Frequently Asked Questions

Want to find out more about UNSW Sydney? Discover what programs we offer, learn more about entry requirements and read about what financial assistance options are available in the FAQs below.

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Students gathering at UNSW Sydney Kensington campus

  • At UNSW, we don’t have prerequisite courses. Instead, we have assumed knowledge.  

    This means that your academics will teach you assuming that you have studied certain subjects (or equivalent). Receiving an offer to study at UNSW is not dependent on you having studied that subject, we will only look at your Selection Rank (your raw ATAR plus any Adjustment Factors you may be eligible for). 

    Bridging courses are a great way to bring you up to speed before you start your degree. At UNSW we offer bridging courses in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The Undergraduate Guide lists assumed knowledge for each degree. 

  • There are three adjustment factor schemes at UNSW available for domestic high school leavers:

    • The HSC Plus scheme rewards up to five points for strong performance in relevant subjects to the degree/s you are applying for. No separate application is required, and you can use our HSC Plus calculator online.
    • The Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders Program recognises achievements outside of the classroom and you may be eligible for up to five points. You'll need to submit an application to UNSW providing supporting documentation. Applications are now closed and open in August each year. 
    • The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is designed to level the playing field and help students who have experienced educational disadvantage receive an offer. EAS applications are submitted via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Application deadlines will vary per offer round, you'll need to refer to UAC’s key dates for more information.

    Adjustment factors can add points to your ATAR to increase your selection rank, and across all three of these schemes, a cumulative maximum of 12 points can be used toward 2025 admission. Not every degree is eligible under each scheme, hence it’s important to note which ones you might be eligible for and which ones require additional applications.  

  • In one easy application through UAC. You’ll be able to add five course preferences from multiple universities. The order that you preference your courses will influence which degree offer you could get per offer round. Read our guide to UAC preferences for more information.

  • Domestic undergraduate students may be eligible to receive an early conditional offer to study at UNSW via two different pathways, the Gateway Admission Pathway or UNSW Portfolio Entry and Critical Thinking Entry Schemes. 

    The Gateway Admission Pathway is designed for domestic students who attend a Gateway Partner School or have a home address which is in the lowest 25% of socio-economic advantage in Australia according to SEIFA criteria. You can apply directly through the Gateway Admission Pathway portal to see if you're eligible.

    The Gateway Program includes resources to help you map your skills and interests to a UNSW degree, prepare for the HSC and support you in your Gateway Admission Pathway application. Your application will be assessed on the basis of your Year 11 results (available to UNSW directly through UAC) and your personal statement. If your application is successful, you will receive either an early full offer or an early conditional offer with an ATAR entry requirement up to 15 points lower than the advertised Lowest Selection Rank. Once you receive an ATAR result that is the same or higher than the requirement set for you in your early conditional offer, you’ll receive a firm offer to that UNSW degree.

    *Applications and offers for the Gateway Admission Pathway in 2024 will be released across two offer rounds. Round 2 will open on 6 September and will close on 11 November. Firm offers will be released on 19 December. If you are eligible but miss the application deadline, we recommend applying for UAC’s Education Access Scheme, where you may be eligible for up to 10 adjustment factors for any UNSW degree. For more information about the Gateway pathway, please visit the UNSW Gateway website.

    The UNSW Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme includes early conditional offers, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your passion and talent alongside your ATAR. This scheme is available for select programs in Arts, Design & Architecture and UNSW Engineering. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their work relevant to the program they are applying for, as well as statements outlining their interest in the particular discipline. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement up to 10 ATAR points below the lowest selection rank for a specific degree or range of related degrees. For key dates and more information, visit the UNSW Portfolio Entry website.

  • Double degrees allow you to focus on two areas of expertise, giving you more knowledge, skills, and career options. And despite the name, it doesn’t mean double the time or workload. Because you’ll only complete the core courses from each degree, you’ll graduate sooner. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce is 3 years, and the Bachelor of Arts is 3 years. If studied in combination, the overall duration is 4 years, and you’ll graduate with two certificates to recognise the two qualifications you’ve earned.

