Live the dream and study in Sydney.
Studying abroad is about more than just your degree – it’s about meeting new people, enjoying new experiences and shaping your personality as well as your future.
And where better to do that than UNSW Sydney? If you’ve ever imagined studying just minutes from world-famous beaches while still being on the doorstep of a bustling international city, then UNSW Sydney is the place for you.
Come and expand your education, boost your work opportunities and experience a lifestyle that seamlessly combines sun, surf and study. And what’s more, our innovative academic calendar aligns well with Northern Hemisphere university calendars.
So, you can study abroad when it suits you. We look forward to welcoming you Down Under at UNSW Sydney soon.
For more information see our 2021 Study Abroad Guide.
A top 50 university with fantastic campus life!
Campus life
Walk to the beach. Tram to the city. Hang out on campus.
Campus facilities
You’ll find dozens of cafes and restaurants, banks, ATMs, a post office, supermarket, food cooperative, pharmacy, medical centre, dentist, libraries, a fitness and aquatic centre, sports fields and courts!
Study areas
We’ve got indoor computer labs and outdoor study areas so you can find the right vibe to suit your study style. Our outdoor areas have power outlets to charge your devices, and our whole campus has free Wi-Fi.
Student Association, Clubs and Societies
Arc is our student association run by students for students. With over 300 clubs and societies, you’ll find a group that’s right for you! Get amongst it. arc.unsw.edu.au
Social activities
Make the most of your time here and see some of Australia’s natural wonders, take a weekend trip to the Blue Mountains, the Royal National Park or Hunter Valley, go whale-watching, surfing and more.
Religious centre
We welcome students from all religious backgrounds to our interfaith religious centre. Chaplains conduct services and studies and offer spiritual counselling.
Staying safe
Student safety is our number one priority. We provide 24/7 security services and have an app to help: [email protected]. Get the details at international.unsw.edu.au/life-at-unsw.
Plans that fit with your current studies.
Our innovative calendar makes it easy for you to plan your studies to suit your academic needs and your timeframe. We have three standard terms as well as a Summer (January) term and a Winter (August) term. So, you can choose between a Standard Term, a Tailored Term, a Double Term or one of four year-long options.
Take a look at our calendar and see which term suits you.
| Term | UNSW Credits | ECTS | Number of Courses | Orientation Date | Start Date | End Date | Exchange CRICOS Code | Study Abroad CRICOS Code |
| Short Course Programs | ||||||||
| Summer (January) | 6 | 7.5 | 1 | 4 Jan | 4 Jan | 6 Feb | Program Not Open | N/A |
| Winter (August) | 6 | 7.5 | 1 | 12 Aug | 16 Aug | 10 Sep | Program Not Open | N/A |
| Term 2 | 18 | 22.5 | 3 | 27 May | 31 May | 28 Aug | Program Not Open | 097354E |
| Semester-long Programs | ||||||||
| Tailored Term 1 (Summer + Term 1) | 24 | 30 | 4 | 4 Jan | 4 Jan | 15 May | 097363D | 097353F |
| Term 1 | 18 | 22.2 | 3 | 11 Feb | 15 Feb | 28 Aug | 097366A | 097360G |
| Term 2 | 18 | 22.5 | 3 | 27 May | 31 May | 28 Aug | Program Not Open | 097354E |
| Double Term 2 + Term 3 | 24-36 | 30-45 | 4-6 | 27 May | 31 May | 11 Dec | Program Not Open | 097360G |
| Tailored Term 3 (Winter + Term 3) | 24 | 30 | 4 | 12 Aug | 16 Aug | 11 Dec | 097367M | 097356C |
| Term 3 | 18 | 22.5 | 3 | 9 Sep | 13 Sep | 11 Dec | 097368K | 097357B |
| Term 3 + Summer | 24 | 30 | 4 | 9 Sep | 13 Sep | 5 Feb 2022 | 097371D | 099644A |
| Double Term 3 + Term 1 | 24-36 | 30-45 | 4-6 | 9 Sep | 13 Sep | 14 May 2022 | 097366A | 097360G |
| Year-long Programs | ||||||||
| Term 1 + Term 2 + Term 3 | 48 | 60 | 8 | 11 Feb | 15 Feb | 11 Dec | 097365B | 097355D |
| Term 2 + Term 3 + Term 1 | 48 | 60 | 8 | 27 May | 31 May | 14 May 2022 | Program Not Open | 097358A |
| Tailored Term 3 + Tailored Term 1 | 48 | 60 | 8 | 12 Aug | 16 Aug | 14 May 2022 | 097370E | 097359M |
| Term 3 + Term 1 + Term 2 | 48 | 60 | 8 | 9 Sep | 13 Sep | 27 Aug 2022 | 097369J | 097358A |
For more information on the study plans available at UNSW please visit student.unsw.edu.au/calendar/exchange/inbound.
For a list of key UNSW dates see the UNSW Academic Calendar: student.unsw.edu.au/calendar/exchange/inbound.
Simply Tailor your Term
We offer hundreds of courses across nine academic faculties. Most of these are open to Study Abroad and Exchange students.
How do you know what term is best for you? Work out how many credits you need to transfer back to your home institution, which term dates suit, and build your program from there.
Standard Terms:
For those wanting 18 UNSW Credits
(22.5 ECTS/3 courses)
Tailored Terms:
For those wanting 24 UNSW Credits (30 ECTS/4 courses). Students take 1 course in either our Summer (January) or Winter (August) Term, and 3 courses in a standard Term.
Double Terms:
For those wanting even more flexibility, you can choose 24 UNSW Credits (30 ECTS/4 courses) or add extra courses to boost this to 30 UNSW Credits (37.5 ECTS/5 courses). For the super studious, you can even do 36 UNSW Credits (45 ECTS/6 courses).
Double Terms can be like taking a Summer School and Semester away! Term 1 + Term 2 may align with your Spring Semesters plus Summer, while Term 2 + Term 3 your Summer plus Autumn Semester.
As one of Australia’s top, comprehensive universities, UNSW offers a width breadth of courses for study abroad and exchange students across eight faculties:
- Art & Design
- Arts & Social Sciences
- Built Environment
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
- Medicine (students cannot enrol in clinical Medicine courses)
For a full listing of the UNSW courses on offer, please visit the UNSW Student Handbook.
For a listing of the January and August courses on offer, please see the UNSW Tailored Terms booklet.
For an overview of all you can experience at UNSW Sydney, please see the 2021 Study Abroad and Exchange Guide.
Highlighted Courses
Australian Studies Courses.
Learn more about our land and culture.
While you’re studying abroad in Sydney, why not learn more about the people, history, and landscape that make up our country? Enrich your international experience and take one of our specialised Australian-focused courses.
- Aboriginal Sydney
- Sydney, History, Landscapes, People
- Indigenous Australia
- Introduction to Sydney Environment
- The Marine Environment
Study the Great Barrier Reef for course credit.
Don’t just read about the reef. Go there. Sustainable Tourism in Regional Australia is a unique course that includes a field excursion to Lady Elliot Island. You’ll learn how to assess the physical, social and economic sustainability of the Barrier Reef marine park.
Credit load: 6 UNSW Credits
The UNSW Study Abroad and Exchange team hosts a compulsory orientation for all students before the start of term, which we hope is lots of fun. We recommend that you plan to arrive in Sydney a few days prior to the compulsory Orientation to settle in, finalise your enrolment and secure accommodation.
