Diploma in Computer Science
Take the first step in your study of the design, construction and uses of computer systems with a Diploma in Computer Science at UNSW Sydney, for a direct pathway into Second Year at Australia’s top Engineering faculty.
Your path to a global top 50 university1
Support as you learn
Directly connected to UNSW
Who is this program for?
A UNSW Diploma is the perfect transition to university life in Australia. It’s ideal for international students who need extra support, including those who just missed out on direct entry into their preferred bachelor degree, or hold qualifications that aren’t recognised by UNSW Sydney.
Study a Diploma in Computer Science at UNSW Global2, and progress to Second Year at UNSW Sydney to study a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
A UNSW Diploma makes it easy to adjust to university, with:
- smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- additional English and academic skill support
- course material equivalent to First Year courses within the UNSW Sydney degree, and
- access to the same facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
Why study Computer Science at UNSW Sydney?
Pursue your passion to create solutions that will change the world, with a career in the dynamic world of computer systems.
UNSW’s globally renowned School of Computer Science and Engineering is in the #1 Engineering faculty in Australia, providing world-class education that empowers students through a hands-on approach.
You will explore new ideas and diverse perspectives within a vibrant student community, through a wide choice of majors available in your Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
Diploma in Computer Science program information
| Intakes | January, May, August |
See intake dates
|
| Duration | 12 months | |
| Terms | 3 terms | See academic calendar |
| Courses | 8 courses | See program structure |
| Weekly class time | Approximately 20-25 hours | |
| Progression | Second Year, Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at UNSW Sydney | Find out more |
| Scholarships | Up to $7,500 | Find out more |
"The Diploma Program offers a more personalised introduction to your UNSW degree. Small class sizes allow you to get to know your lecturers and tutors. The program runs at a slower pace than the standard first year courses, helping you to balance your study and non-study time with less pressure."
Dr Noel Hanna
Progress to UNSW Sydney
Once you successfully complete a UNSW Diploma in Computer Science, you will progress to Second Year at UNSW Sydney to study a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) and choose a degree major to prepare you for your future career.
The Diploma courses that you will study will be dependent on the major that you choose. To learn more about the program structure and courses you will study, view the UNSW Handbook.
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) majors:
Note: Diploma in Computer Science students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to Second Year of the relevant degree program at UNSW.
Diploma entry requirements
Check if you meet the academic and English language entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma Program.
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma Program, you can study a UNSW Foundation Studies Program first.
If you need help meeting the English language requirements, you could study the University English Entry Course (UEEC) before starting your UNSW Diploma Program.
Key dates
| Start | Finish | Continue to Second Year at UNSW | Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Jan 2022 | 9 Dec 2022 | Term 1 - 13 Feb 2023 | View Calendar |
| 9 May 2022 | 28 Apr 2023 | Term 2 - 29 May 2023 | View Calendar |
| 29 Aug 2022 | 18 Aug 2023 | Term 3 - 11 Sep 2023 | View Calendar |
Note: The tuition fee that you will pay depends on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course. Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included. You can view non-tuition fees here.
“While studying the Diploma Program at UNSW Global, one of the most important things I learnt was time management – and balancing my study and social life. The great facilities, close proximity and similarities between the systems at UNSW Global and UNSW Sydney really helped to prepare me for further studies at UNSW.”
Aileen Inez Widjaja
Indonesia
Ready to apply?
Find out how to apply or complete your application.
Have more questions?
Find the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.
We're here to help
Contact us to find out more about our pathway programs.
Notes
- 1 QS World University Rankings, 2022 .
- 2 UNSW Diploma Programs are delivered on UNSW campus by UNSW Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of UNSW Sydney.
- Australian permanent residents, Australian citizens and New Zealand citizens are not eligible to enrol in Diploma Programs at this time. If a student becomes an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or New Zealand citizen after they enrol, they must continue to pay international student fees for the duration of their Diploma Program and will be subject to additional competitive processes for entry into a UNSW Sydney program.