    A double degree allows students to find their niche, having the option to choose from complementary or contrasting degrees to give you sought-after knowledge and skills. They will also give you an edge in the job market over other graduates as you will be able to bring unique skillsets and approach problems in new ways.

    Please note not all degrees are compatible, and double degrees vary in length from 4 – 6.7 years. For a full list of compatible degrees and duration, please explore the UNSW Degree Finder.

  • A major is an area that you choose to study in-depth during your degree to become your area of specialisation. For example, if you choose to study the Bachelor of Science, you may decide to complete a major in genetics and hence you would graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Genetics). You will complete a sequence of courses to meet the requirements for your major and be recognised as having that specialised knowledge.  

    A minor is a shorter sequence of courses and will give you some level of specialisation in a given area, however not at the level of a major. Many degrees, though not all, will require you to select at least one major, and many generalist degrees will also offer you the opportunity to complete a minor. For information regarding the approved majors for our courses, you can check the Undergraduate Guide.

  • The Light Rail service has made UNSW more accessible than ever. If you are coming from Central Station or the CBD you can catch either the L2 Randwick service to the UNSW High St stop, opposite our Gate 9 entrance, or the L3 Kingsford service to the UNSW Anzac Parade stop, located at the Lower Campus entrance. 

    There are also several bus services that you can catch to campus. If you need to travel between the Kensington and Paddington campuses, you can catch UNSW’s Courtesy Bus during term.

    If public transport isn’t your thing, there are a number of parking options on and around campus.

  • Yes! UNSW’s Careers and Employment office will link you with potential employers and help you develop the skills you need for your career beyond the classroom. They offer job opportunities, application resources, career planning and networking events to expand your future career path. The UNSW Careers and Employment service is available for up to 18 months following your graduation.

    Visit UNSW Careers for more information.

  • UNSW offers a range of apartments and colleges. For a complete guide, please visit the Accommodation website where you can find out the locations, costs, amenities, support services and information on how to apply. Feel free to contact the UNSW Student Accommodation team at accommodation@unsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9385 4346 to have a chat about your options.

    If you want to get an idea of the day-to-day costs of living in Sydney, please see this handy Cost-of-Living guide.

  • There are a number of different scholarships available to high school leavers including merit, sporting, rural and equity scholarships. Check your eligibility for different programs at UNSW Scholarships.

    A notable scholarship offered by UNSW is The Co-op Program - a specific career development scholarship program available in select degrees, that enables students to form life changing connections. Co-op students undertake up to 18 months of relevant experience with industry sponsors in a series of diverse placements during their studies. Students who secure a place in the Co-op Program are awarded a tax-free scholarship of $19,600 per year, guaranteed for four years.   

    Co-op applications are now open and will close on November 30. The application process is competitive, please refer to the Co-op Program website for further information. Please note that only domestic applicants are eligible to apply.

    Equity Scholarships are awarded to students from low socio-economic backgrounds and require a separate application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Application deadlines are dependent on offer rounds. Visit UAC's key dates calendar for up-to-date information.

  • UNSW offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities for students of all walks of life. These include joining clubs and societies, sporting teams or volunteering programs run by UNSW’s student organisation, Arc.  

    Clubs and societies are an excellent way to get social, get active and make the most of your time at uni.  

    There are 300 clubs and societies built around areas such as culture, sport, hobbies and degrees. So, you’re spoilt for choice! For a full list of clubs and to check out more about Arc, visit the Arc website. If you think there’s something missing, you can even start your own club! 

    UNSW also has a fantastic sporting community spanning all levels, from social competitions all the way up to Olympic level. We offer an abundance of charity and philanthropic opportunities you can be a part of throughout your degree. To find out more about the social side of university, visit Arc.

  • Course fees for UNSW programs are listed on the relevant degree finder pages under the “fees and scholarships” section. As a domestic undergraduate student, you will be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place, meaning the government will pay a portion of your course fees. You can choose to pay the outstanding amount (known as the “student contribution amount”) upfront as you study, or through HECS-HELP, an Australian Government Scheme that allows you to defer payment of your course fees until you are earning above a certain threshold. For more information about HECS-HELP, please visit Study Assist.

