There are several reasons students choose to study at Curtin College, Australia

A Bridge To Achievement

There are several reasons students choose to study at Curtin College, but for many location, flexible entry options, and a stimulating learning environment feature at the top of the list, finds Ivor Vaz.

"A bridge between college and university." That's what Dr Maria Fiocco, College Director & Principal, Curtin College, chooses to describe her institution. An Australian tertiary education provider located on the main campus of Curtin University in Perth, WA, Curtin College is the integrated pathway provider to the University for local and international students, delivering pre-university and diploma programs that articulate students on to Year 2 of the Curtin Bachelor Degree. Earlier known as Curtin International College and now rechristened Curtin College, the institution first enrolled students in 2000. "The reason we changed the name is because we wanted to profile ourselves with the domestic students as well. And since we've done that, we've had a 15% increase in domestic students," Maria informs. Curtin College has always positioned itself as the major pathway to Curtin University. The strong partnership between the University and the College allows students to experience studying in a university environment and on successful completion of the Diploma articulate to Curtin undergraduate courses. Since 2001, over 5,800 Curtin College graduates have entered the second year of Curtin Bachelor degree programs. Among the courses on offer are university level Diploma programs in Commerce, Arts and Creative Industries, Built Environment including Architecture, IT, Engineering, Health Sciences and Humanities. The Diploma is equivalent to Curtin University's Year 1 Degree Program. All students who successfully complete the Curtin College Diploma and who have met the minimum academic entry requirements are guaranteed entry and advanced standing into relevant undergraduate programs at Curtin University. In addition, Curtin College delivers the Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Program, which consists of eight pre-university level units studied over a period of two to three trimesters. For most courses, progression to Diploma requires a pass grade of 50% or better. Curtin is committed to innovative, modern teaching methods and has the highest academic standards. With a wide range of programs, it provides students with access to a broad range of learning opportunities that will meet their needs in a changing global education environment. In addition, Perth and WA offer international students a vibrant and attractive way of life with opportunities that complement the unique study environment that Curtin College and Curtin University offer. Internationalisation is one aspect Curtin is very serious about. "We've been fortunate in that aspect," says Maria. "We offer a unique international and cross-cultural learning experience with students from over 100 countries. We do not rely on any one nationality for sourcing students. But I guess you can say that about WA's education providers as a whole. We are fortunate to have a very multicultural profile." "India is a very important market for Curtin. We don't have the numbers yet, but we are very keen to bring Indian students to our campus," admits Maria. "The challenge for us is to reach out to Indian parents and educate them about the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and our pathway models, which allow students to move easily from one level of study to the next and from one institution to another. Curtin College is a nationally accredited institution and upon successful completion of a diploma guarantees students articulation from high school to university. That gives our students a definite advantage over their peers when it comes to university admissions." Adds Maria: "Apart from academic and language skills, we also teach our students to be culturally sensitive. We have an orientation program that helps international students acclimatise faster. We try and provide a supportive and safe environment for our students. At Curtin College you will always find a caring community with staff dedicated to making your time here rewarding and enjoyable." So, if you're thinking about doing a university degree in Australia, but are worried about how you'll cope in a large university campus away from the comfort of home, Curtin College may well be your answer. Not to forget, it shares Curtin University's commitments and will prepare you for a wonderfully successful university experience. For further info, log on to www.curtincollege.edu.au.