Rankings and Admission Requirements for the University of New South Wales: An Overview of Academic Departments and Reviews

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), established in 1949, is one of Australia's Group of Eight, a coalition of top research-intensive universities. It is also a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the Global Alliance of Technological Universities, and Universitas 21 (U21). UNSW is highly regarded in fields such as engineering, business, and law. Cyclopes will provide an overview of UNSW's rankings and reviews, as well as its admission requirements, academic departments, and tuition fees to help prospective students gain a deeper understanding of this prestigious university.

University of New South Wales
University of New South Wales

Source: NCUK

University of New South Wales Rankings

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of New South Wales is ranked 19th globally[1], holding the 3rd spot in Australia (just behind the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney)[2], ranked 84th in the 2024 Times Higher Education rankings[3], and 72nd in the 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking)[4]. This demonstrates that UNSW is not only a leading institution in Australia but also globally respected.

Reviews and Global Engagement at the University of New South Wales

UNSW is well-regarded for its strong academic capabilities and global perspective, attracting students and scholars from around the world. Key specialties at UNSW include Electrical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. Notable alumni such as Raj Reddy, a Turing Award recipient and a pioneer in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, highlight the university’s strengths. The Engineering Faculty at UNSW is particularly renowned, often referred to as the "MIT of the Southern Hemisphere."   

The Business School also ranks highly globally and is known for its robust alumni network and industry connections. According to the Wealth X report, UNSW alumni rank 43rd globally for Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) individuals and 15th among non-US universities, with 575 alumni holding a combined wealth of $183 billion[5].

UNSW has extensive partnerships with hundreds of top universities worldwide, including the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley in the USA, and Peking University and Tsinghua University in China, promoting active international exchanges and cooperation, and providing diverse opportunities for student exchanges.

UNSW with powerful Alumni networks
UNSW with powerful Alumni networks

Source: Freepik

Academic Departments and Faculties at the University of New South Wales

UNSW comprises nine faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Built Environment, Business School, Faculty of Engineering, Law School, Medical School, Faculty of Science, Art and Design, and the Australian Defence Force Academy. Each faculty offers multiple departments covering a broad range of disciplines.

Notable faculties at UNSW include:

  • Faculty of Engineering: Offers over 20 undergraduate programs in fields like Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
  • Business School: Ranked 31st in the 2024 QS Global MBA Rankings[7], known for its practice-oriented programs.
  • Faculty of Built Environment: Offers popular programs in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning, ranked 35th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Architecture & Built Environment[9].

Prominent departments at UNSW include:

  • Department of Accounting and Finance: Ranked 1st in Australia for Accounting and Finance according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject[8].
  • Department of Information Engineering: Offers ACS-accredited Information Technology programs covering fields like Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, and Database Systems.
  • Department of Materials Science: Courses cover the development and application of high-performance materials such as metals and ceramics.
UNSW's Accounting & Finance in Australia ranked number one
UNSW's Accounting & Finance in Australia ranked number one

Source: Freepik

Admission Requirements for the University of New South Wales

According to official information, if applying with Hong Kong DSE scores for an undergraduate degree, most departments at UNSW require scores of 19 or higher, with the highest admission scores being around 28, depending on the program[10].

In addition to academic scores, English language proficiency requirements at UNSW vary by department, with most requiring a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, and no individual component less than 6.0. Some postgraduate programs may require a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0, with no individual component less than 6.0[11].

Tuition Fees at the University of New South Wales

Annual tuition fees at UNSW are approximately AUD $45,000 - 55,000, with engineering programs costing around AUD $54,720 and business programs at least AUD $51,360. Prices may vary, and it is advised to check the university's official website for current rates[12].

Cyclopes Team Provides Comprehensive Information on Australian Higher Education

The University of New South Wales is a top-tier institution in Australia, offering abundant resources and opportunities, especially renowned for its faculties of Engineering and Business. Having reviewed the rankings and accolades of UNSW, students interested in applying should note the admission criteria and associated costs. If you or your parents are seeking further information on studying in Australia, feel free to call or WhatsApp Cyclopes' professional educational consultants, who can tailor the best study plan for you.

Reference:

1. QS World University Rankings 2025:University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-new-south-wales-unsw-sydney

2. QS World University Rankings 2025:Top Global Universities (Australia)

https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=au

3. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024: UNSW Sydney

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/unsw-sydney

4. Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023 (Shanghai Ranking): The University of New South Wales

https://www.shanghairanking.com/institution/the-university-of-new-south-wales

5. Wealth-X - Wealthy Alumni: University UHNW Alumni Rankings 2019

https://wealthx.com/reports/wealthy-alumni-2019

6. Au Finance Yahoo Com - These Australian universities produce the richest graduates

https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/australian-universities-with-the-richest-grads-040026905.html

7. QS Global MBA Rankings 2024

https://www.topuniversities.com/mba-rankings/global?page=2

8. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Accounting & Finance

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/accounting-finance?countries=au

9. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Architecture & Built Environment

https://www.qschina.cn/en/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2024/architecture-built-environment

10. UNSW Sydney - International students entry requirements

https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/international/entry-requirements

11. UNSW Sydney - English language requirements

https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements

12. UNSW Current Students - International Student Fees

https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/fees/international


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