University of New South Wales

Established in 1949, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a pre-eminent institution, recognised throughout the world as an innovative and important centre of teaching, learning and research. UNSW is a member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities as well as the international network of research-intensive universities, Universitas 21 (U21). With a total enrolment of approximately 40 000 students from many differing backgrounds, UNSW provides a stimulating mix of cultures, opinions and perspectives. To cater for the dynamic student body UNSW offers a wide range of courses, excellent student services and facilities, international exchange opportunities and research facilities of the highest order.

The main campus of 38ha is situated in Kensington, an inner south-eastern suburb of Sydney. It is well served by public transport and is about 15 minutes by express bus from Central railway station and about 20 minutes from Bondi Junction railway station. The College of Fine Arts campus, four kilometres from the main campus, is located in cosmopolitan inner-city Darlinghurst/Paddington.

Contact details

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Open Days, exhibitions and interview sessions

In Australia
Courses and Careers Day held at the Kensington campus from 9am to 4pm at The Roundhouse Advisory Centre: Saturday 6 September 2008
UNSW Info Day held at the Kensington campus: Tuesday 6 January 2009.
For further information visit www.unsw.edu.au or call +61 2 9385 1844.

Overseas
University staff often attend overseas recruitment exhibitions and UNSW conducted interview sessions. Check local newspapers for details or visit www.international.unsw.edu.au/contacts/contactschedule.html.

A full listing of UNSW overseas representatives can be viewed at www.international.unsw.edu.au/contacts/contactrep_offices.html .

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Important dates for 2009

The academic year is divided into two semesters, each containing 12 weeks for teaching:
• Semester 1 (between March and June)
• Semester 2 (between July and November).

There is a recess of approximately four weeks between the two semesters.

The following information is for the Kensington campus and the College of Fine Arts campus.

Semester 1 2009 (March)
Semester 1: 2 March – 24 June 2009
Recess: 10–19 April 2009
Study period: 6–11 June 2009
Examinations*: 12 June – 24 June 2009
Mid-year recess: 25 June – 19 July 2009

Semester 2 2009 (July)
Semester 2: 20 July – 13 November 2009
Recess: 26 September – 5 October 2009
Study period: 24–29 October 2009
Examinations*: 30 October – 13 November 2009

*Examination dates are provisional and subject to change

Academic calendar
For important dates concerning teaching periods, study breaks and vacation periods check the main University Calendar at https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/resources/AcademicCalendar.html.

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Admission requirements

Read Admissions and selection for general information.

Admission requirements are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study. As an international student attempting one of the following qualifications, you will apply for admission through UAC International and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (that is, your UAI or equivalent):
• an Australian Year 12 qualification (either offshore or in Australia)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3.

When assessing your application UNSW may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Limited UAI
The University accepts the NSW Limited UAI for admission purposes, except for admission to 428000 B Medicine/B Surgery and 429025 B Optometry/ B Science - read UAI.

Additional selection criteria
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, for certain courses you must also satisfy additional selection criteria. These criteria include portfolio, interview, audition, questionnaire or test and are taken into account either instead of, or in conjunction with, your UAI or equivalent.

Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions. For course descriptions, visit the course search.

If you are undertaking your Year 12 studies offshore and are applying to a course that has additional selection criteria that you will find difficult to meet, contact the relevant faculty.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI (or equivalent) below the published cut-off

UNSW has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have a UAI or equivalent below the published cut-off. They are:
• HCS Plus
• Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS)

HSC Plus
HSC Plus is a program of rewarding, by means of a bonus points system, performance in Australian Year 12 subjects relevant to UNSW undergraduate programs. This is in recognition of the strong correlation between Year 12 subject performance and preparation for, and success in, first year university studies. Students who have undertaken, and done well in, relevant Year 12 subjects are generally well prepared for the demands of university study. A successful first year of university study lays the foundation for a successful and rewarding UNSW experience. By employing strategies that enhance the academic achievement of UNSW students we also improve their employability and increase the range of career options for our graduates.

For full details of HSC Plus visit www.unsw.edu.au/HSCPlus.

Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS)
Students who achieve a UAI or equivalent between 75.00 and 87.95 (and have not undertaken post-secondary studies) will be considered for admission under the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS), which will include the UAI or equivalent and a review of performance in relevant Year 12 subjects. FEAS applies to all Faculty of Engineering courses including Food Science and Technology and Computer Science with the exception of 425015 B Engineering/B Commerce, B Engineering (Software)/B Commerce , 426000 B Engineering/B Laws and 426000 B Science (Computer Science)/B Laws.

Students who anticipate achieving a UAI or equivalent between 75.00 and 87.95 can maximise their opportunities for admission by submitting a FEAS application directly to the Faculty for an interview. Interviews will be held in late September 2008 at UNSW in Sydney. The application form can be accessed from 1 August 2008 at www.eng.unsw.edu.au/feas and should be submitted by 12 September 2008. For more detailed information visit www.eng.unsw.edu.au/feas.

