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University of New South Wales
University of New South Wales
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The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a public research university based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was established in 1949.

Key Information

The university comprises seven faculties, through which it offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Its main campus is in the Sydney eastern suburb of Kensington, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the Sydney central business district (CBD). Its creative arts school, UNSW Art & Design (in the faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture), is located in Paddington and it has subcampuses in the Sydney CBD and several other suburbs, including Randwick and Coogee. It has a campus at the Australian Defence Force military academy, ADFA in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. It has research stations located throughout the state of New South Wales.

It is one of the founding members of Group of Eight, a coalition of Australian research-intensive universities and a member of Universitas 21, a global network of research universities. It has international exchange and research partnerships with over 200 universities around the world.

History

[edit]

Foundation

[edit]
University council's first meeting in 1949

The origins of the university can be traced to the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts established in 1833 and the Sydney Technical College established in 1878.[13] These institutions were established to meet the growing demand for capabilities in new technologies as the New South Wales economy shifted from its pastoral base to industries fuelled by the industrial age.[13]

The idea of founding the university originated from the crisis demands of World War II, during which the nation's attention was drawn to the critical role that science and technology played in transforming an agricultural society into a modern and industrial one.[14] The post-war Labor government of New South Wales recognised the increasing need to have a university specialised in training high-quality engineers and technology-related professionals in numbers beyond that of the capacity and characteristics of the existing University of Sydney.[14] This led to the proposal to establish the Institute of Technology, submitted by the then-New South Wales Minister for Education Bob Heffron, accepted on 9 July 1946.

The university, originally named the "New South Wales University of Technology", gained its statutory status through the enactment of the New South Wales University of Technology Act 1949 (NSW) by the Parliament of New South Wales in Sydney in 1949.[15]

Early years

[edit]

In March 1948, classes commenced with a first intake of 46 students pursuing programs including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, and electrical engineering.[16] At that time, the thesis programs were innovative. Each course embodied a specified and substantial period of practical training in the relevant industry. It was also unprecedented for tertiary institutions at that time to include compulsory instruction in humanities.[17]

The Old Main Building is the first permanent building constructed on campus, officially opened on 16 April 1955

Initially, the university operated from the inner Sydney Technical College city campus in Ultimo as a separate institution from the college. However, in 1951, the Parliament of New South Wales passed the New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act 1951 (NSW) to provide funding and allow buildings to be erected at the Kensington site where the university is now located.[citation needed]

The lower campus area of the Kensington campus was vested in the university in two lots, in December 1952 and June 1954. The upper campus area was vested in the university in November 1959.[18][19]

Expansion

[edit]

In 1958, the university's name was changed to the "University of New South Wales" reflecting a transformation from a technology-based institution to a generalist university. In 1960, the faculties of arts and medicine were established, with the faculty of law coming into being in 1971.[20]

The university's first director was Arthur Denning (1949–1952), who made important contributions to founding the university. In 1953, he was replaced by Philip Baxter, who continued as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955.[21] Baxter's dynamic, if authoritarian, management was central to the university's first 20 years. His visionary, but at times controversial, energies saw the university grow from a handful to 15,000 students by 1968.[22] The new vice-chancellor, Rupert Myers (1969–1981), brought consolidation and an urbane management style to a period of expanding student numbers, demand for change in university style, and challenges of student unrest.

In 1962, the academic book publishing company University of New South Wales Press was launched. Now an ACNC not-for-profit entity, it has three divisions: NewSouth Publishing (the publishing arm of the company), NewSouth Books (the sales, marketing and distribution part of the company), and the UNSW Bookshop, situated at the Kensington campus.

The stabilising techniques of the 1980s managed by the vice-chancellor, Michael Birt (1981–1992),[23] provided a firm base for the energetic corporatism and campus enhancements pursued by the subsequent vice-chancellor, John Niland (1992–2002). The 1990s had the addition of fine arts to the university. The university established colleges in Newcastle (1951) and Wollongong (1961), which eventually became the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong in 1965 and 1975, respectively.

The former St George Institute of Education (part of the short-lived Sydney College of Advanced Education) amalgamated with the university from 1 January 1990, resulting in the formation of a School of Teacher Education at the former SGIE campus at Oatley. A School of Sports and Leisure Studies and a School of Arts and Music Education were also subsequently based at St George. The campus was closed in 1999.[24]

Recent history

[edit]

In 2012, private sources contributed 45% of the university's annual funding.[25]

In 2010, the Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Australia's first facility to bring together researchers in childhood and adult cancer, costing $127 million, opened.[26][27]

In 2003, the university was invited by Singapore's Economic Development Board to consider opening a campus there. Following a 2004 decision to proceed, the first phase of a planned $200 m campus opened in 2007. Students and staff were sent home and the campus closed after one semester following substantial financial losses.[28]

In 2008, it collaborated with two other universities in forming The Centre for Social Impact. In 2019, the university moved to a trimester timetable as part of UNSW's 2025 Strategy. Under the trimester timetable, the study load changed from offering four subjects per 13-week semester, to three subjects per 10-week term. The change to trimesters has been widely criticised by staff and students as a money-making move, with little consideration as to the well-being of students.[29]

In 2012, UNSW Press celebrated its 50th anniversary and launched the UNSW Bragg Prize for Science Writing. The annual Best Australian Science Writing anthology contains the winning and shortlisted entries among a collection of the year's writing from Australian authors, journalists and scientists and is published annually in the NewSouth imprint under a different editorship. The UNSW Press Bragg Student Prize is for science writing by Australian high school students and is supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund and UNSW Science.[citation needed]

In the 2019 Student Experience Survey, the University of New South Wales recorded the lowest student satisfaction rating out of all Australian universities, with an overall satisfaction rating of 62.9, which was lower than the overall national average of 78.4.[30] UNSW's low student satisfaction numbers for 2019 was attributed to the university's switch to a trimester system.[31] In the 2021 Student Experience Survey, the University of New South Wales recorded the lowest student satisfaction rating out of all New South Wales universities, and the second lowest nationwide behind the University of Melbourne, with an overall satisfaction rating of 66.9, which was lower than the overall national average of 73.[32]

On 16 December 2019, the Kensington campus was equipped with Light Rail service upon the opening of the UNSW High Street stop on the L2 Randwick Line Randwick.[33][34]

On 15 July 2020, the university announced 493 job cuts and a 25 percent reduction in management due to the effects of COVID-19 and a $370 million budget shortfall.[35]

In October 2021, UNSW established Mentem by UNSW[36] to help organisations upskill and reskill their workforces. Mentem[37] helps organisation achieve strategic goals and measures completion and success rates through their bespoke insights platform. In September 2022 Mentem won Best in Class at the Australian Good Design awards[38] for the work with Department of regional NSW government, creating a learning program to uplift staff in digital literacy.

In May 2022, UNSW announced the university had received a $4.7 million in funding in order to pursue health prevention research. The funding aims to fund research on infectious diseases, drug and alcohol use and primary health care. Announced as part of NSW Health's Prevention Research Support Program (PRSP), the research is designed to support NWS research organisations conducting prevention and early intervention research.[39]

Campuses and buildings

[edit]
Quadrangle Building
Library Lawn, upper campus
Main Walkway, lower campus
Lower campus

The main UNSW campus, where most faculties are situated, is located on a 38-hectare (94-acre) site in Kensington, Sydney. UNSW Art & Design is located in the inner suburb of Paddington. The university also has additional campuses and field stations in Randwick, Coogee, Botany, Dee Why, Cowan, Manly Vale, Fowlers Gap, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Coffs Harbour, Griffith, and Bankstown Airport.

Main Campus

[edit]

The main UNSW campus in Kensington is divided geographically into two areas: upper campus and lower campus, which were vested to the university in three separate lots.[19][18] These two are separated mainly by an elevation rise between the quadrangle and the Scientia building. Roughly 15 minutes are needed to walk from one end to the other.

Art & Design Campus

[edit]

The UNSW School of Art & Design campus is located in Paddington, Sydney and offers undergraduate and Honours degrees in Visual Arts, Design, Animation & Moving Image, and Art Theory; and postgraduate and research degrees in Fine Arts, Design, Curating & Cultural Leadership, Animation & Visual Effects, and Simulation & Immersive Technologies.

Sydney CBD Campus

[edit]

UNSW has setup a new CBD campus in 2025, located at Level 4 Poly Centre, 210 George Street, Sydney spanning 1,622 square metres (17,460 sq ft) across 2 levels, currently operating as a pilot.[40] During the pilot phase, students and staff have access to areas supporting flexible, collaborative learning.

