High school student resources

How can we help?

Throughout your time at high school, and as you get closer to graduating, we know you’ll have lots of questions about what to study, the differences between school and uni, and just generally need some advice. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about how to successfully transition from high school to university.

Use these handy links to jump to the section you’re looking for.

Choosing your course
Exam tips and tools
How to apply
Scholarships and finance
Common questions
Before you start uni

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Scholarships Information Session

Join our online Scholarships Information Session on Tuesday 5 August to explore the wide range of scholarships available – and get tips on how to write a standout application.

Learn more

What are you thinking?

“I’m not sure what I want to study”

Use the resources below to help you explore your interests and find out which courses complement your abilities and future goals.

Career quiz
Explore our courses
Year 10 resources

“I’m ready to apply”

You know exactly what you want to study and Curtin’s where you want to do it. If you’re ready to study with us, follow these steps to apply.

1. Check for prerequisites
2. Find your pathway
3. Apply via TISC

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Take me to exam tips

Discover a course you’re passionate about

What fascinates you? What makes you tick? Understanding yourself and what you enjoy is the first step towards choosing a uni course that’s right for you.

Explore the many possibilities that could suit your personality with our 5-minute quiz, Find U.

Try our quiz

Explore tailored entry pathway options

The pathway finder tool can help you determine entry pathway options for your chosen course based on your current or predicted qualifications.

Utilise our pathway finder

Young female student in front of a purple background.

Day in the life of Curtin business student, Angela! - play video

Check out a day in the life of Curtin student and Vice President of the Curtin Women in Business club, Angela Pua, including business meetings and a paint and sip event!

See how others got in

Students gain admission to Curtin via a range of different pathways, not just on the basis of their high school results. You may be able to get in on the basis of your study at another university or vocational institute, completing a bridging course or submitting a portfolio of your work.

For a rough indication of where you stand when it comes to gaining admission, check out these reports that show how our students got in:

See a breakdown of the pathways students took to get into your preferred course
See the low, median and high ATAR achieved by students for every course

Stay up to date with SCSA

Visit the SCSA website to review past exams, syllabus and support materials, and any WACE changes.

Visit the SCSA website

Exam tips and tools

Study tips

Building a consistent study routine that works for you is one of the biggest keys to success in both high school and university.

How to develop good study habits
Study tips from current uni students

Exam tools

Tips and tools to help you ace your exams.

View past ATAR exams (SCSA)
Learn more about exam tips

Subject support

Subject specific resources to help you better grasp concepts and produce stronger assignments.

View English and literature resources
View science and maths resources
Learn more about assignment skills

Outreach events

Attend a number of outreach events and camps for high school students to get a sample of different industries and courses. Events include our Focus on mining camp and our Indigenous Australian Engineering School Camp.

Outreach programs and events

Get university credits while in high school

Our Rising Scholar Program (RSP) offers a select number of high-ability students in Year 10, 11 and 12 the opportunity to engage in tertiary learning while also providing them with a genuine Curtin student experience.

Learn more about the Rising Scholar Program (RSP)

Scholarships and finance

We offer a range of scholarships to help students achieve their best at uni. Some scholarships are offered for academic achievement, while others are designed to make university possible for students who face financial hardship.

We also offer advice on how to manage your finances and stay on top of university costs.

Scholarship information Fees and finance

Patrick – Curtin Excellence Scholarship recipient

A Curtin Excellence Scholarship is reward for your academic achievement, providing a boost for your bank balance and your CV.

Have questions? We’ve got answers

Read some of the most common questions high school students ask about university.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, try our FAQs, uni words glossary or contact our Future Students team.

What’s the difference between high school and university?

A flexible timetable, study independence, new friends and heaps of social activities are just some of the things that set university apart from high school. While the change can be daunting at first, university is a place to express yourself and discover your future.

Good Universities Guide 2020 has a great summary of the differences between high school and uni.

How do I know which university is right for me?

Every university offers something different in terms of teaching quality, learning experience, facilities, support and activities. We don’t mean to brag, but we’re the most preferred university in Western Australia, and the top public university in the state for graduate employment and starting salary^*.

Visiting our Perth campus is a great way to learn more about Curtin and see if it’s the right fit for you. We run tours throughout the year, so you can come and explore our campus and facilities, and see the people and spaces that make Curtin a community.

^{*Good Universities Guide 2021.}

What does an undergraduate degree involve?

Most university students initially study for a bachelor degree, which is the qualification awarded upon completion of an undergraduate course – typically three or four years of full-time study.

Studying for an undergraduate degree usually involves attending tutorials and lectures, undertaking professional placements and completing practical and theoretical assignments, tests and exams.

Some undergraduate degrees have majors, which enable you to specialise within a broader discipline. You may also be able to study optional units from different disciplines to complement your bachelor degree.

What do ‘prerequisites’ and all these other words mean?

University has its own unique terminology that can seem confusing at first. Use this handy guide to cut through the jargon.

(PS: A prerequisite is a subject you must complete to be eligible for admission into some university courses. For example, you need to have studied the prerequisite Mathematics Applications to be eligible for admission to Multidisciplinary Science.)

How much does university cost?

The cost of university will vary depending on the course you’re studying and your eligibility for commonwealth financial support, such as a HECS-HELP loan. It’s important to remember that as well as tuition fees, there are other university costs for things like textbooks, study equipment, parking and living expenses.

We can help you understand the cost of university and your options for managing your finances.

What support do you offer to regional students?

Moving from a small town to study in a big city can be a big change. To help you make the transition, we offer tours so you can get familiar with our campus, priority accommodation so you’re close to classes and amenities, as well as scholarships to assist you with the financial costs of relocating.

If you’re an Indigenous Australian, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies provides you with a strong campus base to help you feel at home, as well as personal and study support.

If you’re not ready to move just yet, you can study some Curtin courses closer to home – learn more about our regional locations.

What happens if you don’t meet your course entry requirements?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements, it doesn’t mean you can’t still study your dream course. We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Go to pathway finder

What happens if you change your mind about your course after you start university?

If you feel your current Curtin undergraduate course isn’t for you, you may be able to switch to a different course, provided you meet the criteria. Alternatively, if you’re looking to transfer from another university, or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for a credit for recognised learning (advanced standing).

Learn more about switching Curtin courses

Learn more about credit for recognised learning

Portfolio toolkit

Packed with examples, tips, and templates, the Portfolio entry toolkit is your go-to resource for compiling a compelling portfolio. This simple step-by-step guide takes you through the process of assembling your documents, helping you best demonstrate your unique strengths and qualifications.

Download the Portfolio toolkit [.pdf 1.8MB]
Portfolio entry pathway

Before you start uni

Curtin Life

When you study at Curtin, you become part of a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates new ideas, diversity and progress.

Read about the learning experience
Discover campus life

Live on campus

Explore a diverse range of student accommodation options at our Curtin Perth campus, all located within a five-to-ten-minute walk from the centre of campus.

Learn more about living on campus