The government of Western Australia is preparing a business plan for a possible merger of the region's three largest universities: Curtin University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia (UWA). The plan stipulates forming a single university with a combined enrollment of 120,000 students. The government announced the preparation of the business plan on October 11, 2026, but a final decision has not yet been made: the study is expected to begin in late 2026 and conclude in 2027.
Advantages of the merger: why the idea came about
Authorities believe that consolidating the university sector will help the region compete more effectively for international and local students, attract research funding, and more actively engage specialists for key sectors of the economy. According to government data, more than 15% of Western Australia residents study at universities in other states, while local universities account for less than 2% of students coming to study from other regions of the country.
Authorities also point to relatively low bachelor's degree completion rates: at Murdoch University this figure is 49%, at Curtin University — 56%, and at UWA — 75%.
Another problem is limited access to national research funding. According to the government's assessment, the merged organization will be able to compete more actively for grants and sensibly pool scientific resources, infrastructure, and investment.
The reform is also linked to the needs of the regional economy: authorities want to prepare more specialists and develop workforce preparation for healthcare, education, the defense industry, high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and extractive industries. The university reform is expected to complement changes in the TAFE vocational education system, including expanding access to free and low-cost courses.
Disadvantages: why universities are against it
The toughest position was taken by Curtin University: according to its statements, the merger will lead to additional expenses, more complex management, and reduced choice for students, and will weaken academic diversity, which could even push talented students toward enrolling in other states.
The university doubts that an increase in scale will automatically boost competitiveness. Yes, merging three universities into a mega-university is an unprecedented case for Australia, but the complexity of managing such a giant structure could divert resources away from teaching, student support, and research work.
Another important argument is the cost of similar reforms in other states. One example is the merger of universities in South Australia, which led to the creation of Adelaide University (officially opened in 2026). The costs of this project risk exceeding 1.1 billion Australian dollars, with more than half coming from the state budget. Against the backdrop of rising living costs, housing problems, and worker shortages (particularly in healthcare), such expenses seem unreasonable.
Murdoch University also doubts the merger's merits. Yes, reforms are needed: for example, they could eliminate program duplication, improve course completion rates, and expand regional educational offerings, but none of this guarantees improved quality of education in Western Australia.
University of Western Australia (UWA) has taken a gentler, more diplomatic stance: if the business plan is drawn up carefully, taking all details into account, and the future benefits are clear, then the idea is worth considering. A merger into a mega-university would combine research efforts, infrastructure, and investment, which would help address the needs of the whole region faster and more effectively. However, there are certainly financial and organizational risks.
How will the decision be made?
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet of Western Australia has been tasked with preparing the study: a committee of 12 people has already been assembled, including businesspeople, medical researchers, representatives of universities and the student community, and finance specialists. The committee will assess the costs and benefits of the merger, the financial stability of the future organization, risks, and possible implementation scenarios.
At the same time, the government is considering accompanying measures: establishing an advisory board on education and student wellbeing issues, developing the regional presence of universities, and supporting research, innovation, and the commercialization of developments. Importantly, if the merger goes ahead, the government promises to preserve jobs for the first two years (some exceptions will be made for leadership positions). The campuses of Curtin, Murdoch, and UWA are to be preserved and will be able to operate as «separate centers of academic and research excellence».
The government of Western Australia intends to make a final decision after the study is completed in 2027.
