Western Sydney University
International students
General admission requirements
As an international student completing one of the following qualifications in 2024, 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, the University may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.
Pathways
Western Sydney University has a number of pathways for admission that may allow applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have an ATAR or equivalent below the published lowest selection rank.
Students with outstanding performance in a nominated range of HSC or IB subjects may have their selection ranks increased. To be eligible, you must achieve excellent results in Year 12 subjects relevant to the University course you have applied for. Your selection rank will be automatically adjusted. Selection rank adjustments are not available for all Western Sydney University courses.
Western Sydney University The College provides students with a clear pathway to Western Sydney University through its comprehensive range of Foundation Studies and diploma programs. Students who successfully complete The College diploma course can enter into the second year of their undergraduate study at Western Sydney University. Application for these courses can be made through UAC (not all diploma programs are available for mid-year intake).
University Foundation Studies programs are designed for students who need to build up a set of academic study and subject skills before undertaking a university degree. This two-term program is ideally suited to students who:
- have not performed to their full potential in their HSC,
- do not possess the specific prerequisites or assumed knowledge for the degree of their choice, or
- have not studied for some time and need to bring their study skills up to date.
Successful completion of The College University Foundation Studies offers direct entry into specific Western Sydney University first-year undergraduate programs. Applications are not through UAC and must be made direct to Western Sydney University, International College.
Limited ATAR
The University accepts the Limited ATAR for admission purposes.
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, audition, interview or test. These criteria are taken into account either instead of, or in conjunction with, your ATAR or equivalent.
Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions in UAC’s course search.
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, call the Future Student Success Team on +61 2 9852 5499.
Fees
The first semester tuition fee must be paid in order for Western Sydney University to accept and issue students with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Fees are then invoiced each session. Annual course fees only cover the cost of your tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as accommodation, books, equipment, and living expenses. Your Offer of Admission letter will list the indicative fees you should pay, including compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover fees and any other general charges levied by the University. The tuition fee must be paid in advance for each semester or teaching period.
Annual tuition and other fees are subject to change on 1 January each year after commencement of study.
For information about tuition fees, visit UAC's course search.
Students are also required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). In 2024 these are:
- full-time students – $175 per half year ($350 annually)
Refund policy
If you require a refund of your fees, it is important that you notify Western Sydney International in writing as soon as possible. You must also provide a copy of the completed ‘Request for Fee Refund’ form together with a statement outlining the reasons for withdrawal and any supporting documentation for the withdrawal claim. Funds will be transferred to your nominated bank account.
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.
You will be required to have approximately AUD$24,505 per person per year for living expenses. However, the actual cost depends on your individual lifestyle and you should budget for approximately AUD$27,000 per year per adult. Your living expenses are separate from your tuition fees. 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 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods, and unlimited hours outside teaching periods. Certain categories of voluntary, unpaid work is 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.
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.
Western Sydney University will make welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age. Please note that you must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement.
To find out more about Australian Government requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
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.
Western Sydney University’s preferred provider is BUPA.
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.
Airport pick-up service
The University offers a free airport pick-up service for international students commencing study at Western Sydney University for the first time. The service provides you with transportation from Sydney Airport to the University campus at which you will be studying.
Airport pick-up application form
Student Services Hub
On campus Student Services will be your first point of contact for information, advice, forms and referrals to other services. Any Student Services Hub Officer can help you with enquiries such as student visas, overseas student health cover, enrolment and admission, lodging forms and referral to support services.
General information for Western Sydney University
Location
Campus locations are: Bankstown City, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Liverpool City, Nirimba (Blacktown), Parramatta, Parramatta City, Penrith, Sydney City, Sydney Olympic Park, Westmead.