UNSW Sydney – Backed By Experience
QS World University Rankings, 2020
QS World University Rankings, 2020
AFR Young Rich List, 2019
UNSW received more top ratings in broad fields of research than any other Australian university Excellence in Research in Australia report, 2018/19
With Law 14th & Accounting and Finance 15th
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020
Times Higher Education Rankings, 2019
Study Abroad
Study plans
Short programs
Choose from:
Summer Term | Term 2 | Winter Term
Semester-long programs
Choose from:
Standard Terms:
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3
Tailored Terms:
Tailored Term 1 | Tailored Term 3 | Term 3 + Summer Term
Double Terms:
Term 1 + Term 2 | Term 2 + Term 3 | Term 3 + Term 1
Year-long programs
Choose from:
Term 1 + Term 2 + Term 3 | Term 2 + Term 3 + Term 1
Term 3 + Term 1 + Term 2 | Tailored Term 3 + Tailored Term 1
What can you study
You can study almost any course at UNSW Sydney as long as you have the required background knowledge. You may also be able to take Practice of Work to gain industry experience or research placement.
A complete list of courses can be found in the UNSW Online Handbook.
We recommend you check our Online Timetable to ensure that your chosen courses are available.
Enrolment is subject to course availability and your academic background. It is important to be flexible with your course choice as some fill up quickly or may not be offered in a particular term.
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale – or equivalent standard form your home institution.
English requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship.
Gap year students
Students who have completed high school or secondary level are eligible to enrol with UNSW Study Abroad. You would be eligible to enrol in entry level classes, similar to any UNSW first year student. Gap year student applications will be assessed similar to full-degree eligibility requirements. Contact us for more information.
Taste of Research Projects – 6 UNSW Credits
UNSW offers a series of courses that allow you to have a taste of research. You will work closely with a UNSW academic and complete 105 hours of research assistant duties, followed by 45 hours writing a reflection of the experience. This is a great opportunity to connect with faculty and researchers if you are keen to progress into research in the future.
Example Projects from 2020
- A Voice for First Nations in Australia
- Colonial Voices and the Remaking of the British Empire
- Access to justice: Forensic linguistic analysis of interpreted court proceedings
- Rioting and the Literary Archive
- Evaluating university-based, pro bono tax clinics for vulnerable taxpayers
Eligibility
- Approval from your home institution
- Selection is based on an application and project specific requirements
More Information
Work Integrated Learning – 6 UNSW Credits
CDEV3000 Practice of Work is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course that lets you work directly with industry and community partners for credit towards, plus strengthen your work-readiness skills and boost your employability. Your team of up to five students will be a mix of students from different disciplines across UNSW and will have a maximum of two study abroad/exchange students, allowing you to integrate with UNSW students.
Example Projects from 2020
- International Health, Volunteers and Soft Power Diplomacy
- Understanding and Promoting Innovation in Regional NSW
Eligibility
- Approval from your home institution
- Completed equivalent of 30 UNSW Credits
- Undergraduate student
- Selection is based on an application and an interview
More Information
Tuition fees for Study Abroad students are payable directly to UNSW. Students may elect to either enrol in 3 or 4 courses per term. It is important that students check with their home institution about their university’s enrolment requirements.
2020 Tuition Fees (per Term or Tailored Term)
| PROGRAM | FEE (Per term) |
FEE (Per tailored term) |
| Undergraduate program | A$9,600 | A$12,800 |
| Combined undergraduate / postgraduate program |
A$9,870 | A$13,160 |
| Postgraduate program | A$10,140 | A$13,520 |
All students are required by the Australian government to have OSHC medical insurance for the duration of their student visa with the exception of Norwegian and Belgium passport holders. The Study Abroad team will purchase health cover on your behalf through Medibank Private.
2018 OSHC Costs
Term: A$270
Tailored Term: A$320
The UNSW Social Media Ambassador Award is open to international students completing an inbound Study Abroad program at UNSW Sydney. The award requires students to showcase what life studying, traveling and living in Sydney is really like through regular posts via their Instagram accounts.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be international students holding an offer for an inbound Study Abroad program at UNSW Sydney
- Have a public Instagram account
- Be active Instagram users and post on a regular basis
- Must not be a previous recipient of the award
Benefits
Recipients are awarded a A$2,000 discount on their tuition fees in either Term 1 or Term 3 (including Tailored Terms) of their chosen inbound Study Abroad program at UNSW Sydney
How to Apply
- Candidates must submit a 30-60 second video to their public Instagram account on the topic ‘A Day in my Home City’ during the application period. The hashtag #UNSWSMAA2020 should also be included in this post
- An application form will need to be requested from the UNSW Study Abroad Office via email at: [email protected]
- The completed application form should then be submitted to the UNSW Study Abroad Office via email ([email protected]) outlining the student’s personal details and a link to their Instagram account / handle along with the date of when their entry was posted on Instagram
Application Deadlines
- Tailored Term 1 / Term 1 2020: applications are open from 1-30 November 2019
- Tailored Term 3 / Term 3 2020: applications are open from 13 June – 13 July 2020
Please contact UNSW Study Abroad with any questions: [email protected]
Applications for the UNSW Study Abroad program are submitted through the Open Academies Endeavour application platform. To start your application, click here to create your profile and follow the prompts.
If your home university is a direct enrolment partner, please check with your advisor at home to see if there is an internal application you need to first complete.
Once your application is submitted, you will need to complete the following steps ahead of your arrival in Sydney:
- Receive your Letter of Offer from UNSW Study Abroad
- Accept the terms and conditions of your offer and, if applicable, pay your deposit and/or health cover (Overseas Student Health Cover) fees. UNSW Study Abroad will then send you a certificate of enrolment (CoE), the document required to apply for a study visa
- Apply for UNSW Student Housing via the Study Abroad application portal if interested in living on campus
- Apply for your student visa
- Confirm your visa and book your travel to Sydney
Contact us
UNSW Study Abroad
T: 61 2 9385 3179
E: [email protected]
Exchange
University students from partner universities can come to UNSW Sydney through our Student Exchange Program. An official transcript will be issued to your home university upon conclusion of your studies at UNSW, and credit will be transferred back to your home institution.
Check if your university is one of our partners at students.unsw.edu.au/partners.
If your home institution is not one of our exchange partners then you can still come to UNSW through the Study Abroad program.
Students currently enrolled at one of our partner universities can apply for one, two or three terms with the UNSW Exchange program. You need to be nominated by the Exchange Office at your home university and you will be assessed according to the following eligibility requirements:
- GPA: 3.0, credit or equivalent
- English: Students must meet UNSW’s established English Language Requirements.
While most Faculties will accept suitably qualified exchange students, in some areas restrictions do apply. You can study almost any course at UNSW Sydney as long as you have the required background knowledge. Enrolment is subject to course availability and it’s important to be flexible with your course choice.
Work Integrated Learning – 6 UNSW Credits
CDEV3000 Practice of Work is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course that lets you work directly with industry and community partners for credit towards, plus strengthen your work-readiness skills and boost your employability. Your team of up to five students will be a mix of students from different disciplines across UNSW and will have a maximum of two study abroad/ exchange students, allowing you to integrate with UNSW students.
Example Projects from 2020
- International Health, Volunteers and Soft Power Diplomacy
- Understanding and Promoting Innovation in Regional NSW
Eligibility
- Approval from your home institution
- Completed equivalent of 30 UNSW Credits
- Undergraduate student
- Selection is based on an application and an interview
More Information
Once nominated by your home university, you will receive an email with instructions on how to apply for Exchange. Our application process is online.
As part of your application you will need to upload supporting documents including your transcript, copy of passport and proof of language ability if appropriate. You should also check the name on your application is the same as your passport.
Your application will be assessed after the application deadline and if successful you will receive your acceptance by email. You will be asked to accept your offer and purchase your Overseas Health Cover. UNSW Exchange will then send you a certificate of enrolment (CoE), the document required to apply for a study visa.
You should confirm your visa and book your travel to Sydney to arrive in time for orientation.
