Edith Cowan University

ECU offers numerous academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Accounting, Australian Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Disability Studies, Economics, Engineering (Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical), Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Fashion, Finance, Game Design, Graphic Design, Health Science, Indigenous Studies, Journalism, Kinesiology (Sport Science), Law, Management, Marketing, Math, Natural Science, Psychology, Tourism, Urban Planning, Women's Studies, and more. 

Closed Programs: Fine Arts

A course is called a "unit". Most units at ECU are worth 15 credit points (CP); exchange students are required to take 3-4 units per semester (45-60 CP). UCalgary students are advised to take 4 units (60 CP) per semester, as this will transfer back to 5 UCalgary half-courses. 12 CP = 1 UCalgary half-course equivalent.

The semester timetable will show which semester the unit is offered in. (Please choose courses at one campus only as public transportation between the two Perth campuses takes more than 1 hour). You can also view courses offered in specific degree programs here, or look up units in the handbook.

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.

• Semester 1 runs from late February to late June
• Semester 2 runs from late July to late November.

Students can start in either semester, however full-year students must start in February.

ECU's student housing is on-campus, typically in apartments holding up to six private bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen, though some private apartments may be available depending on the campus. Students should expect to pay a minimum of AUS$200 per week, though they are encouraged to look into the detailed information provided for their desired campus. Pools are available at Mt. Lawley and Joondalup Campus accommodations. 

Historically, exchange students at ECU were guaranteed on-campus housing. Due to fluctuating housing demand in Perth, this may or may not be possible in the coming year. However, ECU has a variety of resources to support students in seeking accommodation off-campus or through the private market.

For more information about housing options, the following pages may be useful: 

• ECU website "Finding a place to live"
• ECU Homestay Network (homestays include living with a local family approved by the university)
• Room rental databases in Perth (run by external companies, not the university): flatmates.com, student.com

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the U of C, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

What's special about Edith Cowan? 

Two campuses, Mt. Lawley and Joondalup, are located in Perth. Main campus is located at Joondalup, a green and vibrant campus located next to Joondalup train station and Lakeside Joondalup, the largest shopping centre in Western Australia. Joondalup also has an incredible outdoor tiered cinema with bean bags, perfect for movie nights. 

Mount Lawley is located close to Perth's CBD (Central Business District), and is where Hugh Jackman went to school! The campus has one of the Australia's most state-of-the-art Indigenous Centres - Kurongkurl Katitjin. The facility was designed in collaboration with the local Nyoongar peoples, and named from a Nyoongar phrase meaning “coming together to learn". 

For students staying an academic year, you can choose to spend your second semester (Fall at UCalgary) at the South West (Bunbury) campus. Bunbury is located 200 Km to the south (about 3.5 hours by coach) in the Edenic, spectacular Margaret river region. 

ECU has a smoke-free campus policy. Smoking on campus is not permitted. 

What resources are available for new students?

ECU runs a variety of informative and social Orientation events before the start of each semester.

The ECU Student Guild is a one-stop-shop for everything from social events, student clubs, secondhand textbooks, and advising support for academics, finances, wellness, and more.

There is also a Buddy Program that pairs incoming international students with local students for the best experience when transitioning to life on- and off-campus. 

What supports are available?

ECU's Equity, Diversity and Disability Services provide comprehensive academic support for students with disabilities. Information can be found in the Exchange Brochure, which is published online annually (download the PDF file titled "Study Abroad/Exchange Inbound Guide"). Also see the accessibility of campus on their mobility campus map. They also support the university's aims to create an environment that enables students to achieve their goals regardless of age, family responsibility or family status, impairment, gender, marital status, political convictions, pregnancy, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Joondalup and Mt. Lawley both offer Medical Centres, free counselling services, fitness centres/courts (Bunbury offers a mini-gym and courts), and support services at each campus. There are also childcare services & crèche options, parenting rooms and a kid's holiday program at both Perth campuses. Multi-faith prayer rooms are also available, in addition to Chaplaincy services.