The University of New South Wales: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) enrolls over 24,852 international students from more than 130 countries, annually. Undergraduate applicants must have completed a recognized secondary qualification, like the International Baccalaureate (IB), while postgraduate candidates must hold a completed undergraduate degree.

English proficiency is required for all applicants, and accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Due to high demand, a waitlist system was implemented for international applicants in 2025. It is recommended that you apply early and regularly monitor your application's status.

Below is a precise breakdown of the key qualifications and academic criteria required to successfully apply to UNSW.

Admission Requirements

UNSW's admission criteria ensure applicants meet academic standards and demonstrate English proficiency. Undergraduate candidates are typically required to have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs. Program-specific requirements, such as minimum GPAs, vary (e.g., 2.5/4 for the Master of Engineering Science).

Here are the admission requirements for studying at the UNSW:

Academic Qualification

UNSW recognizes several international secondary qualifications for undergraduate admission, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels, and New Zealand NCEA Level 3. Other overseas qualifications deemed equivalent to Australian Year 12 studies are also accepted.

For example, entry into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program requires an IB score of 34, a GCE A-Level score of 13.0, or an ATAR of 90.0.

UNSW also considers relevant work experience during admissions, particularly for applicants who may not meet the standard GPA thresholds.

Here are the requirements:

Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is required for all international applicants at UNSW. Most programs, such as Engineering, Business, and Science, need an IELTS score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT of 90, or PTE of 64. Competitive programs, like Law or Medicine, may require an IELTS of 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT of 96.

Here are the specific language proficiency details:

Competitive Exams

UNSW requires specific competitive exams for admission to certain programs.​ For instance, the Law Admission Test (LAT) is required for domestic students applying to the Bachelor of Laws double degrees at UNSW.​

Additionally, for postgraduate programs like the MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), applicants may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores, depending on their academic background and professional experience.

Below is a table outlining the specific criteria for each competitive exam required by UNSW:

Visa Requirements

Securing a student visa is essential for international students planning to study at UNSW, as it grants legal entry and residence in Australia. Proper preparation can significantly enhance the likelihood of approval.

The overall student visa approval rate stands at approximately 81%, with variations depending on the applicant's country of origin and the specific program of study. Below is a table outlining the specific visa requirements for studying at UNSW:

Once your visa process is complete, the next important aspect to consider is the application deadline and intake periods. Let’s explore these crucial details.

Application Deadline and Intakes

Understanding the application deadlines and intakes is crucial for prospective students to plan their academic journey. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers two primary intakes for undergraduate and postgraduate programs: February and July. These intakes align with UNSW's academic terms. 

Let’s explore the essential deadlines and intake periods for various programs:

Understanding the admissions process is key to your journey at UNSW. Once you're clear on how and when to apply, the next important factor to consider is the cost of studying at the University of New South Wales in 2025.