*Please note, this table is a guide only and actual entry requirements may be higher or lower than those indicated. In all cases admission will be determined upon the receipt of an application. The University reserves the right to vary entry requirements to those published without further notice.
More program information
British Columbia Senior Secondary School Graduation Diploma (2004 graduation program)
Calculate the grade average from all Grade 12 subjects except Graduation Transition based on A=4, B=3, C+ = 2.5, C=2, C- =1, F=0. Graduation Diploma must be awarded.
Canadian OSSD
Ontario Secondary School Diploma based on overall average score including best six university/college preparation courses or university/college preparation courses, including English (ENG4U).
GCE Advanced Level
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Entry requirement are based on the total points achieved from the best 6 or 5 Category A or B subjects. Category C subjects are not considered.
Points for all Category A subjects are calculated on the basis that 5**=7, 5*=6, 5=5, 4=4, 3=3, 2=2, 1=1, U=0.
Points for all Category B subjects are calculated on the basis that attained with distinction (I)=4, attained with distinction (II)=3, attained=2, unattained=0.
Points for Category B Chinese and pre-2018 Category B subjects: attained with distinction=3, attained=2, unattained=0
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, the higher part will be counted towards the Total.
Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Awarded by CBSE, overall grade in best four externally examined subjects where A1=5, A2=4.5, B1=3.5, B2=3, C1=2, C2=1.5, D1=1, D2=0.5. Students also need to provide CBSE Admit Card.
Indian School Certificate
Awarded by ICSE, overall average from English and the best three externally examined subjects.
Indian State Boards (Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate)
Average of English and the 3 best subjects in the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. India HSSC issued by other states are not accepted.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Bilingual Diploma
Entry criteria is based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2021 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details visit www.uac.edu.au.
Gaokao
Entry requirements are based on the percentage average of all attempted subjects in the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao). Refer to the Gaokao Table (see below) for the maximum marks of each province.
Maximum marks are reviewed annually by the Chinese Government.
Korea Republic College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) (2017 onwards)
Entry requirements are based on overall grades from the standard scores from results in Korean Language, Mathematics and the best two subjects from Science or Social Studies area. Results in other components are not considered for entry.
Korea Republic College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) (2005-2016)
Entry requirements are based on overall grades from the standard scores from results in Korean Language, Mathematics and Foreign Language (English) only. Results in other components are not considered for entry.
Malaysian STPM
Entry requirements can vary depending upon the number of AL subjects chosen. Table based on four Advanced Level subjects where A=7, A-=6, B+=5, B=4, B-=3, C+=2, C=1.
Malaysian Unified Examination Certificate
Entry requirements are based on overall average of the best five subjects (excluding vocational subjects) where A1=1, A2=2, B3=3, B4=4, B5=5, B6=6, C7=7, C8=8, F9=0.
Scholastic Aptitude Test 1 (SAT1) before 2016
Entry is based on the total of Critical Reading, Mathematical and Writing test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.
Scholastic Aptitude Test 1 (SAT1) taken from March 2016 onwards
Entry is based on the total of Math, Evidence Based Reading and Writing. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. Advanced Placement tests (APs) with grades 4 or 5 can be used to lower the required SAT scores for entry. A maximum of 2 AP grades can be considered, except Calculus AB subgrade. Advanced Placement results may be undertaken in the same year or accumulated over two years.
Singapore A Levels
Entry requirements are based on a maximum of the best three H1 subjects, the best three H2 subjects and one H3 subject. Scores indicated in the table are derived from the following values: H1 – A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5; H2 – A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1; H3 – Distinction = 2.5, Merit = 1.5, Pass = 1. An additional H2 or H3 subject may also be taken into account for some applications. Mother Tongue Language subject is not included in the calculation.
South African National Senior Certificate
Entry requirements are based on the percentage average score from the best four subjects, excluding Life Orientation. This is only applicable if the Certificate has been awarded and the candidate is eligible for university entrance in South Africa.
