Applying to university

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Undergraduate admissions

Admission to UNSW’s undergraduate programs is based on an individual’s Selection Rank.

Prospective undergraduate students must apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window.

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Undergraduate admissions pathways

There's more than one way to obtain a Selection Rank and gain entry to UNSW, including high school qualifications, university preparatory programs, VET courses or other university study.

At UNSW we want you to bring your difference and for our veterans there's alternative entry options to secure your enrolment at UNSW outside of just an ATAR. You should submit evidence of all the qualifications that you have. These will be assessed individually and your highest ranked qualification that is accepted by UNSW will be used for the purposes of entry.

If you completed Year 12 within the past 5 years and obtained an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) (from any state) then you can use this for admission to UNSW undergraduate programs. You’ll need to meet the ATAR cut-off for the program that you are applying for.

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If you’ve completed a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualification, you may be eligible to apply to study a UNSW degree.

TVET qualifications can be graded or competency-based (no marks/ungraded), although it is more likely now that TVET courses are ungraded. The Selection Rank awarded for a graded TVET qualification is based on the Grade Point Average (GPA), that is the average grades you achieved in that qualification. The Selection Rank for an ungraded qualification is calculated by UAC at a pass equivalent GPA.
Prospective students who have completed an AQF accredited Diploma may apply for entry to UNSW.

Generally, AQF accredited Certificate IV qualifications will require a Credit average to be competitive for admission to programs with the lowest selection rank of 80. Ungraded AQF accredited Certificate IVs may be considered for admission via Portfolio Entry only.

Prospective students who have completed an AQF accredited Diploma may apply for entry to UNSW.

Generally, AQF accredited Diploma qualifications will require a Distinction average to be competitive for admission to programs with a lowest selection rank above 90. Ungraded AQF accredited Diploma's may be considered for admission to programs with the lowest selection rank of 80.

Prospective students who have completed an AQF accredited Advanced Diploma may apply for entry to UNSW.

Generally, AQF accredited Advanced Diploma qualifications will require a Distinction average to be competitive for admission to programs with a lowest selection rank above 90. Ungraded AQF accredited Advanced Diploma's may be considered for admission to programs with the lowest selection rank of 80.

A number of programs had a Selection of Rank of 80 in 2024 – check out the VET Degree Finder.

Students who have completed an AQF accredited TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma may be eligible for credit through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) thereby reducing the amount of time required to complete your degree at UNSW.

Learn more about the TAFE Pathways Program, including the list of TAFE Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas that enable articulation into an undergraduate degree at UNSW with specified credit transfer.

TAFE Pathways Program
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The UPP program is a key part of UNSW’s commitment to widen student diversity and inclusion. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and walks of life. Many veterans choose to return to university as mature-age students, bringing a wealth of life experiences and unique perspectives to their study journey. Whether you have formal qualifications like the HSC or not, if you're 20 years or older and don't meet the standard entry requirements, you can still gain admission to UNSW through the University Preparation Program (UPP).

The UPP will provide you the opportunity to strengthen your academic skills, take on part-time study in a field that interests you, and take the next steps towards achieving your university degree as a mature-age student. You’ll be introduced to university-style learning in a supportive environment and improve your academic skills before you start a degree. Essay writing, notetaking, giving presentations, critical thinking, researching and sitting exams are among the many skills you will learn.

Upon completion of the UPP, you can use your results to gain early entry into an extensive range of courses at UNSW or apply to programs at other universities.

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The UAC’s Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is an alternative pathway if you don’t have an assessable qualification. Learn more about our applicable programs and eligibility criteria on the UNSW study website, opens in a new window.

More information

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Photo of two colleagues walking together whilst chatting about their postgraduate studies

Postgraduate admissions

Find the diploma, graduate certificate or masters program that's right for you with the degree finder, opens in a new window.

You can apply for most of UNSW’s postgraduate degree programs via direct application, opens in a new window to UNSW.

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Postgraduate admissions pathways

For postgraduate study, you generally need to have completed an undergraduate degree at university level to be assessed.

Some postgraduate programs also accept evidence of other qualifications and professional experience as a pathway for admission. Where a student is admitted via this pathway, they will be required to take and successfully complete a relevant non-award course as a condition for admission into the program. This non-award course may also be credited towards the program upon admission.

Detailed information on admission pathways for postgraduate programs can be found on our degree finder, opens in a new window.

Please note: some of our postgraduate programs are processed through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Postgraduate, opens in a new window. These include:

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Study with us

Higher education is an internationally established pathway to successfully transition veterans from the military to civilian life.

Veteran profiles

Read our inspirational veteran profiles with insights into their military background, educational journey, transition to civilian career, and advice for future student veterans.

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Interested in studying at UNSW or seeing what we have to offer? Join us at an upcoming event to learn more.

Applying to university

Undergraduate admissions

Undergraduate admissions pathways

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank

Certificate IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas

University Preparation Program (Mature Age Pathway)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Postgraduate admissions

Postgraduate admissions pathways

What's next?

Step 5 - Credit

Useful links

Learn more

Follow

Applying to university

Undergraduate admissions

Undergraduate admissions pathways

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank

Certificate IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas

University Preparation Program (Mature Age Pathway)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Postgraduate admissions

Postgraduate admissions pathways

What's next?

Step 5 - Credit

Useful links

Learn more