University of New South Wales College (UNSW College)

UNSW College is the official pathway provider for the University of New South Wales in Sydney (UNSW Sydney), one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). UNSW College offers a range of high-quality academic and English language programs designed to prepare students for undergraduate or postgraduate study at UNSW Sydney.

After completing a UNSW College program, students can progress directly into a range of undergraduate or master's degrees at UNSW Sydney. Recognised for its strengths as a career-oriented university, UNSW Sydney prepares its graduates for future professional success and is ranked 1^st in Australia and 32^nd globally for employment outcomes. (QS World University Rankings, 2026).

UNSW College has been supporting international students for over 50 years. The college was the first in Australia to offer foundation studies pathway programs for entry onto bachelor's degrees and has helped more than 125,000 students successfully progress to university.

Students at UNSW College benefit from small class sizes, personalised academic support, and access to world-class learning facilities at UNSW Sydney. UNSW College's primary campus on Anzac Parade is conveniently located directly opposite UNSW Sydney's main Kensington campus. This fantastic location allows students to easily integrate themselves within the university's welcoming international community as they prepare for undergraduate or postgraduate study.

Sydney is ranked the third best student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities (Desirability), 2024) and UNSW College students enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with excellent weather and diverse cultural attractions in world-famous cosmopolitan surroundings, plus access to more global firms than any other Australian city.

UNSW College CRICOS Provider Code 01020K.

UNSW College TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education)

UNSW Sydney CRICOS Provider Code 00098G.

TEQSA Provider ID PRV12055 (Australian University)

Strong English skills can make all the difference when students are starting their learning journey. Whether building confidence or preparing to meet entry requirements, UNSW College's Academic English programs help students develop the skills they need to communicate confidently.

These courses support progression into Foundation Studies, Diplomas or any UNSW degree, with flexible study options to suit different levels and goals.

Key benefits:

• Students can choose from 5, 10 or 20-week courses, depending on their English level and pathway.
• The course helps students meet the English language requirements for UNSW degrees, foundation studies or diplomas.
• Students can build confidence in academic writing, speaking, reading and listening.
• There is the opportunity to learn in small classes with personalised feedback and supportive teachers.
• Students get access to Mentor AI, a UNSW College-exclusive AI tool that helps them improve their spoken English and pronunciation through guided practice.

Academic English is the first step towards studying in English and feeling ready for university life at UNSW Sydney.

Once students have considered their options and have decided upon the program to apply for – along with ascertaining whether they meet the academic and English language entry requirements – they can follow the steps outlined below to apply for a place to study at UNSW College.

Step 1

Students can apply online and must provide:

• Their latest academic results (high school reports, academic qualifications)
• Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), if available
• A copy of their passport

Step 2

Once the application is received, it will be assessed. Eligible students will receive a letter of offer. To secure their place, they must accept the offer and pay the required deposit and fees.

Step 3

Students will receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the UNSW admissions team.

Step 4

Students will be provided with enrolment and orientation information before their program begins.

UNSW College students are part of the wider UNSW community, with classes held at the Kensington campus. The campus is just 20 minutes from Sydney's city centre by tram, or a short bus ride from famous beaches, shopping centres, parks and more.

On campus, students have access to a wide range of facilities including accommodation, cafes, restaurants, banks, a supermarket, the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, libraries, and student support services. They can also join Arc, UNSW's student association, which offers over 330 clubs and societies - a great way to meet local and international friends.

Students also have access to UNSW Health Services, and UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). A medical clinic, dentist, optometrist, doctor, and physiotherapist are available on campus. Throughout their studies, students can also reach out to the UNSW College Student Services team for support with academic or welfare concerns.

Sydney offers the best of both worlds with a lively city atmosphere and easy access to the coast. From the Opera House to Bondi and Manly beaches, there's always something to explore.

Ranked the third best student city in the world according to the QS Best Student Cities (Desirability), 2024, Sydney combines quality of life with world-class education and career opportunities.

It's also Australia's business and finance hub, home to more global firms than any other city in the country. This makes it a great place to gain industry experience and build one's professional network.

With over 250 languages spoken, Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and a welcoming home for students from around the globe. UNSW Sydney is right in the heart of it - close to the city centre and beaches, and easily accessible by public transport.

UNSW College offers graduates attractive career prospects, in addition to providing them with the opportunity to network and make friends and associates for life.

UNSW graduates go on to work for world-renowned organisations including Atlassian (founded by UNSW alumni), Google, Ernst & Young, Unilever, Microsoft, HSBC, Rio Tinto, Slater & Gordon, NASA, UNESCO, and Oxfam.

Graduates become part of a global network of over 315,000 UNSW alumni across 152 countries, with access to exclusive services, events and benefits in locations such as Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, the USA and the UK.

UNSW Sydney was ranked Australia's number one university for employment and career outcomes by the QS World University Rankings, 2026.

UNSW also holds a 5-star rating for full-time employment, with 79.4% of students employed full-time just four months after graduation, according to the 2025 Good Universities Guide.

UNSW College offers students the following study options:

Diploma

A diploma provides a direct pathway into the second year of a UNSW Sydney bachelor's degree.

Developed in close collaboration with UNSW Sydney, these intensive 12-month programs are designed for international students who may not meet direct entry requirements but are ready to thrive in a university environment. Each program combines academic rigour with targeted support to ensure students are fully prepared for second-year study. Key benefits of a diploma include the chance to progress to over 100 degrees at UNSW Sydney upon successful completion, access to the same academic content as first-year UNSW courses and full access to UNSW Sydney facilities, including libraries, labs, design studios and student services.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies is a direct pathway to the first year of any UNSW Sydney bachelor's degree and is among UNSW College's original and longest-running programs, designed specifically for international students preparing to study at university in Australia. Introduced in 1988, it was the first university foundation program of its kind in the country and has helped more than 125,000 students successfully progress to UNSW Sydney and other prestigious universities worldwide. Foundation Studies helps students build familiarity with Australian university-style learning, including essay formats, assessments and marking rubrics.

Pre-Master's Program

The Pre-Master's Program is a direct pathway into a master's degree at UNSW Sydney. Designed for international students who need additional academic or English language support, it helps bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study without adding time to the degree.

Delivered over just 15 weeks, this program prepares students to meet the demands of postgraduate coursework and strengthen skills in academic writing, critical thinking, research and communication.