Undergraduate Certificate in Engineering
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 0.7 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 425960
- Program code 7021
- CRICOS code -
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $4,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $4,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $27,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $28,000*
Fees
Fees
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Introductory courses
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Less than one year
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Pathway to further study
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Undergraduate Certificate in Engineering develops your practical skills and improves your mathematical understanding. You'll complete a selection of four courses, focusing on engineering design, computing, maths, and an elective in a chosen area of Engineering. These courses introduce you to some of the fundamental elements of Engineering practice, and equip you to apply that knowledge and skills to basic engineering problems.
This program also acts as an entry pathway to the UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program. On successful completion of the certificate, you can transfer your completed courses and continue your studies in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), subject to meeting the articulation requirements.
Key features
You’ll study at the number one engineering faculty in Australia with leading edge facilities and opportunities for practical hands-on learning.
This program develops your practical skills and improves your understanding of Engineering by completing a selection of four introductory courses. Upon successful completion of this program, you can use it as a pathway into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), where you'll be recognised for the courses undertaken in this certificate
Within the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) you can choose from 19 specialisation from traditional and emerging areas of engineering. You can also complete a Flexible First Year when you study this degree. Flexible First Year allows you to explore different engineering fields before choosing your specialisation. The first year of engineering study has a core of common subjects, plus a wide choice of electives, so you can figure out which one is right for you.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW Engineering is a leader in engineering education and research. We’ve invested in a $1 billion refurbishment of our engineering facilities. We're ranked 1st in Australia and 31st globally for Engineering and Technology by QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.
We’re also ranked:
- 1st in Australia - Civil and Structural Engineering
- 1st in Australia - Electrical Engineering in Australia
- 1st in Australia - Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing
- 1st in Australia - Mineral and Mining Engineering
- 3rd in Australia - Chemical Engineering
- 4th in Australia - Computer Science*
UNSW Engineering is the largest engineering faculty in Australia and offers the widest range of engineering degrees in the country. With eight schools and more than 70 years’ experience, our researchers are at the forefront of exciting technological developments.
UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable Students Award in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024).^
Once you articulate into the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) you’ll complete 60 days Industrial Training which provides a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience. WIL allows you to engage in work learning experiences that integrate academic learning with its application in the workplace, connecting you directly with industry and community partners.
Take part in interactive learning through the ChallEng program. The ChallENG program connects students, academics and companies to exciting, real-world projects and learning-based initiatives. The program will prepare you for your future career by helping develop technical and design skills and expanding your professional expertise.
Make a difference to disadvantaged communities through our Humanitarian Engineering projects, electives and minors on offer. Humanitarian Engineering works to provide disadvantaged individuals and communities with engineering solutions that improve lives and 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.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.
^AFR Top100 Future Leaders 2024
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
Please note that the ATAR will vary depending on the specialisation you choose to study. You can view the required ATAR by visiting the specific page of the specialisation.
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
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)
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
The Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) is a possible alternative admission pathway for the admission of domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs, including the BSc Computer Science and the BSc Food Science (Hons), who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Learn more about FEAS.
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.
International direct entry
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.
Assumed knowledge
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)
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
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This program consists of 4 introductory engineering courses which develops your skills and knowledge in computing, mathematics, physics, and engineering related courses including engineering design. Upon completion of this program you will have basic skills and knowledge in engineering preparing you for your next step – the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
In the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) you can explore 19-degree specialisations from Software to Renewable Energy Engineering, and everything in between. We also offer multiple double degree options, where you can combine your engineering degree with architecture, arts, science, commerce and more. The Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and associated double degrees include 60 days of work experience to develop real-world knowledge and build valuable industry connections.
We know our students want to explore, test things out and create a degree that meets their unique career aspirations. That's why in addition to the 19 undergraduate degree specialisations we offer a Flexible First Year. A Flexible First Year enables you to explore core common subjects plus a wide range of electives, so you can specialise in the area that’s right for you.
Full program structure
In this program you'll study four introductory units in Engineering. These courses introduce you to some of the fundamental elements of Engineering practice, and equip you to apply that knowledge and skills to basic engineering problems.
You'll commence your program with DESN1000 “Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation”. In this course you’ll learn to think the way that engineers think, developing solutions with limited budget, time, and resources.
In addition to this you’ll develop your practical skills and mathematical understanding by completing:
- A Mathematics or Higher Mathematics course
- A Computing or Programming course
At the end of the program you’ll choose an elective which will provide an insight into your engineering specific area of interest, electives include:
- Engineering in Medicine and Biology
- Sustainable Product Engineering and Design
- Environmental Principles and Systems
- Electrical Circuit Fundamentals
- Communicating in Engineering
- Engineering Infrastructure Systems
- Surveying and Geospatial Engineering
- Engineering Materials and Chemistry
- Introduction to Materials for Engineering Applications
- Mineral Resources Engineering
- Sustainable Energy
Upon completion of this program you may be able to articulate into the UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
Future careers
When you graduate from this certificate you are then able to move into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Once completed you’ll be eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia. UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our teaching.
Your career opportunities will depend on your area of specialisation in your undergraduate degree. From your second year, you can specialise in a particular field of engineering. Visit the various engineering degree specialisations for examples of career opportunities.
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 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 for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
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) 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 apply?
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 Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The engineering analytic and problem-solving mindset taught by UNSW Engineering is highly desired skillset.
