FUTURE STUDENTS


Entry requirements


Undergraduate Programs


Domestic and International Applicants

Admission to UNSW is based on academic merit. You will be considered for admission to undergraduate programs at UNSW on the basis of your performance in:

  • Australian and New Zealand final senior secondary studies and/or
  • post-secondary or tertiary qualifications and/or
  • overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian studies and/or
  • an alternative entry scheme
Some programs also have additional entry criteria such as an admissions test, interview and/or audition. To view specific program requirements, please click here.

Though there are no specific prerequisite requirements for entry to UNSW undergraduate degrees it will be assumed candidates have studied certain subject areas in their final year of high school. See Assumed Knowledge.

It is also assumed that students are competent at communicating in both written and spoken English. See English requirements.

Please note: If you have attempted any post secondary and/or tertiary studies you will be considered for admission on the basis of your overall academic record, i.e. secondary and/or post secondary and/or tertiary studies. In general, greater weight will be given to your post-secondary/tertiary record.

Qualifications


Australian and New Zealand Qualifications


Secondary qualifications

  • Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
  • Universities Admission Index (UAI)
  • Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank (ENTER)
  • Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER)
  • Overall Position (OP)
  • New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA level 3)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • GCE A-levels

The ATAR or equivalent achieved in these qualifications is the means by which an applicant is assessed for entry to UNSW. Published cut-offs are not an indication of the level of difficulty of the program, but rather a reflection of the demand for and availability of places in a program.

Post-secondary qualifications

If you hold a completed Advanced Diploma, Diploma or Certificate IV accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), you are eligible to be considered for admission. However, due to the high demand for places in most programs, entry via this route is highly competitive. Successful applicants generally require a credit or above average with no failures. Trade certificates are not considered.

Tertiary qualifications

If you have undertaken at least three quarters of a standard first-year full-time study load (0.75 FTE) of degree level studies at an approved university your tertiary studies will be taken into account for the purpose of admission.

Note that the definition of what constitutes a full-time study load can vary between universities.

Overseas Qualifications


If you have academic qualifications from a country other than Australia you may be able to use them for admission into an undergraduate program.

Domestic Students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens) who hold academic qualifications from overseas should contact the UNSW Admissions Office to discuss their eligibility.
Tel: +61 2 9385 3228
Email: ugadmis@unsw.edu.au

International Students should check the UNSW International website for entry requirements from their country.

If you hold overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction you must provide evidence of English language proficiency

Alternative Entry


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

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

Admission to Honours


Students who have been awarded a degree at Pass level from UNSW or a comparable degree from another university may apply to be admitted to canditature for the award of that degree at Honours level with credit for all courses completed if, during their studies for the Pass degree, they have satisfied the prerequisites for entry to the Honours level program or completed an equivalent program of study.

Current UNSW students should apply directly to their Faculty or School Office. All others domestic Honours applicants should apply via the UNSW Admissions Office using the Honours Application Form. See Forms.