English language requirements
Helping you understand language requirements.
Helping you understand language requirements.
UNSW accepts English language test scores to meet our English language requirements provided
Check below to see if your results meet our English language requirements.
Note: When applying for a cross-faculty double degree, the higher English requirements apply.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest) |
Business | 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest) | 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest) | 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in other subtests) |
Engineering | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) |
Law & Justice | 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)
|
7.0 overall (min 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in other subtests)
|
Medicine & Health | 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) |
Science | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) |
UNSW Canberra | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) |
Note: TOEFL MyBest Score is not accepted. When applying for a cross-faculty double degree, the higher English requirements apply.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
Exceptions:
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90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
Exceptions:
|
94 overall (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking)
|
Business | 94 overall (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking) | 94 overall (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking) | 96 overall (min. 27 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking) |
Engineering | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) |
Law & Justice | 94 overall (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking)
Exceptions:
|
94 overall (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking) | 96 overall (min. 27 in writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking) |
Medicine & Health | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
Exceptions:
|
90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
Exceptions:
|
90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) |
Science | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
Exceptions:
|
90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) |
UNSW Canberra | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) |
Note: TOEFL MyBest Score is not accepted. When applying for a cross-faculty double degree, the higher English requirements apply.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
Exceptions:
|
577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
Exceptions:
|
589 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
|
Business | 589 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 589 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 589 overall (min. 5.5 in TWE) |
Engineering | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) |
Law & Justice | 589 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
Exceptions:
|
589 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 589 overall (min. 5.5 in TWE) |
Medicine & Health | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
Exceptions:
|
577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
Exceptions:
|
577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) |
Science | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)
Exceptions:
|
577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) |
UNSW Canberra | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) |
Note: When applying for a cross faculty double degree, the higher English requirements applies.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
|
Business | 65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 65 overall (min. 58 in each subtest) |
Engineering | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) |
Law & Justice | 65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 65 overall (min. 58 in each subtest) |
Medicine & Health | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
Exceptions: Graduate Certificate in Myopia Management: 65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) |
64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) |
Science | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) |
UNSW Canberra | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) |
Note: When applying for a cross faculty double degree, the higher English requirements applies.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
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185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
|
Business | 185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 185 overall (min. 176 in each subtest) |
Engineering | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) |
Law & Justice | 185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 185 overall (min. 176 in each subtest) |
Medicine & Health | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) |
Science | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) |
UNSW Canberra | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) | 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest) |
Note: When applying for a cross faculty double degree, the higher English requirements applies.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
|
Business | 185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) |
Engineering | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) |
Law & Justice | 185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) |
Medicine & Health | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) |
Science | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Exceptions:
|
180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) |
UNSW Canberra | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) |
Note: When applying for a cross faculty double degree, the higher English requirements applies.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall
Exceptions:
|
Not accepted
|
Business | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted |
Engineering | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall |
Law & Justice | Not accepted
Exceptions:
|
Not accepted | Not accepted |
Medicine & Health | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall |
Science | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall |
UNSW Canberra | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall | Successful completion with a minimum of 70% overall |
If you have received a Conditional Offer from UNSW Sydney, you can meet our English language requirements by taking UNSW Global’s University English Entry Course (UEEC) and achieving the minimum scores as outlined below by course. However, if you wish to apply for a cross-faculty double degree, there will be higher English language requirements to meet.
UNSW Global offers university pathway programs that provide a seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. They will provide you with the academic and English language foundations for success. Contact UNSW Global to find out more.
Faculty | Undergraduate | Postgraduate coursework | Postgraduate research |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component |
Business | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of B- in the writing component |
Engineering | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component |
Law & Justice | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of B- in the writing component |
Medicine & Health | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component |
Science | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component
Exceptions:
|
Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component |
UNSW Canberra | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component |
UNSW accepts prior study results to meet our English language requirements on certain conditions.
UNSW accepts prior studies completed in English to meet our English language requirements depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background.
English-speaking background:
Senior Secondary qualifications from a recognised English-speaking country will meet our English language requirements if they were:
UNSW recognises some academic qualifications completed in non-English speaking countries.
Qualifications from Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Switzerland will meet our English language requirements provided they were:
Check below to see if your qualification is eligible for your desired course.
Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
---|---|
German Abitur | Grade 12 in English All Business programs: Grade 13 in English Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | Level 4 in English Language or Literature in English Business, Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: 5 in English Language or Literature in English |
All India Senior School Certificate - [CBSE] | Grade of C1 in English Core All Business programs: Grade of B2 in English Core Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Indian School Certificate - [ICSE] | 70% in English All Business programs: 80% in English Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | C pass in 920 English Business, Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: A in Literature (920) |
Swiss Matura | A grade of 5 (good) or better in English Business programs: A grade of 6 (very good) or better in English Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Qualifications from Denmark, Sweden or Norway will meet our English language requirements provided they were:
Check below to see if your qualification is eligible for your desired course.
Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
---|---|
Denmark - Danish Studentereksamen or Higher Preparatory Examination | Grade 7 in English in the final year (English B or English A) All Business programs: Very good or grade 10 in English Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Norway - Norwegian Certificate of Upper Secondary Education | Grade 4 in the First Year of Upper Secondary English (if this is the only completed English subject); or average Grade 4 in all completed Upper Secondary English subjects Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Sweden - Swedish Secondary School Leaving Certificate | Grade D in English in the final year (English 6/English Course B) All Business programs: Very Good (VG) or B in English Education, Law (except Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice) and Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree programs: Not accepted |
Check to see if your qualification meets our minimum entry scores for your desired course.
Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
---|---|
UNSW Foundation Studies | C+ in Academic English Please note that the English language entry requirements are higher for the following programs:
|
Foundation Program from an Australian Group of Eight (Go8) University | Grade C+ or 70% in English
|
Australian TAFE / Private Provider Studies | Completed AQF Diploma or completed AQF Advanced Diploma All Bachelor of Education programs : Not accepted Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) programs: Not accepted Graduate Diploma in Psychology: Not accepted Master of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic) including combined PhD/Master programs: Not accepted |
UNSW accepts completed or incomplete post-secondary or tertiary qualifications* completed in English to meet our English language requirements depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background.
English-speaking background:
Note:
If you are from an English-speaking background, you will meet our English language requirements if your qualification was:
Please provide:
If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you will meet our English language requirements if your qualification was:
If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you will meet our English language requirements if your qualification was:
Please provide:
If you hold an incomplete qualification, you will meet our English language requirement for specific degrees if your studies were:
Please provide:
An English waiver is a decision by UNSW to waive the English language requirements based on life experience and circumstances. To apply for an English waiver you will need to meet any two of the conditions listed below.
UNSW recognises the following countries as English-speaking: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Gibraltar, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
English Language Test Scores – between two-five years ago
You completed the IELTS, TOEFL IBT, TOEFL PBT, PTE, C1 Advanced Cambridge, C2 Proficiency Cambridge or the ANU Access program between two to five years ago and achieved our minimum scores.
Please refer to English tests section above to see our minimum scores.
Please provide:
English Language Test Scores – no more than two years before your intended start date
You completed the IELTS, TOEFL IBT, TOEFL PBT, PTE Academic, UNSW UEEC, C1 Advanced Cambridge or C2 Proficiency Cambridge within the last two years. Use the table to see if your English Language Test scores meet the scores required for your desired course.
Please provide:
Applicable to which program/s | IELTS - Academic version only | TOEFL IBT | TOEFL PBT | PTE Academic | UNSW Global UEEC | C1 Advanced Cambridge | C2 Proficiency Cambridge |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
All programs except where specified below | 6.0 overall (min. 5.5 in each subtest) | 79 overall (min. 21 in writing, 12 in reading, 11 in listening, 17 in speaking) | 500 overall (min. 4.5 in TWE) | 50 overall (min. 42 in each subtest) | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C and a minimum grade of C- in the writing component. | 169 overall (min.162 in each subtest) | N/A |
All Law and Business undergraduate & postgraduate coursework programs (excluding UNSW Canberra and Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice), Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree and the Graduate Certificate in Myopia Management |
6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 58 overall (min. 50 in each subtest) | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component. | 176 overall (min.169 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min.180 in each subtest) |
All research programs excluding UNSW Canberra | 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) | 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 58 overall (min. 50 in each subtest) | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component. | 176 overall (min.169 in each subtest) | 180 overall (min.180 in each subtest) |
All Business and Law postgraduate research programs (excluding UNSW Canberra) | 6.5 overall (min. 6.5 in writing, 6.0 in other subtests) | 90 overall (min. 24 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking) | 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE) | 58 overall (min. 58 in writing, 50 in other subtests) | Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C+ in the writing component. | 176 overall (min.176 in writing, 169 in other subtests) | 180 overall (min.180 in each subtest) |
Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) and Bachelor of Education (all programs) | English waivers are not available for admission to the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and Bachelor of Education | ||||||
Master of Psychology (Clinical & Forensic) including combined PhD/Master | English waivers are not available for admission to the Master of Psychology (including combined PhD/Master) | ||||||
Graduate Diploma in Psychology | English waivers are not available for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology |
Directly relevant Work Experience for at least the last two years – any program
You have at least two years of directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Please provide:
Directly relevant Work Experience for at least five years out of the last seven – AGSM @ UNSW program only
You have five years, out of the last seven, of directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Please provide a letter from your employer on company letterhead for any employment which is not already covered by the referee letters you have already submitted with your AGSM application.
Please provide:
If you can demonstrate this experience, you will not need to satisfy a second condition for an English waiver.
You successfully completed at least one year of full-time study, in an assessable qualification, at a university or other post-secondary educational institution where the sole language of instruction and assessment was English.
Please provide:
You lived in a recognised English-speaking country for at least five years before you plan to start your course at UNSW.
Please provide:
You hold a current valid NAATI accreditation as a Professional Interpreter or Translator, formerly known as Level 3 accredited.
Please provide:
You sat the GMAT within the last five years and you scored a minimum overall GMAT score of 550 with a minimum score of 25 in Verbal, 35 in Quantitative and 4.0 in the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
Please provide:
You are a qualified doctor/health professional overseas, hold a current registration with the Medical Board of Australia and are currently employed in the health system in Australia.
Please provide:
You can supply evidence of successfully completing a UNSW Study Abroad or Exchange program within the last two years.
Please provide:
You can supply evidence of successfully completing a program within the last two years, which is recognised by UNSW as a defined qualification pathway.
Please provide:
UNSW recognises the follow countries as English-speaking: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Gibraltar, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
If your application does not meet our English language requirements, but you are otherwise eligible for admission to your desired course, you will be issued a Conditional Letter of Offer.
A full Offer for admission will be issued when you submit documents which demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Conditional Offers based on English language requirements are not offered to UAC applicants for domestic undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs and any Higher Degree Research applicants.
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide a seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals including the University English Entry Course.
With a Conditional Package Offer, you will be able to apply for a student visa for the duration of UNSW Global’s University English Entry Course (UEEC) and your UNSW course.
The package offer is only valid for UNSW Global’s UEEC and this depends on whether you are accepted into the UNSW Global.
Conditional package offers are not offered for entry to the Bachelor of Education (any program), Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Master of Psychology (including combined PhD/Master) or Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary).
For advice on applying for a student visa, visit the Department of Home Affairs.
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