Admission criteria and entry schemes

Australian Year 12 students

Admission to all undergraduate courses at the University is subject to selection on the basis of ATAR or equivalent. For some degree courses and first-year subjects, it is assumed that through your senior secondary or other equivalent studies you will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that is considered desirable for successful university-level study. 

Selection rank adjustments

Your Selection Rank, which is your raw ATAR plus any additional adjustment factors you may be eligible for. Our adjustment factor schemes are designed to recognise the range of backgrounds and circumstances of our students and take these into consideration when assessing your application. They also help us recognise your unique skills and talents. UNSW awards adjustment points across the following categories.

Equity adjustments

The ACCESS Scheme is an Educational Access Scheme (EAS) that aims to assist students who have not undertaken university or other study at diploma level or above and who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage, with their educational performance affected by circumstances beyond their control during Year 11 and/or Year 12 or equivalent.

The scheme is available for entry to all undergraduate courses. Eligibility for the scheme does not guarantee admission but does allow successful applicants with an ATAR or equivalent below the course lowest selection rank to compete for a place.

UNSW EAS applications are processed centrally through UAC. 

Elite athlete and performer adjustments

The Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Adjustment Factors Program recognises excellence in sport, academic pursuits, music and leadership achievements by awarding up to five adjustment factors to eligible applicants. Student may be eligible for up to five points.

EAPL adjustment factors are not available for admission to the 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, 426000 Double Law, and Co-op scholarship degrees.

UNSW also offers an EAPL Support Program, which offers students flexible study arrangements and support, enabling them to continue their elite sporting commitments while studying at UNSW.

Subject adjustments

HSC Plus is designed to reward strong performance in Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) subjects relevant to UNSW undergraduate degrees. Domestic students who complete an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate and perform well in subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree may have their selection rank for that degree increased by up to five points.

The Academic Achievement Awards are provided to encourage academically gifted Year 12 students from eligible NSW and ACT high schools to undertake undergraduate study at UNSW. As well as a $5,000 (tax exempt) award, your selection rank will be increased by three points for all UNSW preferences, except 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine and Co-op scholarship degrees.

Criteria that may apply in addition to the ATAR

Some courses have additional selection criteria such as an audition or interview. Additional selection criteria are specified in the course descriptions.

Assumed knowledge

For some degree courses and first-year subjects, it is assumed that through your senior secondary or other equivalent studies you will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that is considered desirable for successful university-level study. Assumed knowledge is specified in the individual course descriptions.

If you do not have the level of assumed knowledge, you are not prevented from enrolling but you may be at a considerable disadvantage. If you have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge, you are strongly advised to undertake a bridging course or other appropriate preparation.

Where a specific degree lists a Year 12 subject as assumed knowledge, the requirements are expressed as the minimum if there is more than one level for that subject. 

Other admission options

Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme

UNSW's Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme offers early conditional offers with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement up to 10 ATAR points below the lowest selection rank for a specific degree or range of related degrees. The pathway is eligible for select degrees across UNSW. For more information, including eligible degrees, visit UNSW Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme.

UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway

UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway is an early offer scheme to most UNSW undergraduate degrees. It provides either a guaranteed early offer (confirmed once the HSC is completed) or an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR requirement up to 15 points below the lowest selection rank. The pathway is available to students currently in Year 12, as well as those who completed Year 12 within the past five years, who meet the Gateway eligibility criteria. For more information, visit the UNSW Gateway website.

If you have undertaken at least three-quarters of a standard full-time study load (0.75 full-time equivalent) of degree-level studies in one degree at a recognised university, your tertiary studies will be taken into account.

Transferring from another course or university

Special Consideration for Applicants with Tertiary Studies (SCATS)

If you have been excluded or suspended from UNSW or another tertiary institution, UNSW will not consider you for admission unless you provide evidence of academic rehabilitation (eg by subsequently successfully completing one semester or term of university study or one year of study at AQF diploma level or above). You must also submit a SCATS application to explain the circumstances surrounding your suspension/exclusion and outline why you consider you will now succeed in your course.

