Undergraduate entry requirements

See how to gain entry into your dream degree

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We're proud to welcome the brightest minds to study at UNSW.

There are different entry requirements to consider depending on what you want to study. There are also a number of ways you might gain entry to your chosen degree, depending on your educational background. Here's everything you need to know below.

Are you an international student? International students have different entry requirements from domestic students. Click here, opens in a new window to find out about your entry requirements.

Recent school leavers
Non-recent school leavers

Are you a high school student, hoping to study at UNSW?

If you're a high school student, or you've finished high school in the last two years, you're classified as a 'recent school leaver'. Below is everything you need to know about your entry requirements.

No HSC? No worries.

As a current high school student in Australia, your admission to UNSW will be based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) that you receive after completing your Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (such as the HSC). We also consider a number of international secondary qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).

If you're completing something other than the NSW HSC, here’s a list of other qualifications that UNSW considers for entry:

Interstate Year 12 Qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

GCE A-Levels

New Zealand NCEA Level 3

Overseas secondary qualifications considered equivalent to Australian studies

You can find more details about our accepted qualifications or search for specific international qualifications below.

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Our Degree Finder tool is the easiest way to find out about entry requirements for your chosen degree. You can also use it to compare entry requirements for multiple courses. , opens in a new window

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Adjustment factors are programs that will add points to your entry score. You can apply for the following programs at UNSW

Elite Athletes Performers and Leaders Program (EAPL)
The EAPL program offers up to five extra points towards your application for students who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in sport, music, leadership or academic achievements.

HSC Plus
HSC Plus rewards your strong performance in relevant HSC subjects (and equivalents) with up to five points. The points are added automatically, so there's nothing you need to do.

ACCESS Scheme
Things like illness, financial hardship, language difficulties and school environment may mean you don't always get your best marks in years 11 and 12. The Educational Access Scheme is designed to assist you.

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Admission pathways can combine with your ATAR and may assist you to meet entry requirements for certain programs. There are admission pathways for Art & Design programs, Built Environment programs, Engineering, Information Systems, and Medicine.

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For some degrees and first-year courses, it is assumed that you have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area (eg. Mathematics). Performance in relevant Year 12 courses is taken into account in the admission of current Australian Year 12 applicants via UNSW's HSC Plus, opens in a new window.

If you don't have the assumed knowledge, you won't be prevented from enrolling, but may be placed at a considerable disadvantage and are strongly advised to undertake a Bridging Program, opens in a new window or other appropriate preparation.

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Has it been more than two years since you left high school?

If you've been out of high school for more than two years and want to study an undergraduate degree at UNSW, here's everything you need to know about entry requirements.

Before applying to UNSW, you should check that your qualification can be accepted for assessment.

There are several admission pathways to an undergraduate degree at UNSW, including high school qualifications, UNSW Foundation Studies, a UNSW Diploma, recognised prior study or university transfer.

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Admission to UNSW is based on merit, meaning we need an academic qualification or prior experience to assess you on. How we assess you will depend upon the academic qualification you provide for assessment. Visit our accepted qualifications page for details

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Whether you are moving interstate or want the benefits of studying an undergraduate degree at a world-class university, there are a number of ways to transfer to UNSW depending on your situation. You may be able to have prior learning recognised, and gain credit towards your degree at UNSW.

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Admission pathways can combine with your qualifications and may assist you to meet entry requirements for certain programs. There are admission pathways for Art & Design programs, Built Environment programs, Engineering, Information Systems, and Medicine.

Find out more, opens in a new window
For some degrees and first-year courses, it is assumed that you have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area (eg. Mathematics).

If you don't have the assumed knowledge, you won't be prevented from enrolling, but may be placed at a considerable disadvantage and are strongly advised to undertake a Bridging Program, opens in a new window or other appropriate preparation.

Find out more, opens in a new window
If you have undertaken university studies and your secondary or tertiary studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, then SCATS is for you. SCATS is also applicable if you have been excluded from a tertiary institution. Whilst places at UNSW are still competitive and based on academic merit, this allows the university to take your circumstances into account. For more information please refer to the Information Sheet .

Click here for types of disadvantage that are considered under SCATS.

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