Randwick Campus

[edit]

The Randwick campus is located at 22-32 King Street, Randwick, New South Wales.[41] It also houses the UNSW Medicine's National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.

Manly Vale Northern Beaches Campus

[edit]

The Manly Value campus is located at 110 King St, Manly Vale, New South Wales in the Northern Beaches and hosts the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering's Water Research Laboratory.[42]

Canberra Campus

[edit]

UNSW Canberra at ADFA (formerly known as UNSW at ADFA),[43] abbreviated to UNSW Canberra, is situated in Canberra. Its students are from the military academy known as ADFA, who are in training for the Australian Defence Force, and as such has an integrated defence focus, with particular strengths in defence-related, security and engineering research.[44]

UNSW Flying Operations Unit is based at Bankstown Airport

Venues and other facilities

[edit]
The Roundhouse, constructed in 1961, is one of the venues for concerts, conferences, and seminars

A number of theatre and music venues are at the university, many of which are available for hire to the general public. The UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre provides health and fitness facilities and services to both students and the general public.[45][46]

Governance and structure

[edit]

University Council

[edit]
The Chancellery

The university is governed by the university council, which is responsible for acting on the university's behalf to promote its objectives and interests.[47] The council comprises 15 members, including the chancellor, vice-chancellor, president of the academic board, two members appointed by the minister for education, five members appointed by the council, three members elected by university staff and two student-elected members.[48]

The principal academic body is the Academic Board, which receives advice on academic matters from the faculties, college (Australian Defence Force Academy), and the boards of studies.[49] It is responsible for academic policy setting, academic strategy via its eight standing committees, approval and delivery of programs, and academic standards.[49] The board comprises 63 members, including the Vice-Chancellor, members of the executive team, deans and faculty presiding members, members elected from the academic staff, and six from the student body.[50] The board advises the vice-chancellor and council on matters relating to teaching, scholarship and research and takes decisions on delegation from the council.

Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor

[edit]

The chief executive officer of the university is the president and vice-chancellor,[51] currently Attila Brungs. The deputy vice-chancellors and pro-vice-chancellors form part of an executive team that are responsible for academic operations, research policy, research management, quality assurance and external relations, including philanthropy and advancement.[49][52]

Each of the faculties has its respective board, which are responsible for the teaching and examining of subjects within their scope.[53]

Faculties and departments

[edit]

As of 2025 the university has six faculties:[54]

The university also has an association with the National Institute of Dramatic Art.[citation needed]

Insignia

[edit]

Coat of arms

[edit]

The grant of arms was made by the College of Arms on 3 March 1952. The grant reads:

Argent on a Cross Gules a Lion passant guardant between four Mullets of eight points Or a Chief Sable charged with an open Book proper thereon the word "SCIENTIA" in letters also sable.[61]

The lion and the four stars of the Southern Cross on the St George's Cross have reference to the State of New South Wales which established the university; the open book with scientia ("knowledge") across its pages is a reminder of its purpose. The placement of scientia on the book was inspired by its appearance on the arms of Imperial College London, formed in 1907. Beneath the shield are the Latin words within a scroll: "Corde Manu et Mente" ("heart, hand and mind"), which when combined with scientia forms the Latin motto of the university: Scientia Corde Manu et Mente or 'Knowledge by heart, hand and mind'.

The original motto of the university, from 1952 was Scientia Manu et Mente ("Knowledge by hand and mind"), which used the earlier motto of the Sydney Technical College (Manu et Mente or 'by hand and mind') from which the university developed.[62] In 2021, the motto was changed, with approval from the College of Arms, to its current form to reflect the university's brand concept of 'collective difference'.[63] Following the rules of English heraldry, the motto does not form part of the arms and consequently the alteration did not formally require approval of the College of Arms.

An update of the design and colours of the arms was undertaken in 1970, which provided a more contemporary design, yet retained all the arms' heraldic associations. In 1994, the university title was added to the arms, as was the abbreviation "UNSW", to create the UNSW symbol that is used for everyday and marketing purposes.[62]

Market Branding

[edit]

While its name remains unchanged, in late 2013, the university adopted the business name "UNSW Australia" for branding and marketing.[64] On 24 June 2016 the university registered and the business name "UNSW Sydney" which it adopted in January 2017 for branding and marketing of its Sydney campus and similarly registered and adopted the business name "UNSW Canberra" for its Australian Defence Force Academy campus in Campbell, ACT.[65]

Mace

[edit]

The ceremonial mace of the university is made of stainless steel with silver facings and a shaft of eumung timber. On the head are mounted four silver shields, two engraved with the arms of the State of New South Wales and two with the original-design arms of the university. A silver Waratah, NSW's floral emblem, surmounts the head. The mace was donated to the university by BHP and was presented by the company's chairman, Colin Syme, on 6 December 1962.[66] A former NSW Government Architect, Cobden Parkes, was appointed as the first official mace-bearer.[67]

Academic profile

[edit]

Research divisions

[edit]
Lowy Cancer Research Centre
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) is located in the Newton Building

The university has a number of purpose-built research facilities, including:

  • UNSW Lowy Cancer Research Centre is Australia's first facility bringing together researchers in childhood and adult cancers, as well as one of the country's largest cancer-research facilities, housing up to 400 researchers.[26][27]
  • The Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre is a centre for the faculties of science, medicine, and engineering. It is used to study the structure and composition of biological, chemical, and physical materials.
  • UNSW Canberra Cyber is a cyber-security research and teaching centre.[44]
  • The Sino-Australian Research Centre for Coastal Management (SARCCM) has a multidisciplinary focus, working collaboratively with the Ocean University of China in coastal management research.[44]

Academic reputation

[edit]
University rankings
Global – Overall
ARWU World[68]80 (2025)
CWTS World[69]38[a] (2024)
QS World[70]20 (2026)
QS Employability[71]=29 (2022)
THE World[72]79 (2026)
THE Reputation[73]=97 (2025)
USNWR Global[74]34 (25/26)
National – Overall
ARWU National[75]5 (2025)
CWTS National[76]2[a] (2024)
ERA National[77]5 (2018)
QS National[78]2 (2026)
THE National[79]5 (2026)
USNWR National[80]3 (25/26)
AFR National[81]4 (2024)


In the 2024 Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities, which measures aggregate performance across the QS, THE and ARWU rankings, the university attained a position of #51 (4th nationally).[82]

National publications

In the Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2024, the university was ranked #4 amongst Australian universities.[83]

Global publications

In the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (published 2025), the university attained a position of #20 (2nd nationally).[84]

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 (published 2025), the university attained a =position of #79 (5th nationally).[85]

In the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities, the university attained a position of #80 (5th nationally).[86]

In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, the university attained a position of #34 (3rd nationally).[87]

In the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024,[a] the university attained a position of #38 (2nd nationally).[88]

Student outcomes

[edit]

The Australian Government's QILT[b] conducts national surveys documenting the student life cycle from enrolment through to employment.[89] These surveys place more emphasis on criteria such as student experience, graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction[89] than perceived reputation, research output and citation counts.[90]

In the 2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey, graduates of the university had an overall employer satisfaction rate of 85.5%.[91]

In the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey, graduates of the university had a full-time employment rate of 81.3% for undergraduates and 91.7% for postgraduates.[92] The initial full-time salary was A$75,000 for undergraduates and A$120,000 for postgraduates.[92]

In the 2023 Student Experience Survey, undergraduates at the university rated the quality of their entire educational experience at 71.7% meanwhile postgraduates rated their overall education experience at 78%.[93]

Engagement with schools

[edit]

UNSW engages with primary and secondary education, administering several national and international academic competitions for school age children. These include:

  • The Australian Schools Science Competition – International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is conducted by Educational Assessment Australia, UNSW Global Pty Limited.
  • International Competitions and Assessments for Schools-Mathematics – International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). From 2003 to 2005, ICAS-Mathematics was called Australasian Schools Mathematics Assessment. Prior to 2003, it was known as the Primary Schools Mathematics Competition and was targeted at primary schools.
  • The UNSW School Mathematics Competition[94] – Since 1962, the School of Mathematics and Statistics has run the UNSW School Mathematics Competition. This competition is a three-hour open book Olympiad-style exam designed to assess mathematical insight and ingenuity rather than efficiency in tackling routine examples. Competition results are used as part of the assessment criteria for some university scholarships awarded by the UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics.
  • The UNSW COMPUTING ProgComp[95] – Since 1997, The School of Computer Science and Engineering (UNSW COMPUTING) has run the UNSW COMPUTING ProgComp. This competition has the overall aim of raising awareness amongst high school students of the craft of programming and to encourage students to develop and apply their computing knowledge and skills.
  • The UNSW COMPUTING Robotics Workshops[96] – UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering (UNSW COMPUTING) has developed specialised robotic workshops for school students. They focus on the use of the Lego NXT technology combined with the popular RoboCup Junior competition for schools. UNSW COMPUTING is also a national and NSW state sponsor of RoboCup Junior.