    As well as your course fees, it is important to consider other costs relevant to studying at university. Many students purchase things to assist their studies including laptop computers, stationery, and textbooks.

  • You'll incur a processing fee when applying via UAC. Applicants who pay for and submit their application before the Early Bird Preferencing deadline in September will avoid a higher processing charge. Visit UAC for key dates and the Early Bird and Standard processing fees.

  • There are two ways of applying for a postgraduate degree at UNSW. While for the majority of programs you can apply through our Apply Online portal, some programs require an application through Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

    Application for programs within the School of Population Health, Juris Doctor and the Master of Teaching (Primary) or (Secondary) are made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). 

    See the UAC website for key dates and the UAC postgraduate course description for the final closing date.

    For all our other programs through our Apply Online portal, the on-time closing date for programs for Term 1 2025 is 30 January 2025.

    Applications submitted after this date are still accepted, subject to available places. To learn more about how to apply for Postgraduate study at UNSW check out our article on submitting your application.

  • UNSW offers an array of Postgraduate programs available – so you can choose a course that is right for you and your career. 

    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma  
    • Master’s  

    Our Postgraduate courses are flexible, and students can choose how many credits they take per term, which would vary the completion time of the course. If you decide to study a Graduate Certificate, you can articulate to a higher-level qualification upwards from: Graduate Certificate > Graduate Diploma > Master's depending on the course. 

  • To learn more about UNSW's postgraduate entry requirements check out our handy guide which includes GPA entry requirements. 

    The entry requirements will largely depend on your chosen program. Not sure what program to study? Visit our Degree Finder and find the program that’s right for you.

  • Yes, at UNSW we understand that most postgraduate students are juggling work as well as other commitments whilst studying. Flexible study options such as online learning, evening classes and intensive courses can help you fit study into your life as you reap the benefits of gaining an extra qualification. 

    Learn how you can balance work, family & study whilst studying for a postgraduate qualification at UNSW.

  • The time of our Postgraduate program classes varies from program to program; however most programs offer classes in the late afternoon or evening. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the class schedules for our degrees.

  • Yes, as a Postgraduate student you can study part time if your program allows. You are required to enrol in a minimum of one course per term to be considered a part time student.

    To find a course that’s right for you, visit our postgraduate study page. For more tips, check-out our article on how to succeed in your postgraduate studies.

  • You can apply to have previous study from another institution or another UNSW degree program recognised, and the credit transferred to your current degree program at UNSW. Credit transfer is also known as 'advanced standing' or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

    As part of the UNSW Recognition of Prior Learning policy, students may be offered credits for courses amounting to a maximum of 50% of their degree requirements. However, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Credit can only be awarded for courses completed no more than 10 years prior.

  • Applications directly to UNSW

    Applications submitted by Apply Online are prioritised by term. Once you have provided all the necessary documentation, it might take 6-8 weeks for UNSW to assess your application depending on the term you are applying for.

    Applications via UAC 

    Postgraduate UAC offers for 2024 are released on a rolling basis. The assessment of preferences for Fee-paying places can take up to three weeks to process. The assessment of preferences for CSP can take longer as this is assigned on an academic merit basis and the places are limited in each program. 

  • Whilst most postgraduate places at UNSW are Domestic Fee Paying,  many programs do have an allocation of Commonwealth Supported Funding and Common Wealth Supported Places (CSPs). CSPs are usually limited, and applicants are not guaranteed a CSP if they are granted an offer of admission. CSPs can take longer as this is assigned on an academic merit basis. 

    If you’re applying for a program through the Apply Online portal, you will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). If applying through UAC you will need to specifically apply for a CSP when doing your preferences. 

    Find out if your program of interest offers CSPs on Degree Finder and by searching via the ‘Fees and Scholarships’ tab. 

    Programs not listed here have no Commonwealth supported funding and are Domestic Fee-Paying only. If you are a Domestic Fee-Paying student, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP, but you’re not eligible for the subsidised tuition under Commonwealth support. 

