At Curtin University, students from around the globe are gaining the English skills they need to study a degree in the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia.
Having good English skills is important if you want to study in Australia. But if your English isn’t yet strong enough, you may be worried about when and how to apply for a course in Australia.
Curtin University runs specific programs to help you improve your English so you can meet the requirements for studying a course at the university.
When you study at Curtin, you can be assured you’re studying at a highly credentialled university. Curtin ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025. Of WA’s public universities, we rank first for undergraduate full-time employment outcomes in the Good Universities Guide 2026. Also, the University continues to achieve the highest QS Stars rating possible for a tertiary institution: Five Stars Plus.
Curtin English programs
If you intend to study at Curtin University or at Curtin College, and you have a minimum IELTS score of 5.0, you can package your Curtin English course with your chosen academic program. Packaging your studies can streamline your enrolment and student visa application.
Curtin English offers several programs, each catering for different levels of English skill: General English with Navitas, Gateway English, and English Language Bridging. You can start your journey at a level that suits your skills, and progress through a tailored pathway until you reach the level you need for your degree course.
All programs are designed to help you feel more confident speaking and writing English, which not only helps you in your university classes, but also enables you to socialise outside the classroom.
Which Curtin English program is best for me?
- General English: This is for people who are just starting to learn English, and have an IELTS score from 3.0 or other recognised test equivalent. This is a full-time, in-person course delivered in Perth city by Navitas English, in partnership with Curtin University. You will develop your English language skills in the four core areas – reading, writing, listening and speaking – in everyday contexts. Passing General English will qualify you to study Gateway English.
- Gateway English: This program is for people with an IELTS score from 5.0, or other recognised test equivalent. This is an in-person course at our Perth campus. You will gain higher-level English language skills and general academic skills such as essay writing and group collaboration. You’ll also learn strategies to better manage your studies.
After studying Gateway English, you can study either English Language Bridging, or at Curtin College.
- English Language Bridging (ELB): This course is for people with an IELTS score from 5.5, or other recognised test equivalent. You’ll advance your English proficiency and gain the academic literacy and critical thinking skills that you need for your university or college studies.
- Curtin College: If you meet the required English score for your course, but lack other academic requirements, you have the option to study at Curtin College. Passing a Curtin College course gives you the skills you need to study at Curtin.
Why should I study a Curtin English program?
Curtin English programs are tailored to your English level and the specific requirements of your chosen degree, giving you the language skills and academic confidence you need to truly thrive at university in Australia.
1. Learn at your level
Our courses are matched to your current English proficiency and the requirements of your chosen degree, so you’re always learning at the right pace. Our classes are immersive, supportive and led by experts, showcased by our high success rate.
When I first started the Curtin English program, I had some basic English knowledge, but I was neither confident nor able to communicate effectively with others in English. Through continuous practice, encouragement from my teachers and interaction with classmates, I gradually built confidence and improved my fluency.
Now, I can communicate more naturally, accurately and confidently in English, both in academic and everyday situations.
Yilong Wi
Applied Science (Construction Management) and Curtin English
2. Gain academic skills
You’ll develop the skills that Australian universities expect: academic writing, research methods, critical thinking, presentations, and group work. These skills are crucial for academic study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Australia.
The ELB program gave me a strong foundation in academic skills such as writing, research and presentation, and helped me understand Australian academic culture, including critical thinking, group work and independent learning. I feel more prepared, confident and better equipped to succeed in my degree.
Maryam Parasjoo
Master of Engineering Management and Curtin English
3. Study on campus
You’ll study Gateway English and English Language Bridging on our Curtin Perth campus, with access to world-class facilities, libraries, student services, and a vibrant community. If you’re completing the General English program, you’ll study it out of the modern Navitas centre in the bustling area of Northbridge – right next to the city.
Campus life has been welcoming and vibrant. There are many opportunities to connect through events, clubs, and student support services, which made settling in much easier.
Zebib Baraki
Master of Human Rights and Global Engagement
4. Adjust life in Australia
Arriving in a new country is easier when you’re surrounded by people on the same journey. Curtin English brings together students from around the world, with teachers who genuinely care about your progress.
With practice, you will feel more confident speaking and writing English, which will assist you both inside and outside of your classes, and make it easier to meet new friends and find work opportunities.
My classmates are friendly, encouraging, and bring a positive energy to the classroom, and my teachers are incredibly supportive, motivating me to keep going even when I felt like giving up.
Selenge Ganbaatar
Master in Environment and Climate Emergency, and Curtin English
5. Streamline your university application
If you’re planning to study at Curtin University or Curtin College, your Curtin English course can be ‘packaged’ with your chosen undergraduate, postgraduate or diploma program. This means you apply for both at the same time, simplifying your student visa application and giving you one clear path to your future studies.
How do I package my Curtin English course?
You can apply for a Curtin English course at the same time as your chosen degree and package them together on your student visa. When you package your Curtin undergraduate or postgraduate course with your Curtin English course, you may be eligible to receive up to AUD$7,496 to put towards your university tuition fees.1
A step-by-step guide to packaging your Curtin English course.
- Log into our online application portal.
- Apply for an undergraduate, postgraduate program.
- Submit your Password results or results from any accepted English test.
- When asked: “Should you not meet the English language requirements for your course, would you like to be considered for a Curtin English pathway?” – select Yes.
- You will automatically receive a packaged offer with the required Curtin English pathway, based on your English test results.
We’ll only send you a packaged offer if your English test results show that a Curtin English pathway is required.
Find out more about the application process on the Curtin English page.
Find out more about Curtin English
Interested? To get more information about Curtin English and its programs, use the links below.
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Disclaimer
This post is correct as of March 2026 but is subject to change by Curtin University (in its sole discretion). Curtin University may change the content, and its location or blog, post, and web address. This post contains general information only. Users should consider how it applies to their personal circumstances and seek specific advice. This blog, post, and our website are not intended as, and shall not be construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice.
© Curtin University 2026.