Educational Assessment Australia

[edit]

Educational Assessment Australia (EAA) is a not-for-profit organisation previously owned by the University of New South Wales. It was acquired by Janison Education Group on 31 May 2020. It is a national and international educational assessment organisation specialising in large-scale assessment programs including the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, India, South Africa and the Pacific region. EAA also provides scanning, data analysis and reporting services to commercial and educational institutions.

Admissions

[edit]

Entry to a particular undergraduate degree program for domestic students generally requires a certain Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, which varies by course. Some programs also take into account, in addition to a particular ATAR mark, performance in specialised tests, such as the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test for medicine and the Law Admission Test for law.

In 2017, UNSW enrolled the highest number of Australia's top 500 high school students academically.[97]

In 2019, UNSW had the most first preferences for high school students in the state of New South Wales.[98]

The university offers a bonus points scheme, "HSC Plus", which awards up to a maximum of 5 points for performance in year 12 Australian Senior Secondary Certificate courses relevant to UNSW undergraduate degrees.[99] The scheme does not apply to actuarial studies, law, medicine or psychology.[99]

UNSW offers several scholarships and support programs to high achieving students. The Co-op program is a scholarship and industry engagement program awarded to students across many programs in the built environment, engineering, science and the Australian School of Business.[100] Students usually enter the program after an application and interview while in their final year of high school. The university also offers Scientia Scholarships to a number of commencing students who performed exceptionally in the Higher School Certificate, which provide funding of $10,000 per year for the duration of the student's program.[101] This is different from the Scientia PhD scholarship, which awards PhD scholarship with a package of $50,000 per annum, comprising a tax-free living allowance of $40,000 per annum for 4 years, and a support package of up to $10,000 per annum.[102][103]

UNSW also offers a mature age entry scheme, the University Preparation Program for students aged 20 or older, that can provide the requirements for entry into UNSW or other universities.[104]

Student life

[edit]

Student union

[edit]

ARC Logo
Orientation Week

Arc @ UNSW Limited is the student organisation at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and is a not-for-profit public company.

In 2005, the Federal Parliament passed legislation making membership of student unions voluntary for the first time. This policy, known as voluntary student unionism (VSU), threatened the funding model behind the four UNSW student organisations with compulsory membership provisions. A report commissioned by the university administration recommended that three of those organisations – the Student Guild of Undergraduates and Postgraduates, the University of New South Wales Union and the College of Fine Arts Students' Association – merge into a single student organisation, a structure in use at the University of Melbourne.[105] Arc was established on 15 August 2006 and launched early the following year, taking over the functions of three existing student organisations, the UNSW Student Guild, UNSW Union, and COFA Students' Association.[106]

The organisation supports the activities of student clubs, student volunteer programs such as orientation week, student publications, two student galleries (Kudos Gallery and AD Space), and houses an elected student representative council. Arc operates the Roundhouse entertainment venue, the Graduation & Gift Store on UNSW's main campus in Kensington, and until recently, The Whitehouse bar and café which shut down permanently on 23 April 2021.[107] Arc also operates a student support service, providing legal and academic advocacy. Arc@UNSW exists independently from UNSW.

Arc has three constitutional student bodies:

  1. the Student Development Committee (SDC) – supporting clubs, volunteer programs, courses and activities,[108]
  2. the Postgraduate Council (PGC) – representing the postgraduate community at UNSW[109] and
  3. an elected Student Representative Council (SRC)[110]

The student organisation is a major service provider on campus, running a number of retail outlets, student media such as Tharunka and an entertainment venue, the Roundhouse. The Arc Student Representative Council represents students to the university and nationally and fights for their rights. Arc also provides support and funding to university clubs and societies and runs student volunteer programs such as Orientation Week.

In 2007, the University of New South Wales Sports Association[111] and UNSW Lifestyle Centre merged to become UNSW Sport and Recreation then later absorbed into Arc @ UNSW to become Arc Sport. It runs the external sporting facilities and services and supports the 30 UNSW affiliated sporting clubs that compete both at home and abroad.

Student media

[edit]

Blitz

[edit]

Blitz is a student publication, published online by Arc @ UNSW, based at the University of New South Wales.[112] Blitz under this name first appeared in session 2, 1988, but a similar "what's on" style publication had been issued by the then University Union since the early 1970s. Initially it consisted of a simple sheet or two of paper, but it evolved into a magazine style format in session two 1994[113] when a former editor from another student publication on campus, Tharunka, was hired to found a weekly "what's on" magazine. Blitz sometimes pays casual contributors for submitted articles and photographs, and employs a student online editor, a student designer, a student TV producer and a student radio producer.

Blitz typically covers the goings-on around campus and conducts interviews and publishes stories relating to current student activities. It widely publicises Arc services and activities on campus. Due to its non-partisan policy, it does not cover political issues, with the exception of voluntary student unionism. However, in 2004 an edition of Blitz was withdrawn by the student union because it contained a guide to rolling a joint. The editor Janet Duncan claimed there had been censorship of her editorial in the following issue.[114] Arc @ UNSW announced that the organisation would continue to publish the magazine after the introduction of voluntary student unionism in 2007.[115]

Gamamari

[edit]

Tharunka, thought to mean "message stick" in an Aboriginal language, is a student newspaper originally published by the UNSW Students Union from 1953 until 1992, when that body was replaced by the University of New South Wales Student Guild. The Guild published Tharunka from 1993 until 2006 and the successor student organisation, Arc @ UNSW Limited, continued the publication of Tharunka from 2007. The publication changed its name in mid-2024 to Gamamari, meaning “talking for a purpose” in the Dharawal Language.[116]

Noise@UNSW

[edit]

Noise@UNSW is an independent student publication established in early 2024, following the shutdown of Tharunka, with the aim of fostering a more informed student body.[117][118] Noise publishes articles weekly on their website and Instagram page, focusing on university news, student politics and activism, student journalism, and other issues that affect students,[119] as well as running a twice-monthly podcast called Make Some Noise. Noise@UNSW also produces print editions distributed to students on campus featuring student writings and art.[120]

Due to its independent nature, Noise@UNSW is run by an entirely volunteer editorial team and relies on donations.[118][121] All current UNSW students are able to publish their works in Noise.[122]

Student accommodation

[edit]

The university has a number of residential accommodation options, including Philip Baxter College, Basser College, Goldstein College, Fig Tree Hall, Colombo House, UNSW Hall, International House, New College and New College Village, Warrane College; Shalom College, and Creston College, and UNSW Village.

Exchange programs

[edit]

The university has overseas exchange programs with over 250 overseas partner institutions. These include Princeton University, McGill University, Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania (inc. Wharton), Duke University, Drexel University, Johns Hopkins University, Brown University, Columbia University (summer law students only), University of California Berkeley, University of California Santa Cruz (inc. Baskin), UCLA, University of Michigan (inc. Ross), New York University (inc. Stern), University of Virginia, Mississippi State University, Cornell University, University of Connecticut, Alfred University, University of Texas at Austin (inc. McCombs), Maastricht University, University of Padua, University College London (law students only), University of Nottingham, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and ETH Zurich.[123]

Student projects

[edit]
Sunswift 7, a student-built solar-powered car, won the 2023 World Solar Challenge Cruiser Class

Students of the university are involved in a number of projects, including:

  • AtomCraft[124][125] aims to deliver the first fusion tokamak entirely designed, built and operated by students.[126] Started in 2024, aims to complete the first iteration of the device by 2027.
  • Sunswift Solar Racing Team, who hold the FIA world record for the fastest electric car over a 500 kilometres (310 mi) distance[127] and whose car Sunswift 7 won the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Cruiser Class.[128]
  • rUNSWift,[129] the university's team in the international RoboCup Standard Platform League competition, is the most successful[citation needed] team in the world with wins in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2014 as well as coming second in 1999, 2002, 2006 and 2010.
  • BLUEsat Satellite (development in progress)
  • Impact Engineers[130] are a group of cross disciplinary humanitarian engineers aspiring to make a difference to the world's developing communities. Impact Engineers currently focus their efforts in rural Sri Lanka however over the next three to five years, they will expand to launch projects across multiple developing countries
  • UNSW Redback Racing[131] UNSW's entrant into the SAE-Australasia Formula SAE-A Competition (National winners in 2000)
  • The MAVSTAR[132] (Micro Aerial Vehicles for Search, Tracking And Reconnaissance) project to develop a team of cooperative micro aerial and unmanned ground vehicles.
  • The Developing Country Project[133] Second year thesis students doing Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering are able to get involved. The project aims to assist villagers in developing countries to gain access to electricity to satisfy their energy needs in a clean and sustainable manner.
  • iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) a worldwide synthetic biology competition. BABS UNSW entered their first team in 2015.

