Sponsored students

Sponsored students are international students who receive funding to study at UNSW from an approved sponsoring authority. Sponsorship can cover tuition and living expenses, depending on the agreement. 

If you wish to become a sponsored student, you will need to organise and secure your own sponsorship. 

All sponsored students at UNSW are subject to UNSW’s policies and procedures and Australian Government regulations that govern Australian universities and their international students.

A sponsoring authority is a government, non-government or corporate organisation that agrees to fund some or all of an international student's study expenses. A sponsoring authority needs to be recognised by UNSW. 

UNSW's Financial Aid and Sponsorship Office provides assistance to sponsored students and sponsoring authorities. The Financial Aid and Sponsorship Office:

• Acts as a liaison between faculties, students and sponsoring authorities.
• Helps sponsored students to understand sponsorship regulations and obligations. 
• Is the point of contact for sponsoring authorities for sponsored student-related issues.
• Monitors students' academic progress and reports to sponsoring authorities.
• Provides information and facilitates access to services for sponsored students.
• Coordinates and assists with financial arrangements and third party invoicing services (with assistance from the UNSW Finance Office).

1. Apply for UNSW through Apply Online, opens in a new window. Try to apply well in advance of the advised application deadlines to allow time for sponsorship arrangements.
2. When applying online, complete the sponsorship section indicating that you will be sponsored. Select the correct sponsoring authority from the list provided
3. Upload relevant supporting documents (i.e. transcripts, proof of English proficiency, etc.). Sponsorship documents can be provided at a later stage.
4. The UNSW Admissions Office or the UNSW Graduate Research School will assess your application. If the relevant entry requirements are met, you will receive a conditional letter of offer or a full letter of offer, and further details about next steps. 

If you've received an offer to study at UNSW as a sponsored student, you need to provide:

1. International Sponsored Student Agreement Form
2. Financial Guarantee Letter
3. Completed and signed Acceptance and Declaration Form (last two pages of the offer letter)

If you're applying for a packaged course (English Language program and a UNSW program) we require the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). This is issued by UNSW College for the English Language component of the package.

These documents should be submitted via the Sponsored Students’ portal for review and approval. They'll be forwarded to UNSW Admissions or the Graduate Research School and a eCOE will be requested.

Once you’re officially registered as a sponsored student, we’ll liaise directly with your sponsoring authority regarding your sponsorship funding. We also keep the sponsoring authority up to date on your academic performance.

If you have any questions about accepting your offer as a sponsored student, email sponsoredstudents@unsw.edu.au

The International Sponsorship Registration Form, opens in a new window is the initial application form that confirms the sponsoring authority will fund a student’s study at UNSW. 

A 'Financial Guarantee Letter' is an official declaration from the sponsoring authority that they will sponsor the student. It needs to be written on the sponsoring authority’s letterhead and include:

• The sponsoring authority’s name and contact details
• The student's name
• The university’s name (UNSW Sydney)
• The course name
• Details of sponsorship (i.e. tuition fees, overseas student health cover for single/family)
• Invoicing contact (name, position, address)
• The signature and date of the authorised representative

No. The Financial Aid and Sponsorship Office will automatically send your academic results to your sponsor at the end of each term or semester, provided you have signed the International Sponsored Student Agreement Form, opens in a new window.

To change degrees as a sponsored student, you need to get permission from your sponsoring authority. You then need to send a new International Sponsored Student Agreement Form, opens in a new window and a new Financial Guarantee letter to sponsoredstudents@unsw.edu.au. Please specify in the email that you want to change your degree. 

If you don't notify the UNSW Financial Aid and Sponsorship Office before changing degrees, you may incur the costs of tuition or education-related expenses.

To apply for an extension, you need to get approval from your sponsoring authority first. You then need to send a new International Sponsored Student Agreement Form, opens in a new window and a new Financial Guarantee letter to sponsoredstudents@unsw.edu.au. Please specify in the email that you would like a sponsorship extension.