University of NSW

How to apply

Admission to UNSW is based on academic merit. If you are seeking admission to an undergraduate program you need to be able 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 also introduced flexible entry programs. UNSW's flexible entry programs allow students with the highest potential to be supported in different ways through their admission process. 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. The new Elite Athletes and Performers Program supports students both with a flexible entry process and flexible study arrangements while at UNSW.

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).

Here’s what to do... 3 easy steps to applying to a UNSW undergraduate degree.

Step 1

Decide what it is you think you would like to study. Think about your desired career, your interests, and academic strengths and the degree that would help you reach your career goals. Don’t forget to talk to friends and family. Please refer to Program selection.

Step 2

To check what qualifications you will require, see Entry Requirements.

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.

Step 3

Lodge an application as follows:

DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

All domestic applicants must 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. You should read the UAC Guide thoroughly.

Why you should read the UAC guide

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.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants completing an Australian Year 12, New Zealand NCEA Level 3 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification

If you are an international applicant currently completing:

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

you must 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

• Don't forget to 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. You can lodge three program preferences on your application form. If you are unsuccessful for your first preference, you will be assessed for your second and third preferences. 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 your 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. If further documents are required you will be informed in this letter.

Notification of the outcome of your application

• 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.