Alternative entry

If you do not possess any of the qualifications outlined in the Entry Requirements, there are a number of alternative avenues through which you may seek admission to an undergraduate program at UNSW.

The avenue which is most appropriate for you will depend on your age, your previous educational qualifications and the program you would like to study.

The UNSW University Preparation Program (UPP) is a preparatory study program for older students who either do not possess formal qualifications or whose academic qualifications do not satisfy the minimum entry requirements for admission to the University. The program has been designed to assess your academic potential and to provide a realistic environment within which you can develop the skills to manage tertiary study effectively. See University Preparation Program.

UNSW Foundation Year is a complete academic program designed to prepare students with an international educational background for undergraduate studies in Australia. The subjects are specifically designed to provide a sound basis for first year programs. The lecture-tutorial format matches the undergraduate mode of teaching. UNSW Foundation Year allows time to adjust, both academically and socially, to living and studying in Australia. This program is available to local and international students. See UNSW Foundation Year.

International students may qualify for entry to UNSW by undertaking an international Foundation Year conducted by a Group of Eight Australian university. Please contact UNSW International for further details. Tel: +61 2 9385 6996

If you will be 21 years of age or older on 1 March 2009 you may qualify for entry to UNSW by undertaking a reduced program of HSC subjects through the Certificate in Matriculation program at a college of TAFE and by obtaining a Limited Universities Admission Index (UAI) in the 2008 NSW HSC examinations. A Limited UAI can be used to apply for admission to all programs at UNSW except:

To be eligible for a Limited UAI based on your 2008 HSC studies you must meet all three of the following conditions:

The Limited UAI is calculated automatically for all NSW HSC candidates who meet the conditions set out above. It is based on the marks obtained in your best five units of Category A subjects including at least one unit of English. If you attempt 10 or more units of study you will be considered for admission only on the basis of your UAI.

If you will be 20 years of age or older on 1 March 2009, you may qualify for entry to the University by completing 10 semester units of study in the 2008 Certificate in Tertiary Preparation conducted by TAFE. The TPC may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

A score of at least 225/300 is required to meet the minimum entrance requirement, with a score above 250/300 for some of the more competitive programs such as Psychology or Commerce. The TPC can be used to apply for admission to all programs at UNSW except:

Further information on the limited UAI and the TPC is available from your local TAFE Institute or from the TAFE Information Centre.
Tel: 131 601 or go to TAFE NSW.

If you will be 21 years of age or older on 1 March 2009, you may qualify for entry to UNSW by completing one of the following preparation courses for tertiary entrance:

These courses are not accepted for entry to either Commonwealth supported or Domestic fee paying places in the following programs at UNSW:

Please contact the UNSW Admissions Office for further details. Tel: +61 2 9385 3228