About UNSW College

Learn more about the leaders in Australian international education.

UNSW College students studying together

Discover your potential with UNSW College

UNSW College, owned by UNSW Sydney, offers pathway programs for international students to university. With a longstanding commitment to international and transnational education, UNSW was the first in Australia to offer a Foundation Studies program, and also established the first university language centre in the country. 

More recently, our offerings have increased with the addition of Diplomas and our newly established, fully online programs. With campuses in Sydney and our programs available to study around the world, we’ve helped more than 40,000 students reach their university dreams over the past 50 years.  

With all this experience, our goal is to provide a supportive transition to a degree at UNSW, whether you choose to study at the Sydney campus, in your home country, or online. You can build your confidence and master important academic and English language skills while getting practical experience and personal support to make the most of your university studies. 

  • We were the 1st

    The first Foundation Studies program and university language centre in Australia.

  • Over 40,000 graduates

    From our Diploma and Foundation Studies programs, enjoying success at university and in their careers.

  • 50 years’ experience

    In language teaching and preparing students for university.

Our history 

A proud past and bright future for English language and international education excellence. 

Welcoming students from all backgrounds and nations is a big part of life and learning at UNSW. That’s why the UNSW Institute of Languages was established in 1966, paving the way for UNSW College as we know it today.

Classes began at the UNSW Institute of Languages in its first premises in Kensington in 1968. One year later, Intensive English courses were run for Czechoslovakian refugees, and by 1973 around 600 students were studying English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, following increased awareness of the importance of Asian languages in the region.  

In 1975, the first courses in interpreting and translating were offered and 1000 migrants with professional qualifications were studying English with us.  

As student numbers continued to grow, the Institute moved to UNSW’s Randwick Campus and interest expanded in the Japanese student market. 

In 1989, the English for Academic Purposes courses were launched, a predecessor for the English Language Programs we offer today. Over the next 20 years, the Institute continued to grow, offering more language programs and the first Foundation Studies program in Australia in 1989,  and five years later, this program was offered internationally for the first time – giving students the opportunity to study Australian university content in their own country.  

In 2006, the Institute is integrated into UNSW Global Pty Limited and the current Kensington campus opened in 2007. As students from around the world continued to choose UNSW College to complete Foundation Studies and English Language Programs both here and abroad, we developed and launched its Diploma programs in 2018. This broad offering, including the launch of bespoke online programs in 2020, gives students a range of options when considering their university dreams. 

Over the past 50 years, we’ve helped more than 40,000 graduates achieve their dreams of studying at university, it’s a legacy of international education that we’re extremely proud of – and there are more to come. 

The pathway to UNSW Sydney 

When you progress to UNSW, you will be part of a world-leading university recognised by employers, organisations and governments around the globe.

It is a place to discover and grow your strengths and knowledge through life‑changing experiences and inspirational mentoring from world-renowned academics. We’re here to support you on your journey to a world-class education, and help build the foundations for a successful global career. 

Discover your pathway to UNSW

  • World Top 20 university
    Currently ranked 19th in the world.

    QS World University Rankings, 2024

  • Employable graduates
    Ranked 1st in Sydney and NSW and 27th in the world for Employer Reputation.

    QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2020

  • Global connections
    Ranked 21st most international university in the world

    For number of international students, staff and scholar collaboration. Times Higher Education Rankings, 2021

  • A Group of Eight university
    UNSW is a member of the prestigious coalition of

    Australia’s leading research-intensive universities

  • Number 1 in Australia
    UNSW is the top ranked university in Australia for Accounting and Finance,

    QS World University Rankings, 2022

Study with us 

Whatever academic or English language level you’re at, we have a pathway program to support your university dreams. 

Study on campus in Sydney, on campus in your home country or online – there are programs to suit everyone and every degree path. 

Diplomas

A UNSW Diploma can launch you straight into Second Year of your chosen undergraduate degree. This 12-month program is equivalent to your First Year at university, and you can choose from Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media & Communication or Science.

Foundation Studies

A Foundation Studies program is your supportive pathway to the First Year of any UNSW degree. With four programs of varying lengths and streams that align with UNSW’s degree programs, our programs are designed so you’re well-prepared for university.

Academic English

With our range of Academic English programs, you will learn how to communicate effectively, participate in lectures and tutorials, read and understand university-level texts, and build your confidence before starting university.

UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.

Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).

From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas and Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Pre-Masters
From 6 May 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of the Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers Academic English under CRICOS Provider code 01020K. See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information.

© 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited