Study at UNSW Sydney
Founded in 1949, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, second only to Melbourne in Australia. Located in Kensington, 7 km from Sydney CBD, UNSW is renowned for excellence in engineering, business, and applied sciences. It is the Australian university that has made the most progress in rankings over recent years.
Why choose UNSW Sydney
UNSW stands out for two reasons. Its trimester calendar model: three intakes per year (February, May, September) rather than the standard two, allowing students to complete a Bachelor in three years intensively or modulate workload term by term. Its business and engineering depth: UNSW Business School and the Faculty of Engineering are consistently ranked in the global top tier, with the largest engineering faculty in Australia. For students aiming for careers in finance, tech, consulting, or engineering, UNSW offers a powerful alumni network in Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, and London.
Programmes
- Engineering — civil, mechanical, electrical, biomedical, software, environmental, mining, photovoltaics (global leader)
- Business — Bachelor of Commerce, Economics, Actuarial Studies, Information Systems
- Science — mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, data science
- Arts & Social Sciences — international relations, law, criminology, philosophy
- Built Environment — architecture, urban planning, industrial design
- Medicine — Bachelor of Medical Studies + Doctor of Medicine (6-year combined program)
- Law — JD after a Bachelor
Admission requirements
- Strong academic results required. Higher grades recommended for Engineering, Commerce, and Medicine
- IELTS Academic 6.5 minimum, sub-bands above 6.0. Medicine requires 7.0
- No SAT required for most international candidates
- Application via UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) or directly through UNSW. Term 1 offers issue primarily in UAC December Round 2
- Acceptance deposit: AUD 14,000
- Annual SSAF fee: up to AUD 365/year
Tuition and cost of living
UNSW charges per subject, not per program. For 2026 first-year international tuition, range AUD 48,000 to 84,000 by discipline. Engineering and Science typically AUD 50,000–62,000/year. Commerce around AUD 55,000/year. Medicine at the top (~AUD 75,000+/year). Sydney being expensive, budget AUD 30,000–38,000/year for living costs. Official minimum for Subclass 500 visa: AUD 29,710.
Application calendar
UNSW’s trimester calendar is distinctive:
- Term 1 — starting February, deadline UAC Round 2 in December
- Term 2 — starting May, applications close before end of March
- Term 3 — starting September, applications close before end of June
Top-demand programs (Engineering, Medicine, Commerce) can fill quickly. Apply early.
See our complete guide on Subclass 500 visa and the Australian system.
How YourDreamSchool supports you
Since 2011, YDS has supported students applying to UNSW Sydney and the other Group of Eight universities. We help structure your Statement of Purpose, prepare you for IELTS, build your Subclass 500 visa application, and anticipate life on the ground. Book a free orientation call with a YDS coach, or contact us with any questions.