Planning

Who Can Apply?

Admission to UNSW is based on academic merit. If you are seeking admission to an undergraduate program you need to provide evidence that you have the potential for tertiary study. Age alone is not a sufficient criterion for admission. UNSW does not consider work experience for admission purposes.

For some degree programs and first-year courses a certain level of Assumed Knowledge of the subject area is desirable to be successful in university level study. If you do not have the level of assumed knowledge you are not prevented from enrolling, but you may be placed at a considerable disadvantage. If you have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge you are advised to undertake a bridging course or other appropriate preparation.

UNSW has introduced flexible entry programs. UNSW's flexible entry allows students with the highest potential to be supported in different ways through their admission process.

For admission purposes there are two groups of applicants to UNSW programs:

• Domestic applicants are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens
• International applicants are all other applicants (that is, not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen).

All applicants, whether domestic or international, for admission to any UNSW program delivered either in Australia or overseas, who do not have an assessable qualification undertaken and assessed in English, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission. For details see English Language Proficiency.

4 Easy Steps To Apply To Study a UNSW Undergraduate Degree

Step 1: Investigate Program Options

Think about your interests, academic strengths and the degree that would help you continue to reach your career goals. Please refer to Planning your career and Program selection.

Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility to Apply

Check what qualifications are required, see Entry Requirements.

Step 3: Lodge an Application

Domestic Applicants
 

Domestic applicants apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).  Students who are enrolled in Year 12 in NSW/ACT will be issued with a copy of the UAC Guide by their school or TAFE. Other domestic applicants can purchase the Guide from newsagents in August or apply by web at www.uac.edu.au. 

The UAC Guide outlines admission/application requirements and procedures for all UNSW undergraduate programs (including ADFA) and includes important information regarding deferment, special consideration for applicants who have experienced long term educational disadvantage (the ACCESS Scheme for students who have not undertaken tertiary study before and SCATS for applicants with a tertiary record) and key dates.

HSC Plus is a bonus point system which rewards students who perform well in Australian Senior Secondary Certificate courses that are relevant to their preferred UNSW program.

International Applicants
 

If you are an international applicant currently completing or have completed:

• an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia
• an International Baccalaureate (IB)
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3

You apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) - UAC International. UAC International booklets will be available from your school/college in August.

All Other International Applicants
 

International applicants who have completed or are completing qualifications OTHER than those listed above apply for admission directly to UNSW.

Before You Lodge Your Application
 

• Read the UNSW International Prospectus and look at the additional information at UNSW International or contact one of our UNSW International representative offices.

• Check what qualifications you will need at the UNSW International website. If you do not meet the minimum academic entry criteria you may wish to consider undertaking the University Foundation Year.

Lodging An Application
 

• Go to myUNSW Apply Online and complete the online application form. An application fee of AUD $50 applies to each application and is payable by credit card online.

Or
 

• Fill in the paper international students' undergraduate coursework application form (pdf). An application fee of AUD $100 applies to each paper application form and is payable by credit card, bank cheque or bank draft made out to 'The University of New South Wales'.

• Provide certified copies of original documents, including your academic transcripts from high school and any post-secondary study as well as original copies of your English language test results.

• Send your application form to The Direct Admissions Office, UNSW Sydney 2052 Australia. Once your application has been received and registered by the Admissions Office you will receive a letter of acknowledgement. 

Step 4: What next?
 

• Students who are unsuccessful in their application will be notified in a letter from the Admissions Office, this letter will state the reason why an offer has not been made.

• An offer letter is sent to successful applicants. A Conditional Offer will be sent to those students who have met the academic requirements, but have not met the English language requirements. In most cases a Conditional Offer remains valid for one year.

Accepting Your Offer, Confirmation of Enrolment and Starting at UNSW

• To accept your offer, please follow the instructions on the offer letter. Offer acceptances cannot be processed without payment of a deposit to UNSW.

• Once we have received your acceptance and deposit a Confirmation of Enrolment is issued. You will need this form in order to have your student visa issued (if applicable).

• Later you will receive your information pack which provides details about enrolment, life at UNSW, and how to book temporary accommodation. The information packs are sent out starting from two months before the semester begins.

• Ten days to two weeks before the start of semester, you will enrol at the University and attend an Orientation program specifically designed to help all new international students adjust to life at UNSW.

How to apply for a PG degree

UNSW offers a wide range of Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters Coursework programs. Generally the requirement for study at postgraduate coursework level is a completed undergraduate degree in a relevant field from a recognised tertiary institution. Competition for places is high and admission is subject to selection on the basis of academic merit, but applicants with a good first degree have excellent prospects for admission.

Postgraduate Research programs (eg. Doctor of Philosophy PhD, Masters by Research) are offered via UNSW's Graduate Research School.

For admission purposes there are two groups of applicants to UNSW programs -

• Domestic applicants are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens
• International applicants are all other applicants (that is, not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen).

All applicants, whether domestic or international, for any UNSW program delivered either in Australia or overseas, who do not have an assessable qualification undertaken and assessed in English, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission. For details see English Language Proficiency.

4 easy steps to apply to study a UNSW postgraduate coursework degree

Step 1: Investigate program options

Think about your interests, academic strengths and the degree that would help you continue to reach your career goals. Please refer to Planning your career and Program selection. Also consider looking through the Program Finder for the program or degree that you are interested in.

Step 2: Determine your eligibility to apply

The standard requirement for postgraduate study at UNSW is generally a completed undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study. International postgraduate applicants should consult the UNSW International Prospectus and look at the additional information at UNSW International or contact one of our UNSW International representative offices.

To check the requirements for specific postgraduate coursework programs check the UNSW Postgraduate Handbook.

Step 3: Lodge an application

Domestic applicants

Applications for admission open in September each year for commencement of studies in Semester 1 and in April each year for commencement in Semester 2. The main closing date for applications is the end of October for Semester 1 and end of May for Semester 2. 

Applications for admission to postgraduate coursework programs are made directly to the University using the UNSW Apply Online service. The charge for this service is $50.00.

Alternatively, you may download a Postgraduate coursework application form. The charge for this service is $100.00.

Please note the closing dates. All applicants must provide certified copies of documents. 

International applicants

Applications for all postgraduate coursework programs at made directly to the University using the UNSW Apply Online service. The charge for this service is $50.00.

 Alternatively, you may fill in the application form International students application form. An application fee of AUD $100 applies to each application, which is payable by bank cheque or bank draft, made out to 'The University of New South Wales'.

Step 4: What next?

• Once your application has been received you will be sent an acknowledgement. You will also be advised of any outstanding information or documentation and given instructions on how to provide this. 
• All applicants are advised of the outcome of their application. An offer of admission is sent to successful applicants. A Conditional Offer will be sent to International applicants who have met the academic requirements, but have not met the English language requirements. In most cases a Conditional Offer remains valid for one year.

Accepting your offer, confirmation of enrolment and starting at UNSW

Offers are accepted online at my.unsw.edu.au/student/commencing/Accept.html.

Enrollment information is available here.

Further information on Postgraduate Coursework programs is available from:

Domestic Applicants: Contact the Student Recruitment Office on (02) 9385 1844 or studentrecruitment@unsw.edu.au

International Applicants: Contact the International Office on +61 2 9385 6996 or internationaloffice@unsw.edu.au