UNSW

Campus Locations

Events

Important Dates

2025

Refer to the academic calendar.

Open Day

Refer to the the UNSW open day page for up-to-date open day details.

For details call 1300 UNI NSW (1300 864 679).

Campus visits

A UNSW campus tour is a great way to see if UNSW might be the right place for you. Our campus tours are guided by highly trained and experienced Student Ambassadors who can tell you the ins and outs of study at UNSW while showing you all that the University has to offer. 

With tours nearly every Friday throughout the year and on the first Saturday of each month, we’re ready to welcome you to the UNSW Kensington campus when it suits you. Visit the UNSW website to register for a campus tour.

Student Outcomes

The student outcomes display the overall undergraduate results for the institution.

Positive Student Experience

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Graduate Satisfaction

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Overall Employment

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Median Graduate Salary

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L/N: Low numbers – The number of survey responses are too low to display.

N/A: Data not available for this study area or institution.

Data source: ComparED website

No QILT data available for this institution.

For further information visit ComparED website

Policies and Services

You will be considered for admission to undergraduate courses at UNSW on the basis of your performance in one or more of the following:

• Australian Year 12 studies
• tertiary or post-secondary qualifications
• overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian studies
• one of the pathway schemes listed below. 

Some courses also have additional selection criteria such as an audition or interview. When assessing your application, UNSW may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

To be offered a place in a course you must meet the course entrance requirements and be selected in competition with other eligible applicants.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)

Australian Year 12 students

Admission to all undergraduate courses at the University is subject to selection on the basis of ATAR or equivalent. For some degree courses and first-year subjects, it is assumed that through your senior secondary or other equivalent studies you will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that is considered desirable for successful university-level study.

Selection rank adjustments

Selection Rank, which is your raw ATAR plus any additional adjustment factors you may be eligible for. Our adjustment factor schemes are designed to recognise the range of backgrounds and circumstances of our students and take these into consideration when assessing your application. They also help us recognise your unique skills and talents. UNSW awards adjustment points across the following categories.

Equity adjustments

The ACCESS Scheme is an Educational Access Scheme (EAS) that aims to assist students who have not undertaken university or other study at diploma level or above and who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage, with their educational performance affected by circumstances beyond their control during Year 11 and/or Year 12 or equivalent.

The scheme is available for entry to all undergraduate courses. Eligibility for the scheme does not guarantee admission but does allow successful applicants with an ATAR or equivalent below the course lowest selection rank to compete for a place.

UNSW EAS applications are processed centrally through UAC.

Elite athlete and performer adjustments

The Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Adjustment Factors Program recognises excellence in sport, academic pursuits, music and leadership achievements by awarding up to five adjustment factors to eligible applicants. Student may be eligible for up to five points.

EAPL adjustment factors are not available for admission to the 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, 426000 Double Law, and Co-op scholarship degrees.

UNSW also offers an EAPL Support Program, which offers students flexible study arrangements and support, enabling them to continue their elite sporting commitments while studying at UNSW.

Subject adjustments

HSC Plus is designed to reward strong performance in Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) subjects relevant to UNSW undergraduate degrees. Domestic students who complete an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate and perform well in subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree may have their selection rank for that degree increased by up to five points.

The Academic Achievement Awards are provided to encourage academically gifted Year 12 students from eligible NSW and ACT high schools to undertake undergraduate study at UNSW. As well as a $5,000 (tax exempt) award, your selection rank will be increased by three points for all UNSW preferences, except 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine and Co-op scholarship degrees.

Criteria that may apply in addition to the ATAR

Some courses have additional selection criteria such as an audition or interview. Additional selection criteria are specified in the course descriptions.

Assumed knowledge

For some degree courses and first-year subjects, it is assumed that through your senior secondary or other equivalent studies you will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that is considered desirable for successful university-level study. Assumed knowledge is specified in the individual course descriptions.

If you do not have the level of assumed knowledge, you are not prevented from enrolling but you may be at a considerable disadvantage. If you have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge, you are strongly advised to undertake a bridging course or other appropriate preparation.

Where a specific degree lists a Year 12 subject as assumed knowledge, the requirements are expressed as the minimum if there is more than one level for that subject.

Other admission options

Faculty schemes

UNSW has pathways for admission, which may allow applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have an ATAR or equivalent below the published lowest selection rank. They are:

• UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Portfolio Entry
• Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS).

