Everything you wanted to know about the University of New South Wales, all in one place. We’ve compiled answers to the most searched questions to create your ultimate guide for 2025.
The Basics: About UNSW
What does UNSW stand for?
UNSW stands for the University of New South Wales.
What is UNSW?
UNSW is a leading public research university located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1949, it is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of Australia’s top research-intensive universities.
Where is UNSW located?
The main UNSW campus is located in Kensington, a suburb in the east of Sydney, approximately 7 kilometres from the city centre. There are also smaller campuses in Paddington (for Arts, Design & Architecture) and Canberra (for UNSW at ADFA).
How to get to UNSW?
The Kensington campus is well-serviced by public transport. The most common methods are:
- Light Rail: The L2 and L3 lines run from Circular Quay in the city, with multiple stops directly on or next to the campus.
- Buses: Numerous bus routes from the city, Central Station, and surrounding suburbs stop at the UNSW bus interchange on campus.
How many students are at UNSW?
UNSW has a large and diverse student body, with over 60,000 students from more than 130 countries.
What is UNSW known for?
UNSW is particularly well-regarded for engineering (especially Photovoltaic/Solar), business, law, and computer science. It has a strong reputation for research, industry links, and producing employable graduates.
Admissions & Entry for 2025
Does UNSW do early entry?
Yes, UNSW has several early entry schemes. The main one for high school students is the UNSW Gateway Program. They also participate in the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS).
When does UNSW early entry open and close?
Typically, applications for major early entry schemes like the Gateway Program and SRS (via UAC) open around April/May and close in mid-to-late September. Always check the official UNSW and UAC websites for exact dates each year.
When do UNSW offers come out?
Early entry offers are usually released in November. The main rounds of offers for all students based on ATAR results are released in late December and throughout January.
When is UNSW Open Day?
The UNSW Open Day is typically held on the first Saturday of September. It’s the best opportunity to explore the campus, talk to academics, and get a feel for university life.
How to transfer to UNSW?
Transferring to UNSW from another university is known as applying for an “Internal Program Transfer” if you’re already at UNSW, or applying as a non-high school leaver through UAC. Your application will be assessed based on your university results (your WAM or GPA) and, in some cases, your original ATAR.
Academics & Enrolment
When does UNSW start in 2025?
UNSW operates on a trimester system. The key starting date for new students is the beginning of Term 1, which is part of O-Week.
- O-Week & Term 1 Starts: Mid-February 2025
- Term 2 Starts: Late May / Early June 2025
- Term 3 Starts: Mid-September 2025
Why does UNSW have trimesters?
UNSW moved to a trimester system (three 10-week terms) in 2019. The stated reasons were to offer students more flexibility, allow them to spread their study load or fast-track their degree, and to better align with international university calendars.
How to enrol or register for classes at UNSW?
Enrolment is done online via myUNSW. The process is generally:
- Accept your offer.
- Plan your degree using the UNSW Handbook for your course structure.
- Log in to myUNSW and go to the “Enrolment” section.
- Add the courses you’ve chosen for the upcoming term to your cart.
- Finalise your enrolment. Class registration (allocating your specific tutorial/lab times) usually opens closer to the start of term.
How is WAM calculated at UNSW?
WAM stands for Weighted Average Mark. It is the average of all your marks in all completed courses, weighted by the unit of credit (UOC) value of each course. The formula is: Sum of (Mark x UOC) / Total Sum of UOC.
What is a good WAM at UNSW?
This is subjective, but generally:
- Pass/Credit (50-74): A standard academic standing.
- Distinction (75-84): Considered a very good WAM.
- High Distinction (85+): An outstanding, exceptional WAM.
What happens if you fail a course at UNSW?
If you fail a course, you will not receive the units of credit, and the fail mark will be included in your WAM calculation. If it’s a core course, you will need to re-enrol and pass it in a subsequent term. The university has academic support services to help students who are struggling.
Campus Life & Logistics
How to connect to UNSW WiFi (Eduroam)?
UNSW uses the global Eduroam network. The process is:
- On your device’s WiFi settings, select “Eduroam”.
- For the username, enter your student ID in the format zID@ad.unsw.edu.au (e.g., z1234567@ad.unsw.edu.au).
- For the password, use your standard zID password.
- Accept any security certificates if prompted.
How to print at UNSW?
Printing is managed through the UNSW printing service. You can send documents from university computers or your own device via the web portal (https://webprint.unsw.edu.au/). You then go to any printer on campus, tap your student ID card, and release the job.
When does UNSW accommodation open for 2025?
Applications for on-campus accommodation for the following year typically open in September. It’s highly competitive, so it’s recommended to apply as early as possible.
The Big Question: UNSW vs. USyd
Is UNSW or USyd better?
This is the classic Sydney university debate! The truth is, both are world-class universities, and the “better” choice depends entirely on you and your chosen field.
| Factor | UNSW | USyd (University of Sydney) |
| Strengths | Engineering, Business, Tech, Law | Arts & Humanities, Medicine, Music |
| Campus Vibe | Modern, tech-focused, consolidated | Traditional, historic, closer to the city |
| Calendar | Trimesters (3 x 10-week terms) | Semesters (2 x 13-week terms) |
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The Verdict: If you are focused on STEM or business and prefer a modern campus and trimester system, UNSW might be a better fit. If you are passionate about arts, humanities, or medicine and love a historic campus feel and traditional semester system, USyd could be your choice. The best thing to do is attend the Open Days for both to see which one feels right for you.