  • Applicants who have been successful in obtaining a Commonwealth Supported Place will have this reflected on their Term 3 2024 UNSW offer letter. 

    If you have received a full fee-paying offer, you may still be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place as part of our round two offers. To ensure you do not miss out, we encourage you to accept your existing offer, which will be updated and re-issued if you are deemed eligible for a CSP closer to the commencement of term.

  • If you have accepted a full fee-paying position at UNSW Sydney and are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place later, the subsidised offer will supersede your fee-paying position, once accepted.

  • We have various scholarships available for postgraduate students at UNSW. Find out more on our scholarships page.

  • You can defer your fees when you enrol at UNSW, if you are eligible to receive HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP; a loan that uses the combined HELP loan limit to pay all or part of your tuition fees. 

    Most of the postgraduate places at UNSW are full fee- paying. However, certain programs have an allocation of Commonwealth support funding. These places are limited in each program. Check out our list of CSP programs per faculty. Please note an offer of admission does not guarantee a Commonwealth supported place.

    For more information read our useful article on how to finance your master's degree.

  • UNSW's postgraduate degrees are designed by academic and industry leaders to meet evolving industry requirements and create future-ready graduates. Whether you are looking to upskill or switch careers, a postgraduate qualification will enable you to remain competitive in the ever-changing workforce.  

    The QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities placed UNSW 19th in the world and #1 in Australia for most employable graduates. UNSW postgraduates are also ranked as having the highest median salaries for students three years post graduation in the QILT GOS 2022 survey results.

    A postgraduate degree at UNSW enables you to meet like-minded peers, grow your professional network, and take on the future with greater confidence. 

  • UNSW’s postgraduate offering includes face to face, online and hybrid degrees. Find out more about the delivery mode of your program via Degree Finder.

    We are now welcoming students back to campus for classes. While there is every intention to return to as much in-person teaching and learning as possible, online options will continue to be provided where required. 

    Any arrangements will also be subject to public health orders. You can find the latest information about our safe return to campus plan at the UNSW COVID-19 website.

  • UNSW has a team of passionate Future Student Advisers who are available to answer any questions you may have. Connect with an Adviser via phone, live chat or email.

  • Every UNSW student or recent graduate has the opportunity to meet individually with a UNSW Career Coach to plan their career journey and enhance their employability. Through UNSW’s Employability team, you can attend industry-delivered workshops, share your LinkedIn profiles with professionals, access job opportunities from attending employers, and network with employers.

  • View UNSW’s academic progression and assessment requirements.

    UNSW students have access to a variety of support services, including academic support, and students concerned about passing courses are encouraged to seek support and guidance early. 

  • It is free to apply via UNSW Apply Online for domestic postgraduate students. Please note that applications for the Juris Doctor - 9150, Master of Teaching (Secondary) - 8926, Master of Teaching (Primary) – 8925, and all programs offered by the School of Population Health are made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). You'll incur a processing fee if you are a domestic postgraduate student and are applying via UAC. Visit UAC for key dates and the Early Bird and Standard processing fees. 

  • Looking to study at UNSW in 2025? View our latest updates on international student admissions and FAQs on this page.

    Check updates & FAQs

    • Offers to UNSW are based on academic merit and you’ll need to meet academic entry requirements and English language requirements to be considered for an offer from UNSW. You can check entry requirements to your desired UNSW degree via our Degree pages.

      To apply, you’ll need to provide relevant documents to prove you have met the requirements, such as copies of your award certificate, academic transcript, proof of citizenship and proof of English language proficiency. 

      We accept a number of international qualifications, including some international high school certificates, UNSW recognised foundation programs or prior tertiary studies. 

      Undergraduate applicants can check entry requirements for common international high school certificates from our Direct Entry Table.

      Find out more

    • All students commencing study at UNSW need to have proof of English language proficiency. 

      There are different ways to satisfy UNSW’s English language requirements. 