Sri Lankan General Certificate of Education
Based on best three A-level subjects where A=4, B=3, C=2, S=1, F=0.
Entry requirements are based on the percentage average of all attempted subjects in the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao). Refer to the Gaokao Table (see below) for the maximum marks of each province.
Maximum marks are reviewed annually by the Chinese Government.
PROVINCE | INDICATIVE POINTS |
---|---|
Anhui | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Beijing | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Chongqing | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Fujian | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Gansu | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Guangdong | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Guangxi | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Guizhou | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Hainan | 630 (70%) – 810 (90%) / 900 |
Hebei | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Heilongjiang | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Henan | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Hubei | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Hunan | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Inner Mongolia | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Jiangsu | 336 (70%) – 432 (90%)/ 480 |
Jiangxi | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Jilin | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Liaoning | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Ningxia | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Qinghai | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Shaanxi | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Shandong | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Shanghai | 462 (70%) – 594 (90%) / 660 |
Shanxi | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Sichuan | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Tianjin | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Xinjiang | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Xizang (Tibet) | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Yunnan | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Zhejiang | 525 (70%) – 675 (90%) / 750 |
Forecast or predicted results Will be considered from applicants sitting the A Levels or the IB Diploma. Results must be printed on official school letterhead and include the institution stamp and signature of the Principal, Registrar or Academic Director. Results should be dated after 1 January for entry in Term 3 (September intake), and after 1 June for Term 1 (February intake).
The total predicted aggregate must be 2 points higher than the total final aggregate required for admission.
Some programs have additional entry requirements or admissions schemes, as outlined below.
Aviation (Flying)
In addition to UAC or direct admission applications, all applicants must complete the application form available from the School website at aviation.unsw.edu.au/future. Interviews will be arranged with applicants after receipt of the application form.
During the first year of study, all students must obtain a Class 1 medical from a designated aviation medical examiner and be assessed for ICAO English requirement for pilots.
Music
This program has additional selection criteria. All applicants must pass the UNSW Musicianship test and, if successful, submit a performance audition for consideration by the School of the Arts & Media. Find further details at sam.arts.unsw.edu.au.
Medicine
All international applicants are required to sit ISAT. Applicants must also submit an online registration form available from med.unsw.edu.au and read the faculty admissions information carefully.
UNSW Art & Design
Portfolio Entry Scheme: Students with an entry rank just below the cut-off may be considered for admission based on a successful creative portfolio. Further details are available at artdesign.unsw.edu.au/international-portfolio-entry.
BE Portfolio Entry
Applicants who are required to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and are applying for admission to Built Environment degrees may be eligible for the BE Portfolio Scheme. For more information see unsw.to/beportfolioentry.
Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme (FEAS)
Applicants who are required to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and are applying for admission to Engineering may be eligible for the Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme. For more information see eng.unsw.edu.au/feas.
Accepted qualifications
Commonly Accepted Secondary Qualification
The qualifications in the table below will be considered for entry into undergraduate programs. Students are assessed on actual results achieved and not simply on completion of their qualification.
Please note: A Key to accepted qualifications is located at the bottom of the table.
