Why Study Health Sciences in Western Australia?

Here's what you need to know about health sciences degrees from Australia's Curtin University.

Are you considering gaining your undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications abroad?

You might have noticed lots of people choosing to study health degrees in Australia, and, you might have questions like 'Where?', 'What?' and 'Why?'

In this article, we'll answer your questions and explore the appeal of studying a health sciences degree in Western Australia.

Why should I study health sciences in Western Australia?

If you want to study health sciences outside your hometown, it's only natural to wonder what location would be best. Maybe you're considering studying close to home in the US or even closer to home somewhere in Canada.

Perth, Western Australia, is a great location to study health sciences! Perth boasts a booming healthcare industry, an outdoor lifestyle, and is perfectly positioned for international travel during your study breaks.

That's not to mention our stable economy, which was Australia's best-performing economy for the second quarter in a row in the latest CommSec State of the States report.

Perth's student community is vibrant, and as a Canadian student, you'll find a welcoming environment that makes transitioning to life in Australia easy and enjoyable.

If you'd like to learn more about Perth, check out this article.

What Australian university is best for health sciences degrees?

If you're looking for a university course that offers you a powerful foundation for a rewarding career and prepares you for the real world, you'll want to consider studying at Curtin University.

Curtin is a global institution with our main campus in Perth, Western Australia. Here's a bit about us:

• Our health courses are designed in consultation with industry experts, so you graduate with the skills you need to succeed — now and into the future.
• With 23+ health programs, we're the most comprehensive health tertiary education provider in Western Australia.
• Our on-campus health sciences facilities — including industry-standard labs, simulation suites, and clinics — allow you to build essential practical skills.
• Our graduates have been rated the best in the country for employer satisfaction, showing they have the skills and qualifications employers value (QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey 2023).

Studying at Curtin University is an opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections to make your mark on the world — at a university that celebrates your uniqueness, supports your needs, and empowers you to build a successful career.

What health sciences degree should I study abroad?

The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) are three popular courses you might like to study at Curtin.

Curtin's highly rated health courses are designed to Mb necessary to thrive in healthcare professions, both in Australia and globally.*

Let's learn a little more about these Curtin courses.

The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

At Curtin, we are committed to producing exceptional Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduates, who are ready to make a career out of making an impact.

During your studies, you will:

• be equipped with primary-care expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to operate effectively in interprofessional care teams
• learn about health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, population health, and professional development concepts
• have the opportunity to complete a four-week clinical elective anywhere in the world.

Our MBBS stands out from the crowd. This five-year, direct-entry undergraduate degree is the only one of its kind in Western Australia. Not to mention, this course ranks first in Australia for skills development and first in Western Australia for employment outcomes, teaching quality and student support (Good Universities Guide 2025).

Explore the possibilities of a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery on our website.

Doctor of Physiotherapy

If you have a strong foundation in health and aspire to be a leader in physiotherapy, our Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) can help you achieve your goals.

Studying this Extended Masters degree, you'll develop the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions.

When you study DPT at Curtin, you'll:

• benefit from hands-on, immersive learning in physiotherapy clinics and simulation labs
• have the opportunity to complete supervised clinical placements across hospitals, private practices, and community health organizations
• build the clinical reasoning and therapeutic techniques needed to provide high-quality care.

You may even complete placements overseas — perfect if you fancy a trip back home to Canada while progressing your studies.

Provided you meet the requirements listed by the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination, your Doctor of Physiotherapy qualification can give you opportunities to practice in Canada and around the world.

Discover our Doctor of Physiotherapy course by visiting the course page.

Master of Occupational Therapy

Our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) is your fast-track option to becoming an occupational therapist.

Gain a comprehensive knowledge of human development, psychology, and occupational therapy interventions, and use this knowledge to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of individuals.

Studying MOT at Curtin, you'll:

• prepare to work in various settings through coursework, practical skills development, and clinical placements
• learn about inclusive practice and client-centred care
• contribute to developing evidence-based practices that enhance the quality of life for your clients through research-focused units.

Just like in our DPT, you may have the opportunity to complete placements in Canada and plenty of other interesting destinations.

The course is recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. If you meet the requirements listed by the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination, your qualification can give you opportunities to practice in Canada and around the world.

Visit the Master of Occupational Therapy course page to learn more.

Ready to explore?

If you're a Canadian student eager to pursue a healthcare career, Curtin's health sciences programs offer a world-class education that will set you up for success.

For more information about the programs, entry requirements, costs, and life in Australia, contact us! Visit our website to get in touch.

*Not all health sciences qualifications are globally accredited upon graduation. For detailed information about Curtin qualifications and accreditations, please read the study page of your preferred course and reach out to us for tailored information.