Curtin University vows to fight proposed merger with two other WA universities

Curtin University is vehemently opposing plans to merge it with Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia (UWA), as the Western Australian government moves ahead with a business case examining the proposed consolidation of the state’s three public universities.

Curtin vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne said the university would “vigorously oppose” the proposal, arguing that a merger could create significant costs and disruption while reducing student choice, employment opportunities and academic diversity.

The government announced on Oct 11 that it would proceed with a business case for the proposed merger. The study will examine the financial implications, implementation risks and potential benefits of bringing the three institutions together. No final decision has been made.

Curtin warns of costs and disruption

In a statement issued on Oct 11, Hayne questioned the rationale for merging the universities and said the government had not clearly established the benefits of the proposed consolidation.

She said a combined institution could have almost 120,000 students, making it unusually large by Australian and international standards. According to Hayne, the scale could add administrative complexity and divert attention from teaching, learning and student support.

Curtin also argued that combining the institutions could limit students’ options and reduce the diversity of academic programmes available in Western Australia. Hayne said the university would examine the government’s plan, including its 2025 University Feasibility Study.

Government says merger could strengthen higher education

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has defended the proposal, saying a merger could improve student outcomes, increase research funding and help the state attract and retain students.

Tertiary Education Minister Tony Buti said the state’s universities faced challenges including duplicated course offerings, fragmented investment and limited scale. The government believes consolidation could improve competitiveness and the sector’s long-term financial sustainability.

The proposed merger follows two government studies examining the performance and future direction of Western Australia’s public university sector, including a 2023 review and a 2025 feasibility study.

Business case to be completed in 2027

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet will oversee the business case, with advice from a steering committee chaired by businessman Mark Barnaba and deputy-chaired by medical researcher Fiona Wood.

The government says the assessment will examine the costs and benefits of the merger, including whether it could be funded by the universities themselves. It will also consider ways to reduce duplication, improve the student experience, increase research funding and expand access to higher education in regional areas.

The business case is due to begin in late 2026 and be completed in 2027, after which the government will consider its findings before making a final decision. The government says courses will continue as normal while the review is under way.

Murdoch and UWA also raise concerns

The proposal has drawn reservations from the other universities involved. Murdoch University has argued that Western Australia is better served by retaining four public universities with distinct characteristics and says a merger could reduce student choice.

UWA has said it remains open to discussions about the sector’s future but that any merger must be supported by a sound business rationale and deliver significant benefits for students and the wider community.

The debate comes as Western Australia considers how to improve university completion rates, attract research funding and retain students who leave the state to study elsewhere. The government’s assessment will determine whether a three-way merger offers a workable route to those goals.