University of New South Wales

What the University of New South Wales Is

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is a public research university in Kensington, Sydney, founded in 1949. It is ranked 19th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is a founding member of the Group of Eight, Australia’s coalition of research-intensive universities.

UNSW was originally established with a focus on scientific, technological, and professional disciplines, and that orientation persists. The university’s engineering faculty is consistently ranked among the top 30 globally, and its business school (UNSW Business School) holds triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. UNSW operates on a trimester system (three terms per year), which is different from the two-semester model used by most Australian universities. This allows students to accelerate their degree or spread their course load.

UNSW’s main campus is in Kensington, approximately 7 km from Sydney’s CBD, well-connected by bus and the light rail network. The university enrols approximately 63,000 students, with international students making up around 30% of the student body. Indian students represent one of the largest international cohorts.

Who It’s For

UNSW is a strong option for Indian students looking for:

• Engineering and technology programmes with professional accreditation from Engineers Australia, which is recognised in India and internationally. UNSW’s engineering programmes are ranked in the global top 50 by QS subject rankings.
• Commerce and finance with a practical, industry-connected orientation. UNSW Business School has extensive ties with Sydney’s financial sector.
• A pathway to Australian permanent residency through post-study work rights. Graduates of a 2-year master’s programme qualify for a 2-year Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), and graduates of a 3- or 4-year bachelor’s degree also qualify.
• A research-focused university that still emphasises graduate employability. UNSW consistently ranks in the top 30 globally for employer reputation (QS).

Undergraduate admission for Indian students typically requires strong Class 12 results (CBSE/ISC) or equivalent. UNSW uses ATAR-equivalent entry scores; for competitive programmes like Engineering (Honours), the equivalent ATAR requirement is typically 90+. English proficiency is required: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each band) for most programmes, or TOEFL iBT 90+.

Postgraduate admission typically requires a completed bachelor’s degree with a credit average (approximately 65%+) from a recognised institution.

Programs Popular with Indian Students

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) — 4 years. Specialisations include civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, software, and renewable energy engineering. All streams are accredited by Engineers Australia. International tuition: approximately AUD 52,000–55,000 per year (2025).

• Bachelor of Commerce — 3 years. Majors in accounting, finance, business analytics, economics, and marketing. The finance major benefits from UNSW’s proximity to Sydney’s financial district. International tuition: approximately AUD 49,000 per year (2025). See also: BCom and BCom Hons.

• Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) — 3 years. Strong links with the university’s research labs in AI and cybersecurity. International tuition: approximately AUD 49,000 per year (2025).

• Master of Commerce — 1.7 years (accelerated via trimester system). Specialisations in finance, business analytics, and risk management. Useful for Indian graduates looking to add an Australian qualification and work experience.

• Master of Data Science — 2 years. One of the more established data science master’s programmes in Australia, with coursework in machine learning, statistical modelling, and data engineering.

• Master of Information Technology — 2 years. Popular with Indian students transitioning from non-IT undergraduate backgrounds. Covers software engineering, database systems, and AI.

Campus and Location

UNSW’s main Kensington campus is a compact, self-contained campus 7 km southeast of Sydney’s CBD. It is served by the Kensington light rail stop and multiple bus routes. The campus includes the Scientia building, an extensive library system, an on-campus gymnasium, and multiple residential colleges.

Sydney itself is Australia’s largest city and its financial centre. For Indian students, the city has a large and established Indian community, with Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and cultural organisations concentrated in suburbs like Harris Park, Parramatta, and Westmead, all accessible by train from Kensington.

Cost of living in Sydney is high by global standards. Students should budget approximately AUD 25,000–30,000 per year for living expenses (rent, food, transport, health insurance) in addition to tuition. Shared accommodation near campus typically costs AUD 250–350 per week.

Costs and Financial Aid

International tuition fees at UNSW range from approximately AUD 42,000 to AUD 55,000 per year depending on the programme (2025 rates). Engineering and science programmes are at the higher end.

Key scholarships for Indian students:

• UNSW International Scientia Coursework Scholarship — covers full tuition for the duration of the degree. Highly competitive; awarded based on academic merit.
• UNSW India Future Leaders Scholarship — AUD 10,000 per year for undergraduate or postgraduate Indian students with strong academic records.
• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) — covers tuition and provides a stipend for research degree students (PhD).

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students and costs approximately AUD 600–700 per year.

Things to Verify Before Applying

• Trimester system: UNSW’s academic calendar (3 terms: February, June, September) differs from most universities. Check which term your preferred programme starts in.
• English language requirements: Most programmes require IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 per band) or TOEFL iBT 90+. Some programmes (e.g., Law) require higher scores.
• Visa requirements: Indian students need a Student Visa (subclass 500). This requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of financial capacity (approximately AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, per Department of Home Affairs), and OSHC.
• Post-study work visa: The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows 2–4 years of work rights after completing an eligible qualification. Verify current visa settings on the Department of Home Affairs website, as rules change frequently.
• Credit transfer: If you have completed coursework at an Indian university, check UNSW’s credit transfer policy for your specific programme.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• BCom — undergraduate commerce programmes
• BSc Computer Science — computer science degree pathways
• MSc Data Science — postgraduate data science programmes
• University of Sydney — another leading Sydney university for comparison
• Monash University — Group of Eight member in Melbourne
• University of Melbourne — top-ranked Australian university

Sources Used

• UNSW Sydney — International Students
• UNSW Sydney — Fees and Scholarships
• QS World University Rankings — UNSW Sydney
• UNSW Engineering