If you want to know how to get into UNSW for 2027, the short version is this: apply on time, reach the selection rank for your degree, and use every official scheme you are eligible for. This guide is for students and parents in Australia, India, China, South-East Asia, the UK and the US, and covers every step with official 2027 facts.
Key takeaways
- Australian students (and anyone with an Australian Year 12, IB studied in Australia or NZ NCEA Level 3) apply through UAC. Most other international students apply directly to UNSW.
- UNSW decides most offers on your selection rank: ATAR plus adjustment factors. For 2027 admission, domestic students can gain up to 10 points across UNSW's schemes.
- UNSW has no formal prerequisites. It lists assumed knowledge, and for many engineering, computing and commerce degrees that means Mathematics Extension 1 or Mathematics Advanced.
- Key dates: ATARs come out on 16 December 2026, December Round 2 offers on 23 December 2026, and UAC applications close on 5 February 2027.
- UNSW does not publish a "guaranteed ATAR". Only a Gateway early offer guarantees a place, and only for eligible students.
How do you get into UNSW in 2027?
Quick answer: Apply through UAC if you are finishing an Australian Year 12, or directly to UNSW if you are an international student with an overseas qualification. Reach the lowest selection rank (or international score) for your degree, study the assumed knowledge subjects, meet English rules if needed, and add any adjustment factor or early-offer applications before their deadlines.
Which route should you use to apply to UNSW?
There are two main doors: UAC and direct application. Which door you use depends on your qualification, not your passport.
The main ways into UNSW for 2027 entry.
The UAC application is for domestic students and for international students doing an Australian Year 12. You list up to five preferences. The Gateway Admission Pathway is for eligible domestic students and can give an early or early conditional offer. Portfolio Entry is for domestic students applying to selected Arts, Design and Architecture degrees. Adjustment factors can add up to 10 points for domestic students in 2027. Most international students with overseas qualifications apply directly to UNSW online. The Indigenous Admission Scheme is interview-based and not ATAR dependent.
Who must apply through UAC?
All domestic students apply through UAC. So do international students doing an Australian Year 12 or NZ NCEA Level 3. For IB students, UAC is optional, says UNSW's 2027 international entry table. Everyone else applies directly to UNSW.
What are the key dates for UNSW 2027 entry?
Dates come from UAC's 2026–2027 key dates for Year 12 students and UNSW's international admissions page. UAC says dates can change, so check again before each deadline.
Key dates for UNSW Term 1, 2027 entry.
15 November 2026 is the last completed-application deadline for direct international applicants for Term 1, 2027. 27 November 2026 is when EAPL applications close. 10 December 2026 is when that last round of international offers is released. 16 December 2026 is when NSW HSC results and ATARs come out. December Round 2 offers arrive on 23 December 2026, January Round 1 offers on 8 January 2027, and UAC applications close on 5 February 2027.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 30 September 2026 | UAC early bird processing charge ended (about $82; standard charge about $215) |
| 16 November 2026, 12pm | UNSW Portfolio Entry Round 2 closes |
| 27 November 2026 | EAPL applications close |
| 16 December 2026 | HSC results (6am) and ATARs (9am) released |
| 18 December 2026 | Last day to change preferences for December Round 2 |
| 23 December 2026 | December Round 2 offers |
| 8 January 2027 | January Round 1 offers |
| 5 February 2027 | UAC applications close for semester 1, 2027 |
UNSW's 2027 guide says the majority of offers come in December Round 2 (if your ATAR is in UAC before 23 December 2026) and January Round 1 (if it arrives after that). IB students in NSW and the ACT get their IBAS from UAC on 18 December 2026.
How does the UNSW selection rank work?
UNSW explains it in one line in its 2027 domestic undergraduate guide: selection rank = ATAR + adjustment factors.
How UNSW turns your ATAR into a selection rank.
You start with your ATAR, which is your raw rank. UNSW adds any adjustment factors you earn, up to 10 points in total for 2027. The result is your selection rank. UNSW compares it with the lowest selection rank for your degree.
What is the difference between lowest ATAR and lowest selection rank?
