Bachelor of Arts
Transform your passion into purpose
Domestic
International
Shape your learning experience to pursue what you love, deepen your understanding, and develop skills the world needs.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
3 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Broaden your horizons and pursue your passions with a Bachelor of Arts. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, international relations, or any other discipline in the humanities, creative arts, or social sciences, this flexible program offers a wealth of opportunities and challenging ideas. Prepare to question your assumptions and apply new thinking to academic traditions and real-world problems. How can we think differently about climate change, human rights, the ethical future of technology, social justice or cultural diversity?
With a Bachelor of Arts, you'll broaden your understanding of the world and gain valuable and versatile skills that are highly sought after in today's job market: critical and independent thinking, problem-solving, evidence-based reasoning, effective communication and creativity. What’s more, you’ll develop these skills while studying what fascinates you.
Key features
Design your degree
Personalise your degree according to your unique interests, aspirations and career goals. You can learn new skills or even a new language while exploring cutting-edge knowledge from over 30 disciplines ranging from art history and theory to sociology. In the single degree, you can choose from more than a dozen additional specialisations in areas like design, communications, international business and marketing.
Work experience opportunities
Learning from real-world experience is vital to getting ready for your next steps. Put theory into practice with a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course. We'll help you arrange unique professional experience with internships, diverse work placements and industry networking opportunities.
Global opportunities
Broaden your horizons with a study exchange as part of your degree, with more than 300 partner universities to choose from.
Honours
After completing your degree, deepen your expertise in a specific area of your choice with guidance and support from an academic expert. An additional honours year involves independent research where you'll be supported and inspired to develop advanced skills and knowledge to expand your options upon graduation.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Freedom to design your degree, your way
Without set core courses, you’ll have complete freedom of choice over what you study. We offer contemporary topics that address current world issues to ensure your education stays relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.
- A diverse and inclusive community
At UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA), you’ll become part of a supportive community that continually pushes you to go beyond what you think and know.
- World-class teachers and leading researchers in their fields
Engage with accomplished practitioners, innovators and thought leaders who enrich the classroom with their extensive expertise.
- Equip yourself for career success
Gain hands-on work experience, tap into our extensive industry connections and global partnerships, and become part of a thriving global alumni network.
Program Code
3409
CRICOS Code
001916C
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
422000
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
828
Entry requirements
2022 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2022 A Levels
13
2022 IB Diploma
29
2022 Lowest ATAR
65.15*
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- The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.
- The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry.
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Study areas
With a flexible degree tailored to pursue your passion and interests, you'll learn to think critically, communicate across boundaries, and solve problems creatively. Develop these highly demanded skills as you learn to create real-world solutions that apply to a range of exciting career opportunities.
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You can complete a major in the following study areas:
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Discover our closest neighbours' impact on the world and understand Australia's place within the Asian region. With an "all Asia" approach, learn from multilingual specialists who cover history, politics, social policy, health, philosophy, media and more. Prepare for a future in government, NGO, education, media, and the arts with a genuinely international perspective.
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Criminology and criminal justice are growing fields with increasing opportunities to create change in communities. Experience an approach beyond lectures that sees you visiting courts and prisons and hearing first-hand from the people in the justice system. See crime through a big-picture lens. Ask why people commit it. And help imagine a more just future.
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Hone your writing practice by exploring fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and ficto-criticism. Learn from award-winning writers, join writing masterclasses and events, and create invaluable industry connections. Plus, have the chance to showcase your work in the UNSW literary journal.
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We believe English is more than simply academic – it’s an opening to the world, a passport to different realities, and a stick of dynamite to narrow-mindedness and prejudice. Delve deep into memorable stories, poetic patterns, ringing phrases, and imaginative landscapes in one of the world’s top 50 universities.
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Want to make a change to climate change? One of the greatest questions of our times is how to meet environmental challenges head-on. From species extinction and GMOs to climate change and nuclear power – immerse yourself in the social, cultural, and political factors shaping human relations with the natural world.
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Europe has a rich history as well as a complicated present. From Britain, Russia, and the Mediterranean to Northern Europe – delve into the intellectual history, politics, religion, and movement of minority peoples throughout history. You'll also have the opportunity to see Europe through our international exchange.
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Film helps us understand the world around us. If you want to tell stories, share human experiences, document reality, and expand horizons as an experimental art form – film studies set the foundation. This specialisation also takes you into the studio to learn practical film-making skills from industry professionals.
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The relationship between people, societies, and the environment underpins the greatest global challenges of our time. As a human geographer, you will explore how physical, social, cultural, economic, and political factors shape places. Together we will discover how we can plan for a better future by combining classroom study with hands-on experience in the field.