UNSW Gateway early conditional offer scheme

UNSW Gateway is an early conditional offer scheme for students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools, with priority given to students who are identified by UAC as eligible for SEIFA consideration. This pathway significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree, provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW and automatically prioritises you for a UNSW equity scholarship. As a Gateway student, you will also be invited to participate in the Gateway program which provides academic support and enrichment opportunities from high school through to the end of your first year of university. For more information, visit the UNSW website.

Limited ATAR

UNSW accepts the Limited ATAR for admission to all programs, except for 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine or 429750 Bachelor of Vision Science/M Clinical Optometry. You must be at least 20 years old on 1 March in the year you complete your HSC studies. You must also complete between 5 and 9 units of ATAR courses, including at least 1 unit of English.

Applicants with higher education study

If you have undertaken at least three-quarters of a standard full-time study load (0.75 full-time equivalent) of degree-level studies in one degree at a recognised university, your tertiary studies will be taken into account.

Transferring from another course or university

Special Consideration for Applicants with Tertiary Studies (SCATS)

If you have been excluded or suspended from UNSW or another tertiary institution, UNSW will not consider you for admission unless you provide evidence of academic rehabilitation (eg by subsequently successfully completing one semester or term of university study or one year of study at AQF diploma level or above). You must also submit a SCATS application to explain the circumstances surrounding your suspension/exclusion and outline why you consider you will now succeed in your course.

If you are applying to the University with tertiary qualifications (either from UNSW or another institution) and have experienced long-term educational disadvantage that has affected your tertiary and/or secondary academic performance, you may have your circumstances taken into account. Circumstances that may be considered include severe personal or family illness/disability and other circumstances beyond your control. You must submit a SCATS application along with a written statement describing these circumstances and documentation to support your claims.

Requirements for Special Consideration for Applicants with Tertiary Studies

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

If you hold a completed AQF advanced diploma, diploma, associate diploma or in some cases Certificate IV, you can be considered for admission to UNSW.

Applicants with work and life experience

If you do not hold qualifications that allow you to compete for university entrance, you may seek admission to the University on the basis of your performance in one of the following programs:

Enabling course options

University Preparation Program

If you are 21 years of age or over on 1 March in the year you start your undergraduate study at UNSW, you may qualify for admission to UNSW on the basis of your performance in the University Preparation Program (UPP). The UPP provides an avenue of entry to many degrees at UNSW for people who do not hold qualifications that would allow them to compete for university entrance. It is specifically designed for older students who are seeking admission to an undergraduate degree after a period away from formal study. This qualification is valid for five years.

Tertiary Preparation Certificate

If you are 21 years of age or over on 1 March in the year you start your undergraduate study at UNSW and have completed the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC), you will be considered for admission. The TPC is not accepted for admission to 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, 429740 Bachelor of Vision Science or 429750 Bachelor of Vision Science/M Clinical Optometry. If you hold a TPC and seek admission to a course with assumed knowledge in Mathematics, you should have completed Apply Mathematical Skills for Further Study and Calculus. This qualification is valid for five years.

Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

If you will be at least 21 years of age on 1 March in the year you start your undergraduate study at UNSW, you may qualify for admission to UNSW by undertaking the STAT – Multiple Choice and Written English. Your STAT results with a minimum score of 157 in the STAT Multiple Choice and 150 in the STAT Written English may be accepted for admission in some undergraduate courses. STAT test results are valid for three years. For more information, visit the UNSW website.

Applicants with overseas qualifications

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications must meet UNSW’s English language proficiency standards. If you hold overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the sole language of instruction and assessment, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

First Nations applicants

UNSW provides two entry schemes and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. You can apply even if you have not completed your HSC or if you aren’t sure whether you will achieve the required ATAR for entry into your preferred course of study.

UNSW Indigenous Preparatory Program (Pre-Program)

The Pre-Program in business, education, law, medicine and social work programs is a three-week residential program that involves participation in lectures, tutorials, group work, social activities, exams and assessments. Throughout the program you will be assessed on your commitment, attitude and aptitude towards your studies and your ability to participate academically in your selected discipline.

UNSW Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS)

IAS is a one-day entry program that involves submission of an application to Nura Gili. As part of the application you will be invited to visit Nura Gili, where you will speak with faculty and Nura Gili staff about your aspirations for university studies and complete a written and/or numeracy task. Consideration is given to an applicant’s relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study.

For further information, visit the Nura Gili website or call Nura Gili on (02) 9385 3805.

How to apply

Apply through UAC.

Enrolment

Acceptance of offer

Successful applicants will receive details of enrolment procedures with their UAC offer. A personalised offer page will be emailed to you on how to accept and enrol online. Failure to follow the outlined procedures may result in your offer lapsing.

