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Insight into universities

As Year 12 students begin shaping their post-school pathways, the latest Good Universities Guide results offer helpful insights into WA’s landscape. These rankings reflect the experiences of current students and recent graduates and can be a valuable reference point for families considering study options for 2026.

Overall University Performance

Once again, Edith Cowan University (ECU) leads WA for overall student experience, with 80.8 per cent of students satisfied with the quality of their studies. Murdoch University has made a notable leap, now ranking second in WA, while Curtin, UWA, and Notre Dame follow closely behind.

ECU also ranked first in several key areas, including Skills Development, Learning Resources, and Student Support - important considerations for students wanting strong academic and wellbeing services.

At the other end of the scale, Curtin recorded WA’s lowest result for Learner Engagement, reflecting the challenges larger universities sometimes face in creating a strong sense of belonging. Students interested in Curtin may benefit from connecting early with support staff, clubs, or mentoring programs.

Graduate Outcomes

Employment outcomes remain a major factor for many Year 12s. Notre Dame leads WA in full-time employment, while Curtin graduates reported the highest starting salaries. All WA universities continue to offer strong industry links and practical experiences across a wide range of study areas.

Competitive Courses in 2026

This year saw significant jumps in ATAR cut-offs across several courses, particularly in science, health, engineering, education, and double degrees. In some cases, actual selection ranks were 10–20 points higher than initial estimates! This trend highlights the importance of having a range of preferences and understanding alternate entry pathways, such as course-switching in Semester 2 of first year.

A short list of courses requiring ATARs of 95+ includes Advanced Science at Curtin, Physiotherapy at Notre Dame, Law double degrees at Murdoch, and a wide selection of competitive assured pathways at UWA.

What this means for Year 12s 

1. Understand the university experience not just the rank.

Course content, support services, and teaching quality influence long term success.

2. Check the latest ATAR data early.

Courses can become much more competitive than expected (as seen across Science, Teaching, Health, and double degrees).

3. Keep pathways flexible.

Many degrees offer multiple entry points, bridging programs, or postgraduate pathways into competitive fields like Medicine, Law, or Allied Health.

4. Start researching now.

Attend Open Days, talk to current students, and explore tools like ComparED and TISC.

A full breakdown of rankings, course requirements, and 2026 ATAR cut-offs is available in the February edition of Career Compass (LINK IN HERE)

Mrs Sharan Tagore

Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning