Western Sydney University
A 13-campus university for Greater Western Sydney, ranked first in the world for impact by THE from 2022 to 2025.
- Students
- 48,543
- International
- 25%
- of students
- Tuition
- A$34,125
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 1989
About Western
Western Sydney University was created in 1989 from teachers' and advanced-education colleges in Sydney's western suburbs, including the Hawkesbury Agricultural College (established 1891) and Nepean College of Advanced Education, and took its current name in 2015. It now has 13 campuses across Sydney, from the heritage Female Orphan School at Parramatta, whose foundation stone was laid in 1813, to modern city campuses in Parramatta, Liverpool and Bankstown, plus locations in Indonesia and Vietnam and an India campus opening in 2027.
With 48,543 students in 2025, Western is one of Australia's larger universities, and about a quarter of its student load comes from fee-paying international students. Teaching runs through schools such as Law, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Engineering, Psychology and Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences. Research is concentrated in institutes including the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development and the NICM Health Research Institute.
Western is best known for impact: it ranked first in the world in the THE Impact Rankings four years running, from 2022 to 2025. Entry is broad, with lowest selection ranks of 60 for Nursing and 68 for Engineering, while Law sits at 90 and Medicine requires an ATAR-equivalent of 93.5 for international applicants. It suits students who want a practical, professionally accredited degree close to home in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.
Unlimited
University motto
Why students choose Western
Western ranked first in the world in the THE Impact Rankings four years running, from 2022 to 2025, for its social, environmental and economic impact.
Every international coursework applicant is automatically considered for a scholarship, including the Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence award covering 50% of tuition for three years.
The five-year Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine admits students directly after school, with at least 20 international places each year and international applications accepted year round.
Theatre Nepean, the university's drama school, trained Joel Edgerton, Yvonne Strahovski, Celeste Barber and David Wenham.
Admissions
2027 intakes (Autumn session from March 2027; Spring/mid-year intake from July 2027 for many courses)
Selectivity
Western does not publish an overall offer rate. Course pages list a lowest selection rank (LSR) for 2027: Nursing 60, Engineering (Honours) 68, Psychology (Honours) 70, Computer Science 80 and Laws 90. Its admissions page describes entry as competitive and based on academic merit, with international students held to the same standards as Australian residents.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR / selection rank (2027 LSR) | Nursing 60; Engineering (Honours) 68; Psychology (Honours) 70; Computer Science 80; Laws 90; Medicine is by ATAR, UCAT ANZ and interview |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Minimum 24 points for general undergraduate entry; IB 37 or higher for Medicine |
| GCE A-levels | Score of 6 from three A-level subjects for general entry; A*AA or higher for Medicine |
| China | Gao San with an 80% average, or a Gaokao score at the second-tier university threshold for the province |
| Medicine (international applicants) | ATAR equivalent of 93.5 or higher, plus ISAT and a multiple mini interview |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 82 Most programs: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 82 (writing 21, speaking 18, reading and listening 13) or PTE 58. Nursing, Social Work and Medicine need IELTS 7.0 in every band; Primary Education needs 7.5. Online and home-edition tests are not accepted. |
Deadlines
- UAC early bird deadline (undergraduate, domestic and international) Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
Apply and pay by 11.59pm to avoid higher UAC processing charges.
- Medicine (domestic applicants via UAC, code 725505) Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
Late applications not considered; interview invitations in late October and MMI interviews in late November. International Medicine applications are accepted year round until places are filled.
- UAC final closing date, March 2027 intake Non-binding Next deadline · In ~4 months3 February 2027
Final closing date listed on UAC for courses such as Nursing, Computer Science, Engineering (Honours), Laws and Psychology (Honours), for a 1 March 2027 start.
Dates are from UAC's key dates and course listings and Western's Medicine applicant pages (checked 29 September 2026). International students applying directly to Western have no single published closing date; apply several months ahead to allow for a student visa. International MD students start on 1 February 2027.
How to apply
International students apply directly through Western's online international application system or through an agent, and are automatically assessed for a scholarship and, if needed, a pathway program at The College. International students completing the Australian HSC, IB or NCEA apply via UAC International (with an option to apply directly for an early offer). Domestic students apply through UAC.
What admissions looks for
- Academic merit: an ATAR or recognised international equivalent at or above the course's selection rank.
- Assumed knowledge for the course, such as two science subjects and Mathematics at Band 5 or higher for Engineering.
- English proficiency at the level set for the program, higher for nursing, health and teaching degrees.
- For Medicine, an aptitude test (UCAT ANZ or ISAT), a high academic threshold and performance in a multiple mini interview.
Tips for applying to Western
- 1 Domestic Year 12 students in Greater Western Sydney automatically get 5 regional bonus points, and up to 10 subject bonus points are available for Band 5 or 6 HSC results in relevant subjects.
- 2 International students do not need a separate scholarship application: the offer letter states any award, such as A$5,000 or A$10,000 a year or 50% of tuition.
- 3 For Medicine as an international applicant, sit the ISAT early and submit a complete application: interviews run in rounds and offers go out until the 20-plus places are filled.
- 4 Check the campus before you list preferences: Medicine, Paramedicine and Physiotherapy are taught at Campbelltown, Computer Science at Parramatta South or Penrith, and Engineering at Parramatta City, Penrith or Sydney City.