      • You can choose to take one of the following English language tests:
        • IELTS
        • TOEFL iBT
        • PTE
        • Cambridge C1 or C2 English
        • ANU Access Program
      • You could take a University English Preparation Course through UNSW College 
      • In some cases, proof of prior study in English may be considered
      • In some cases, students may be able to apply for an English Waiver. Please note that each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the Admissions team may still require you to sit an English Language test.

      Find out more

    • Applicants who are not able to demonstrate that they meet one or more of the English language proficiency criteria but believe that they satisfy the English language requirements, may apply for an English Waiver. 

      To apply you will need to justify that you satisfy two or more of the Conditions for an English Waiver in writing and provide evidence to the Admissions team. 

      You can apply for an English Waiver during your online application – simply submit a personal statement with your supporting documentation under the English Language Requirements section of the online application form.

      Find out more

    • Applying to UNSW is very simple. You can choose to apply to UNSW by submitting a formal application through our Apply Online portal, or via a UNSW agent.

      If you are to lodge an application online, simply create an Apply Online account and log in to start a new application. Follow the steps and upload all the required documents to complete the application process. You may need to upload copies of your award certificate, academic transcript, proof of citizenship and proof of English language proficiency.

      Once you have paid the application fee of AUD$150, we will assess you for admission to your desired program. There is no limit on the number of applications you may submit. However, each application may attract a non-refundable application fee.

      Don’t forget to check application closing dates for each intake before applying. Subject to available places, we may still accept applications submitted after the closing date. Refer to Apply Online FAQs if you have questions.

      Apply online

       

    • You can apply to have previous study from another institution or another UNSW program recognised, and the credit transferred to your current program at UNSW. This is known as recognition for prior learning (RPL). 

      To apply for RPL, simply tick ‘Yes’ for RPL when you apply for admission to UNSW through Apply Online, and our Admissions team will access your RPL application along with your admission to UNSW.

      However, there are stringent guidelines for credit transfer so make sure you have read through the information about RPL via the below link.

      More about RPL 

    • Once you have submitted your application you will be able to easily track its progress via your Apply Online account. 

      If you have questions about your application, you can get in touch with our Admissions team by submitting an Admission online enquiry form.

      Contact UNSW Admissions

    • Once you’ve received your offer, follow the link in the email to access your personalised offer and accept via our Accept Online Portal.

      Create an account first then log in and follow the steps to accept your offer. As part of the Accept Online process, most applicants are required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Once you accept your offer, you can enrol for your first year’s courses in our system. Watch our YouTube tutorial on how to accept and enrol.

      If you need any help accepting or enrolling, our friendly Nucleus Team is here to help.

      Learn more

    • Due to increased demand at UNSW, we are imposing strict acceptance deadlines. If you do not accept your offer by the specified deadline, your offer will expire, and you will not be able to commence or enrol at UNSW.

    • If you are a current UNSW Sydney student and have completed one or more terms, and you need to take a break from your studies, you can apply for program leave. Program leave is available for up to one year, sometimes more in very exceptional circumstances.

      If you are an applicant and receive an offer to study at UNSW Sydney but cannot start straight away, you may be able to request to defer or delay starting your degree for up to 2 years. Please note that deferment is not guaranteed at the offer stage. If you request a deferral affter accepting your offer and your defer request is approved, your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be cancelled, and you’ll need to accept your new offer for the next intake. Once you accept your new offer, a new CoE will be issued.  

      Please check the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system for your visa end date, updated details and conditions.

      Click below for more about deferment and how to defer your study.

      How do I defer?

    • It is possible to defer an offer for up to 2 years. You can do so at any time for an unlimited number of times within the time limit. However, we do have some programs where deferral is not allowed or is limited to 1 year only.

      You need to defer your offer by the deadline specified in Accept Online. Requests submitted after this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may result in your offer lapsing.

      Deferment FAQs

    • UNSW offers a range of scholarships to international students. We encourage you to explore through the Scholarships website for scholarships and awards that you might be eligible for as each scholarship has differing eligibility criteria.

