University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research powerhouse, offering exchange students a learning experience packed with academic programs, student activities and educational services.  

The university offers a broad range and high quality of teaching programs, which gain strength and currency from their research activities, strong industry links and international nature.  

The university was established in 1949 and is committed to shaping forward-thinking, environmentally conscious and socially engaged students who will make a positive impact in the world. The main UNSW campus is located on a 38-hectare site at Kensington, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney.  

 Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology are heavily limited.  


Available exchanges

UNSW hosts the University-wide exchange. 

Restricted subject areas

Generally undergraduate students are not able to enrol in graduate courses, but there may be some limited options for some Science and Engineering subjects. 

While most courses are open to exchange students with the required academic background, some courses are restricted or not available to exchange students.  

Exchange students are limited to taking one online course only. 

Courses in the Winter Term are limited and are generally electives, we recommend you are flexible. 

Enrolment in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science courses is extremely limited; students need to be prepared to select courses from another major.  

Postgraduate psychology courses are not available to exchange students. 

Undergraduate psychology courses are very limited 

There are no Classics, History or English Literature. 

Maths can be difficult to access courses in. 

UNSW has been determined by the School of Economics as a possible institution to consider. 

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.

 


UNSW has provided information on its academic offerings for exchange students.

The handbook is the best place to look for a list of courses of UNSW courses, term availability, class times and content outlines. 

UNSW Handbook

How to search for courses

When selecting courses, it is important to be flexible. You can also refer to the Winter Term Course Guide for courses that are expected to run in our winter term. 

Winter Term Course Guide

You must meet any prerequisites for courses. This is assessed at the time of application, and new courses can be submitted for approval post-acceptance to UNSW. 

Check your proposed courses are offered in the term you will be on exchange. 

Make sure you have backup courses in case your preferred courses are not available. Faculties are unlikely to approve timetable clashes. 


Guaranteed accommodation? 

No

University accommodation

UNSW provides high-quality university accommodation, and you should apply directly to the College or Apartment as early as possible.  

UNSW colleges and apartments

On-campus accommodation is extremely limited and is not guaranteed even if you apply by the deadline. 

Private accommodation 

Most exchange students choose to live off campus and enjoy the beautiful suburbs that surround UNSW. Sydney is a safe city, with public transport connecting the UNSW campuses, beaches, and city centre. 

Private accommodation resources and advice 

UNSW recommends students arrive 1-2 weeks early to find off-campus accommodation. You may wish to book temporary accommodation to allow time to find more permanent housing.  

Book temporary accommodation


How much it will cost to go on exchange to UNSW?

From 10 May 2024, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs announced that student visa applicants will need to show they have a minimum of $29,710 to cover the cost of living for a year in Australia. 

In addition to this amount, you'll also need to consider establishment costs such as buying furniture, paying a rental bond and setting up electricity, gas and mobile phone accounts, as well as other expenses such as visa and medical fees, tuition fees, return airfares, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Remember that exchange rate variations may also affect your budget. 

UNSW recommends around AU$10,000 – AU$12,000 per half year and AU$19,000 – AU$23,000 per year for an in-person exchange. Please note that this is for the basics and does not include holiday travel and entertainment costs.  

You may also wish to refer to the Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator (studyaustralia.gov.au) to get an estimate on how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia. 

Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator

Health insurance

An Australian student visa requires you to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for its full duration (most students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden are exempt). OSHC is a government requirement and cannot be waived with off-shore health insurance and/or comprehensive travel insurance. 

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The UNSW’s preferred provider is Medibank. Further instructions are provided upon acceptance. 


UNSW provides information on term dates, for more information please consult the below:

Academic calendar for Study Abroad and Exchange 

Key dates 

It is important that you are aware of your start and end dates.  

You are required to study with UNSW for the entire session and exam period. Your personal exam timetable will be released mid-term and you should not make travel arrangements until you have received your exam timetable 


UNSW has provided the following documents for prospective exchange students:


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