Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a large multi-campus institution serving communities in Western Australia and a significant cohort of international students.

Awarded university status in 1991, ECU has since developed innovative and practical courses across a wide range of disciplines, established a vibrant research culture and attracted a growing range of quality research partners and researchers, many working at the cutting edge of their fields.

ECU has more than 20,000 students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Approximately 4,000 of these are international students originating from around 91 countries.

More than 400 courses are offered through four faculties:

* Business and Law
* Computing, Health and Science
* Arts and Education, which includes the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
* Regional Professional Studies in the south-west of Western Australia

ECU works closely with private and public sector organisations, locally and overseas, in designing its study programs. Research is undertaken that is improving the quality of life for Australians and people around the world.

ECU is committed to breaking down barriers to education and is considered a pioneer in the development of alternative entry pathways to higher education, helping West Australians reach their potential.

[Source: <http://www.ecu.edu.au/links/about/?__q=ecu>. Accessed on 29 Jan 2009 by David Tham.]