The University of New England

The University of New England (UNE) is a world-class Australian university renowned for its high-quality education and unparalleled student support. UNE allows students the space and time to discover their future. Whether students choose to study on campus in the vibrant cities of Armidale or Sydney, or join the university's global community of online students, they will gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career.

UNE strives to combine academic excellence with a focus on practical, real-world learning. The university's supportive environment ensures that students are more than just numbers, providing them with personalised attention and access to expert academics. UNE offers students unique advantages such as a high-quality, flexible education that is significantly more affordable, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

At UNE, study options are offered across the following faculties:

Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

The faculty supports an outstanding learning and student experience through a range of courses offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and prepares graduates to achieve their potential in an ever-changing global environment. It comprises:

• School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
• School of Education

Faculty of Medicine and Health

This faculty comprises:

• School of Health
• School of Psychology
• School of Rural Medicine

Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law

The faculty has scientists, researchers and academics collaborating to deliver cutting-edge education complemented by real-world learning. The faculty has more than 700 staff and postgraduate students, with international reach and industry collaborations and partners located across Asia and Africa. The faculty comprises:

• School of Science and Technology
• School of Environmental and Rural Science
• UNE Business School
• School of Law

UNE has two main criteria that international students need to meet to gain admission: academic requirements and English Language requirements.

Students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in UNE should have completed an educational qualification considered to be the equivalent of the completion of Year 12 in Australia. Postgraduate programs require the completion of an educational qualification considered to be comparable to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) bachelor's degree. Certain courses may also have specific requirements.

Students must also demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the English language, which they can do by sitting the IELTS exam or studying at UNE's English Language Centre before they commence their studies. Other tests accepted by UNE are the TOEFL and the PTE.

UNE offers a range of pathways to help students achieve their study goals. Entry is based on previous academic qualifications and English language proficiency. Specific requirements vary by course and are listed on each individual course page on the website.

For students who don't immediately meet the criteria for direct entry into a postgraduate degree, UNE offers programs like the Postgraduate International Qualifying Program (PIQP). This course serves as an excellent 'Pathway to Your Master's Degree,' equipping students with the foundational skills needed for success in their advanced studies.

UNE offers a variety of scholarships for international students to help them achieve their academic goals. Certain online courses also offer international students the benefit of reduced fees.

Bursaries for international students

The UNE International Bursary offers full-time international students, starting their study in 2026, a reduction of up to 20 per cent to their annual tuition. To benefit from this, students can study on campus, or online from anywhere.

Reduced fees for select online courses

UNE has handpicked its most sought-after online courses and made them even more accessible, offering significant savings to help international students kick-start their Australian education journey.

HDR scholarships

Students can also apply for higher degree research (HDR) scholarships at the university. All applicants are required to enrol in a higher degree research course, or should have submitted a candidature application for an HDR course.

Some of UNE's on-campus facilities include:

• Residential colleges — UNE has an extensive network of seven colleges offering a wide range of accommodation options on campus.
• Sport UNE — Sport UNE offers students a great range of on-campus sporting facilities including group fitness classes, a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, tennis courts, indoor rock climbing, soccer, yoga hockey and basketball.
• Cafe Life — Located in the centre of the campus, the cafe is a great place for lunch, snacks or an espresso coffee during the day.
• The Bistro — Located in the heart of campus, the Strop bar is the place for students to hang out, play a game of pool or get lunch.
• The Booloominbah Collection — The Brasserie and Courtyard Cafe are located in the historic Booloominbah homestead. Students can relax with coffee and cake or enjoy excellent food for breakfast or lunch throughout the year at Booloominbah.
• Campus Essentials — A retail shop, newsagent and post-office rolled into one, Campus Essentials has everything needed for life at UNE, including purchasing textbooks.
• Sleek Hair Studio — UNE's very own hair salon, Sleek Hair Studio offers great deals for students on haircuts, massages, beauty treatments and products.
• Natural History Museum – This is a great place to take in the wonders of the natural world, while also enjoying the attached cafe and meeting room.
• UNE Medical Centre — International students are able to access this facility and use their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for a number of different health services. The UNE Medical Centre is located adjacent to Armidale Public hospital in the School of Rural Medicine building.
• Museum of Antiquities — This is Australia's only museum of regional ancient history and archaeology.

UNE has the distinction of being the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum five stars for Overall Experience 20 years in a row by the Good Universities Guide.

From its dedication to the student experience to its reputation for preparing industry-reading graduates, UNE consistently stands out as a leading Australian university for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.

As Australia's longest-running provider of distance education, UNE has built its courses to be flexible, so students' degrees fit around them, not the other way around. With 180-plus courses available online, the university provides study shaped around students' lives, giving them control over their learning journey.

Whether students are just starting university, changing direction, or advancing in their career, UNE delivers learning like nowhere else.

Recent rankings

UNE has a proud history of providing an exceptional educational experience that has led to strong outcomes in university rankings and a reputation for excellence.

In the 2026 edition of the Good Universities Guide, UNE was awarded 5-star ratings for:

• Overall Experience - Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Social Equity - Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Full-time Employment - Undergraduate
• Graduate Salary - Undergraduate

These achievements demonstrate the university's commitment to creating industry-ready graduates, its excellence in research and its strong partnerships with communities and industries. By choosing to study with UNE, students are setting themselves up with the skills and knowledge that employers value.

The university was also ranked at the top in a number of categories by the 2025 International Student Barometer (ISB) rankings and the 2025 Global ISB Rankings.

UNE offers courses across two campuses: Armidale and Sydney.

Armidale

Students living in Armidale will experience the best of both worlds, both regional and city life. Students will have an active balanced lifestyle with gourmet food, the best sports facilities, shopping outlets, cultural delights and all at affordable prices.

Sydney

Students can enjoy iconic Sydney attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and discover popular destinations in the Sydney region from Manly and Bondi Beach, to the Blue Mountains region, a World Heritage site.

Parramatta

Parramatta, where UNE's Sydney campus is located, offers students easy access to numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, and retail outlets. The university is also an active participant in various events within the local business community.

Students can also visit the Heritage listed Parramatta Park and Commbank Stadium, homes of the Rugby League team Parramatta Eels and soccer team Western Sydney Wanderers, respectively. Also within easy access is Sydney Olympic Park which hosts concerts, sports and Western Sydney Giants AFL games.