How to Apply for Undergraduate Study at UNSW

Explore our courses and find the one that’s right for you. Take note of any additional information such as entry requirements, assumed knowledge and additional selection criteria. 

All domestic applications for undergraduate study are made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). This includes applicants who are: 

• Australian citizens 
• Australian permanent residents 
• Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders 
• New Zealand citizens 
• International students completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, International Baccalaureate Diploma or New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3. 

We recommend you familiarise yourself with the UAC application process before you get started. 

Assumed Knowledge 

At UNSW, we don’t have formal subject prerequisites for our degrees; instead, we have what’s called assumed knowledge. These subjects are suggested as a good foundation to transition you into each degree. If you haven’t studied the assumed knowledge subjects, don’t worry. You can still apply, and if you’re eligible, we can make you an offer.  

If you haven’t studied the assumed knowledge subjects, you may find your first year a little more challenging. With hard work, you can catch up or we strongly recommend you complete a bridging course for your degree of interest. 

Bridging Courses 

Each year in late January, we run bridging courses in chemistry, maths and physics. However, you don’t have to complete these at UNSW. Bridging courses are also available at other universities and some TAFE institutions. 

Learn more

Additional Selection Criteria 

Some degrees at UNSW require further steps in addition to your UAC application. These may be: 

• Tests (UCAT ANZ, LAT) 
• An audition (Music) 
• An extra application to UNSW (Aviation, Co-op, Medicine or UNSW Canberra at ADFA). 

You can find any additional selection criteria under the Entry Requirements section of the degree that takes your interest.

Double-check all UAC key dates, including on-time application closing dates. Late applications may be accepted but will incur a higher processing fee, so it’s best to get in early. 

UAC key dates 

Lodge your application online through UAC. You can nominate up to five degrees you’d like to study in order of your preference. Don’t forget to lodge other important applications. For example, those for scholarships, accommodation and adjustment factors. 

If you’re an international student, review our step-by-step application guide. 

Most offers will be made in the UAC December Round 2 and January Round 1 releases. UNSW will contact you via email with instructions on how to accept and enrol. Make sure to check the offer acceptance deadlines to secure your spot. 

Plans Changed? 

If you want to take a year off to work or see the world, you can accept and defer your offer^* until the following year. However, we will only hold your place provided you don’t enrol at another university or study at an AQF Diploma level or higher during that time. 

^*UNSW Co-op and Defence-funded offers at UNSW Canberra can’t be deferred.