and suburb day trips, which will help you in finding your way to the beach, shopping centres and other places of interest. The orientation program will also include an adventurous 4 day rural excursion which will involve fun activities such as abseiling (similar to rappelling), swimming at the beach, hiking, learning about the Australian outback and more. The program will conclude with information about Curtin's facilities and services and general information about living and studying in Perth.
As a Study Abroad Gateway Student you will receive the absolute best ongoing care and support during your stay, with dedicated advisors on hand at all times to assist with any problem that may arise, academic or otherwise. They will assist with your scheduling prior to the start of classes and will meet with you regularly to make sure everything is going well. Advisors will also organise various social events throughout the semester and provide you with opportunities to get involved in volunteering and community development activities.
How Do I Apply?
Download the Application form [.pdf].
Eligible students can choose to study abroad for either one or two teaching semesters. The first semester program begins in February and concludes in July, the second semester program begins in July and concludes in November. You may commence in either semester. Curtin's minimum requirements for entry are a Grade Point Average of 2.75*. You will need to submit a statement of purpose and academic references. To find out more about eligibility you should consult the study abroad office at your home institution as the requirements for participation can vary between universities.
*Interested students with a GPA slightly under 2.75 may be given consideration based on individual merit and should our Study Abroad Office.
Applications Deadlines
Applications for Semester 2 (July - November), close 1st April*
Applications for Semester 1 (Feb - June), close 1st October*
* The dates above apply only to the Study Abroad Gateway Program in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Should you wish to apply after the application deadline has passed, please contact the Study Abroad Office as some flexibility may be possible.
