Academic Excellence
Your academic success starts here
Academic success is supported through a structured combination of targeted support, professional mentoring and formal academic recognition. These programs help residents perform well at university and build skills relevant to their future careers.
Over 50% of all grades are High Distinction or Distinction.
One in four earns Distinctions or High Distinctions across all units.
A culture of academic excellence
Academic excellence at St Catherine’s College is supported by three core pillars. From small-group tutorials to mentoring from Resident Fellows and celebratory academic events, every resident is encouraged to thrive at university and beyond.
Targeted Support. Free small-group tutoring across all disciplines and year levels, led by senior students, alumni and staff
Expert Mentoring. Mentoring and subject insight from Resident Fellows who live on campus and support undergraduate residents
Formal Recognition. Formal events that acknowledge academic performance and connect students with professionals and peers
Tutoring
Free, personalised academic support is available year-round. Each semester, more than 110 small-group tutorials run across all disciplines and year levels, with sessions capped at five residents. Tutorials are led by senior students, staff and alumni, offering tailored guidance and practical advice.
Resident Fellows
The College is home to Resident Fellows who contribute to academic life through mentoring, subject expertise and leadership. Each Fellow brings a different academic perspective and helps support residents’ learning.
Academic Recognition
We celebrate academic success. St Catherine’s College formally recognises academic achievement through College-wide events that celebrate leadership, foster dialogue and promote career readiness. These events include the Boyd Dinner for Emerging Leaders, Scholars’ Dinner, Valedictory Dinner and Faculty and Industry Dinners.
The Boyd Dinner for Emerging Leaders
This event celebrates leadership and honours Dr Sue Boyd AM, a distinguished alumna and former diplomat whose career exemplifies service and impact in public life. Her legacy continues to inspire residents and school students from across Western Australia. Each year, a keynote speaker shares their journey, offering insights that encourage the next generation of leaders.
Scholars’ Dinner
Our annual Scholars’ Dinner celebrates academic excellence across the College. This formal evening celebrates scholarly dedication, fosters intellectual aspiration and reinforces the shared values of our academic community. It also offers residents a rare opportunity to engage in thought-provoking debates with politicians, university professors and leading industry professionals.
Valedictory Dinner
Our Valedictory Dinners honour graduating residents and celebrate their College journey. These formal evenings, held each semester, recognise academic achievement, personal growth and community contribution.
“At Valedictory Dinner I felt valued for my academic achievements and it highlighted the shared experiences that defined my time at College.”
Faculty and Industry Dinners
St Catherine’s College upholds a 70-year tradition of Faculty and Industry Dinners, lunches and forums that bring together residents, university faculty and industry leaders. In 2024, more than 100 guest speakers joined residents in dynamic conversations spanning Economics, Engineering, Law, Marine Science and Neuroscience. These sold-out events are not just about shared meals; they are about meaningful debate, boundary-pushing ideas and building connections that last well beyond the dinner table.
The first College to receive UWA’s Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.
St Catherine’s is recognised for its sustained contribution to student success.
A tradition of earning top honours.
Awards include Rhodes, Fulbright, John Monash, New Colombo Plan and Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships, Premier’s Science Award, Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship, Euroz Hartleys and Geoff Rasmussen Scholarship.
“What makes a huge difference is the incredibly supportive community and having academic support and resources in one place.”
“St Cat’s has enabled me to thrive both academically and socially.”