Lowest ATAR is the lowest raw rank that got an offer. Lowest selection rank is the adjusted rank you needed. UNSW says selection rank is the better guide for 2027 applicants. Both change every year.
Is there guaranteed entry at UNSW?
No. UNSW does not publish a guaranteed entry ATAR. Its entry requirements page says admission is merit-based and competitive. The one true guarantee is a Gateway early offer: you keep your place as long as you sit your exams and receive an ATAR, whatever the score.
What were recent lowest selection ranks?
These are 2026 lowest selection ranks printed in UNSW's 2027 guide. Use them as a guide, not a promise.
| Degree (UAC code) | 2026 lowest selection rank | Assumed knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| Commerce (424000) | 97 | Mathematics Advanced |
| Engineering (Hons), Flexible First Year (425000) | 95 | Mathematics Extension 1, Physics |
| Advanced Computer Science (Hons) (425805) | 96 | Mathematics Extension 1 |
| Science (429000) | 83 | Mathematics Advanced or Extension 1, plus one or more sciences |
| Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (428000) | ATAR + UCAT ANZ + interview | Check the degree page |
Check every degree in the UNSW Degree Finder. Some degrees need extra steps: Medicine (UCAT ANZ and an extra application), Fine Arts Music (audition), Aviation (Flying), Co-op degrees and UNSW Canberra.
What adjustment factors does UNSW offer?
Domestic students can gain up to 10 points across UNSW's schemes for 2027 admission. Details are on the UNSW adjustment factors page.
| Scheme | Points | How to apply |
|---|---|---|
| HSC Plus | Up to 5 in the 2027 guide (web page lists 3 for most degrees) | Automatic via UAC |
| Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) | Up to 5 | Apply to UNSW by 27 November 2026 |
| Educational Access Scheme (EAS / ACCESS) | Up to 10 | Apply via UAC |
What is HSC Plus?
HSC Plus rewards strong bands in Year 12 subjects that relate to your degree. You do not apply; UAC data is used. UNSW's 2027 guide says "up to five points", but its web page lists a maximum of 3 for most Sydney degrees (5 at UNSW Canberra at ADFA). Use the HSC Plus calculator to check. Medicine, Double Law and Co-op degrees are excluded.
Merit-based factors (including HSC Plus and EAPL) are capped at 5 points combined.
Who can get EAPL points?
EAPL is for elite achievement in sport, academics, leadership or music during Years 11 and/or 12. Applications for 2027 opened on 17 August 2026 and close on 27 November 2026.
What is the Educational Access Scheme?
EAS is for students whose Year 11 and 12 study was affected by long-term disadvantage, such as illness, financial hardship or caring duties. You apply through UAC. It does not guarantee an offer and is not open to international fee-paying students.
What about Gateway and Portfolio Entry?
- Gateway Admission Pathway: for domestic students who meet an equity criterion, such as living in a low-SES area, being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or attending a Gateway partner school. Early conditional offers can be up to 15 points below the usual selection rank for some degrees. Round 2 for 2027 closed on 9 November 2026, and firm offers come on 17 December 2026. See the Gateway page.
- Portfolio Entry: for domestic students applying to selected Arts, Design and Architecture degrees. You lodge your UAC application first, then a portfolio. Round 2 closes on 16 November 2026 at 12pm.
What subjects do you need for UNSW?
UNSW has no formal prerequisites. It uses assumed knowledge. If you skip an assumed subject you can still get an offer, but UNSW warns you may "start behind" in first year. It strongly recommends a bridging course and runs bridging courses in maths, chemistry and physics each year.
For maths-heavy degrees, plan like this:
- Engineering (Hons) and Advanced Computer Science: Mathematics Extension 1 (and Physics for most engineering streams). Our HSC Maths Extension 1 guide explains the course.
- Commerce, many health degrees, Aviation: Mathematics Advanced. See our HSC Maths Advanced guide.
- Science: Mathematics Advanced or Extension 1, plus at least one science.
Students in other states and systems should check the assumed knowledge on each degree page and match it to their own maths course. If you are thinking about engineering more broadly, read how to become an engineer.
