The Western Australia government is actively exploring structural reforms in its higher education sector, with a recent cost-benefit analysis report highlighting potential mergers among the state's major public universities. Handed to officials on April 10, 2026, the report—commissioned by former Education Minister Tony Buti and led by ex-minister Alannah MacTiernan—examines ways to bolster competitiveness amid declining international enrollments and research funding. Premier Roger Cook has publicly noted that WA, with its population of around 2.8 million, may support too many institutions for optimal scale, echoing concerns from experts like former chief scientist Peter Klinken who advocate for change to match east coast peers.

This development revives discussions from a 2023 state review, which faced pushback but identified opportunities for collaboration. While no final decisions have been announced—delayed partly by geopolitical tensions—the analysis signals a pivotal moment for institutions like the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, and Murdoch University, with Edith Cowan University (ECU) potentially spared due to its new city campus opening in 2026.

🧩 The Three Merger Options on the Table

The report outlines three primary configurations to consolidate resources:

• UWA, Curtin, and Murdoch combined: Creating a mega-institution excluding ECU, aiming for maximum scale but raising integration challenges.
• UWA and Murdoch merger: Pairing UWA's research prestige with Murdoch's strengths in agriculture and veterinary sciences for complementary growth.
• UWA and Curtin merger: Linking UWA's top-100 global ranking with Curtin's large-scale teaching focus and industry ties, seen as lower reputational risk by early UWA modeling.

These options stem from consultations with guilds, staff, businesses, and executives, prioritizing sustainability in a post-pandemic landscape where WA universities lag in national research grants and international appeal.

📊 Snapshot of WA's University Sector

Western Australia's public university landscape features four key players: UWA (research-intensive, ~25,000 students), Curtin (largest by enrollment at ~58,000), Murdoch (~15,000-20,000), and ECU. Combined, they serve around 110,000 domestic equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL), with public unis accounting for 89,238 EFTSL. Research income totals ~$425 million annually (2021 figures), but WA trails Group of Eight peers. International students, once a revenue lifeline, have plummeted, exacerbating funding gaps despite solid financials—UWA and ECU posted surpluses recently.

UWA faces enrollment dips linked to 'elitist' perceptions, while Curtin dominates volume but seeks prestige gains.

💰 Driving Factors: Funding and Competitiveness Pressures

WA universities grapple with per-student funding shortfalls, intl student caps, and research grant shortfalls versus NSW/VIC. State govt views mergers as a path to 'critical mass' for global rankings, shared infrastructure (e.g., labs), and diversified revenue. UWA's 2023 submission highlighted shared services potential without full merger. Yet, critics argue finances are stable, with 2024 surpluses signaling no crisis.Official review discussion paper details these tensions.

✅ Potential Benefits of Consolidation

Proponents, including Peter Klinken, argue mergers could:

• Boost research output via pooled talent/resources (e.g., WA's $425M income rivals scaled peers).
• Attract intl students through tiered offerings (elite research + accessible teaching).
• Yield efficiencies: 20-25% infrastructure savings, shared admin/HR.
• Enhance equity: Better regional pathways, Indigenous access (WA lags nationally).

UWA models suggest UWA-Curtin pairing minimizes risks while maximizing scale.

⚠️ Risks and Challenges Ahead

Opposition is fierce: Curtin warns of 'cultural derailment,' Murdoch deems four unis optimal for diversity. Students fear course cuts, larger classes, online shifts; unions cite job losses. Transition costs are high, with Adelaide's 2026 merger plagued by enrollment chaos, frustrating students/staff. UWA submission cautions against morale dips, expertise loss.UWA's full 2023 review submission (PDF)

🗣️ Stakeholder Perspectives

- Students/Guilds: Curtin Guild's Dylan Storer: 'Years of instability, no benefits.'

- Unis: Curtin/Murdoch/ECU oppose; UWA open to hybrids.

- Unions: NTEU's Scott Fitzgerald demands transparency.

- Experts: Klinken pushes urgency for grants/students.

📚 Lessons from Adelaide's Merger

Australia's largest uni merger (Adelaide + UniSA, 2026) offers caution: Students report enrollment/study plan woes, staff overload, communication gaps. Protests highlight teething pains, mirroring WA fears. Success hinges on robust transition planning.

Photo by Ethan Shi on Unsplash

🔮 Alternatives and Future Outlook

Beyond mergers: Federations (e.g., ICRAR joint venture), shared precincts, VET pathways. Govt eyes cabinet submission soon; outcomes could reshape WA higher ed by 2028. For academics/students, mergers may open roles in scaled research but risk redundancies—monitor higher ed jobs listings.

Balanced reform could position WA as a national leader, prioritizing collaboration over compulsion.