University of New South Wales (Sydney)

Student experiences

Exchange at UNSW

Student life 

The academic year at UNSW is divided into four academic terms;

Term 1, from mid-February until mid-May.
Term 2, from early June until late August.
Term 3, from mid-September until mid-December.
(Australian) Summer/January Term, from early January until mid-February.

UNSW will offer two tailored terms for Study Abroad and Exchange Students:
Tailored Term 1: Summer Term + Term 1, from early January until mid-May.
Tailored Term 3: T2C (August) Winter Term + Term 3, from mid-August until mid-December.

Academic calendar

Minimum average grade (at the moment of applying at UU): 3.0 GPA or 65% credit average (Aus) = 6.5 at UU. 

English:

If English isn't your first language you will need to provide proof of English proficiency at time of application for UNSW (application deadlines for Tailord Term 3 & Term 3 2022: 1 April / Tailord Term 1&Term 1 2023: 15 October)

You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one of UNSW’s approved criteria. You should upload your supporting documents to your Study Abroad or Exchange application (so you should have the test score available by then). English proficiency is an entry requirement and UNSW cannot accept students without it. 

UNSW recognises a number of English Language tests and English Preparation Courses which can be undertaken to meet the University’s English language requirements: More information. 
 

English

Areas of study: UNSW offers a width breadth of courses for BA's + MA's exchange students across eight faculties:

Art & Design
Arts & Social Sciences
Built Environment
Business
Engineering
Law
Science

Be aware that there are restrictions to the courses

See for more specific information about the courses and restiction the fact sheet (above at this page) and the student handbook here below:

Student Handbook

You are required to enrol in a full-time load at UNSW. The normal full-time load is 18 units of credit per term and 24 units of credit for tailored terms (3 subjects per term or 4 subjects per tailored term). It is not possible to underload or overload. 

Course selection:

You can search for courses on the UNSW Handbook and you can view instructions on how to identify and search for these courses. When choosing your courses, it is important to be flexible. You can also refer to the Winter Term Course Guide for information on the courses that are expected to run during our Winter Term. 

Course offering Summer 2023 Term 

Course offering Term 1 2023

Yes

For master students: Postgraduate students who are in their first semester and who do not have a transcript with results for their postgraduate studies at time of application should select first year postgraduate courses. Upper-level postgraduate courses will not be approved without a transcript demonstrating you meet any prerequisite courses, and you need to provide your transcript at least 6 weeks before term start date to be able to request enrolment in these courses at UNSW. Courses at the Faculty of Science are not available for master students.

For bachelor students:

• Faculty of Law: Undergraduate students are encouraged to also look at master courses, since the undergraduate offer for Exchange students is limited and can only choose first year postgraduate courses. 
• Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture: Undergraduate students can only enrol in undergraduate courses
• UNSW Business School: Students can only choose first year postgraduate courses
• Engineering: Students can only choose first year postgraduate courses
• Faculty of Science: Postgraduate psychology courses are not available to exchange students.

UNSW assists with finding housing. On-campus housing (residence halls), student apartments and off-campus housing are available. All these can be arranged through the Housing Office. The ISS-marketplace is also the online database available to help with housing, furniture etc. There’s a non-refundable housing administration fee of AU$ 25.

accommodation.unsw.edu.au

student.unsw.edu.au/accommodation

We recommend around AU$10,000 – AU$12,000 per half year and AU$19,000 – AU $23,000 per year for an in-person exchange. Please note that this is for the basics and does not include holiday travel and entertainment costs.

You may also wish to refer to the Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator (studyaustralia.gov.au) to get an estimate on how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia.

You can find information on this university’s credits in the credit conversion table

5 semester places

Drawing lots was needed last year.

All students are required by the Australian government to have OSHC medical insurance for the duration of their student visa with the exception of Norwegian, Swedish and Belgium passport holders. Details are provided to students on their acceptance. 

As an exchange student, you are eligible to apply for a student visa for the duration of your study (either one semester or one year). Exchange students are classified as a non-award student (student visa sub class 575).
Per July 2024 the visa costs have increased with 125%. From AUD 710 (= around 440 euro) naar AUD 1600 (= around 998 euro). Applicable as of the second semester at UU in AY 24-25. 

See for more information: http://www.international.unsw.edu.au/visas

Shortly before the start of each semester, we hold a compulsory orientation program to ensure that you are correctly enrolled and settled. It’s a good opportunity for you to meet other students and become familiar with Sydney.

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