Book a free demo class if you want a mentor to check whether your maths subject choices match the UNSW degree you want. You can also see our plans and fees.
How do international students get into UNSW?
International students with overseas qualifications apply directly to UNSW online. All 2027 intakes opened on 18 February 2026. For Term 1, 2027, the last completed-application deadline is 15 November 2026, with offers on 10 December 2026. UNSW says it will "do our best" to give late applicants an outcome by 10 December, but cannot guarantee it.
What scores do you need from IB, A-Level, CBSE, ISC, Gaokao or SAT?
These come from UNSW's 2027 international undergraduate entry table. UNSW says the table is a guide only, and actual requirements may be higher or lower.
| Degree | IB | A-Level score | CBSE (%) | ISC (%) | Gaokao (%) | SAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce | 36 | 15 | 85 | 92 | 80 | 1300 |
| Engineering (Hons) | 35 | 13 | 81 | 90 | 75 | 1260 |
| Advanced Computer Science (Hons) | 36 | 14 | 85 | 91 | 80 | 1280 |
| Science | 29 | 10 | 75 | 83 | 70 | 1150 |
| Actuarial Studies | 41 | 17 | 90 | 95 | 91 | 1390 |
How UNSW counts each:
- A-Levels (UK): at least two A2 subjects. Grades count as A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 across all A-Level subjects (no repeats). Compare the systems in IB vs A-Level.
- IB Diploma: total points. The table notes IB figures are based on scores for 2025 entry. Read our IB Diploma Programme guide for how the score is built.
- CBSE (India): average percentage across English or Hindi and your best four other externally examined subjects.
- ISC (India): average of English and your best three externally examined subjects.
- Gaokao (China): percentage average of all attempted subjects, using each province's maximum mark.
- SAT (US): Maths plus Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, taken from March 2016, plus proof you finished high school. Up to two AP grades of 4 or 5 can lower the SAT score you need.
UNSW accepts predicted results for IB, A-Levels, CBSE and some others, with a buffer above the normal requirement. International Medicine applicants must sit the ISAT or UCAT ANZ.
What English score does UNSW need?
From the UNSW English language requirements page:
| Faculty | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Science, Medicine & Health, Arts, Design & Architecture | 6.5 (6.0 each band) | 90 | 64 |
| Business, Law & Justice | 7.0 (6.0 each band) | 94 | 65 |
Some degrees, such as Education, ask for more. Tests must be taken no more than two years before you start. You may also meet the rule through school English: for example, C1 in CBSE English Core (B2 for Business), 70% in ISC English (80% for Business), or Grade 4 in IB English A HL or Grade 5 at SL.
How much does UNSW cost?
UNSW degree pages currently show 2026 indicative fees. 2027 figures were not shown on the pages we checked.
| Degree | 2026 indicative first-year fee (international) | 2026 indicative full degree (international) | 2026 indicative first-year CSP contribution (domestic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering (Hons) | A$61,500 | A$265,500 | A$8,000 |
| Commerce | A$56,500 | A$180,500 | A$17,500 |
Fees depend on the units of credit you take and which faculty teaches them. Check the UNSW fees page and your degree page for the latest figures.
What scholarships can help?
- International students: the Term 1, 2027 international scholarship round closed on 30 October 2026. It included the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship (full tuition or $20,000 per year). The $10,000 Australia's Global University Award is assessed automatically for eligible students with an offer.
- Domestic students: the UNSW Co-op Program gives $21,600 per year, guaranteed for four years, plus industry training. UNSW encourages you to apply if you expect an ATAR of 96 or above.
- Equity awards: the $10,000 UNSW Advantage Award and $1,000 Gateway Award for eligible Gateway students.
Search all awards, including merit awards like the Scientia Scholarship, at scholarships.unsw.edu.au and check the 2027 rules.
How do you apply to UNSW step by step?
The UNSW application process for domestic students in six steps.
First, pick your degrees and check their assumed knowledge. Next, apply through UAC with up to five preferences. Add any EAPL, Gateway or Portfolio applications before their deadlines. Get your ATAR on 16 December 2026. Adjust your preferences before each offer round, then accept your offer and enrol.
