University of Notre Dame
City of Perth, Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia
Fremantle (Perth), Australia
Founded
1989
Institution Type
Private Catholic
Total Students
12,000+
Campuses
3 (Fremantle, Sydney, Broome)
Discover the University of Notre Dame Australia
Discover the University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private Catholic university with campuses in Fremantle (Perth), Sydney, and Broome. It was established in 1989 by the Parliament of Western Australia with early support from its founding partner and namesake, the University of Notre Dame in the United States. Originally conceived to train teachers and nurses for the Archdiocese of Perth, the university has since expanded into a wide range of disciplines including medicine, law, business, and the arts.
Notre Dame's founding campus is set among beautifully restored colonial-era maritime buildings in the Fremantle West End heritage area, giving it a distinctive character as a university town. The university offers a personalised educational experience with small class sizes, one-on-one contact with academic staff, and a strong emphasis on pastoral care. It has been rated 5 stars in the Good Universities Guide 2025 for Learner Engagement, Skills Development, and Full-Time Employment in both undergraduate and postgraduate categories.
With more than 12,000 students across its three campuses, Notre Dame provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees across three national faculties. The university places a strong emphasis on work-integrated learning, ensuring graduates are job-ready with practical industry experience. Notre Dame welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive academic community grounded in open inquiry, debate, and service to the community.
Key Milestones
- 1989: University of Notre Dame Australia Act passed in the Parliament of Western Australia, formally establishing the institution.
- 1992: Classes commenced in February with the first postgraduate students, and the first graduations were held at Fremantle Town Hall later that year.
- 1994: Undergraduate programs began enrolling school leavers, and a regional campus was opened in Broome in the Kimberley region.
- 2021: Notre Dame gained Table A status, increasing student access to government funding including Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
Notre Dame offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees across three national faculties encompassing eight schools. Programs emphasise practical, career-focused learning that combines theoretical knowledge with workplace experience, supported by a foundation in ethics and pastoral care.
School of Arts and Sciences
Offers diverse programs in the humanities, social sciences, communications, and natural sciences. The school occupies restored heritage buildings in Fremantle and is ranked highly in Western Australia for skills development and graduate employment.
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Communications and Media
School of Medicine
Delivers the Doctor of Medicine program across campuses in Fremantle and Sydney, with eight clinical schools located throughout New South Wales, Victoria, and rural regions. Research partnerships exist with leading hospitals and medical research institutes.
- Doctor of Medicine
- Graduate Certificate in Bioethics
- Master of Philosophy (Medical Research)
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Provides accredited nursing and midwifery programs with extensive clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Master of Nursing
School of Education
Prepares future educators through programs accredited by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. Programs include supervised teaching practicums in real schools, with graduates eligible for teacher registration in Australia.
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Master of Teaching
School of Law and Business
Offers professionally accredited law and business programs with a focus on ethics, practical skills, and community engagement. The school features a moot court facility and the Notre Dame Legal Clinic for real-case experience.
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Juris Doctor
School of Health Sciences
Housed in a purpose-built facility on the Fremantle campus, the school delivers programs in physiotherapy, exercise science, biomedical science, and counselling. Compulsory practicums and internships ensure students gain extensive hands-on industry experience.
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationCompletion of Year 12 (HSC, WACE ATAR stream, IB, or international equivalent)
- Selection RankATAR plus applicable adjustment factors; minimum varies by program
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in each band) or equivalent; higher for some programs
- Supporting DocumentsCertified academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, evidence of financial capacity
- Application FeeNo application processing fee for direct applications
Postgraduate Admission
- Prior QualificationCompleted undergraduate degree from a recognised institution
- Discipline RequirementsSome programs require a degree in a specific discipline or relevant work experience
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent; higher for clinical and research programs
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, CV, references, and evidence of financial capacity for international students
- Research ApplicantsResearch proposal and supervisor agreement required for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs
Main intake round. Applications via direct application, TISC (Fremantle), or UAC (Sydney) typically close in early January for domestic students.
Mid-year intake available for many programs. International applications typically close by late June.
Year 12 students can secure a place before final exams through Notre Dame's Early Offer or Young Achievers program.
Deadlines vary by school and program. Contact the relevant faculty or visit the university website for specific dates.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at Notre Dame vary depending on your program, discipline area, and study load. Domestic students may be eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) which substantially reduce costs. International student fees vary by discipline and are reviewed annually. Contact the university for the most current fee schedule.
| Fee Category | Domestic (CSP Estimate/year) | International (Indicative/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Humanities & Business | AUD 4,000 – 15,000 (CSP contribution) | AUD 21,050 – 30,000 |
| Education & Nursing | AUD 4,000 – 8,000 (CSP contribution) | AUD 26,000 – 33,000 |
| Health Sciences & Law | AUD 8,000 – 15,000 (CSP contribution) | AUD 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Medicine (Doctor of Medicine) | AUD 11,000 – 15,000 (CSP contribution) | AUD 65,000 – 81,000 |
| Total | Varies widely by program; CSP rates set by Australian Government | AUD 21,050 – 81,000 per year depending on discipline |
Vice Chancellor's Merit Scholarship
A prestigious award recognising outstanding academic achievement, open to high-achieving international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic records. Covers a portion of tuition fees.
