University of New South Wales
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 11.5%
- SAT Range
- 1420–1550
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.92
- Size
- Large (41,971 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:9
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 98.0%
- Retention Rate
- 93.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $12,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $50,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at UNSW centers around the Roundhouse, a distinctive circular building that hosts concerts, markets, and student events. Arc, the student organization, runs over 300 clubs ranging from competitive esports to Filipino cultural society to underwater hockey. Yes, underwater hockey is a real thing here. Housing options include on-campus colleges like Kensington Colleges and UNSW Hall, which offer meal plans and structured community living, or you can find share houses in surrounding suburbs like Kingsford and Randwick. On-campus rooms go fast, so applying early is essential. The social scene splits between on-campus events and the nearby nightlife of Coogee and the eastern suburbs. Many students catch the bus to Coogee Beach after classes for a swim or sunset drinks at the pavilion. Sports facilities include an Olympic-sized pool, multiple gyms, and playing fields that stay busy well into the evening. The university's location means Sydney's food scene is readily accessible, with cheap eats in Kingsford's Chinatown competing with trendy cafes in Randwick Junction. International students make up roughly a third of the population, creating a genuinely multicultural atmosphere in dining halls and study groups.
Location & Surroundings
Sydney needs little introduction. Australia's largest city offers beaches, bushland, and urban sophistication within easy reach of campus. UNSW sits in the eastern suburbs, a 20-minute bus ride from Circular Quay and the Opera House. Coogee Beach lies just 3 kilometers away, and the coastal walk to Bondi has become a student tradition. The climate delivers mild winters (temperatures rarely drop below 10°C) and warm summers that peak around 26°C, though January heatwaves can push things considerably higher. Rain comes mostly in autumn, but Sydney rarely sees extended gray periods like northern European cities. Getting around is straightforward with the Opal card covering buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. The airport connection makes international travel convenient, important for a university that draws students from across Asia. Housing costs represent the main challenge. Sydney consistently ranks among the world's most expensive cities, and finding affordable rooms near campus requires patience and flexibility. Many students share houses in suburbs farther out along bus routes to manage costs. Kensington itself is quiet and residential, with Indian restaurants and grocery stores along Anzac Parade providing everyday necessities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition fees vary dramatically based on citizenship. Australian students pay through the HECS-HELP loan system and might pay anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000 per year depending on their field, with the debt not requiring repayment until income exceeds a threshold. International students pay full fees upfront, ranging from roughly $40,000 to $70,000 AUD annually. Living costs in Sydney add $20,000 to $25,000 per year minimum for a modest lifestyle. Career outcomes remain strong across most fields. Engineering and IT graduates report high employment rates and starting salaries, with many finding positions before finishing their degrees. The co-op program in certain fields guarantees paid industry placements throughout your studies, building experience and professional connections. The alumni network extends across Australia and into Asian financial centers. UNSW graduates hold leadership positions at major Australian companies and increasingly at tech firms in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The careers service offers resume reviews, mock interviews, and job fairs, though the most valuable connections often come through industry projects and internships embedded in degree programs. Students in business and law particularly benefit from the university's corporate partnerships in Sydney's financial district.
Campus Location
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