WA University Sector Review
The WA State Government has outlined the next phase of its proposed reform of Western Australia's university sector, following several years of review and consultation.
What has the State Government announced?
The WA State Government has announced that it will develop a business case to assess a potential merger of UWA, Curtin University and Murdoch University.
The State Government has outlined the next steps in the proposed university reform process, confirming that:
- The State Government will develop a detailed business case examining the potential benefits, costs, funding options and implementation considerations associated with a three-university merger.
- The work will be led by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, with input from a steering committee chaired by Western Australian business leader Mark Barnaba, with Professor Fiona Wood AO as Deputy Chair. The committee is expected to include university and student representatives, as well as expertise from industry, research and finance.
- The outcome of this next phase is expected in late 2027.
The announcement follows several years of review and discussion about the future of Western Australia's university sector. The State Government has published the following reports as part of this process:
- The 2023 University Sector Review report
- The 2025 University Feasibility Study
- The 2025 University Sector Review: Rapid Cost Benefit Analysis Report
For further information about the announcement and access to the published reports, visit the WA Government's University Reform in Western Australia webpage.
What happens next for UWA?
UWA will review the State Government’s reports and proposed process and engage in the next phase to ensure the interests of the University, its people and community, and its teaching and research priorities are represented.
For students considering study at UWA, there are no changes to courses, admissions processes, scholarships, entry pathways, or the student experience.