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Edith Cowan University institutional logo

Edith Cowan University

Joondalup, Australia • Founded 1991 • QS 2027 #545

Updated Nov 2026 · Source: ecu.edu.au

Overview

English Name: Edith Cowan University
Acronyms: ECU
Founded: 1991
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #545 Times Higher Education 2026 #351-400 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #901-1000 CWTS Leiden 2025 #51 SCImago 2026 #817
Motto: Freedom Through Knowledge
Daily life at Edith Cowan University
1 / 4

Founded in 1991, the Edith Cowan University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Joondalup (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Australia.

This institution also has a branch campus in Mt Lawley and Bunbury. Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a large-sized coeducational Australian higher education institution.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 33-year-old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Australian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. ECU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Edith Cowan University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Address: 270 Joondalup Drive
Postal Code: 6027
Other Sites: Also Mount Lawley and South West (Bunbury) campuses
Phone: +61 (0)8 6304 0000
Fax: +61 (0)8 6304 2515
Social Media:

Academic Details

The numbers behind Edith Cowan University: student body, academic staff, and recognising bodies.

Academic Year: February to November (February-June; July-November). Summer Session: December-January.
Recognition: Department of Education and Training of Australia
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate with matriculation or recognized foreign equivalent
Student Enrollment: 15,000-19,999
Academic Staff Range: 600-699
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Australia Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL)

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Edith Cowan University are listed below.

Unit 9 items
  • ECU South West
  • School of Arts and Humanities
  • School of Business and Law
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Medical and Health Sciences
  • School of Nursing and Midwifery
  • School of Science
  • Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.

Business and Law (Faculty) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Law
  • Finance
  • Hotel Management
  • Human Resources
  • International Business
  • Law
  • Management
  • Tourism
Education and Arts (Faculty) 15 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Acting
  • Cinema and Television
  • Communication Arts
  • Cultural Studies
  • Dance
  • Design
  • Display and Stage Design
  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Photography
  • Public Relations
  • Theatre
Health, Engineering and Science (Faculty) 21 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Information Sciences
  • Marine Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sports
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Edith Cowan University are listed by degree level.

257 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Australia

Bachelor's Degree 70 programmes

Bachelor of Arts (Education Studies)
Education & Teaching · 156 weeks

Showing 10 of 70.

Honours Degree 21 programmes

Bachelor of Arts Honours
Linguistics & Language Studies · 52 weeks

Showing 10 of 21.

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master of Business Administration (Accelerated Online)
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 69 programmes

Master of Advanced Nursing
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Aviation Management
Aviation Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Bioinformatics
Biological Sciences · 104 weeks
Master of Business Psychology
Business Administration · 104 weeks

Showing 10 of 69.

Doctorate 4 programmes

Doctor of Philosophy (Joint - ECU home)
Philosophy & Ethics · 156 weeks
Doctor of Philosophy (Joint-ECU host)
Philosophy & Ethics · 156 weeks

Certificate 2 programmes

Certificate IV in Aboriginal Performance
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma 13 programmes

Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Diploma of Music
Music

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Diploma of Performance (Acting)
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Aviation
Aviation Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Sport Business
Sports Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma of Acting
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma of Environmental Health
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 13.

Postgraduate Certificate 48 programmes

Graduate Certificate in Aviation Management
Aviation Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Certificate in Children and Young People's Nursing
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Care of the Older Person
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Certificate in Creative Arts Entrepreneurship and Cultural Innovation
Visual Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing (Accelerated Online)
Creative Writing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Justice
Criminal Law & Justice

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 48.

Postgraduate Diploma 29 programmes

Graduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Entrepreneurship and Cultural Innovation
Visual Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing (Accelerated Online)
Creative Writing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Practice
Midwifery

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Diploma in News and Entertainment Media
Media Studies & Mass Media

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate Diploma in Screen Production
Film & Animation

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 29.

How to apply to Edith Cowan University

The application path for Edith Cowan University, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Edith Cowan University offers 257 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Edith Cowan University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Edith Cowan University's online portal at www.ecu.edu.au. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +61 (0)8 6304 0000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edith Cowan University

Quick answers to common questions about Edith Cowan University.

In what year was Edith Cowan University established?

Edith Cowan University was founded in 1991 (approximately 35 years ago).

Where can I find Edith Cowan University?

The institution is located in Joondalup, Australia.

Is Edith Cowan University public or private?

Edith Cowan University is a public institution.

How many students does Edith Cowan University have?

The institution has a student body of 15,000-19,999.

Where does Edith Cowan University stand in university rankings?

Edith Cowan University is ranked QS 2027 #545.

What programmes are available at Edith Cowan University?

Edith Cowan University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

How many faculties does Edith Cowan University have?

Edith Cowan University is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises Edith Cowan University?

The institution holds recognition from Department of Education and Training of Australia.

What is Edith Cowan University's official website?

Edith Cowan University's official website is www.ecu.edu.au.

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