UNSW College

[edit]

UNSW College, also known as UNSW Global "UNSW Global Pty Limited", is a not-for-profit provider of education, training and consulting services and a wholly owned enterprise of the University of New South Wales. It provides exams for students in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, South Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and the Pacific region. It caters to students from year 3 (Australia) through year 12, examining skills in English, mathematics, science, computers, writing and spelling. It is a wholly owned non-profit subsidiary of UNSW.[134]

Notable people

[edit]

Notable alumni

[edit]

Notable alumni include:

Politicians

[edit]

Others

[edit]

UNSW has produced more millionaires than any other Australian university, according to the Spear's Wealth Management Survey in 2016.[138][139]

Engineers Australia ranked UNSW as having the highest number of graduates in "Australia's Top 100 Influential Engineers 2013" list at 23%, followed by Monash University at 8%, the University of Western Australia, University of Sydney and the University of Queensland at 7%.[140]

Controversies

[edit]

In 1975, the High Court of Australia delivered the decision in University of NSW v Moorhouse that UNSW authorised copyright infringement by providing coin operated photocopy machines, without taking proper measures to prevent an infringement. As a result, the Copyright Act 1968 was amended to state that libraries are not authorising copyright infringement if a notice is set out that displays relevant provision of the Act near the photocopy machine.[141]

On 19 April 2000, postgraduate student Lin Chun was crushed on campus by an unmanned truck that rolled down a slope. She later died on campus as a result of her injuries. The university denied liability over the accident.[142][143]

In 2007, UNSW opened a campus in Singapore following an invitation by Singapore's Economic Development Board to open a campus. However, one semester later, students and staff were sent home, and the campus was closed due to lack of enrolments, resulting in a loss of $15 million to the university.[28][144]

In February 2007, UNSW publicly apologised after a police probe revealed that bodies donated to train surgeons were possibly fondled by a member of the staff, resulting in the sacking of one staff member and another staff member quitting.[145]

In July 2009, a field trip organised by the School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences near Darling Harbour resulted in a research assistant losing control of an inflatable vessel while performing a turn causing three passengers who were not wearing lifejackets, to fall off, including one that suffered from a broken wrist and severe injuries to her leg. In 2013, the university was fined $100,000 after the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales launched legal action.[146]

In 2012, PhD student Rui Zhang threw sulfuric acid at another student, before attacking him with a hammer inside a chemistry lab at the university. The judge later found Rui not guilty on grounds of mental illness.[147]

In October 2015, UNSW issued a security warning after an anonymous threat was made on 4chan, stating "I finally managed to get a handgun. Australians, if you study at UNSW don’t go in tomorrow", resulting in state and federal police swarming the campus the next morning.[148][149]

In January 2018, the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal held that UNSW had violated the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 after a student had their PhD candidature terminated by the university. As a result, the student made a Government Information request, asking for their student file and reasons for termination to make a formal complaint against 19 university staff members. However, upon processing the request, a staff member leaked the complaint to individuals who were on the listed in the complaint.[150]

In August 2020, after the Chinese government cracked down on liberties in Hong Kong, the UNSW posted a tweet promoting a call by Elaine Pearson (a human rights expert and adjunct law lecturer at the university) for the United Nations to take steps on human rights violations in Hong Kong. Chinese state-owned media, as well as some Chinese students, responded with anger, and UNSW then deleted the tweet. The deletion of the tweet was condemned by many Australian Federal MPs as a violation of free-speech principles.[151][152][153] Chinese-Australian artist Badiucao also suggested that pro-democracy Chinese students were living in 'fear'. UNSW vice-chancellor Ian Jacobs issued an apology, saying that the decision to remove the tweet was a "mistake"; that the university was "does not take official political positions"; and that he "unequivocally" reaffirmed the university's "previous commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom." The university came under fire for a Chinese-language message sent by UNSW Global's CEO, Laurie Pearcey, two days earlier. That message failed to make any mention of freedom of speech and did not describe the deletion of the post as a "mistake"; this prompted Federal MPs to accuse the university of sending mixed messages.[151]

In October 2021, UNSW launched an investigative review after claims of research misconduct on studies pertaining to ageing were made.[154] More than a dozen papers, co-authored by researchers at UNSW, along with other universities were published on PubPeer and found to have duplicated photos that had been modified to represent different experimental results. However, two years later, preliminary assessments of the allegations had not been completed, resulting in an investigation by the Australian Research Integrity Committee in 2023.[155]

In 2021, UNSW began remediating underpayments to casual academic staff for the period between January 2014 to December 2020,[156] setting aside more than $36 million to back-pay academics and had already paid $11 million by 2023.[157] In 2023, the Fair Work Ombudsman launched legal action against UNSW in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, alleging that UNSW had poor payroll practices and that UNSW "knew" that casual academics were being underpaid.[158]

See also

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Footnotes

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References

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Further reading

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from Grokipedia

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is a public in , , established in 1949 as the New South Wales University of Technology to meet postwar demands for applied sciences and . Renamed the University of New South Wales in 1958, it evolved from a technical institute into a comprehensive university with seven faculties—Arts, Design & Architecture; ; ; Law & Justice; Medicine & Health; ; and UNSW —encompassing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across STEM, , and professional disciplines. UNSW's main Kensington campus spans 38 hectares and supports interdisciplinary research, with particular strengths in quantum technologies, , , and . The institution ranks 19th globally in the 2025 and leads in research commercialization, topping national charts for university spinouts and startups for four consecutive years.
UNSW's innovations include pioneering solar vehicle projects like Sunswift and advancements in quantum computation through dedicated centers, contributing to 's technological edge. Its graduates achieve high , with the university ranked first in for employer reputation in graduate outcomes. Defining characteristics encompass a focus on practical, industry-linked and translation, though it has encountered controversies such as investigations into research misconduct handling and surges in student linked to AI tools. These issues highlight broader challenges in maintaining integrity amid rapid technological change in academic settings.

History

Establishment in 1949

The New South Wales University of Technology, precursor to the University of New South Wales, was formally established on 1 July 1949 through the proclamation of the Technical Education and New South Wales University of Technology Act 1949 (Act No. 11) by the Parliament of New South Wales. This legislation incorporated the institution as Australia's second university, distinct from the University of Sydney, with a mandate to prioritize technical, scientific, and professional education amid post-World War II industrial expansion and a shortage of trained engineers and scientists. The founding addressed the limitations of existing technical colleges and the University of Sydney's focus on classical disciplines, aiming to deliver applied higher education aligned with national reconstruction needs, including advanced training in . Precursors traced to the Sydney Technical College, where initial degree-level courses commenced in 1948, enabling a seamless transition for the first cohort of approximately 500 students into the new university framework. The inaugural council, chaired by Wallace Wurth as president, convened to oversee setup at the Kensington site, formerly used for technical education. Under the first director, Arthur Denning (1949–1952), the university rapidly organized its core structure, establishing the initial faculties of , , and to emphasize practical, research-informed curricula. This foundation reflected a deliberate policy shift toward utilitarian education, fostering innovation in fields critical to Australia's , with the first graduations occurring in 1952.

Expansion Through the Mid-20th Century

Following its establishment as the New South Wales University of Technology in 1949 with a focus on , , and , the institution underwent significant expansion in the . On 8 May 1950, the university council formalized its initial structure by creating the Faculties of , , and . Construction on the campus commenced with the laying of the for the Old Main Building on 25 1950, marking the shift from temporary inner-city facilities to a dedicated site. This building, opened on 16 April 1955, served as the first permanent structure and symbolized the university's growing physical infrastructure. In 1958, the institution's name changed to the University of New South Wales, reflecting an evolution from a technology-centric model to a broader academic scope. This transition accelerated in 1960 with the establishment of the Faculties of and , diversifying offerings beyond technical fields and attracting a wider base. The period also saw specialized developments, such as the School of Textile Technology in 1955, enhancing applied research capabilities. Infrastructure growth continued with the opening of The Roundhouse in 1961, a purpose-built student union facility that supported expanding campus life. By the mid-1960s, these changes positioned UNSW as a key player in Australia's post-war higher education expansion, driven by federal government initiatives to increase university participation during the and . The Kensington campus developed further with additional buildings and facilities, accommodating growth in enrollment and research activities, though exact student numbers reflected broader national trends of rapid increase from the initial cohort of 46 in 1948. This era laid the foundation for UNSW's emergence as a comprehensive .

Modern Developments and Strategic Shifts (2000s–2025)

In the 2000s, UNSW prioritized research commercialization and infrastructure growth, exemplified by the opening of New College Village as its first dedicated postgraduate residence in 2009. Under Vice-Chancellor Ian Jacobs from 2015 to 2021, the university advanced its focus on , including pioneering work in silicon solar cell efficiency records. This period saw substantial investments exceeding $450 million in research facilities and to support emerging technologies. The appointment of as Vice-Chancellor in 2022 marked a shift toward integrated societal impact, culminating in the launch of the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All in early 2025. This 10-year roadmap, extending to the university's 2049 centenary, emphasizes nine strategic pillars—five impact pathways and four focus areas—prioritizing , , and engagement for real-world outcomes like clean energy and healthier lifespans. It integrates Indigenous knowledges via a Micro-Treaty framework and commits to resilience amid global challenges, building on prior visions such as the UNSW 2025 Strategy for innovation leadership. Infrastructure expansions accelerated, with the Randwick Campus Redevelopment injecting over $1.5 billion into health, , and research facilities by 2025. Construction began on the UNSW Canberra City campus in 2025, set to accommodate up to 5,000 students and enhance defense-related . Chancellor , serving 20 years until 2025, oversaw financial stability and institutional expansion during these developments. Research outputs strengthened UNSW's profile, topping national rankings for university spinouts and startups for the fourth consecutive year in 2024 with 19 new companies in fields like solar cells and virtual health. Initiatives in 2025 included 28 priority projects under the new strategy and an AI ecosystem to bolster capabilities. These shifts reflect a pivot from traditional academic metrics to measurable societal contributions, supported by ongoing campus upgrades for sustainability.

Campuses and Infrastructure

Kensington Main Campus

The Kensington Main Campus is the principal site of the University of New South Wales, located in the suburb of within Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 12 kilometres southeast of the . Spanning 38 hectares, it functions as a self-contained community comparable in scale to a small town, hosting the majority of the university's academic, research, and administrative activities. The campus is situated on the unceded territory of the Bedegal people. Development of the Kensington site predates the university's establishment, with planning and land use changes documented from the 1890s onward, initially involving agricultural and institutional purposes before repurposing for higher education. The university was founded in 1949 specifically at this location, commencing operations with temporary accommodations amid post-World War II expansion needs for technical education. The first permanent structure, the Old Main Building, had its foundation stone laid on 25 February 1950 and was officially opened on 16 April 1955, marking the onset of structured campus infrastructure. Subsequent expansions through the mid-20th century included residential colleges such as Basser College (established 1959) and additional academic buildings, reflecting the institution's growth into a comprehensive . The campus layout features distinct upper and lower sections connected by walkways, encompassing a mix of heritage and , including the Quadrangle, libraries, and specialized facilities like laboratories and the Roundhouse performance venue. Key amenities support student life, such as sports fields, a gymnasium, , medical services, retail outlets, and stations. Residential colleges, including Goldstein and Philip Baxter Colleges, provide on-campus for undergraduates, fostering integration. Accessibility is enhanced by frequent UNSW shuttle services, with nearly 1,700 weekly routes connecting to Sydney's transport network. Sustainability initiatives underscore the campus's modern ethos, guided by the UNSW Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022–2024, which emphasizes , resource efficiency, and living campuses. Projects include a 15,000 stormwater installed in 2023 to capture runoff from 17.5 hectares, recharging local aquifers and reducing flood risks; enhancements via the Bush Tucker Trail transformation; and transitions to 100% solar renewable electricity for operations. These efforts align with broader goals of net-zero emissions and conservation, integrating green spaces and active lifestyle supports across the site.

Specialized and Satellite Campuses

The , situated in Sydney's Paddington suburb amid a concentration of cultural and creative institutions, primarily hosts the UNSW of Art & . This facility supports undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate programs in , , , moving image, and art theory, fostering an environment integrated with industry and artistic communities. UNSW Canberra operates as a key , with its main site at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in the Campbell suburb of , roughly 5 km from the city center and adjacent to defence establishments like the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Established through a emphasizing the fusion of academic rigor and training, it accommodates approximately 300 trainee officers each year and specializes in disciplines related to defence, security capabilities, technological innovation, and leadership development. A secondary UNSW Canberra City Precinct, located in the Parliamentary Triangle, extends these offerings to broader postgraduate and research-focused programs, enhancing regional innovation in and . Additional specialized sites include a pilot Sydney CBD campus, a modern urban facility limited to scheduled students and staff, designed to supplement core offerings with city-centric professional development in fields like business and law. In regional , UNSW supports targeted outposts such as those in , which deliver rural clinical medical training through the Rural Clinical School and host research in , addressing workforce shortages and regional with programs enrolling medical students for extended placements.

Facilities, Sustainability Initiatives, and Recent Expansions

The Kensington campus hosts key facilities such as the Main Library, which provides spaces for , reading, , and access to digital resources. Additional libraries support specialized needs across disciplines. and infrastructure includes the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, featuring indoor pools, and courts, a , and fitness classes for diverse abilities. The Arc manages outdoor facilities like synthetic and grass fields for AFL, , football, , hockey, and courts, alongside a for casual activities. Research and teaching facilities encompass specialized laboratories, computing centers, and innovation hubs such as the Michael Crouch Innovation Centre, enabling hands-on engineering and technology projects. Accommodation options like self-catered residences with study rooms and 24-hour security further support life. UNSW's efforts are guided by the Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022-24, which sets targets for reducing environmental impact through operations and research integration. A updated plan emphasizes electrifying infrastructure, implementing sustainable practices in laboratory spaces, and expanding onsite solar photovoltaic capacity to lower emissions. The 2025 Strategy aligns with these by envisioning a sustainable model for and operations. Strategic Pillar 6 commits to net-zero emissions by 2050, alongside roadmaps for nature-positive restoration of 30% of ecosystems, 30% waste reduction, and planning. Developments like the D14 project target 6-star Green Star certification for construction and operations, supporting broader decarbonization goals. Recent expansions include construction starting in October 2025 on the UNSW City campus, a $1 billion project delivering teaching, research, retail, and industry partnership spaces for up to 5,000 students in fields like defence, cybersecurity, AI, and studies. In , a $171 million, eleven-storey Education Building was proposed in May 2025 to enhance teaching capacity. UNSW also initiated occupancy of new community-focused space in Campbelltown in September 2025 to address local needs through faculty outreach. Ongoing campus development encompasses new buildings, infrastructure upgrades, and green space enhancements to adapt to evolving space demands via the Future Campus initiative.

Governance and Administration

University Council and Leadership Roles

The University of New South Wales Council serves as the primary of the , established under the University of New South Wales Act 1989, which vests it with responsibility for promoting the 's objectives and interests, including strategic oversight, policy approval, and financial management. The Council operates through a committee structure, supported by the Academic Board and faculty boards, with authority derived from the Act, associated by-laws, and rules. It consists of a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 22 members, with the current composition totaling 15, comprising diverse expertise from internal stakeholders and external appointees to ensure balanced representation. Council membership is categorized into official members, ministerial appointments, members appointed by the Council itself, and elected representatives. Official members include the , Vice-Chancellor, and President of the Academic Board. Ministerial appointments, made by the Minister for Education, bring external perspectives, such as from legal or community sectors. Council-appointed members are selected for their professional skills in areas like or industry. Elected members consist of (two), professional staff (one), and students (one postgraduate and one undergraduate), ensuring staff and student input into . Terms vary, typically three to five years, with provisions for gender balance, inclusion of First Peoples representatives, and rotation to maintain fresh perspectives. Key leadership roles within the Council and university executive include the , who presides over Council meetings, represents the university externally, and performs ceremonial duties. AC has held this position, with his term concluding in April 2025. The Deputy Chancellor, currently Warwick Negus, assists the and assumes duties in their absence, with a term ending in September 2025. The Vice-Chancellor and President, as chief executive officer, manages day-to-day operations, academic leadership, and implementation of Council policies; Professor FTSE FRNS assumed this role on 31 January 2022, bringing prior experience as Vice-Chancellor of the and expertise in chemistry and consulting. These roles collectively ensure accountability, with the Vice-Chancellor reporting to the Council on performance metrics and strategic initiatives.

