Murdoch University and Curtin University of Technology have been considering the possibility of merging to become a single institution.

The Chancellors of both institutions have released the following statement confirming the decision of Murdoch University and Curtin University of Technology not to proceed with the proposed merger of the two institutions:

Murdoch’s Chancellor, Professor Geoffrey Bolton, and his Curtin counterpart, Dr Eric Tan, said the feasibility study undertaken by the universities had revealed that a merger could be beneficial but that it would also be a highly complex and expensive process with no guarantee of success.

“Before proceeding further along the path to merger we wanted to be confident sufficient benefits could be realised to justify the difficulty and expense involved in bringing the two institutions together,” they said.

“For this reason we entered into a feasibility study, which has revealed there is a significant risk that the outcomes would not justify the cost, which could be as high as tens of millions of dollars over many years, and the major reorganisation and restructuring required.

“Accordingly, Murdoch and Curtin have agreed that a clear case could not be made that it is practicable and in the best interests of both universities to proceed to the due diligence phase of the process at this time.

“There are many issues and opportunities in the national and international higher education environment at present, and we need to consider where our energies are best directed.

“We have decided that the two universities would be better served at this point by continuing to explore research and other synergies but remaining separate institutions.

“In particular Murdoch and Curtin will be collaborating in cooperative initiatives. Areas for consideration may include minerals, metallurgy, science and agriculture. We also will be exploring joint steps to achieve greater back office efficiencies.”

In addition Murdoch and Curtin will examine options aimed at increasing the viability of courses with low enrolments.

The Chancellors expressed their appreciation of the efforts of staff from both institutions.

“The individuals on the Joint Merger Working Party have worked extremely hard to explore and assess the merit of the merger proposal, and many other academic and professional staff have also been involved in associated work streams,” Professor Bolton said.

“Similarly many staff have participated in the cultural research undertaken and a large number of past and present students took part in merger associated market research.

“Murdoch and Curtin have gained significant experience from this process and in our self examination have come to understand our own institutions better. This information will greatly assist both institutions going forward.”

Professor Bolton said that while the universities have decided not to proceed, he and Dr Tan, and the two Vice-Chancellors, greatly appreciated these efforts, and the contribution of the staff who maintained usual operations despite the additional work the merger proposal generated.