Curtin International Merit Scholarship 2027 | Study in Australia — Curtin University
Curtin University publishes separate academic benchmarks for different countries under its International Merit Scholarship, recognizing that grading systems vary widely around the world rather than forcing every applicant to translate their results into a single Australian scale themselves.
About the Scholarship
The Curtin International Merit Scholarship rewards strong academic performance with up to 25 percent off tuition fees for high-achieving international students. Eligibility is based on country-specific academic thresholds, generally equivalent to an Australian ATAR of around 85, though the precise figure differs by nationality, such as a minimum GPA of 3.5 over 5.0 for Colombian applicants or 12 over 20 for Peruvian applicants.
Scholarship Benefits
- Up to 25 percent off tuition fees for the duration of the eligible course
- Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs
- Country-specific thresholds make eligibility easier to calculate before applying
- Can be considered alongside Curtin’s other tiered scholarships, including the Global Merit and John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an international, fee-paying, non-sponsored student of any nationality except Australian
- Must meet the specific academic threshold published for the applicant’s country of citizenship
- Must be enrolling in an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at Curtin University
- Must meet Curtin’s standard English-language proficiency requirements for admission
- Certain restricted or high-demand programs may be excluded from eligibility
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship applies broadly across Curtin’s coursework programs, including business, engineering, health sciences, mining and resources, and the built environment, with specific exclusions confirmed through the current scholarship guide.
Required Documents
- Completed Curtin University program application
- Academic transcripts showing a clearly calculable result against the applicant’s country-specific threshold
- English-language proficiency test results, if required
- Passport or identification document confirming nationality and international student status
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Check Curtin’s published academic threshold for your specific country of citizenship before applying
- Apply for admission to an eligible Curtin undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program
- Submit complete academic transcripts and English test results with your application
- No separate scholarship form is generally required, since eligible applicants are assessed automatically against the published country-specific threshold
- Review your offer letter once issued to confirm the applied discount percentage
- Accept your offer within the stated deadline to secure both your place and the scholarship
Selection Process
Curtin checks the applicant’s academic results against the threshold published for their specific country of citizenship, applying up to 25 percent off tuition fees automatically to those who qualify. There is generally no separate interview for this scholarship.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Confirm the exact academic threshold published for your country before applying, since this scholarship uses nationality-specific benchmarks rather than one single figure
- Submit certified, clearly formatted transcripts to support accurate assessment against your specific threshold
- Apply as early as possible within your chosen intake to leave time for any document clarification
- Students with a stronger academic record should also check whether they qualify for the John Curtin Global Excellence Scholarship, which offers a larger 40 percent reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the academic threshold determined for this scholarship?
Curtin publishes a specific academic threshold for each eligible country, generally equivalent to an Australian ATAR of around 85, though the exact figure and grading scale varies by nationality.
Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?
Generally no, eligible applicants are automatically assessed against their country’s published threshold as part of their standard application.
Does this scholarship cover postgraduate research degrees?
No, it applies to coursework programs rather than postgraduate research degrees such as a PhD.
Is the 25 percent reduction applied for the whole course?
Yes, it generally applies for the standard duration of the eligible course, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Does the scholarship include a living allowance?
No, it is a tuition fee reduction only and does not cover accommodation, living costs, or health insurance.
Can Australian citizens apply for this scholarship?
No, it is specifically for international, fee-paying, non-sponsored students, excluding Australian citizens.
What happens if my country is not listed with a specific threshold?
Applicants from countries without a specifically published threshold should contact Curtin’s international scholarships office directly to confirm their eligibility.
Can I combine this with another Curtin scholarship?
Generally students are awarded the highest tier they qualify for among Curtin’s tiered scholarships, rather than combining multiple awards simultaneously.