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
All international coursework applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships: for 2027, Western Sydney International Scholarships of A$10,000 or A$5,000 a year for the full degree, and the Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence Scholarship covering 50% of tuition for three years. The International Alumni Scholarship offers A$10,000 a year, and there are sibling discounts and a US Financial Aid program. Domestic students in Commonwealth supported places can defer fees through HECS-HELP.
- 50% of tuition for three years (automatic consideration)
- Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship
- A$10,000 or A$5,000 per year for the full degree
- Western Sydney International Scholarship (2027)
Academics
Academic calendar: Sessions (Autumn from March, Spring from July)
Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine
A five-year medical degree at Campbelltown, entered directly from school, with at least 20 international places a year and multiple mini interviews.
Bachelor of Nursing
Offered at four campuses with a lowest selection rank of 60, leading to eligibility for registration as a nurse across Australia.
Bachelor of Laws
LSR 90, with many double-degree options and practical experience in every subject through internships, placements and clinics.
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Streams from civil and electrical to robotics and mechatronics, with Parramatta City, Penrith and Sydney City options and a March or July start.
Bachelor of Computer Science
Majors in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security; LSR 80 and a July intake as well as March.
Bachelor of Paramedicine
Taught at Campbelltown with a March intake, requiring IELTS 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in reading and writing; A$44,224 a year for international students in 2027.
Research
- Western's institutes include the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, the NICM Health Research Institute and the Translational Health Research Institute.
- Through the MARCS Institute, Western researchers work with the schools of education, psychology and nursing on early childhood speech and language learning.
- Specialist centres include the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre.
- Western's research income (HERDC) reached A$68.1 million in 2024, up from A$49.1 million in 2023.
Schools & faculties
- School of Arts
- School of Built Environment and Design
- School of Business
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Psychology
- School of Science
Student life
Western is spread across Sydney, so student life depends on your campus: the Parramatta South campus with its colonial-era Female Orphan School, the Hawkesbury campus that began as an agricultural college in 1891, or the modern city campuses at Parramatta, Liverpool and Bankstown. Western Sydney University Villages offer on-campus housing in five villages, with a residential life program and 24/7 on-site support. The university's drama school, Theatre Nepean, has produced a long line of Australian actors, from David Wenham to Yvonne Strahovski.
- Five on-campus student villages with a residential life program.
- 13 campuses across Sydney, including the Female Orphan School building at Parramatta, whose foundation stone was laid in 1813.
- Theatre Nepean alumni include Joel Edgerton, Yvonne Strahovski and Celeste Barber.
- Hawkesbury campus traces its history to an agricultural college founded in 1891.
Housing. On-campus rooms are offered through Western Sydney University Villages across five villages; off campus, a two-bedroom apartment in Parramatta costs about A$350-450 a week to rent, according to the university.
Location
Greater Western Sydney is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, stretching from Parramatta out to Penrith and the Hawkesbury. Western's campuses sit across this region, with a further campus in Sydney's city centre, and students get around on the Opal public transport network of trains, buses, light rail and ferries. The Australian Government's living-cost benchmark for student visa holders is A$29,710 a year.
Nearest airport: Sydney Airport (SYD)
Notable alumni
- JE Joel EdgertonActor and filmmaker; trained at the Nepean Drama School
- DA Deng AdutDefence lawyer, refugee advocate and former child soldier; 2017 NSW Australian of the Year; law degree from Western
- EH Ed HusicMP for Chifley and former federal Minister for Industry and Science, the first Muslim elected to federal parliament; BA in Applied Communication
- BQ Ben QuiltyPainter and 2011 Archibald Prize winner; BA from Western
- YS Yvonne StrahovskiActor (Chuck, The Handmaid's Tale); BA in performance from Theatre Nepean
- AH Anita HeissAuthor; the university's first Aboriginal PhD graduate (Communication and Media, 2000)
- CB Celeste BarberComedian and actor; trained at Theatre Nepean
- DW David WenhamActor; BA (Performing Arts) from Theatre Nepean
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for Western Sydney University?
Lowest selection ranks for 2027 include 60 for Nursing, 68 for Engineering (Honours), 70 for Psychology (Honours), 80 for Computer Science and 90 for Laws. International Medicine applicants need an ATAR equivalent of 93.5.
How much does Western Sydney University cost for international students?
2027 annual tuition ranges from A$34,125 (Arts) to A$44,224 (Paramedicine), for example A$40,149 for Computer Science and A$42,962 for Engineering. Medicine is A$89,796 a year.
Do I need to apply separately for scholarships at Western?
No. International coursework applicants are automatically considered, and any award, such as A$5,000 or A$10,000 a year or 50% of tuition, is stated in the offer letter.
What IELTS score does Western Sydney University require?
Most programs need IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (or TOEFL iBT 82). Nursing, Social Work and Medicine need 7.0 in every band.
How do international students apply for Medicine at Western?
Apply through Western's international online application at any time of year, sit the ISAT, and meet an ATAR equivalent of 93.5. Shortlisted applicants attend a multiple mini interview, and offers are made in rounds until the international places (at least 20 a year) are filled.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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