International direct applicants follow a similar path, but apply online to UNSW and accept by the deadline in their offer.
What is a good plan from Year 9 or 10?
- Year 9: Build strong algebra skills. They decide whether you can take a harder maths course later.
- Year 10: Choose senior subjects for your target degree. For engineering or computing, aim for Mathematics Extension 1 (or the equivalent in IB, A-Level or your board), plus Physics for engineering.
- Year 11: Your EAPL evidence comes from Years 11 and 12, so keep certificates for sport, music, leadership or academic awards. Start comparing UNSW with the University of Sydney, ANU and the University of Melbourne.
- Year 12, Term 1 to 3: Apply through UAC, check Gateway and Portfolio rounds, and plan English tests if you are international.
- Year 12, Term 4: Finish EAPL, sit exams, then manage preferences in December.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Ignoring assumed knowledge. First-year maths will be harder without it.
- Treating last year's rank as a promise. Lowest selection ranks change every year.
- Missing side deadlines. EAPL and Portfolio Entry close well before UAC applications.
- Adding up points wrongly. Merit factors are capped, and HSC Plus excludes some degrees.
- Using an old English test. Tests older than two years before your start date do not count.
How Asymptode helps you with getting into UNSW
Getting into UNSW mostly comes down to your Year 12 maths and science results and taking the right assumed knowledge subjects. At Asymptode, a qualified mentor teaches your child one-to-one, live online. Lessons follow your actual course, whether that is HSC Mathematics Advanced or Extension 1, IB Maths, A-Level Maths, CBSE or ISC. The mentor plans around the real 2027 entry dates, including final exams before ATARs come out on 16 December 2026.
Between classes, your child gets a worksheet made from whatever their last attempt showed they did not yet understand, set at their level and never generic. Asymptode uses AI to draft this practice from the mentor's brief, and nothing is sent until the mentor has approved it. The mentor then marks the work, and you see what was understood and what to practise next, so preparation keeps adjusting towards the UNSW degree your child wants. For subjects outside maths and science, like English or a portfolio, the mentor helps with planning, method and reviewing practice. Book a free demo class or see our fees.
Facts checked against official sources on 11 November 2026.
FAQ
What ATAR do you need to get into UNSW?
It depends on the degree. In 2026, Commerce had a lowest selection rank of 97, Engineering (Hons) Flexible First Year 95, and Science 83. These are past figures, and 2027 ranks will only be known after offers.
Can I get into UNSW without Maths Extension 1?
Yes. UNSW has assumed knowledge, not formal prerequisites, so you can still get an offer. But degrees like Engineering and Advanced Computer Science assume Extension 1, so you may start behind. UNSW recommends a bridging course.
When do UNSW offers come out for 2027?
Most offers come in December Round 2 on 23 December 2026 and January Round 1 on 8 January 2027. Direct international applicants in the last Term 1 round get offers on 10 December 2026.
Does UNSW accept CBSE and ISC students?
Yes. UNSW's 2027 entry table lists CBSE and ISC scores for each degree. For example, Engineering (Hons) lists 81% for CBSE and 90% for ISC. The table is a guide only.
Do IB students apply through UAC or directly?
IB students can apply either way. UNSW's table says applying through UAC is optional for IB students, in Australia or overseas. Check which route your school uses for releasing results.
How many points can adjustment factors add at UNSW?
For 2027 admission, domestic students can gain up to 10 points in total. Merit-based schemes such as HSC Plus and EAPL are capped at 5 points combined. EAS can give up to 10 points on its own.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- UNSW 2027 Domestic Undergraduate Guide
- UNSW Undergraduate Entry Requirements for 2027 (International)
- UAC Key Dates for Year 12 Students 2026–2027
- UNSW Adjustment Factors
- UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway
- UNSW International Admissions Information
- UNSW English Language Requirements
- UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- UNSW Bachelor of Commerce
- UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 1, 2027
- UAC: UNSW Sydney admission criteria and entry schemes