Advanced standing

If you have already completed some tertiary study, you may be entitled to credit for relevant subjects or for entry to the second or later year of a course. The University does not determine credit until an offer of admission has been made and accepted.

For general advice about credit, contact the school office of the course to which you are applying and read about credit transfer on our website.

Deferment of offer

You can defer the start of your study for up to two years for all courses except UNSW Co-op Scholarships (424600, 424601, 424620, 424640) and Defence funded offers at UNSW Canberra. Your offer will lapse if post-secondary studies at the level of diploma or above are undertaken. Read about deferment on our website.

To find out more about acceptance and enrolment.

UNSW Canberra - ADFA

Trainee officers

Trainee officers for ADFA must complete the Defence Force recruitment process and be selected by one of the three armed services of the Australian Defence Force. Applicants must apply online or by telephone on 13 19 01. In addition, applicants must meet the academic requirements to study at UNSW Canberra and apply online through UAC.

Current serving Defence members

UNSW Canberra accepts applications from Defence Force personnel who have been selected through service commissioning schemes. In addition, applicants must meet the academic requirements to study at UNSW Canberra and apply online through UAC.

Non-Defence applicants

Non-Defence students are subject to a competitive selection process and must apply online through UAC. When assessing your application, UNSW may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Admission criteria for undergraduate courses at UNSW Canberra are similar to those applicable to other UNSW courses.

Enrolment

Acceptance of offer

You will receive details of acceptance and enrolment procedures with your UAC offer. Failure to follow the outlined procedures will result in your offer lapsing. Full details regarding acceptance and enrolment will be available from October.

Advanced standing/Academic credit

If you have already completed some tertiary study, you may be entitled to credit for relevant subjects. UNSW Canberra - ADFA does not determine credit transfer until an offer of admission has been made and accepted.

Deferment

Course deferment may be granted by Defence Force Recruiting in special circumstances.

To find out more, visit UNSW Canberra's website.

Fees and charges

For the latest information, read about fees and charges.

All students, except those undertaking an enabling course or Defence-funded students enrolled at UNSW Canberra, must pay a student contribution for a Commonwealth-supported place (CSP).

In addition, all students, except Defence-funded students enrolled at UNSW Canberra, must pay a student services and amenities fee each term. 

UNSW ADFA

Trainee officers and DCUS students

Trainee Officer and DCUS student fees are covered under the contract between UNSW and the Commonwealth (ADF)

Non-Defence students

Non-Defence students must pay student contributions for a Commonwealth-supported place (CSP). 

Financial assistance

Youth and student allowances

For details on Australian Government financial support through Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY, Services Australia website.

The following courses are approved for the purposes of Australian Government Student Assistance so eligible students can access Centrelink income support payments if enrolled full-time:

• Master of Teaching (Secondary)
• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Juris Doctor
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Health Management
• Master of International Public Health.

Equity Scholarships

UNSW Sydney offers ongoing support to students from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, Indigenous students and low socio-economic background students.

The University's Equity Scholarship programs for commencing undergraduate students include:

• UNSW Accommodation Scholarships (valued at $24,000 per year for normal program duration)
• UNSW Access Scholarships (valued at $10,000 per year for normal program duration)
• UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor’s Equity Scholarships (valued at $5,000 per year for normal program duration).

When awarding Equity Scholarships, UNSW may consider factors such as:

• financial hardship
• carer responsibilities
• long-term medical condition/disability or ongoing effects of abuse
• regional or remote disadvantage
• sole parent responsibilities
• refugee status
• Indigenous Australian identity.

Over 200 new Equity Scholarship offers will be made each year to commencing students. Other bursaries and grants are also available.

You only have to submit one application to UAC to be considered for all UNSW Equity Scholarships for which you are eligible.

Coursework scholarships

Every year UNSW offers a wide range of coursework scholarships that recognise the achievements and needs of UNSW students to help achieve their educational goals:

• merit scholarships - academic achievement, sporting ability, rural, accommodation, honours, travel and exchange, Indigenous
• equity scholarships - help with the costs of studying at university for those students who need financial assistance or have some other type of educational disadvantage
• faculty scholarships - for specific faculties or degree programs.

Where to get further information

• UNSW website
• TEQSA national register – The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia's independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education
• ComparED – The ComparED website provides prospective students with transparent institution information from recent graduates and current students views.
• Study Assist – Information for students about government assistance for financing tertiary study.
• Tertiary Admission Centre: UAC (NSW & ACT)