iae GLOBAL is one of the world’s leading international education networks, offering free expert advice to help students find the right program and university for their future.
In Australia, iae GLOBAL has helped thousands of international students realize their dream of studying at UNSW and UNSW College. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a top-ranked research university in Sydney, with its main Kensington campus located in Australia’s iconic harbour city.
Sydney is consistently ranked among the world’s most student-friendly cities, surrounded by the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, lush beaches, and vibrant culture.
Your Pathway to a World Top 20 University
UNSW consistently ranks among the world’s top universities (QS #19 globally in 2025) and is renowned for cutting-edge teaching and research. UNSW College, wholly owned by UNSW, provides tailored pathway programs that prepare students for success at UNSW.
Why Choose UNSW College?
Direct pathway to UNSW: UNSW College diplomas cover the same content as the first year of the corresponding UNSW degree, and are fully recognised by UNSW. On successful completion of your diploma, you gain direct entry into the second year of your UNSW bachelor’s degree, keeping you on track to graduate on time.
Wide range of pathway programs: UNSW College offers 1-year diplomas in fields such as Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media and Communications, and Science – each tailored to meet UNSW’s degree requirements. Whether your interests lie in technology, design, or the sciences, there’s a program suited to your goals.
Academic excellence and support: You’ll study in a supportive, student-focused environment. Classes are small (around 20 students) and include personalised consultations with teachers, so you get individual attention and feel confident to progress. UNSW College students also have full access to UNSW’s world-class facilities – libraries, studios, labs and learning resources – as well as academic support services.
All programs are taught on UNSW’s modern campus, with state-of-the-art technology and facilities designed to inspire collaboration and innovation.
Background on UNSW
Location
UNSW’s main campus is in Sydney (Kensington), on the traditional land of the Bedegal people. Sydney is a dynamic global city – known for its iconic harbour, cultural diversity and seaside lifestyle – and has been ranked the 6th most student-friendly city in the world. (UNSW also has campuses in Sydney’s city centre and Canberra.)
Academic Excellence
UNSW is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight and a world-leading research university. It consistently ranks among the global top 20 (QS World University Rankings 2025). UNSW is known for pioneering research in areas like clean energy, quantum computing and health sciences, and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers worldwide.
Industry Partnerships
UNSW’s close collaboration with industry fuels innovation and real-world impact. A broad network of industry partnerships drives research that is translated into products and services, generating social and economic value. Students benefit from these connections through industry-informed teaching, internships and project opportunities.
Diversity
UNSW is a vibrant, multicultural community, with students and staff from over 120 countries. This diversity enriches campus life, fostering a global perspective and an inclusive environment where ideas from all backgrounds thrive.
UNSW and UNSW College offer many financial support options to help international students.
UNSW awards over $83 million in scholarships each year (for both domestic and international students). These scholarships are not based solely on grades – UNSW also considers leadership, extracurricular achievements and other talents when selecting recipients.
For example, high-achieving international students may earn UNSW scholarships covering part of their tuition, or full awards based on excellence in academic and community pursuits. In parallel, UNSW College provides Pathway Scholarships: academically strong students enrolling in Foundation or Diploma programs can receive significant tuition discounts to support their pathway to UNSW. (Students are encouraged to apply early, as many scholarships are limited.)
Rankings & Recognition
UNSW ranks among the world’s top universities—placed 19th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings (one of only three Australian universities in the global top 20), and 83rd in the 2025 Times Higher Education Rankings. In the 2024 QS by Subject rankings, Mineral & Mining Engineering ranked 3rd globally, and 10 subjects were ranked #1 in Australia. Business, finance, marketing, and engineering fields consistently rank in the world’s top tiers—highlighting the global value of a UNSW degree.
UNSW College Programs
UNSW College offers a range of pathway programs to prepare you for undergraduate and postgraduate study at UNSW. Programs include one-year Diplomas, intensive Foundation Studies, Academic English courses, and Pre-Masters program.
Diplomas:
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Architecture
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Business
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Computer Science
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Engineering
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Media and Communications
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Science
Foundation Studies:
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Transition Program
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Standard Foundation Program
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Standard Plus Foundation Program
Academic English Programs:
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University English
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Foundation English
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Essential Academic English
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Tertiary Orientation Program
Pre-Masters Program:
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Engineering
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Information Technology
UNSW College offers a 12-month program in Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media and Communications, or Science that will launch you into the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree at UNSW Sydney.