About
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research institution, offering students a learning experience characterised by academic choice and excellent teaching and facilities. In addition, UNSW has been ranked a top 20 institution globally according to QS world rankings 2024. UNSW prides itself with strong industry links and international nature; UNSW has strong and global engagement. The student body numbers 59,000 students, offering students the chance to join the diverse and welcoming community.
Location
UNSW’s is located between Sydney’s coastal eastern suburbs and vibrant city centre. Students also have many public transport options; there are trains, buses, ferries and rail options that run from UNSW campuses throughout Sydney. A short bus trip will take you to explore the famous beaches of Coogee or Bondi, while the new Light Rail network takes you to the central business district and inner city.
Set around the world’s largest natural harbour, Sydney is home to beautiful golden beaches, world-class museums and art galleries, delicious fresh food, and a calendar of exciting events and festivals. You'll never run out of things to do in Sydney.
Academic Calendar
WAYA 'With A Year Abroad' degrees
Optional semester
Academic Calendar
Courses
For a full list of UNSW courses, term availability, class times and content outlines, view the UNSW Handbook. Visit this site for instructions for searching for courses if you need help navigating the handbook.
You can study most courses at UNSW Sydney as long as you have the required prerequisites knowledge. Enrolment is subject to course availability along with delivery mode and it’s important to be flexible with your course choice.
You can study across multiple schools and should check the Timetable to ensure that your chosen courses are available.
Restrictions
- Enrolment in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science courses is extremely limited; students need to be prepared to select courses from another major.
- Postgraduate psychology courses are not available to exchange students.
- Undergraduate psychology courses are very limited.
For a full breakdown of course restrictions please visit the Exchange Factsheet.
Credits
Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversions.
Accommodation
Due to high demand, on campus accommodation is extremely limited and is not guaranteed. Several independent, privately managed colleges are located on the UNSW Kensington campus. Each college has its own application process and students should to apply directly to each accommodation of interest separately.
Most exchange students choose to live off campus and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of UNSW. UNSW Off-Campus Accommodation Support (OCAS), provides guidance to students to support them finding safe and conveniently located off-campus housing within a range of budgets. Please remain vigilant when researching accommodation options and be aware of rental scams.
It is worth noting that Sydney has a number of accommodation providers aimed at accommodating students. These providers are located around Sydney – generally around 20-50 minutes by public transport from the UNSW campus. The options include Iglu and Scape.
Cost of Living
The University of New South Wales provides information on the cost of living as a student here. You can find more general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Sydney here.
Living expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyle, especially in Sydney where renting private accommodation can be as (if not more) expensive than renting privately in London. Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Important: Students considering to live and study in Sydney must be realistic about financial matters, this being one of the most expensive cities in the world. In the decision-making process, Queen Mary students must calculate their forecasted budget with confirmed funding to which they will have access against the rising cost of living.
Support Services
UNSW has a range of support services that support students with all aspects of academic and non-academic life.
Campus Life
Student life at UNSW Sydney is a blend of learning, culture, and community, offering endless opportunities to connect, engage, and grow. With over 300 clubs and societies, sports teams, and social events, there’s always something happening on campus. At the heart of this vibrant community is Arc, UNSW’s student organization, which plays a central role in connecting students. Arc supports student life through a wide range of activities, from volunteering programs and creative workshops to sports and music events. Whether you’re looking to join a club, attend exciting events, or make new friends, Arc ensures there’s something for everyone at UNSW. Dive into a dynamic student culture, explore your passions, and make the most of your university journey at UNSW Sydney.