If you are applying to the University with tertiary qualifications (either from UNSW or another institution) and have experienced long-term educational disadvantage that has affected your tertiary and/or secondary academic performance, you may have your circumstances taken into account. Circumstances that may be considered include severe personal or family illness/disability and other circumstances beyond your control. You must submit a SCATS application along with a written statement describing these circumstances and documentation to support your claims.

Requirements for Special Consideration for Applicants with Tertiary Studies

If you hold a completed AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or in some cases a Certificate IV, you could be considered for admission to UNSW. For more information, visit the UNSW TAFE/VET website.

If you do not hold qualifications that allow you to compete for university entrance, you may seek admission to the University on the basis of your performance in one of the following programs:

Enabling course options

University Preparation Program

The Uni Prep Program equips you with the skills, confidence and resources to study at university. You’ll take specially designed university introduction courses and discipline-specific classes in a supportive environment. Upon completion, you can use your results to apply for a degree at UNSW or other universities. The program is open to students aged 20 and over who don't have an assessable tertiary qualification. It’s also available to students aged 17 to 19 with an ATAR of 50 or above who do not meet the entry requirements for a UNSW degree. For further eligibility requirements, visit the UNSW website.

Tertiary Preparation Certificate

If you are 21 years of age or over on 1 March in the year you start your undergraduate study at UNSW and have completed the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC), you will be considered for admission. The TPC is not accepted for admission to 428000 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, 429740 Bachelor of Vision Science or 429750 Bachelor of Vision Science/M Clinical Optometry. If you hold a TPC and seek admission to a course with assumed knowledge in Mathematics, you should have completed Apply Mathematical Skills for Further Study and Calculus. This qualification is valid for five years.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

If you will be at least 21 years of age on 1 March in the year you start your undergraduate study at UNSW, you may qualify for admission to UNSW by undertaking the STAT – Multiple Choice and Written English. Your STAT results with a minimum score of 157 in the STAT Multiple Choice and 150 in the STAT Written English may be accepted for admission in some undergraduate courses. STAT test results are valid for three years. For more information, visit the UNSW website.

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications must meet UNSW’s English language proficiency standards. If you hold overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the sole language of instruction and assessment, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

UNSW provides two entry schemes and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. You can apply even if you have not completed your HSC or if you aren’t sure whether you will achieve the required ATAR for entry into your preferred course of study.

UNSW Indigenous Preparatory Program (Pre-Program)

Indigenous Preparatory Programs are three-week intensive residential programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples pursuing undergraduate study at UNSW.

Through Pre-Programs, entry into select UNSW degrees is not ATAR dependent. Rather, your readiness for studying a degree is considered through assessments, exams and other measures.

Pre-Programs also introduce you to university life within a culturally inclusive environment. They prepare you for your specific degree and help you understand what to expect as a student at UNSW.

UNSW Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS)

The Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS) is an interview-based entry pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples pursuing undergraduate study at UNSW.

It's not ATAR dependent. Rather your relevant life, work, educational and volunteer experience as preparation for study, as well as any formal qualifications will be considered.

Interviews are semi-formal, with representatives from Nura Gili and the relevant Faculty/School in attendance. Interviews provide faculty staff the opportunity to determine your readiness to study while also offering you the chance to ask important questions about the degree and Nura Gili.

For further information, visit the Nura Gili website or call Nura Gili on (02) 9385 3805.

The general requirement for admission to postgraduate coursework programs is completion of a recognised bachelor degree. Admission requirements vary depending on the course you wish to enter.

To see whether additional requirements specific to individual courses apply, check the course descriptions on UAC’s course search.

Overseas qualifications and English language proficiency

If you hold overseas qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

You may have to submit additional material as part of your application depending on which course/s you apply for. To see whether special requirements apply, check the UAC course descriptions via UAC’s course search.