      You will need to apply for your preferred degree first through the Apply Online portal. The Admissions team will send you a Student ID number that you may use to apply for scholarships. You can find information regarding registering your Scholarships account here. For further advice on Scholarships please contact our dedicated Scholarships team at scholarships@unsw.edu.au  
       
      The Australian government also offers scholarships on the Australia Awards and Study in Australia websites. UNSW has financial aid options for students from several countries and sponsored student opportunities.

      Explore scholarships

    • Sponsored students are not eligible for any UNSW scholarships or awards.

      If you are looking for scholarship opportunities, you may look up on the Australia Awards and your home country’s government website for government-funded scholarships that may be available to you.

    • A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document containing specific details about your program and tells the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of your current enrolment status.

      Any international student holding a Student Visa (subclass 500) studying at UNSW requires a CoE from UNSW and a visa from the DHA for the length of their program.      

      Once you have accepted your UNSW offer (packaged or full), we will issue an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), which you can use to apply for a visa.

      Once you receive the eCOE, please check the Course and Duration and make sure they are correct prior to lodging your student visa application. Please also note that the eCOE is specific to your program, so if you receive an offer to study a different degree or if you wish to transfer your program, you will need to get a new eCoE.

      More about CoE

    • The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has placed additional responsibility onto Australian universities to ensure their incoming international students are fully aware of and comply with all student visa conditions. This is called Genuine Student (GS) Requirement.

      UNSW has taken additional measures by requiring student interviews, financial documentation, and personal statements (where applicable) to comply with these new responsibilities. The additional steps will be requested by UNSW Admissions according to DHA country guidelines. The steps may only be completed by an authorised UNSW agent or UNSW Regional Manager.

      From 23 March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for Student visas. 

      From 23 March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for Student visas. In order to ensure you have the most up to date information on visa requirements and processing, you should always check with the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest policy and guidance ahead of any submission.

      More about student visa

    • As an international student, you will need a valid visa from the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for the duration of your program to study at UNSW. In most cases, this will be a student visa (Subclass 500).

      To apply for an Australian Student Visa, you will need to lodge an application on the Department of Home Affairs website and provide evidence to show you have met the visa requirements.

      To help you understand what you need to do to apply for a visa, we have prepared this ultimate guide with a checklist and FAQs for you.

      Please note, only DHA employees and registered migration agents are authorised to provide advice on visa and migration issues. If you have any questions about visa, please contact them directly.

      Find out more

      Your student visa checklist

    • There sure is! As the #1 Australian university for Employment Outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2024) we have a dedicated Employability team who provides students with free expert advice and guidance on enhancing their employability skills through individual career coaching, industry mentoring, and career development programs with a focus on preparing students for the world of work.

      While international students can apply for all UNSW Employability programs, the Professional Development Program is specifically designed for international students. By participating in this program, you will learn Australian workplace culture, recruitment tips, employer expectations and can choose to take workplace placement or conduct a real-life workplace project at the end of the program.

      Apart from these university-wide career resources, our faculties also provide career support to their students. For example, industrial training for Engineering students, Career Accelerator @UNSW Business School, and the UNSW Law & Justice careers service.

      Learn more

    • Yes! At UNSW, we encourage our students to connect with the industry while they study at the university. We have a number of options for students interested in undertaking an internship, including the UNSWConnect jobs board and our project-based Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Central courses, including:

      WIL Central offers undergraduate and postgraduate interdisciplinary courses that enable students to develop and apply professional skills while gaining real-world experience working on projects with partner organisations. On completion of each course, students earn 6 units of credit towards their degree.

      More about WIL

    • Yes, at UNSW each faculty has its own Work Integrated Learning (WIL) arrangements in place that enable you to gain real-world working experience while completing your degree.

      We also have international placements available if you wish to take advantage of placements in an international environment to launch your global career.

      Don’t forget to consult with your faculty head about course-specific work integrated learning.

      Discover more

    • Sydney is one of the best cities for international students, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2025. Beaches and museums, sport and music, art and history – there’s always something to discover in Sydney. As an international student living in Sydney, you’ll have it all at your fingertips.