International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to the University, not through UAC International. For details visit www.apply.unsw.edu.au.

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Students under 18 years of age

Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.

UNSW does not accept responsibility for welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age.

For more information on what arrangements need to be in place, visit www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm.

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Areas of study

In addition to the information provided in the 2009 Undergraduate Guide for International Students (available from the UNSW International Office) there is a wealth of detail on our website about the areas of study available at UNSW.

College of Fine Arts www.cofa.unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences www.arts.unsw.edu.au
Faculty of the Built Environment www.fbe.unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Engineering www.eng.unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Law www.law.unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Medicine www.med.unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Science www.science.unsw.edu.au
The Australian School of Business www.business.unsw.edu.au
UNSW International Office www.international.unsw.edu.au
UNSW home page for prospective students www.my.unsw.edu.au

For course descriptions, visit the course search.

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Tuition fees

For information about tuition fees visit the course search. Students accepting offers to UNSW are required to pay an acceptance deposit (currently set at A$4 000).

Fees policy
Prior to accepting all students should have read and understood the UNSW fees and refunds policies at https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html.

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Living expenses

Read Money matters for general information.

All students should be prepared financially for the living costs of being a student in Australia, in addition to meeting tuition fee obligations. The University estimates that a single international student in Sydney requires a minimum of A$16 000 - A$18 000 to cover living expenses in each year of study. For more details see our Fees and Living Expenses section at www.international.unsw.edu.au/future/fees/feeshome.html.

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Scholarships

Read Money matters for general information.

For information on scholarships and prizes available at UNSW visit www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/home.html.

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Sponsored students

Read Money matters for general information.

UNSW International Office is pleased to provide a dedicated team who will offer special assistance and advice to our recognised sponsored students and sponsoring authorities. For further details visit www.international.unsw.edu.au/future/sponsoredstudents.html.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Read Government requirements for general information.

OSHC Worldcare (www.oshcworldcare.com.au/unsw) is UNSW's preferred OSHC provider for all newly commencing international students. Commencing students using another OSHC provider must make payment arrangements with the provider directly as UNSW only accepts payment for OSHC Worldcare.

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Health services on campus

UNSW Health Service
The University Health Service is a general medical practice located on the Kensington campus, providing general medical practice, psychiatric services and dental facilities to students, staff, dependants and visitors. Students are encouraged to consult this service for advice on health matters. For more information visit www.international.unsw.edu.au/future/futurehealth.html.

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Preparing for student life

For important pre-departure information visit www.international.unsw.edu.au/future/accepted/acceptedhome.html.

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Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment

Read Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment for general information.

Acceptance

You can accept, defer or decline your offer online at https://my.unsw.edu.au. Simply follow and complete the online acceptance process procedures and pay your tuition fee deposit by credit card. Upon the receipt and processing of your acceptance students will be issued with the documentation they require to obtain a student visa.

Orientation and transition to UNSW

New students are encouraged to attend Week 0 to be held 2–6 March 2009 in the first week of semester 1 (before classes commence). Week 0 encompasses the University’s Orientation Week for new students. O'Week introduces new students to both the social and academic aspects of UNSW and gives each new student a good start to their university study.

Check the UNSW O'Week website www.oweek.arc.unsw.edu.au for details then join in and get the benefit of all the activities designed to help you settle in and get off to a great start.

Enrolment

Enrolment at UNSW takes place online at https://my.unsw.edu.au/ and assistance is provided via the Enrolment Support Centre. Students can also familiarise themselves with the online handbook www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/2008/index.html.

Deferment

In most programs it is possible to request deferment until the next available semester. You can request deferment online via Accept Online. If your deferment is approved you will be sent a new letter of offer. Please note that not all programs have a Semester 2 intake, and those that do may have a restricted range of courses available.

If you decide to defer the offer to another year, you will be liable for the program fees applicable for the year in which you enrol. If you decide to defer after having paid a deposit, the University will hold your deposit until the deferred semester, when you will be required to pay the balance of the fees at the time of enrolment.

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Student support

International Student Services (ISS) helps students from overseas adjust to living in Sydney and studying at UNSW. In addition to providing personalised advice and support, ISS promotes understanding between people from different cultures through a wide range of educational, social and recreational activities.

Ongoing support provided to international students includes individual confidential assistance on personal well-being and academic matters, information on practical matters related to study, immigration, employment and finances, day trips and shorts holidays, social and cultural activities, and a student lounge with free internet access and group meeting facility. A variety of e-services are also available, including the online newsletter IS News and international student discussion boards.

For more information visit www.international.unsw.edu.au/current/currenthome.html.

