International Student Support at UNSW Sydney

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Moving to a new country for university is an exciting adventure, and it's even better when you know you are well supported.

At UNSW Sydney, we welcome students from around the world and we want to make their experience as enjoyable as possible.

As an international student, you’ll have access to a huge range of support services from the moment you step into this country to help you feel safe, confident and free to make the most of your time here.

Why you’ll love UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney is a global top 20 university, known for its high academic standards and vibrant campus life. Our graduates go on to become leaders in their field and our researchers make new discoveries that change the world. But one of the biggest reasons international students choose to study at UNSW is because of our welcoming community. You’ll receive support from the moment you arrive. So, here’s what’s available for international students at UNSW.

Before you arrive

We’re so excited to welcome you to our Sydney campus! Before you come to Sydney, there are lots of resources to help you prepare. Visit our International Student hub to find information about living and studying in Australia.

We offer concierge services to help you find safe and convenient accommodation in Sydney. Make sure you sign up for the Culture Mentoring Program, and your mentor will be able to provide useful tips for a smooth trip to the Down Under.

Here are some articles you might want to read before you travel to Australia:

When you land in Australia

We want you to feel comfortable as soon as you arrive in Sydney. That’s why we offer an airport pick-up service to welcome you from the moment you land. Make sure you check out the International Student Welcome Centre, where you can find all the support and activities dedicated to commencing international students.

Once you are in Sydney, meet your Mentor in person and they can show you around and help you settle into life in Sydney. Plus, you can join one of our International Student Meet-ups to make new friends quickly.

During your studies

While you’re here, you’ll have the chance to get involved with campus life. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to help you get settled in and make the most of your time at UNSW.

Students at UNSW Kensington Orientation week 2023

Our main campus, located in a Sydney suburb called Kensington, is a melting pot of cultures. Here, you’ll meet students from over 140 countries. We celebrate this diversity through events, clubs and societies and more.
Getting involved in campus life is a great way to make friends and feel at home. UNSW Sydney has over 300 clubs where you can meet people who share your interests and background. We also host major cultural events throughout the year celebrating the diverse traditions of our student body, such as International Night Markets where you can taste international food from all around the world. Another great way to connect with students from around the world is at our Culture Cafe sessions where you can explore cultures through trivia, traditional games, crafts and food.
We’re here to help you improve your academic and professional skills so you can graduate with confidence. Our Academic Skills Toolkit is a great way to improve your writing, speaking, reading and listening skills. You’ll get access to helpful videos on referencing, preparing for exams, rules around using AI (artificial intelligence) and more.

We also have Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) to help you master difficult subjects. These are free, weekly study sessions that happen outside of class. These sessions are based on specific courses and are run by friendly senior students who have successfully completed the course before.
Improving your language skills is one of the key benefits of studying in Australia, and we have dedicated services to help you do this. Before each term starts, you can join myEnglish Week to gain practical academic English language skills and improve your skills in professional writing and presenting. It’s a free program with interactive workshops where you can build your language confidence and connect with other international students. The program is designed and delivered by expert English Language teachers and is run on-campus every term in the week before O-week.
Your mental health is just as important as your academic success. UNSW Sydney offers a range of mental health services, including counselling and wellbeing workshops. You can also check out Mind Hub for online, self-help programs to complete in your own time. Remember, our Student Support Team is always here to support you.
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. UNSW Sydney has safety measures in place, including 24/7 campus security and emergency services. Our SafeZone app ensures you can quickly get help when you need it.

“Through UNSW's services, I met new people from around the world. Together, we explore new food spots and cafes around Sydney, we study together, and I’m even learning a new language with their help. The connections I've made and the support I've received have made it much easier to navigate through tougher days away from home.”

Samantha Rebecca Kadam

International Student from India