How to choose a university that's right for you

With high school wrapping up, now’s the time to think about your university options. There are lots of universities and degrees to choose from, and the decision can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to. This guide can help you find a university that matches your goals and priorities – keep reading to find out more.

10 questions to help you decide what university is best for you

Start by thinking about what matters most - your interests, goals and the type of university experience you want. Our questions below can help guide your thinking so you can make an informed decision about where to study.

1. What do you want to study?

Check whether the university offers degrees in the areas you’re interested in. Whether it’s business, medicine, engineering or arts, there are a range of degrees you can explore within each study area. If you’re interested in more than one study area, a double degree allows you to create a career path that’s connected to your areas of interest. If you’re still not sure what to study at university, our article can help you decide on what to study.

Interested in studying at UNSW? Browse our undergraduate degrees or take our quiz to find a degree that suits you. 

2. What are the entry requirements?

Each degree has its own entry requirements. Check that your predicted or achieved results meet the entry requirements for your desired degree(s). This includes looking at your ATAR, assumed knowledge for the degree, and more. Some degrees also have different admission pathways and adjustment factors to provide you with other ways to gain admission beyond standard criteria.

You can find the entry requirements for UNSW on each degree page. 

3. Are scholarships or awards available?

Many universities offer scholarships or awards for high-achieving students, as well as students from underrepresented, rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. These are available for domestic and international students, and are designed to foster professional growth, diversity and equity. Check whether you're eligible for scholarships at the universities you’re considering.  

You can find all UNSW scholarships here.

4. Is there accommodation on or near campus?

If you live further from campus, you might consider moving into campus accommodation or nearby. Accommodation options range from supportive college communities to more independent apartment-style living.  

Not sure what to choose? You can compare accommodation options at UNSW to find your right fit. 

5. Are there study abroad opportunities?

If you’re interested in exchange or studying abroad, many universities offer programs where you can earn credits while studying overseas. You’ll be immersed in different cultures, languages and environments, broadening your communication and collaboration skills.

Learn more about overseas study and exchange at UNSW.

6. Can you get work experience while studying?

As you compare undergraduate degrees, check whether they offer work experience or internships. This might be part of Work Integrated Learning (WIL), where you’ll get real-world experience that builds your employability and helps you develop new skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to expand your industry connections through networking opportunities and career readiness programs, giving you the best foot forward as you progress in your career.

7. What is graduate employability like?

Graduate outcomes show how well a university prepares students for their careers. The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) are a collection of government-backed surveys for higher education, which look at the student lifestyle from enrolment to employment. QILT considers student experiences, graduate outcomes and salaries across all Australian universities and other higher education providers. 

8. Does the university rank well for a particular study area?

It’s also helpful to look at how each university ranks in the study areas you’re interested in. You can find which university is best for the study area that you’re interested in. 

9. How does the university rank globally and nationally?

Higher education rankings assess universities using different criteria. Some performance indicators include academic reputation, employer reputation, student to faculty ratio, research and more. Some of the more renowned global rankings include the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings. Prestigious national rankings include The Australian Financial Review Best Universities and The Australian Financial Review Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards.

10. What social events are there on campus?

University isn’t just about studying - it’s also a chance to find your identity and lifelong friends by socialising, connecting with and meeting new people. You’ll have many opportunities to join student-led clubs and societies, attend faculty and school events, and more. You can also stay updated with events happening around the university as well. 

How to choose what university is best for you?

There are many things to consider when deciding on what university to attend. A great way to find out if a university feels right is to attend Open Day. Open Day gives you a chance to experience campus life, ask questions to current students and academics, and more. You can also take a tour in person or online to get a feel of the campus. 

Ultimately, the right university is one that aligns with your goals and feels like the right fit for you. If you have any further questions about whether UNSW is right for you, you can always reach out to our future student advisers, who can provide you with advice on degrees, entry requirements and more.