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Accommodation

International Student Housing Assistance (ISHA)

ISHA is a dedicated and personal service offered by International Student Services. ISHA is designed to offer you advice and guidance on what to look for in private housing, as well as how to use the UNSW Housing Office listing service.

contact:
ISS Student Lounge
Level 1, East Wing, The Red Centre
Kensington Campus (Map H13)
email: international.student@unsw.edu.au

UNSW Housing Office

UNSW Housing Office helps students find accommodation through its off-campus listing service, brochures on temporary accommodation close to UNSW and on-campus college accommodation, and has information on a range of other options. The listing service has notices of vacancies for share housing, full board, room and facilities and some rental flats in the suburbs surrounding the University. It is not possible to arrange private share-accommodation in advance. The University's student apartments and Kensington Colleges are also managed by UNSW Housing Office.

contact:
Accommodation Services Central
Ground Floor, Basser College
Gate 6, High Street, Kensington Campus UNSW
tel: (61 2) 9385 4985
fax: (61 2) 9385 6385
email: housing.office@unsw.edu.au
website: www.housing.unsw.edu.au

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Campus services and facilities

Careers and employment

Careers and Employment offer a range of services to assist students to develop career management skills and gain employment.

Need a job?
• Jobs Online
• UNSW careers expos
• International Employment Program
• information sessions
• guest workshops
• employer profiles

Need career help?
• workshops on successful job search, resumes, interviews
• individual assistance
• e-Newslist for career news and events

Contact Careers and Employment, Level 2, East Wing, Quadrangle Building. Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Call +61 2 9385 5429, fax +61 2 9385 6145, email careers@unsw.edu.au, or visit www.careers.unsw.edu.au.

Chaplaincy

The Religious Centre is currently attended by Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Pentecostal and Uniting churches and provides worship, prayer meetings, Bible studies and spiritual counselling. Also located in the Centre is the Islamic Society and the University Buddhist Society.

Counselling

The Counselling Service provides professional psychological development and support services to all enrolled students. Services include individual consultations and workshops/seminars that promote student development. Issues frequently presented by students include managing the first-year experience, academic issues such as time and task management, personal concerns like motivation, anxiety/mood or relationship issues, and concerns about following the University's rules and regulations. For further information visit www.counselling.unsw.edu.au.

Library/Computing services

The University Library System provides service to the teaching, learning and research functions of the University. Libraries at UNSW include the Biomedical Library, the Law Library, the Physical Sciences Library, the Social Sciences and Humanities Library, and the College of Fine Arts Library located on the Paddington campus. UNSW students are provided with access to various electronic services including email, remote access via modem to the University Network and the internet. For further information visit http://info.library.unsw.edu.au.

Learning assistance

The Learning Centre assists students with study-related issues such as academic writing, examination techniques, oral presentation skills and effective time management. The service is free and confidential. For further information visit www.lc.unsw.edu.au.

Publications

For access to all relevant student information visit https://my.unsw.edu.au/ or www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/2008/index.html.

Sports and recreation

The UNSW Lifestyle Centre has some of the best sport and recreation facilities of any Australian university and provides a comprehensive range of health, fitness and sporting facilities. The Lifestyle Centre also offers a child-minding service and a physiotherapy service. Visit www.lifestylecentre.unsw.edu.au.

Student organisations

Covering both the Kensington and COFA campuses, UNSW Arc is the student organisation for all students at the University. With a majority of students on its Governing Board and students running activities and programs, it offers a range of services including: resources and support for clubs, volunteering programs and employability skills courses, student representation, artistic programs, a solicitor and advocate to assist students in trouble, the Roundhouse Bar and entertainment program, publications including FREE student diary at O'Week, facilities including music rooms, retail outlets, Kudos Art Gallery, computers, study lounges and training rooms.

The Arc is located in the Blockhouse and Roundhouse at Kensington and in D Block at the COFA campus. For more information you can call +61 2 9385 7700, visit www.arc.unsw.edu.au or visit the Blockhouse or D Block at COFA.

Students with disabilities

UNSW is committed to ensuring that, as far as is possible, all students can participate equally in the educational opportunities offered by the University. As part of this commitment, it provides a range of services for students with disabilities or medical conditions. These include note-takers, readers or sign interpreters, examination support, library provisions and resource materials.

If you require assistance contact the Equity Officer (Disability) as soon as you can to discuss your support needs - call +61 2 9385 4770, email equity_diversity@unsw.edu.au or visit www.equity.unsw.edu.au.

Transport

The University is well served by modern public buses. An extensive train system, approximately 15 minutes by bus from the University, can take you throughout much of the Sydney metropolitan area, NSW country and interstate. Regular and express bus services connect UNSW with all the major transport hubs including Central Station, Bondi Junction and Circular Quay.

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FAQs and further information

For more information about studying at the UNSW as an international student visit www.international.unsw.edu.au.

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