Faculty and School Structure

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is organized into seven faculties, each encompassing multiple that deliver undergraduate, postgraduate , and higher degree programs, while fostering interdisciplinary . This structure supports UNSW's emphasis on applied and industry partnerships, with faculties reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and managed by deans who oversee academic operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Schools within faculties specialize in disciplinary areas, often integrating teaching with centers to address practical challenges in fields like and health sciences. The faculties are: Arts, Design & Architecture; UNSW Business School; ; Law & Justice; Medicine & Health; ; and UNSW Canberra (located at the Australian Defence Force Academy). Each faculty maintains autonomy in curriculum development and resource allocation, subject to university-wide policies on quality assurance and equity. For example, the Faculty of , ranked first in Australia, comprises eight schools including those in biomedical, chemical, civil and environmental, , , , mechanical and manufacturing, and photovoltaic technologies. Similarly, the Faculty of Medicine & Health includes five schools covering clinical medicine, , health sciences, and vision science, and health data science, with affiliations to teaching hospitals across and rural .
FacultyKey Schools (Examples)Notable Features
Arts, Design & ArchitectureArt & Design; ; Education; & Languages; Media; Social SciencesIntegrates creative and social disciplines with emphasis on and media innovation.
UNSW Business School, Auditing & Taxation; Banking & ; ; & ; ; Risk & Actuarial StudiesFocuses on analytics-driven business education with strong employer networks.
Engineering; ; ; Civil & Environmental Engineering; & Engineering; & ; & Engineering; Mechanical & Leads in and research outputs.
Law & JusticeLaw; Criminology & Criminal Justice; Social & Political Sciences (cross-faculty links)Emphasizes practical legal training through moot courts and policy clinics.
Medicine & HealthClinical ; Health Sciences; Optometry & Vision Science; ; Women's & Children's HealthPartners with nine major hospitals for clinical training.
Science (shared); & Biomolecular Sciences; Chemistry; & Statistics; (shared); PhysicsTop 50 globally for natural sciences, with strengths in quantum and climate research.
UNSW Canberra; & Information Systems; & Social Sciences; Physical, Environmental & Military-focused education with the lowest student-to-staff ratio in .
This hierarchical model, evolved from earlier mergers like the 2021 integration of arts and built environment faculties, enables efficient scaling of programs amid enrollment growth exceeding 60,000 students as of 2023. Faculty boards, comprising academic staff, students, and external members, provide input on policy and to ensure alignment with national standards set by bodies like the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.

Policy Frameworks, Reforms, and Financial Oversight

UNSW's Policy Framework establishes processes for developing, communicating, implementing, reviewing, and monitoring university-wide policy documents, including rules, codes, policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines that reflect core values and legal obligations. This framework fosters a culture of , , and trust, with centralized oversight via the Policy Hub and an A-Z browseable collection covering areas such as finance, delegations, , , and cyber security. Strategic reforms at UNSW have emphasized alignment with broader institutional goals, including the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All launched in 2025, which outlines 28 priority initiatives across social impact, academic excellence, and to drive measurable progress over the next decade. Targeted policies include the Access and Equity (Students) Strategy 2020–2025, focusing on inclusive pathways like the Aspire program, and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2022–2025, integrated into the 2025 pillars to address representation and support. These reforms occur amid sector-wide scrutiny, with UNSW submitting evidence to federal inquiries affirming adherence to the NSW Higher Education Act 2001 and advocating for strong internal controls amid calls for enhanced transparency in Australian university . Financial oversight involves annual audited financial statements prepared under Australian Accounting Standards and independently verified by the NSW Auditor-General or delegates, ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements. The NSW Audit Office performs financial audits of UNSW and other public universities, reporting unqualified opinions for the years ended 31 December 2023 and 2024, with emphasis on internal controls, , and . As a Table A provider under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, UNSW receives Commonwealth funding subject to performance monitoring by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), which enforces standards for financial viability and . reports, such as the 2024 edition marking the university's 75th , detail streams—including tuition fees exceeding AUD 1.5 billion—and expenditures on and , with no material weaknesses noted in recent audits.

Academic Profile

Programs, Admissions, and Entry Standards

The University of New South Wales offers undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and higher degree research programs across seven faculties: , & ; ; ; & ; & ; ; and UNSW Canberra. Undergraduate degrees include bachelor's programs such as the , , , and , spanning disciplines like , data technology, engineering, and humanities. Postgraduate options encompass master's degrees, graduate diplomas, and doctoral programs, with coursework-focused offerings in areas including , engineering, and , alongside research-intensive PhDs. Admissions for domestic undergraduate students are processed through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), where applicants submit preferences and are ranked primarily by (ATAR) or equivalent qualifications. International undergraduate applicants apply directly via the UNSW website, with offers prioritized by academic merit in designated rounds, requiring submission of transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and sometimes portfolios or interviews for creative programs. Postgraduate admissions, for both domestic and international students, evaluate prior completion, grade point average (GPA), and relevant work experience where specified, with applications handled directly through UNSW or UAC for certain coursework programs. Entry standards for undergraduate domestic applicants center on ATAR scores, which vary by program; for Term 1, 2025 intake, competitive courses like and typically require ATARs above 90, with medians often exceeding 95, while less selective programs such as or may accept scores from the low 80s. International equivalents include (IB) Diploma scores of 30-37, GCE A-Levels with grades AAA-BBB, or country-specific secondary certificates meeting UNSW benchmarks, alongside English requirements like IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0). Postgraduate entry generally demands a with a credit average (GPA around 65% or equivalent), though flagship programs in or impose higher thresholds, such as specific prerequisite courses or Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) scores. UNSW's Gateway Admission Pathway provides adjusted ATARs (typically 10-15 points lower) for eligible students from targeted high schools, aiming to broaden access without altering core academic criteria.
Program AreaTypical Minimum ATAR (Domestic, 2025 Intake)Notes
90+Higher for specializations like ; includes adjustment factors for subjects.
Commerce/Business93+Median often 96; bonuses for .
80-85Varies by major; Honours pathways integrated.
/80+Flexible entry with subject prerequisites.
(via BMS/MBBS)ATAR 96+ plus UCAT and aptitude tests required.

Research Divisions, Outputs, and Funding

UNSW conducts research through its seven faculties—Arts, Design & Architecture; Business; Engineering; Law & Justice; Medicine & Health; Science; and UNSW Canberra—spanning 45 schools and 56 dedicated research centres and institutes that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration. The Research and Enterprise Division, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Bronwyn Fox as of 2024), oversees strategy, with additional support from the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research (Prof. Dane McCamey). Notable centres include the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre, focusing on advanced nuclear technologies, and the Disability Innovation Institute, addressing health through partnerships like the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health. Research priorities align with societal challenges, such as the Indigenous Research Plan's four pillars: , community , Indigenous researcher capacity-building, and global knowledge exchange. Research outputs encompass high-volume publications, citations, intellectual property, and real-world applications. In 2024, UNSW researchers produced outputs including 7,580 joint publications involving collaborators from 190 countries, representing 59.1% of total publications. is evidenced by 29 Highly Cited Researchers recognized by Clarivate Analytics in 2024, placing UNSW among global leaders in fields like and . activity reached 66 applications filed in 2024, contributing to a net book value of at $1.399 million, with additions of $2.047 million offset by $399,000 in amortization. Broader impact includes top global rankings, such as second for (SDG 13) and third for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, alongside initiatives like the Yuwaya Ngarra-li partnership yielding over 460 outcomes from 2020–2023, including $233,000 in fine for Aboriginal communities and a 32% reduction in youth court appearances. Funding supports this ecosystem, with total research revenue rising to $583.1 million in 2024 from $567.6 million in 2023, drawn from competitive grants, contracts, and partnerships. Major sources include the Australian Research Council (ARC), providing $85 million across 108 grants in 2024, such as $41 million for 64 Discovery Projects announced November 2024 and $4.6 million for nine Linkage Grants in June 2025 emphasizing industry ties. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) awarded $117.9 million for 72 grants, including $27 million for Ideas and Development Grants in December 2024, while the Medical Research Future Fund contributed $60.7 million across 23 projects. Consultancy and contract research generated $190.7 million, supplemented by $102.4 million in philanthropy from 3,057 donors and state government non-capital grants of $47.5 million. Subsidiaries like NewSouth Innovations commercialize outputs, with equity stakes in ventures such as Silicon Quantum Computing (30%) driving translation.

