Curtin University proudly celebrates the innovation at its heart. This innovative spirit has seen us mature from the bold and entrepreneurial Western Australian Institute of Technology (1967-1986) to the sophisticated global university that we are today.

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50 years of innovation: WAIT and Curtin

When our first students enrolled in 1967, our campus in Bentley was raw but exciting. As the newly created Western Australian Institute of Technology, we had a practical focus and can-do attitude that set us apart from other, more traditional higher education providers. It didn’t take us long to establish a reputation for innovation.

As we have evolved into Curtin University, our essential character has not changed. Our innovative spirit has seen us lead the way in many areas, including Indigenous and international education. It has seen us expand our presence, both locally and internationally.
It has forged our reputation for producing work-ready graduates. It has allowed us to embrace new technologies and new ways of learning. And it has shaped our focus on high-impact research that changes lives.

Fifty years on, our Bentley campus is no longer bare, grey and windswept. And it is just one place among many where we seek to educate minds and enrich lives.

As we mark this important milestone, we invite you to explore where we have been and the exciting new directions we are heading.

As our 50 Years of Innovation activities come to an end, we look back at our global celebrations throughout the year with the Curtin and WAIT community.

Explore the stories

We received many humble and unique stories from the WAIT/Curtin community during our 50 Years of Innovation.

Explore

50 Years of Innovation celebrations at Curtin