UNSW Sydney
International students
General admission requirements
Admission criteria are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study.
As an international student completing one of the following qualifications in 2023, you will apply for admission through UAC and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (ie your ATAR or equivalent):
- an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3.
When assessing your application, UNSW may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.
Additional selection criteria
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, for certain courses you must also satisfy any additional selection criteria, such as a personal statement, questionnaire, portfolio of work, interview or test. These criteria are taken into account in conjunction with your ATAR or equivalent.
If you are undertaking your Year 12 studies offshore and are applying to a course that has additional selection criteria that you will find difficult to meet, contact the relevant faculty.
International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to UNSW Sydney, not through UAC.
Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions in UAC’s course search.
Fees
Students accepting offers to UNSW are required to pay an acceptance deposit (currently set at A$14,000). For tuition fees, refer to the course descriptions in UAC’s course search.
Fees policy
Before accepting an offer of study, all students should have read and understood the UNSW fees and refunds policies.
In addition all students are required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). In 2024 these are:
Coursework programs (Term 1, 2 and 3):
- Full-time students - $117.00 per term
- Part-time students - $87.75 per term.
Your stay in Australia
It is a requirement of the Department of Home Affairs that prospective international students can demonstrate that they have sufficient funds while living in Australia. Living costs include items such as:
- accommodation (including rental bond)
- electricity and/or gas
- entertainment
- food
- personal and household items
- telephone and internet bills
- transport (bus/train).
During your stay in Australia, you are permitted to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight during teaching periods, and unlimited hours outside teaching periods. Certain categories of voluntary, unpaid work are included in this total, and work undertaken as part of your course is not included. You should not rely on working to fund your tuition or living expenses while in Australia as work cannot be guaranteed and spending excessive amounts of time working may adversely affect your studies.
Applications for work visas can only be submitted after you have arrived in Australia and started your classes. The Department of Home Affairs determines work entitlement for students.
To find out more about working while studying, visit the UNSW website.
UNSW has a range of student support services. These include counselling, chaplaincy, academic assistance and learning support, and employment and career advice. Campus facilities include a medical centre, computing centre, sporting and recreation facilities, and a childcare centre.
UNSW supports a variety of student organisations, clubs and societies for students to become involved in campus life. For more information on UNSW student and campus services, visit the UNSW website.
International student support
UNSW has a diverse community with over 20,000 international students from 135 countries. The International Student Experience Unit is dedicated to helping students from overseas adjust to living in Sydney and studying at UNSW. In addition to providing personalised advice and support, UNSW promotes understanding between people from different cultures through a wide range of educational, social and recreational activities.
Ongoing support provided to international students includes individual confidential assistance on personal wellbeing and academic matters; information on practical matters related to study, immigration, employment and finances; day trips and short holidays; social and cultural activities; and a student lounge with free internet access and a group meeting facility. A variety of online services are also available. To see how you are supported, visit International Student Support.
For students with disabilities and special needs, UNSW has dedicated support services. Contact UNSW Disability Services.
Call +61 2 9385 4734, email disabilities@unsw.edu.au or visit the UNSW website.
The UNSW Health Service is a general medical practice located on the Kensington campus. It provides general medical practice, psychiatric services and dental facilities to students, staff, dependants and visitors.
UNSW is able to offer you advice and guidance on what to look for in housing. UNSW accommodation for international students
Students can choose from single or shared rooms and apartments that are fully, partially or self-catered. There are also off-campus accommodation options. Take a virtual tour of accommodation, or come and check it out in person.
UNSW colleges
Each of UNSW’s six on-campus colleges offers a unique experience for undergraduate students. Across all colleges the student culture thrives, creating a welcoming, supportive environment.
Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.
To find out more about Australian Government requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
UNSW provides a dedicated team who will offer special assistance and advice to our recognised sponsored students and sponsoring authorities.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is insurance for international students to help them with the costs of medical and hospital care they may require while they are in Australia. OSHC does not cover dental treatment.
Your student visa will require you to have OSHC for its full duration. UNSW’s preferred provider is Medibank.
The Australian Government requires all international students on a student visa and their dependants to purchase an approved policy from an Australian registered health fund for the duration of their visas. OSHC is not included in tuition fees.
Unless you are a sponsored student you must pay your OSHC directly to Medibank. To find out more, visit the Medibank website.
General information for UNSW Sydney