Global Rankings, Reputation, and Graduate Outcomes

In major global university rankings, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) placed 20th worldwide in the 2026, maintaining its position in the top 20 for the third consecutive year, driven by strengths in academic reputation, employer reputation, and employment outcomes. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, UNSW ranked 79th globally, an improvement of four places from the prior year, with notable performance in employability (1st in and 29th worldwide) and industry income. The U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities ranking positioned UNSW at 34th overall. These rankings incorporate metrics such as research output, citations, international outlook, and survey-based assessments of academic and employer perceptions, though reputation scores can reflect established prestige rather than solely objective measures like publication impact. UNSW's reputation among academics and employers remains robust, particularly in QS evaluations where it scored highly in academic reputation (contributing 30% to the overall QS score) and employer reputation surveys, which prioritize graduate and skills alignment with industry needs. It ranked 1st in for employment outcomes across 36 assessed institutions in QS 2026, reflecting strong employer feedback on alumni preparedness. Subject-specific reputation is evident in fields like and , where UNSW frequently tops Australian employer surveys for graduate quality. Graduate outcomes demonstrate high employability and earnings potential. In the 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) by the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT), 84% of domestic undergraduate leavers from UNSW secured full-time within four to six months of graduation, exceeding the national average of 79%. starting salaries for these undergraduates reached $70,000, above the national $68,000 and Group of Eight (Go8) average of $67,000; three years later, this rose to $88,000 versus $80,000 nationally. For postgraduates, full-time stood at 91% (national: 89%), with salaries of $117,000 initially and $130,000 after three years (national: $93,000 and $103,000). UNSW has led Go8 peers in salaries for four consecutive years per QILT data, attributing outcomes to career-focused curricula and industry partnerships, though broader economic factors influence national trends like a dip in 2024 full-time rates to 74%.
MetricUNSW Undergraduates (2022 GOS)National Average
Full-time Employment (4-6 months post-grad)84%79%
Median Salary (4-6 months)$70,000$68,000
Median Salary (3 years post-grad)$88,000$80,000
MetricUNSW Postgraduates (2022 GOS)National Average
Full-time Employment (4-6 months post-grad)91%89%
Median Salary (4-6 months)$117,000$93,000
Median Salary (3 years post-grad)$130,000$103,000

Student Life

Organizations, Media, and Representation

Arc UNSW Student Life serves as the primary student organization at the University of New South Wales, overseeing more than 330 clubs and societies that facilitate , cultural activities, skill-building workshops, networking, and social events. Established to enhance student engagement beyond academics, Arc manages programs in , wellness services, creative pursuits, and events, with membership open year-round and benefits including discounted access to facilities and advocacy support. However, Arc operates under university oversight rather than full independence, with critics noting its practical alignment with UNSW administration in decision-making and funding. The Student Representative Council (SRC), comprising 27 democratically elected student members, functions as Arc's advocacy arm, campaigning on issues such as rights, welfare, and policy reforms while representing student interests to university bodies, government, and external stakeholders. Elected annually, the SRC engages in large-scale initiatives, including for affordable and campus improvements, though its influence is constrained by voluntary student unionism introduced federally in , which ended compulsory fees and reshaped union structures nationwide. Student media at UNSW centers on Gamamari, the official publication under Arc with roots tracing to 1953 as Tharunka, UNSW's inaugural student magazine focused on political, social, and cultural reporting. Tharunka, digitized in UNSW's library collections, historically critiqued university policies and societal issues but encountered operational disruptions from 2023 onward, including reduced print presence, stagnant online updates, and allegations of content censorship by university marketing teams to align with institutional branding. In response, students launched in March 2024 as an independent grassroots outlet, publishing editorials on campus governance, free speech, and administrative transparency to fill the gap left by Tharunka's hiatus. Student representation in governance occurs primarily through the SRC's input to university committees and the Academic Board, where elected representatives advocate for , facilities, and equity policies. In October 2025, UNSW hosted 's inaugural national Student Governance Symposium, convened by Universities , which gathered over 300 participants—including student leaders, vice-chancellors, and policymakers—to discuss enhancing student collaboration in processes, emphasizing evidence-based input on issues like allocation and reforms amid declining enrollment pressures. This event underscored ongoing efforts to integrate student voices empirically, though historical tensions from voluntary unionism have limited organizational autonomy compared to pre-2005 compulsory models.

Accommodation, Welfare, and Support Services

UNSW Sydney offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including residential colleges and self-contained apartments, primarily located on the to support undergraduate, postgraduate, couples, and family needs. These facilities emphasize , with features such as fully furnished rooms, communal areas, and proximity to academic buildings, though availability is limited and applications are managed through a centralized process prioritizing new and international students. Specific options include University Terraces, which provide modern, affordable apartments in the campus core, and apartments designed for families with access to nearby daycare services. For students preferring or requiring off-campus housing, the UNSW Off-Campus Accommodation Support (OCAS) team provides guidance on finding safe, affordable rentals in surrounding Sydney suburbs like Randwick and Kingsford, including resources on lease agreements, budgeting, and . As of 2022, university-managed on-campus residences accommodated approximately 2,400 students, highlighting capacity constraints amid growing demand, particularly from international enrollees. UNSW's welfare services encompass support through the & Wellness clinic, which delivers free, confidential short-term counselling sessions, brief interventions, workshops, and digital tools exclusively to currently enrolled . Physical and sexual health needs are addressed via the UNSW Health Service, offering consultations, vaccinations, support, and referrals without requiring bulk-billing gaps for eligible patients. The Wellbeing and Safety Policy mandates immediate assistance protocols, including 24/7 security response at (02) 9385 6666 for critical incidents on campuses. Broader support services include personalized advising from Student Support Advisors, who assist with issues spanning academic pressures, personal wellbeing, financial hardship, and adjustment to university life. Academic welfare is formalized under the Support for Students Policy, ensuring access to , programs, and extensions for all students facing barriers to learning. Disability-specific accommodations, such as and exam adjustments, are coordinated through equity services, with student organizations like the ARC Welfare Collective advocating for enhanced provisions. These services collectively aim to foster resilience, though utilization data indicates variable uptake influenced by awareness and stigma around seeking help.

Extracurricular Activities, Exchanges, and Projects

UNSW supports over 350 student-led clubs and societies through Arc UNSW Student Life, distinguishing between clubs focused on specific pursuits such as and societies oriented toward broader academic or faculty interests. These organizations facilitate workshops, themed events, and to enhance interpersonal and professional skills. Among them, more than 30 sport clubs offer competitive and recreational options, encompassing activities like AFL, , , athletics, , , and . The university administers a with hundreds of global partners, enabling outbound undergraduate students—who must have completed at least 18 units of credit (UOC) in their current program—to undertake one- or two-semester stays abroad while transferring earned units of credit toward their UNSW degrees, with faculty-specific opportunities available across regions including North America, Europe, and more. Inbound exchange participants from partner institutions pay tuition to their home universities and access UNSW courses across regions including , Asia-Oceania, the , and . Additional short-term opportunities encompass summer/winter intensives, internships, and full-year immersions, with applications processed in periodic rounds following eligibility assessments. Under the ChallENG initiative, students engage in multidisciplinary projects spanning vertically integrated research teams, competitive engineering challenges, and humanitarian efforts targeting . Vertically integrated projects involve ongoing between undergraduates and on advanced topics, while student-led teams tackle real-world applications in areas like and . The Sunswift Racing project exemplifies these endeavors, with its solar-electric vehicles achieving championship status in the 2023 and pursuing further records in the 2025 edition.

Affiliated Institutions

UNSW College and Pathway Programs

UNSW College, a wholly owned entity of UNSW Sydney, specializes in delivering pathway programs that equip primarily international students with the academic skills and English proficiency required for progression into undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the university. These programs target students who may not meet direct entry requirements, offering structured preparation equivalent to initial university-level study. The organization's foundations date to 1966 with the establishment of the UNSW Institute of Languages, which commenced instruction in 1968 to support international learners. In 1989, it pioneered Australia's inaugural foundation studies program, enrolling 142 students initially and expanding to serve global cohorts. By 2006, operations integrated into UNSW Global Pty Limited, coinciding with the 2007 opening of the campus; diploma offerings began in 2018, followed by online adaptations in 2020. Over five decades, UNSW College has graduated more than 40,000 students who advanced to UNSW . Core programs encompass Foundation Studies, tailored for recent high school completers (equivalent to or 12), which build foundational knowledge in chosen disciplines and lead directly to the first year of relevant UNSW bachelor's degrees upon meeting progression criteria. Variants include the Standard program for those with moderate academic backgrounds and the Extended option for students needing additional preparatory time, typically spanning 9 to 12 months with integrated English enhancement. Diploma programs, available in areas such as , , , and , replicate first-year UNSW curriculum content but feature smaller class sizes and heightened support, enabling qualified completers to enter the second year of aligned degrees. These 12-month courses require Year 12 completion or equivalent, often supplemented by a University English Entry Course for language bridging. Supplementary offerings include the Transition Program for select domestic cohorts bridging to first-year entry, the Pre-Masters Program for bachelor's holders pursuing UNSW postgraduate study, and courses as prerequisites for academic readiness. For domestic applicants, the Gateway Admission Pathway evaluates holistic factors beyond scores to facilitate access. Successful pathway participants must achieve specified grade point averages and English thresholds to guarantee articulation, with UNSW College emphasizing skill alignment to UNSW's rigorous standards.

