University of New South Wales: Fees, Entry and Intakes
TL;DR: The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is a research university in Kensington, Sydney, placed 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Its 2027 international tuition is charged per unit of credit, from AUD 1,035 in most Arts courses to AUD 1,330 in Engineering. Most degrees ask for IELTS Academic 6.5, and students who need more preparation can start at UNSW College.
UNSW can be hard to read from the outside: fees are quoted per unit of credit, English scores change by faculty, and the calendar is about to change. For a quick view of your own options, Check your eligibility with Prosper.
What does the University of New South Wales offer international students?
UNSW Sydney teaches mainly at Kensington, with art and design at Paddington, across Arts, Design and Architecture; Business; Engineering; Law and Justice; Medicine and Health; and Science. UNSW placed 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, its first time as the top Australian university in that ranking (UNSW Newsroom, 18 June 2026).
Intakes. Kensington and Paddington programmes run on three terms a year. In 2027, teaching starts on 15 February (Term 1), 31 May (Term 2) and 13 September (Term 3) (UNSW academic calendars).
A calendar change is coming. From 2028, UNSW moves to a flex-semester calendar: two 12-week semesters with optional six-week summer and winter terms. Students starting in 2027 begin on terms and then move across. The qualification stays the same, but course order and degree length can vary (UNSW calendar transition).
UNSW fees for international students
UNSW publishes international tuition as a rate per unit of credit (UOC). A full-time year is 48 UOC, and you pay the rate for the year each course is taken (UNSW international tuition fees). The yearly column below is our arithmetic: the published 2027 rate multiplied by 48 UOC.
| Faculty (most courses) | 2027 rate per UOC (AUD) | About a 48 UOC year (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | 1,035 | 49,680 |
| Law and Justice (LAWS, LAWJ) | 1,145 | 54,960 |
| Business School | 1,240 | 59,520 |
| Engineering, including Computer Science | 1,330 | 63,840 |
| Medicine and Health (most disciplines) | 1,390 | 66,720 |
Many Science courses are AUD 1,375 per UOC. A Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged on top; for health cover and living costs, see our guides to Australian tuition fees and OSHC.
UNSW entry requirements and English scores
Undergraduate. GCE A-Levels are among the school qualifications UNSW assesses, and each degree sets its own selection rank (UNSW international entry requirements).
Postgraduate. Most master's degrees need a bachelor's degree recognised as equal to an Australian one, and each programme sets its own minimum average. The Master of Information Technology, for example, asks for a weighted average mark of at least 65%, with a Graduate Certificate route for graduates from other fields.
English. Engineering, Science, Medicine and Health and Arts ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 90 or PTE Academic 64. Business and Law and Justice ask for IELTS 7.0 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 94 or PTE Academic 65. Education needs IELTS 7.5 (UNSW English language requirements). See our PTE exam guide.
UNSW scholarships for international students
The International Scientia Coursework Scholarship pays full tuition or AUD 20,000 a year, judged on merit, leadership and your reasons for choosing UNSW. Applications for Term 1, 2027 closed on 30 October 2026, and UNSW has run separate rounds for later terms in past years (UNSW Scholarships).
The International Student Award is open to students starting in 2026 and 2027. It covers 20% of tuition for the length of the programme, for citizens of listed countries, and asks for a statement of up to 500 words once you hold an offer (UNSW International Student Award).
UNSW College: the pathway route into UNSW Sydney
UNSW College is the pathway college of UNSW Sydney, for students who do not yet meet direct entry (UNSW College Foundation Studies).
- Foundation Studies: a Transition Program over four months, the Standard Foundation Program over nine months, or the Standard Plus Foundation Program over 12 months.
- Diplomas and Pre-Masters: a Diploma in Science or Engineering, and a Pre-Masters Program for graduates.
- Academic English: from IELTS 5.5 overall for the 20-week course (UNSW College entry requirements).
Applying from Sri Lanka
UNSW does not publish a Sri Lankan A/L score on the pages we checked, so results are assessed per degree; if they fall short, UNSW College Foundation Studies is the official route in. You will need your O/L and A/L certificates (see requesting A/L and O/L certificates online). Degree holders apply to the master's programme with transcripts.
| Your profile | Likely UNSW route | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Strong A/L results, IELTS 6.5 or higher | Direct entry to a UNSW Sydney bachelor's degree | The degree's selection rank and English level |
| A/L results below the degree's level | UNSW College Foundation Studies | Stream and length (four, nine or 12 months) |
| Bachelor's degree, 65% average or above | Master's degrees with a 65% minimum | Programme minimum average |
| Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field | Graduate Certificate or Pre-Masters route | Whether the master's accepts other backgrounds |
Fees are in Australian dollars, so the LKR cost moves with the exchange rate. For the visa, see our guides to the Genuine Student requirement, the Confirmation of Enrolment and the visa health examination. If Home Affairs asks for biometrics, our VFS Global Colombo guide explains the Colombo visit. Prosper can apply to the University of New South Wales, Sydney for you, or to UNSW College for the pathway route; our Australian application guide and list of good universities in Australia help you compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much are UNSW fees for international students?
For 2027, UNSW charges AUD 1,035 to AUD 1,390 per unit of credit in most faculties. A full-time year is 48 units of credit, so Engineering is about AUD 63,840 a year.
What IELTS score does UNSW need?
Most UNSW degrees ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in each band. Business and Law and Justice ask for 7.0.
When are the UNSW intakes?
In 2027 UNSW teaching starts on 15 February, 31 May and 13 September. From 2028 the University of New South Wales moves to two 12-week semesters.
Can I get into UNSW through UNSW College?
Yes. UNSW College runs Foundation Studies, diplomas and a Pre-Masters Program as routes into UNSW Sydney degrees. Check the progression requirements for your degree before you enrol.
PS: With the calendar change ahead, choosing the right UNSW degree, term and route matters. To see whether direct entry or UNSW College suits your results, Check your eligibility with Prosper.
References
- UNSW claims Australia's top spot for the first time in preeminent world university rankings, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/06/unsw-claims-australias-top-spot-for-the-first-time-in-preeminent-world-university-rankings (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Academic calendars, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/student/managing-your-studies/key-dates/academic-calendar (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Information for future students: academic calendar transition, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/academic-calendar-transition/information-future-students (accessed 09/11/2026)
- International tuition fees, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/student/managing-your-studies/fees/international (accessed 09/11/2026)
- International entry requirements, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/international/entry-requirements (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Postgraduate requirements, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/your-future/postgraduate-requirements (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Master of Information Technology, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/master-of-information-technology (accessed 09/11/2026)
- English language requirements, UNSW Sydney, https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements (accessed 09/11/2026)
- UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 1, 2027, UNSW Sydney, https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/id/1988 (accessed 09/11/2026)
- International Student Award, UNSW Sydney, https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/international-student-award (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Foundation Studies, UNSW College, https://www.unswcollege.edu.au/study/foundation-studies-overview (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Entry requirements, UNSW College, https://unswcollege.edu.au/study/entry-requirements (accessed 09/11/2026)
- Student Entry Requirements and Selection Policy, UNSW College, https://www.unswcollege.edu.au/content/dam/pdfs/unsw-college/student-entry-requirements-selection-policy.pdf (accessed 09/11/2026)
