In 1987 Curtin University of Technology became Western Australia’s third university and Australia’s first university of technology.

Curtin made the transition from the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) to a university with the passing of an Act of Parliament in December 1986, accepting its first students as a university in 1987.

The Curtin name was taken from the influential and widely revered former Prime Minister of Australia, John Curtin. Remembered as a true statesman, Curtin held office during World War II from 1941-1945, when he died in office only six weeks before the Japanese surrender. He led Australia through some of its darkest years with resolute tenacity and will be remembered by Australians, regardless of their political leanings, as one of the country’s greatest leaders.

Now, more than 50 years after his death, Curtin University still strives to honour John Curtin’s values of vision, leadership and community service. We believe our innovative curriculum, world-class research and dedication to community service embrace John Curtin’s values.

Curtin was established in 1966 as the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT). It gained university status and was renamed Curtin University of Technology in 1987. In 2011 it became Curtin University.

John Curtin, from whom the University takes its name, is widely considered to be one of the country’s greatest leaders. He was Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to 1945, when he died in office.

Study areas
Centre for Aboriginal Studies
Curtin Business School
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Science and Engineering