Key Partnerships and External Collaborations

UNSW maintains extensive partnerships with industry, , and international institutions to drive and societal impact, collaborating with over 2,700 organizations in the five years leading up to 2024. These collaborations emphasize multi-disciplinary approaches, linking academics, students, and external entities to address challenges in areas such as , , and . A prominent international alliance is the PLuS Alliance, established with and , which focuses on joint research and education initiatives aligned with , including sustainability, global health, security, and technological innovation. UNSW also participates in global networks such as , the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the Global Alliance of Technological Universities, and the International Universities Climate Alliance, enabling cross-border research projects, student mobility, and knowledge exchange. In September 2025, UNSW strengthened its bilateral partnership with the to expand cooperative research and academic exchanges. Domestically, UNSW entered a landmark five-year innovation partnership with the New South Wales Government in February 2022, aimed at enhancing , attracting , and fostering through co-designed policies and projects. UNSW's industry collaborations, which include access to over $450 million in facilities and support for startups via grants like ARC Linkage and CRC-P, have positioned it as the top university in for industry- partnerships in 2023 and 2024. At UNSW Canberra, partnerships extend to defense and space sectors, including membership in the Space ISAC in October 2025 to advance cybersecurity and resilience in space operations.

Notable Individuals

Prominent Alumni and Their Contributions

, who earned a in Information Systems from UNSW between 1998 and 2001, co-founded in 2002 with fellow UNSW alumnus . As co-CEO, he has led the company to develop software tools like Jira and , serving over 250,000 customers worldwide and achieving a exceeding $50 billion as of 2023. His contributions include fostering Australian tech innovation and committing billions to climate initiatives through his investment firm . , holder of a with Honours in Economics from UNSW in 1985, served as of the [Reserve Bank of Australia](/page/Reserve Bank of Australia) from 2016 to 2023. During his tenure, he navigated through periods of low , implementing and adjustments in response to the economic shock, which supported recovery with falling from 7.5% in mid-2020 to below 4% by 2022. Lowe's earlier roles at the RBA included , contributing to frameworks. , who obtained a from UNSW in 2001, was from 2017 to 2021 and received the inaugural Chancellor's Award for Exceptional Alumni Achievement in 2018 for her public service. Her administration advanced infrastructure projects, including the $20 billion expansion and motorway, aimed at alleviating urban congestion. She resigned amid an Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation into undisclosed personal relationships influencing decisions, though no findings of corruption were issued at the time of her departure. , an UNSW law , has served as since 2005, the first in that role from the university's own graduates, and received the Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award in 2025. His contributions encompass chairing major boards such as ANZ Banking Group and , authoring the 2011 Gonski Review recommending needs-based school funding reforms allocating an additional A$6.5 billion annually, and philanthropy supporting education and arts through the Gonski Foundation.

Distinguished Faculty and Leadership Figures

Professor has served as Vice-Chancellor and President of UNSW Sydney since 31 January 2022, having previously held the same role at the for eight years. His leadership emphasizes research innovation, industry partnerships, and global impact, drawing on his background in and higher education administration. David Gonski AC, an UNSW alumnus, has been Chancellor since 2005, marking the longest tenure in the university's history and concluding at the end of 2025. As a prominent Australian leader and philanthropist, Gonski chaired the UNSW Foundation Board and contributed to strategic growth, financial stability, and philanthropy initiatives during his two decades in the role. Among distinguished faculty, Scientia Professor AO leads the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology at UNSW, where she pioneered atomic-scale for . Her achievements include the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science for establishing the field of atomic , the 2018 award, and the 2017 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate in Physical Sciences. Simmons' team achieved the first two-qubit in 2015 and continues advancing scalable quantum processors. Sir , recipient of the 2016 for , joined UNSW part-time in 2017 as a professor in the School of Chemistry. His work on mechanically interlocked molecules has influenced and , with ongoing contributions to UNSW's research in . Scientia Professor Helen Christensen, Director of the Black Dog Institute (affiliated with UNSW), was named 2024 NSW Scientist of the Year for her pioneering research in digital mental health interventions and . Her development of online programs like myCompass has reached millions, demonstrating causal efficacy in reducing depression symptoms through randomized controlled trials. UNSW hosts 26 Highly Cited Researchers in 2024, per , spanning fields like , , and clinical medicine, underscoring the university's research influence. Recent Australian Research Council Laureate Fellows include Professors Chuan Zhao (electrochemistry), Sean Li (functional materials), and Xiaojing Hao (solar photovoltaics), each awarded up to $3.45 million in 2025 for transformative projects.

Controversies and Criticisms

Geopolitical and Free Speech Incidents

In August 2020, the University of New South Wales deleted multiple posts criticizing China's imposition of a law in , which included quotes from director Joe Cannataci on the law's potential to undermine and freedoms. The deletions followed complaints from Chinese international students, who described the content as "blatant political interference," and coverage in Chinese demanding an apology. UNSW Vice-Chancellor Ian Jacobs subsequently issued a public apology for the removals, stating they were a mistake and reaffirming the university's commitment to freedom of expression, while Federal Education Minister criticized the action and called for universities to safeguard academic freedoms amid reliance on international tuition fees from . This episode underscored geopolitical pressures on Australian institutions, where financial dependencies—UNSW derived significant revenue from Chinese students—clashed with open discourse on Beijing's policies, prompting accusations of to avoid backlash. The incident aligned with broader patterns of Chinese influence on Australian campuses, as documented in a 2021 Human Rights Watch report, which detailed cases of intimidation, surveillance, and suppression of criticism toward the , including at institutions like UNSW through student-organized protests and threats to academic staff. UNSW's actions drew scrutiny for prioritizing international enrollment stability over unhindered speech, with critics arguing that such deference reflected systemic vulnerabilities in university funding models exposed by escalating U.S.-China tensions. In the context of Israel-Palestine tensions, UNSW experienced heightened activism following the October 2023 Hamas attacks and subsequent Gaza conflict, including pro-Palestine sit-ins, encampments, and student general meetings where motions supporting divestment from Israel-linked entities passed amid chants and procedural disruptions. Groups like Students for Palestine UNSW claimed restrictions on their advocacy constituted free speech erosions, citing university policies and Australian government measures against protests as enabling surveillance and censure of pro-Palestinian expression. A September 2024 student general meeting featured opening remarks invoking "Never again means never again for anyone" in reference to Gaza, which sparked debates and follow-up events highlighting tensions between advocacy and accusations of invoking Holocaust analogies inappropriately. UNSW management faced criticism from activists for declining certain meetings on alleged weapons research ties to Israel, though the university maintained policies balancing protest rights with campus safety. These episodes reflected polarized geopolitical discourse, with pro-Palestine voices alleging suppression akin to a "Palestine exception" in free speech norms, while broader inquiries noted inconsistent enforcement across Australian campuses without UNSW-specific punitive actions verified.

Academic Policy Disputes and Internal Reforms

In 2019, the University of New South Wales implemented a trimester academic as part of its "2025 Strategy" to enhance flexibility, accelerate degree completion, and position the institution as "Australia's global university." The shift replaced traditional two-semester terms of approximately 14 weeks with three 10-week trimesters, compressing course content and assessments while aiming to increase student throughput and international enrollment. This reform, championed by then-vice-chancellor Ian Jacobs, faced immediate opposition from students and staff who argued it prioritized administrative efficiency and revenue over educational depth, leading to rushed curricula, heightened anxiety, and diminished opportunities for internships or on-campus engagement. The trimester system sparked significant protests, including one of the largest demonstrations in UNSW in 2019, with critics labeling it a "degree factory" model that undermined academic rigor by shortening teaching periods and overloading schedules. Staff echoed these concerns, highlighting insufficient like theaters to support the denser timetable and potential declines in teaching quality. An internal review initiated in 2023, as promised upon the system's launch, confirmed these issues, finding elevated workloads, stress, and suboptimal learning outcomes. In response to sustained backlash, UNSW announced in April 2025 the abandonment of trimesters in favor of a return to a traditional semester-based by 2028, incorporating a new "flexible semester" option for accelerated study. University leadership attributed the reversal to student and staff feedback emphasizing the need for deeper rather than speed, though delays were cited due to logistical and financial costs of . This underscored tensions between managerial reforms aimed at competitiveness in a global higher education market and stakeholder demands for sustainable academic policies.

References

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