
UNSW Sydney is one of Australia’s most popular universities for International Students. It is a member of the Group of Eight and sits in the QS top 20 worldwide. However, getting in takes planning. You need to meet academic benchmarks, prove your English ability and budget for tuition and living costs. This guide explains the UNSW Sydney entry requirements and fees in plain language. It also shares practical tips so you can decide whether UNSW is the right fit for you.
Why This Matters
UNSW Sydney Entry Requirements Explained
Undergraduate academic requirements
UNSW assesses international applicants using an ATAR equivalent. Your qualification is converted to a selection rank. Each degree has a Guaranteed Entry score. Meeting it means you receive an offer, provided you also satisfy English and any program-specific rules.
| Chương trình | Indicative ATAR equivalent |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts / Social Sciences | About 80 |
| Bachelor of Science / Computer Science | Around 85 to 93 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | Around 93 |
| Cử nhân Thương mại | Around 96 |
| Bachelor of Laws (double degree) | 99 or above, with a strong first degree |
| Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | 99+ plus ISAT and an interview |
Common accepted qualifications include A-Levels, the IB Diploma, STPM, UEC, Indian CBSE/ISC, and Australian Year 12 studied overseas. Students who fall short can consider UNSW College. It offers Foundation Studies and Diploma programs that lead directly into UNSW degrees.
Postgraduate academic requirements
For coursework master’s degrees, you usually need a recognised bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit average (65%) or its equivalent. Competitive programs, such as Commerce, Data Science and Engineering, may ask for 70% to 75%. Some degrees also require relevant work experience or a portfolio. Research degrees require a strong academic record, a research proposal and a confirmed supervisor.
English language requirements
Most UNSW programs accept the following minimum scores:
| Test | Standard programs | Higher-requirement programs* |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band | 7.0 overall, 7.0 in each band |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 overall (23 writing, 22 other bands) | 94 to 100 overall |
| PTE Academic | 64 overall, 54 in each band | 72 to 79 overall |
*Higher-requirement programs include Law, Medicine, Education, Psychology and some Health degrees.
Test results must be no more than two years old at the time your program starts. Students who miss the score slightly can enrol in the UNSW English Entry Course before starting their degree.

UNSW Sydney Fees: Tuition and Living Costs
Indicative international tuition fees
UNSW publishes fees per year of full-time study. Fees are reviewed annually and typically increase by 3% to 5%. The figures below are indicative for 2026 and should be confirmed on the official fee search tool.
| Program area | Indicative annual fee |
|---|---|
| Arts, Design and Social Sciences (UG) | A$ 41,000 to A$ 46,000 |
| Science and Computer Science (UG) | A$ 50,000 to A$ 55,000 |
| Commerce and Economics (UG) | A$ 53,000 to A$ 56,000 |
| Engineering (UG) | A$ 53,000 to A$ 56,000 |
| Medicine (UG) | A$ 85,000 to A$ 90,000 |
| Master’s coursework (most faculties) | A$ 42,000 to A$ 58,000 |
| UNSW College Foundation Studies | A$ 34,000 to A$ 40,000 (per program) |
Other costs to budget for
Realistically, most students should plan for A$ 30,000 to A$ 35,000 per year for living expenses in Sydney. This makes it one of the pricier Australian cities, so careful budgeting is essential.
Supporting Information
Scholarships that reduce fees
UNSW offers several scholarships for International Students. The International Scientia Coursework Scholarship covers either full tuition or A$ 20,000 per year. The UNSW Global Academic Award provides A$ 5,000 to A$ 10,000 per year based on academic merit. Faculty-specific awards are also available in Engineering, Business and Arts. Many scholarships are automatically assessed at the point of application, but some require a separate form. Check deadlines carefully.
Intakes and the UNSW3+ calendar
UNSW runs three ten-week terms per year. Terms usually begin in February, May and September. This gives International Students more flexibility than the traditional two-semester model. However, not every program admits students in every term. Always confirm the available intakes for your chosen degree.
Application timeline
Things to Consider When Choosing UNSW
Meeting the entry requirements is only the first step. These general tips can help you decide whether UNSW is the right choice.
- Compare the total cost, not just tuition. Sydney’s rent is among the highest in Australia. A slightly cheaper university in another city may cost less overall.
- Check program-specific rules early. Medicine, Law and Psychology have extra tests, interviews or higher English scores. Missing one detail can cost you a year.
- Use the fee search tool for your exact program. Averages are useful, but fees vary between double degrees, honours years and specialisations.
- Consider a pathway if you are close but not quite there. UNSW College offers a structured route with guaranteed progression if you meet the required grades.
- Look at term timing. The three-term calendar moves quickly. Students who prefer a slower pace may want to weigh this carefully.
- Apply for scholarships even if you think you will not qualify. Many awards are assessed automatically, and partial scholarships still make a real difference.


FAQ: UNSW Sydney Entry Requirements and Fees
Summary
UNSW Sydney entry requirements vary widely by program, from an ATAR equivalent of 80 for Arts to 99+ for Medicine and Law. Most programs require IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, while professional degrees ask for 7.0. International tuition fees typically sit between A$ 41,000 and A$ 56,000 per year, and Sydney living costs add another A$ 30,000 or more. Scholarships, pathway programs and a flexible three-term calendar make UNSW accessible to a wide range of students. Above all, research your exact program, budget for the full cost and apply early.
If you would like someone to check your eligibility, compare programs or guide you through the Visa process, the team at Dịch vụ Sinh viên AUG is happy to help. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation whenever you are ready.