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Why are some countries developing so quickly while others seem left behind? Global development looks at the impact of change across social, political, and economic environments. Explore issues from urbanisation to widening disparity, environmental threats, and the dominance of communication technologies. Learn the many ways we can create practical and positive change at local, national, and global levels.
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The world we live in is the product of an ongoing, globally connected history. UNSW offers a particular strength in the histories of migration, gender, empires, with a strong focus on our region. Whether you're fascinated with ancient, early modern, or modern history – discover a uniquely global perspective taught by passionate, world-class historians.
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Gain an understanding of diverse First Nation cultures and societies. This program begins with exploring current and traditional Indigenous knowledge, philosophies, and cultural values tied to country. Complex themes cover popular culture, political history, government policy, colonialism, environmental justice, gender, and cultural heritage. Gain profound critical reflection skills and challenge your assumptions.
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Learn to communicate in other languages, gain cross-cultural understanding, and benefit from a deep experience of other countries and cultures. The study of languages and cultures enriches your global perspective, opens you up to international opportunities, and transforms how you engage with the world.
You can major or minor in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish – whether you are just starting or ready to build on existing skills. In addition to the languages we offer as majors, you can study a minor in modern Greek, Indonesian and Italian.
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Explore the foundations of language and the relationship between language, society, and self. Find out how your brain processes and uses language. Expand your knowledge by studying linguistic diversity in urban settings and Indigenous contexts. Prepare for a career using linguistics by learning how language policy impacts multilingual and multicultural communities in Australia and around the world.
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The way we produce and consume media has a profound impact on modern life. It takes critical thinking and analysis to understand how media, technology and culture collide. Cut through the disinformation and understand the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of media through the 20th and 21st centuries across an ever-changing tech landscape.
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The study of music is for anyone who wants to perform to a crowd, record, teach, compose a score, or work professionally in the industry. Learn practical, hands-on musicianship and discover how music can be an expression that defines both cultures and societies as well as an expression of yourself.
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Questions around the nature of reality, knowledge, society, and ethics are fundamental to who we are as humans. Philosophy students learn to ask these questions by thinking clearly, deeply, analytically, and creatively. These skills help you communicate and debate even the most complicated ideas. They set a solid foundation for tackling some of the world's significant challenges and prepare you for a whole world of career opportunities.
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Studying politics helps you to understand power. From political instability to conflict, national security to great-power rivalry, climate change to human rights – facing these challenges requires understanding the intricacy of domestic politics and foreign affairs. Pave your way for careers in government and business. Lead with difference and change the world.
Learn more about studying politics and international relations at UNSW.
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What makes life meaningful? Why do we disagree, and why do we care? What brings about social change? Answers to these questions differ depending on who you ask, but finding new insights is crucial to navigating reality’s conflicts and challenges. Join Australia’s oldest sociology department and discover insights from diverse cultures and the lived human experience.
Learn more about studying sociology and anthropology at UNSW.
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What drives human behaviour? Psychology is a science that aims to understand the causes of psychological disorders. It investigates your interactions with others, learning and memory, and ability to cope with pressure. Understand yourself and others better with analytical thinking skills and scientific methods learned from leading academics.
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Take the stage and learn why performance matters in a media-savvy world. In this specialisation, you'll learn from industry professionals, collaborate with artists, and gain experience with production companies, venues, and publishers. And have the chance to bring your creativity to life at the unique UNSW Creative Practice Lab with dedicated studio and workshop spaces.
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You can complete a minor in the study areas listed above, as well as:
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You can complete a third minor in the study areas listed above, or a third major in:
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Criminology and criminal justice are growing fields with increasing opportunities to create change in communities. Experience an approach beyond lectures that sees you visiting courts and prisons and hearing first-hand from the people in the justice system. See crime through a big-picture lens. Ask why people commit it. And help imagine a more just future.
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Economics is a constantly changing field that adapts to the world around us. To solve some of our greatest global challenges, you need a real-world understanding of what motivates people, businesses, and governments. Study the analytical tools and gain critical thinking skills that help shape societies, raise living standards, and promote economic growth.
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The world has never been more connected thanks to globalisation and technology changing how we engage and do business. Make the most of this evolution by becoming a professional globetrotter with borderless boardrooms at your fingertips. Change how the world does business as you make the most of your strong foundation in business, commerce, and economics.
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From design, branding, advertising, and communication; to digital marketing and analytics – marketing is a future-focused area of study, with strategic thinking and innovation at its core. Learn how data helps businesses stand out, understand customer behaviour, provide different experiences, and meet customer needs. You'll have opportunities to apply your new knowledge in real-world professional and creative environments.