      Check out why you’ll love this lovely city and where you can eat, shop and explore when you are here in this Life in Sydney guide dedicated to international newbies.  You will also find information about the cost of living and perks for international students in this article.

      You can also read our International Student Guide for more about your life in Sydney as an international student at UNSW, including student life, accommodation as well as scholarships and our degree offerings.

      Study in Australia

    • UNSW’s main campus is located in Kensington, a friendly, multicultural inner-city suburb ideally located between the beach and the city, so you’ll get the best of what Sydney has to offer. 

      Explore Sydney city by light rail in just 20 minutes, or visit beautiful Coogee Beach just 8 minutes away by bus. 

      There are a variety of restaurants, shops, healthcare services and amenities around campus, that provide a dynamic and well-connected environment to complete your student experience perfectly.

      Our Art & Design campus in Paddington is located among Sydney's largest cluster of cultural and creative industry businesses and institutions. At this trendy inner-city campus, you can access our state-of-the-art facilities and our museum-standard galleries. 

      Free shuttle buses make it easy to travel between our Sydney campuses.

      We also have campuses in Canberra at ADFA and Canberra City. 

      Take an ultimate campus tour with our Student Ambassador Helen. Explore our campuses and surroundings, and see where you will be eating, sleeping, and studying when you are here.

      Explore our campus

      Start your virtual tour

    • Studying in another country is a big move, but we are here to help you get prepared (and excited!) for settling in Sydney.

      Make sure that you read our Moving to Sydney guide beforehand, where you’ll find a packing list, to-do list when you arrive, tips and advice for your movement.

      UNSW offers free airport pick-up services and a variety of welcome activities and events to commencing international students such as English conversation workshop and Cultural mentor programs to help you get familiarised with your new life quickly. Explore what we offer at the International Student Welcome Centre.

      Move to Sydney guide

    • UNSW offers a choice of lifestyle when living on campus through apartments and colleges. Our residents are part of a fun and supportive community, and all accommodation options are a few minutes' walk to cafés, shops, and the new Village Green.

      Visit the Accommodation website to compare the different options and find information about location, costs, amenities, support services and more.

      You don’t need a UNSW offer to apply for on-campus accommodation, so apply early to secure your space. For any questions regarding on-campus accommodation, you can reach out to the UNSW Student Accommodation team at accommodation@unsw.edu.au.

      You may also wish to consider off-campus accommodation options in the surrounding suburbs of our main Kensington campus, such as Kingsford, Maroubra, and Randwick. You can use the Study Stays page to find accommodation options that suit your needs.

      If you want to get an idea of the day-to-day costs of living in Sydney, please see the Cost of living page.

      We’ve put together a guide to help you find your new home away from home.

      Accommodation guide

    • It’s a big investment for international students to study in Australia, but with a bit of planning, you can manage the costs and spend wisely. 

      Sydney-siders typically spend $160 on groceries every week. An average 10-12-minute journey on public transportation costs around $5. The average renter pays around $550 a week for a one-bedroom apartment around the Kensington campus, plus utility bills. UNSW has On-campus Accommodation available with bill-included and catered options.

      As an international student, you can work for up to 48 hours every fortnight. It’s not a bad idea to accumulate some real-world work experience by working part-time - in fact, a lot of domestic students are doing this.

      We also offer a variety of scholarships for international students and have financial aid and sponsored student opportunities for eligible international students.

      Find out more

    • Of course! UNSW has over 330 student-run clubs and societies for you to join. From food and sports to K-pop and Pokémon, you will find like-minded people who share the same interests as you.

      You can also make friends with people from your culture or your faculty by joining those cultural or academic societies. There’s much more to explore at Arc@UNSW.

      Top tip: Make sure you register for O-Week to meet people from student clubs and societies at the beginning of Term!

      Explore student life

  • Yes! UNSW has a dedicated international team with professionally trained regional staff who can give you study advice and answer your questions about studying at UNSW. Find your regional UNSW Officer here.

    You can also reach out to our Future Student Enquiry Team if you have questions about your upcoming journey at UNSW.

    If you are a current student, please contact the Nucleus: Student Hub.

    Contact us

     

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