Information for future students

This information is intended only for future and prospective students to help you make informed decisions before accepting your offer and planning your studies. Current students should refer to the current student's guide on the Flex-Semester Student Website.

UNSW is transitioning to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. During this transition period, the timing and sequencing of some courses may vary between commencement intakes, which can affect the estimated duration of some degrees.

Please see below for examples of standard degree duration models​ depending on intake:

Use the table and search function above to find your degree and view the estimated full-time duration based on your intended commencement intake. This information is designed to help you make informed decisions before accepting your offer and planning your studies.

The durations shown are based on standard full-time study, equivalent to 48 UOC per year.

No. Your degree requirements, learning outcomes, academic standards and qualification will remain the same regardless of when you commence your studies.

Yes. All students will complete the same total Units of Credit (UOC) required for their degree.

You will be charged for each course you undertake, and the number of courses remains the same. Tuition fee rates are reviewed annually and you will be charged at the rate set for the year in which you undertake the course. For more detailed information on fees visit this page.

No. You will graduate with the same qualification regardless of your commencement intake or study duration.

Not all UNSW degrees will transition to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar. As a result, the duration of these degrees will not be impacted.

While course timing and sequencing may differ, the overall quality of the degree, academic standards and student learning experience will remain the same.

The education landscape has evolved significantly over the past seven years. To align with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, UNSW is moving to a calendar that supports flexibility, accessibility, and lifelong learning.

The flex-semester model enables a richer student experience, stronger alignment with workforce and industry needs, and more sustainable operations.

You can learn more about the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar here.

Program information for future students can be found at UNSW's Degree Finder Tool. If you have questions about your intended program or study plans, please contact our Future Student Advisers for further advice.

UNSW is transitioning to a new academic calendar in 2028. As part of this transition, the Commonwealth
Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registered duration of selected degrees has been temporarily updated to allow for the maximum duration that may be required for students studying across the 2027–2028 transition period.

CRICOS displays the current registered maximum duration for a program and does not distinguish between historical, current and future student cohorts. This means the duration shown on CRICOS may differ from the duration that applies to your intended intake and may change as the transition progresses.

The duration shown for your intended intake in this table reflects the expected time you will need to complete your program based on your commencement date and typical progression plan. The temporary CRICOS duration should not be taken as the duration that will necessarily apply throughout your studies.

If you are considering your eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you should not rely on a temporary increase in a program's CRICOS registered duration when making decisions about your eligibility.

For visa advice, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or seek advice from a registered migration agent.