For further information or if you have completed a qualification not listed on this page, please contact the UNSW Admissions Office:
T: +61 2 9385 3656
Country | Accepted Qualifications | Notes |
Africa | B D H | Tanzanian Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education, Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education or ZIMSEC GCE Advanced Level |
Argentina | B D | |
Australia | B D H | Senior Secondary School Certificate with ATAR or OP |
Bangladesh | B4 | |
Belgium | B D H | Belgian certificate of Access to Higher Education |
Brazil | B D | |
Canada | B D H | Canadian OSSD, or other provincial equivalents |
China (PRC) | B D H | National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao) |
Colombia | B D | |
Denmark | B D H | Danish Studentereksamen or equivalent |
European Union | B D H | European Baccalaureate |
Fiji | B D H | Fijian Year 13 Certificate |
Finland | B D H | Finnish Matriculation Certificate |
France | B D H | Baccalauréeate Général or Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) |
Germany | B D H | German Abitur |
Hong Kong | B D H | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) |
India | B D H | India CBSE, Indian School Certificate (grade 12) or Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate (Indian State Boards of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) |
Indonesia | B D | |
Israel | B D H | Israel Teudat Bagrut |
Ireland | B D H | Republic of Ireland Leaving Certificate or equivalent |
Italy | B D H | Italian High School Diploma |
Japan | B D H | National Center Test for University Admission (Senta) and evidence of successful completion of the Japanese Upper Secondary School Diploma |
Jordan | B D | |
Korea | B D H | Korea Republic College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) |
Lebanon | B D H | Lebanese Baccalaureate |
Malaysia | B D H | Sijil Tinggi Pelarjaran Malaysia (STPM), Malaysian Matriculation or Unified Examination Certificate |
Mexico | B D | |
Norway | B D H | Norwegian Certificate of Completion of Upper Secondary School Examination or equivalent |
New Zealand | B D H | National Certificate of Educational Achievement NCEA Level 3 and meet the requirements for University Entrance (UE) |
Oman | B D | |
Pakistan | B4 | |
Philippines | B D | |
Portugal | B D H | Portuguese Certificate of Secondary Education |
Russia | B D | |
Saudi Arabia | B D | |
Singapore | B D H | Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level |
South Africa | B D H | South African National Senior Certificate |
Spain | B D H | Spanish Titulo Bachillerato with Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad |
Sri Lanka | B D H | Sri Lankan GCE Advanced Level |
Sweden | B D H | Swedish Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan) |
Switzerland | B D H | Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate or Federally recognised Cantonal Maturity Certificate |
Taiwan (ROC) | B D H | Taiwanese General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT), and evidence of successful completion of high school |
Thailand | B D H | Thailand Ordinary National Education Test (O-NET) |
The Netherlands | B D H | Dutch diploma of Pre-University Education |
United Arab Emirates | B D | |
United States of America | B D H | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT), and evidence of successful completion of high school |
Vietnam | B D |
Accepted qualifications table key
B | Completion of the first year of a recognised university Bachelor degree |
B4 | Completion of the first year of a 4-year Bachelor degree at a recognised university, otherwise a completed 2-3 year Bachelor degree |
D | Completion of a recognised college or polytechnic diploma |
H | Completion of a recognised high school qualification |
Foundation Year Programs:
Foundation programs of all Australian Group of Eight universities are recognised. NCUK International Foundation Year is recognised.
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A2) subjects only:
Comparable qualifications include the Pearson-Edexcel International Advanced Levels and the University of Malta Matriculation Certificate examination.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:
Completion of the IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma.
Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) FAQs
International students who are completing one of the following qualifications must apply through UAC:
- an Australian Year 12 qualification in Australia OR overseas
- the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia OR overseas (optional)
- the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 3) If you do not fall into the above categories, you must apply directly to UNSW at www.apply.unsw.edu.au
International students within the above mentioned categories must apply through UAC International uac.edu.au/international. The website will guide you through the process and also has a section with frequently asked questions.
Alternatively, UNSW-authorised agents can assist you with the application process.
During the process, you will receive a UAC application number and UAC PIN. You will need to keep these details to be able to log in to the UAC website to check or change your program preferences and access your offer (should you meet the entry requirements of your chosen program).
Visit the UAC website at www.uac.edu.au for information on application dates for study in 2021.
Applicants completing the IB Diploma can be considered for admission in Term 1 (February intake) and Term 3 (September intake) based on predicted grades. The total predicted aggregate must be 2 points higher than the total final aggregate required for admission.
The statement of predicted grades must:
- Be issued on school letterhead and signed by the Principal, School Director, Deputy School Director, or Registrar.
- Include the date of issue, expected date of graduation, expected results release date, predicted mark for each subject undertaken, and your predicted total aggregate.
- Results should be dated after 1 June for entry in Term 1 (February intake) and after 1 January for entry in Term 3 (September intake)