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What makes human resource management so rewarding? A company is only as good as its people, and human resource management provides the foundation for ongoing success. Develop effective and responsible management skills in various workforce issues – performance, change, health and safety, and beyond. Build the people skills that set you up for success in a diverse and rewarding career.
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Gain an understanding of diverse First Nation cultures and societies. This program begins with exploring current and traditional Indigenous knowledge, philosophies, and cultural values tied to country. Complex themes cover popular culture, political history, government policy, colonialism, environmental justice, gender, and cultural heritage. Gain profound critical reflection skills and challenge your assumptions.
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How does innovation impact and transform businesses and society at large? It drives productivity, competitive advantage, differentiation, growth, profitability, and sustainability. Understand and meet these challenges with strong leadership skills that help shape the future of organisations worldwide. Learn how to lead with confidence, discover new opportunities, turn insights into action, and design business strategies that create, capture, and deliver value.
Learn more about innovation, strategy and entrepreneurship at UNSW.
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What drives human behaviour? Psychology is a science that aims to understand the causes of psychological disorders. It investigates your interactions with others, learning and memory, and ability to cope with pressure. Understand yourself and others better with analytical thinking skills and scientific methods learned from leading academics.
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Where can you study communications and public relations? In our Bachelor of Media.
Program structure
There are 24 courses in a Bachelor of Arts single degree. You’ll typically study eight courses a year if you study full-time. You can study part-time, and also take advantage of a flexible study load.
In your Bachelor of Arts you will typically complete two specialisations. You can choose to complete an optional third specialisation. Specialisations are organised into majors and minors. You’ll typically find eight courses in a major and six courses in a minor.
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At minimum, you will choose one major and one minor. You’ll typically then have eight elective courses and two general education courses.
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Alternatively, you can choose to use two of your elective courses to turn your minor into a second major. This will typically leave you with six free electives, and two general education courses.
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In this degree you can use your free electives and also your general education courses in some cases to complete a third major or minor option.
These specialisations may change as they are provided by faculties external to UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.
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A degree combines compulsory core courses and courses that you’ll select from a variety of options. The courses you select are called electives, and there are three types: prescribed, free, and general education.
Prescribed electives are part of your major or minor. Free electives (i.e., free choice electives) are approved courses which can be on any topic, from any part of UNSW. General education is also any topic, as its purpose is to elevate your academic skills to a tertiary competence.
You’ll normally study two general education courses in a bachelor’s degree. The number of free and prescribed electives will depend on how many courses are in the degree structure and study areas that you’ve chosen.
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This degree lets you choose to specialise in at least two areas of study. If you choose a major and realise it’s not right for you, don’t worry – you’ll have time to change. Our dedicated enrolment team can help make sure you don’t add any unnecessary extra study time to your degree.
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Whether you want to study more or fewer courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an additional internship, or fit your study around other commitments.
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Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of UNSW’s 300 partners in more than 30 countries. UNSW encourages a global mindset, which means overseas study can count toward your degree with us, and you may also be eligible for financial support to help cover the costs of international study.
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Whether you have a learning difficulty or could benefit from extra guidance, you'll find free UNSW academic skills support such as toolkits, tutors, and workshops. UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture students and academics are supportive, diverse, and inclusive – it's easy to ask for advice.
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When you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes, take a look at our student handbook.
Future careers
UNSW’s arts graduates stand out with a combination of insights, skills, and real life experience developed through our degrees.
We work closely with industry partners to ensure our degrees provide the skills they’re going to need now and in the future. Beyond your first job, you’re setting yourself up with transferable skills for wherever your career might take you. Find employment anywhere in the world with an arts degree – consider NGOs, consultancies, public relations, media, creative arts, the Australian government, and so much more.
Potential careers
- Academic
- Activist
- Actor
- Advocate
- Creative consultant
- Content producer
- Diplomat
- Gallery manager
- Government administrator
- International representative
- Journalist
- Office administrator
- Media consultant
- Museum manager
- Politician
- Political strategist
- Policy consultant
- Public servant
- Publisher
- Research assistant
- Social media producer
- Set manager
- Writer
Explore your career options
Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, it’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet.
Along with flexible course options, degrees from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. Wherever the future takes you, you’ll be set for life with experience and contacts among your classmates, lecturers, and UNSW graduates worldwide.
Our alumni
"It was while I was at university, studying at UNSW, that I discovered that my passion could become my career. The ability to learn across so many different disciplines sets you up so well, especially in today's marketplace. I have the opportunity to affect change across a range of areas."
The Hon. Courtney Houssos
Member of Legislative Council of New South Wales
Double degrees
Combine talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Arts and:
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$11,615*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$40,640*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$123,965*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
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Top 20WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2024.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
