Curtin University - History

History

Prior to 1985, the university was called the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), formed in 1966. Its nucleus comprised the tertiary programs formerly conducted in the Perth Technical College which opened in 1900. In 1969, three more institutions were merged with WAIT: The Western Australian School of Mines (originally opened in 1902), the Muresk Agricultural College (dating from 1926) and schools of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in operation since the 1950s at Shenton Park. By 1976, it had expanded from 2,000 to more than 10,000 students.

In 1987, the institute became the Curtin University of Technology under provisions of the WA Institute of Technology Amendment Act 1986.

In 2005, the institute and Murdoch University were engaged in a feasibility study into the possibility of a merger. However, on 7 November 2005, both institutions issued a press release that such a merger will not be undertaken.

In 2009, the institute became the first university in the Australian Technology Network to be listed on the Academic Ranking of World Universities of research universities.

In 2010, the institute dropped the "of Technology" suffix, now being simply named "Curtin University".