Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 425550
- Program code 3707
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $36,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $253,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Specialised curriculum
-
Project-based learning
-
Industry training
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
This broad degree covers the steps in a product's creation, from chemistry through to economics. Chemical engineers design, create and optimise the systems and equipment used in chemical, industrial, biological and environmental processes, producing a range of materials, like fuels, foods, beverages, polymers and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical Engineering bridges the study of the chemical and physical sciences with engineering. You will learn how to:
- design and develop chemical processes and equipment
- optimise and control industrial operations
- plan plant operations
- tailor management strategies
- work with nanoparticles
- minimise environmental impact
- manage pollution
Management, critical analysis and economics are key components of your training.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
We're ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology. As well as this, all of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with two schools ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
We're known as one of the leading Chemical Engineering schools ranked #2 in Australia for Chemical Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
UNSW has been awarded the Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025). The School of Chemical Engineering was set up with industry in mind. We have close links to industry leaders and companies in the field of engineering to ensure our research and education are in line with industry requirements and real-world demand. We work hand in hand with Bluescope Steel, Sydney Water, Veolia and many other companies through sponsored projects, consulting and graduate recruitment.
All students undertake industrial training as part of our undergraduate degrees. This means that you’ll graduate with first-hand experience in a professional organisation. Industrial training will provide you with a range of networking opportunities and engineering experience in design, analysis, experimental and on-site activities.
When you study at UNSW Engineering you can take part in ChallEng, a real-world, project-based learning initiative. This award-winning program is made up of:
- Vertically Integrated Projects
- The Maker Games
- Student Projects
- Social Impact
Make a difference in disadvantaged communities through our Humanitarian Engineering projects, electives and minors on offer. Humanitarian Engineering provides disadvantaged individuals and communities with engineering solutions that improve livelihoods. These solutions may provide essential services such as food, water, shelter, energy and information where they are unavailable.
At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community with plenty to keep you busy. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW’s Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
Assumed knowledge
For Chemical Engineering: Mathematics Extension 1, Physics.
For Chemical Product Engineering: Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1, Physics
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
This degree is eligible for admission through our Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. Complete a submission to demonstrate your passion and performance in relevant subjects. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
85.0
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.5
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
11.0
|
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
32.0
|
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1210.0
|
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
In this four-year degree, you will learn how to apply your knowledge in chemical engineering and chemistry to optimise complex chemical processes in environmental management, chemical and process industry and services like water and energy providers. You will master the entire process, translating small-scale, laboratory chemistry into large, sustainable industrial-scale productions.
During this degree, you will study core subjects including:
- Computing for Engineers
- Chemical Reaction Engineering
- Process Modelling Analysis
- Process and Plant Design
- Environment and Sustainability
Electives for this degree include:
- Advanced Reaction Engineering
- Collaboration and Innovation in Business
- Sustainable Energy
- Energy Storage
- Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering
- Entrepreneurial Engineering
- Humanitarian Engineering
- Data-Driven Decision-Making in Chemical Engineering
During this degree, you will complete a research thesis project with the support of leading researchers where you can explore an area of chemical engineering you are passionate about. You will bring together engineering principles to innovatively solve problems such as developing a specific design, process and/or investigating a hypothesis.
Minor in Humanitarian Engineering
In this degree, you can choose to study a minor in Humanitarian Engineering. With this minor, you will develop the ability to address problems in disadvantaged communities and societies around the world. Combine your skills as an engineer with skills in humanitarian practice to address problems relating to inequities and lack of access to essential services. Find out more
Minor in Nuclear Engineering
In this degree, you can choose to study a minor in Nuclear Engineering. With a UNSW Minor in Nuclear Engineering, you will be able to apply your degree expertise to work on energy efficiency, material improvements, defence technology, and crucial nuclear medicine for Australia. Find out more.
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on the number of courses you choose and timetable, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
In your first year, you might study:
- Two introductory courses in Mathematics
- An introductory course in Physics
- An introductory course in Computing
You may also study an introductory course related to your specialisation of choice. These courses equip you with the skills required for the rest of your Engineering degree.
All students study DESN1000 “Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation.” In this course you will learn to think the way that engineers think and develop solutions with limited budget, time and resources.
In your second year, you will undertake:
- Courses from your selected specialisations
- Core courses to give you the fundamental knowledge in fluid mechanics, numerical methods, chemical reaction, and thermodynamics.
In your third and fourth year, you will develop your knowledge further in process design, equipment, contrast and modelling. During your last year’s capstone design project, you will work as a team to design an entire plant to address one real-life industry challenge with one of our industry partners.
During your degree, you will be required to complete two General Education electives. These courses help you broaden your education by completing several courses from outside the engineering faculty. This strengthens your cross-disciplinary thinking, ability to develop a flexible approach and enhances your critical analysis skills.
This degree also requires you to complete 60 days of industrial training, which gives you some on-the-job experience before graduating. This multidisciplinary educational approach connects students, academics and industry, enabling you to develop the essential technical and professional skills, so you thrive in your future career.
Future careers
You’ll graduate with an industry renowned and accredited qualification. The undergraduate degree in chemical engineering is valuable across a range of different industries, such as, design and construction, energy and fuels, government, law and mining.
Chemical engineers are often known as “universal engineers” due to their skills in chemistry, physics, maths and economics. Our graduates have gone on to work for leading companies including Caltex/Shell, Seimens Water Systems, Orica and BOC.
Potential careers
As a chemical engineer, you could work in many different roles in a range of industries including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food and Beverage
- Chemical Processing
- Energy Generation and Storage
- Environmental Management and Services
- Minerals
- Water and Wastewater Treatment and Recycling
- Mining and Minerals
- Oil and Gas
- Paper and Packaging
- Biomedical Industries
- Engineering Consulting
Accreditation
This degree is globally recognised and is accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord. This degree is also accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
Part of this degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to become career-ready.
Double degrees
Combine your talents and passions to explore opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and:
- Advanced Mathematics (Honours)
- Advanced Science (Honours)
- Arts
- Commerce
- Computer Science
- Engineering Science
- Fine Arts
- Law
- Science
- Master of Biomedical Engineering
*Double Degree only available with some Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialisations.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarships
Women in Engineering Scholarships
UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
Engineering Rural Scholarship
The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