- Eligibility: High-achieving domestic and international students
- Value: Partial tuition fee reduction; contact university for current amounts
- Application: Apply through the Notre Dame scholarships portal
Destination Australia Scholarship
Supports international and domestic students studying at Notre Dame's regional campuses, providing financial assistance toward tuition fees and living expenses in regional Australia.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled at Fremantle or Broome campus
- Value: Up to AUD 15,000 per year (subject to government funding)
- Funded By: Australian Government Department of Education
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Notre Dame's founding campus in Fremantle is set among beautifully restored heritage buildings in the historic West End, just minutes from Fremantle Harbour and the Indian Ocean. The campus blends colonial-era sandstone architecture with modern teaching facilities, creating a distinctive university-town atmosphere surrounded by cafes, galleries, and beaches.
Restored 19th-century maritime warehouses and colonial buildings form the heart of the Fremantle campus, creating a unique learning environment steeped in history.
Converted from a heritage-listed warehouse built in 1900, the library houses extensive collections and modern study spaces within a beautifully preserved setting.
A purpose-built facility featuring four gyms, a rehabilitation pool, a 150-seat lecture theatre, and specialist clinical training spaces for health sciences students.
Housing and Student Services
Accommodation
Notre Dame offers a range of university-owned and private accommodation options in Fremantle, all within walking distance of the campus and the coast.
- Port Lodge Student Housing – heritage building with single and shared rooms on Marine Terrace
- Notre Dame Student Houses – fully furnished shared houses near campus
- Private student accommodation providers and residential colleges in the broader Perth area
Campus Facilities
The Fremantle campus provides a comprehensive range of academic and student support facilities within its heritage precinct.
- Craven Law Centre with moot court facility and dedicated research study spaces
- Student Hub with support services, Wi-Fi, study workshops, and Student Life events
- Specialist architecture and design studios, science labs, and clinical simulation suites
Student Life at Notre Dame
Student Life at Notre Dame
Student life at Notre Dame is centred on a close-knit, supportive community where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally. The Student Association of the University of Notre Dame Australia operates on each campus, representing students and organising engagement opportunities that contribute to a vibrant campus culture.
Location: Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia
Location: Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia
Life in Fremantle and Perth
Located at the mouth of the Swan River just 14 kilometres from Perth's CBD, Fremantle is a vibrant port city known for its well-preserved colonial, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture. The city offers al fresco dining, craft breweries, the famous Fremantle Markets, museums, and easy access to stunning Indian Ocean beaches. Perth, the capital of Western Australia, serves as one of Australia's main gateways to Asia and enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Heritage and Culture
Explore Fremantle Prison (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the WA Maritime Museum, the Fremantle Round House, and a thriving arts and music scene throughout the historic West End.
Beaches and Outdoors
Enjoy South Beach, Bathers Beach, and easy ferry access to Rottnest Island. Perth's coastline offers some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming, and coastal walks.
Food and Lifestyle
Fremantle is famous for its ocean-fresh seafood, craft beer at Little Creatures Brewery, barista-quality coffee on the Cappuccino Strip, and the weekly Fremantle Markets produce experience.
Transport and Connectivity
Free CAT buses connect Fremantle's landmarks, and regular trains and buses link to Perth CBD in about 30 minutes. Ferries to Rottnest Island depart from Victoria Quay, just a short walk from campus.
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Graduate Placement Partners and Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
International students receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). The International Students Office provides guidance throughout the visa process.
All international students must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. Notre Dame partners with BUPA to provide OSHC policies for its students.
Notre Dame offers Academic English Bridging Courses at multiple levels for students who need to improve their English proficiency before commencing their degree program.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
As a smaller, teaching-focused private university, Notre Dame Australia's rankings reflect its emphasis on student experience and graduate outcomes rather than large-scale research output. The university consistently earns top ratings in student satisfaction, learner engagement, and employment outcomes through the Good Universities Guide and government QILT surveys.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | EduRank | #39 in Australia |
| Learner Engagement | Good Universities Guide | 5 Stars (2025) |
| Skills Development | Good Universities Guide | 5 Stars (2025) |
| Full-Time Employment | Good Universities Guide | 5 Stars (2025) |
Features
Catholic Identity: The university is a Catholic institution that incorporates Catholic values and ethical perspectives into its educational framework. It aims to provide a holistic education that emphasizes personal development, moral growth, and community service.\n\nCampuses: The university has three main campuses:\n\nFremantle Campus: Located in Western Australia, it is the largest campus and offers a wide range of programs.\nSydney Campus: Situated in New South Wales, it provides a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.\nBroome Campus: Also in Western Australia, it focuses on programs tailored to regional and remote communities.\nPrograms: Offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across fields such as Business, Health Sciences, Education, Medicine, and the Arts.\n\nCommunity and Service: Emphasizes community engagement and service learning, encouraging students to participate in community-based projects and initiatives.\n\nResearch: Engages in research across various disciplines with a focus on contributing to societal needs and practical solutions.\n\nValues-Based Education: Integrates a values-based approach in its teaching, aiming to develop not just academic knowledge but also ethical and leadership qualities.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
March - April
Location
23 High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia 128/140 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2007, Australia 160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia 88 Guy St, Broome WA 6725, Australia Col Drewe Dr, South Bowenfels NSW 2790, Australia
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