Question 1

Who is UNSW Global?

Accepted Answer

UNSW Global is the part of UNSW Sydney responsible for providing pathway programs which improve access to high quality education and careers.

Question 2

What is a Diploma

Accepted Answer

Diplomas provide a pathway for students into the second year of either the Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Economics. These programs are designed and approved by UNSW Academic Staff and Quality Assurance Committees. Diploma students enjoy a high level of support, while studying in first class facilities at our UNSW Sydney campus.

Question 3

What Degree can I study?

Accepted Answer

Successful graduates from UNSW Diplomas can enter the second year of either the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Economics. To find out more about UNSW Undergraduate programs and future opportunities, please visit UNSW website https://www.international.unsw.edu.au/undergraduate-study.

Question 4

What Degree Specialisations are available?

Accepted Answer

UNSW Diplomas are available in either Business or Computer Science, Engineering or Science. Within each Diploma, students nominate a particular degree specialisation that they would like to follow, depending upon which degree they would like to study in the future. For more information about diploma specialisations please visit the relevant Diploma page.

Question 5

How long is the Diploma?

Accepted Answer

The Diploma is a 12-month program which is taught across three terms of 12 weeks each. International students who successfully complete their Diploma studies can enter the second year of the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Economics. Please note for the Diploma in Science specific subjects are required in second year, which may increase program duration.

Question 6

What courses will I study?

Accepted Answer

The courses that you’ll study depend on what Diploma you decide to do, there are 8 - 9 subjects across 3 terms, 3 main subjects per 12-week term.

Question 7

How will I be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Students are assessed throughout each course using the following methods:

Assignments
Tutorials and laboratory sessions
Mid-Term examinations
Final examinations

Performance in each course is expressed in terms of a letter grade (e.g. PS, CR, DN, HD, FL). To be issued a Diploma, students need to pass (50%) all Diploma courses for the given specialisation. After being issued the Diploma, students can progress directly to send year of the degree, except for Business, where students need to score an average of 60% across all Diploma academic courses and based on their best attempt.

Question 8

What is the progression rate for UNSW Diplomas?

Accepted Answer

Student that undertake the Diploma program generally experience a higher level of success compared with first year degree students. The Diploma program is designed so that you feel supported from day one with smaller class sizes, additional face-to-face contact (between 23%-40%, depending on the course), and scheduled consultations if you require additional support. We also offer English and Academic Literacy studies to help best prepare you for university studies.

In the Diploma program you will study first year curricula, which supports your progression into the second year of a Bachelor degree at UNSW.

In order to progress from the Diploma into the second year of a UNSW degree, you must pass all of your Diploma courses, achieving a minimum score of 50%; in addition, you must also pass the Communication and Academic Literacy course, achieving a grade of at least Satisfactory. If you select the Business Diploma you need to score an average of 60% across all Diploma academic courses to progress to UNSW Business School.

Question 9

What if I don’t meet the English requirements for a UNSW bachelor degree?

Accepted Answer

After completion of your Diploma, if you pass all academic courses other than the Communication and Academic Literacy (English) course, you may choose to study the University English Entry Course (UEEC) or to repeat the Communication and Academic Literacy course before receiving your Diploma. Students who successfully complete the UEEC may progress directly into their degree and do not need to retake an IELTS or similar test. Longer English language programs are also available. For more information, please click: University English Entry Course (UEEC)

Question 10

Why should I study a UNSW Diploma?

Accepted Answer

Students who successfully complete a UNSW Diploma are guaranteed entry into the second year of a UNSW Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Commerce or Economics degree. As a UNSW Diploma student, you’ll be studying in a UNSW-designed program while benefiting from smaller class sizes and full access to UNSW facilities and clubs. You can earn both a UNSW Diploma and a UNSW bachelor degree in the same time as it would take to complete a normal degree.

Question 11

What are the entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma?

Accepted Answer

For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Science click here For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Engineering, click here For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Business, click here For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Computer Science, click here

Question 12

What are the English requirements for UNSW Diplomas?

Accepted Answer

For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Science, click here For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Engineering, click here For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Business, click here For detailed entry requirements for the Diploma in Computer Science, click here

Question 13

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma?

Accepted Answer

Students who do not currently meet the entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma may consider applying for a UNSW Foundation program. For further information, please see: Foundation Studies

Question 14

What if I don’t meet the English requirements for a UNSW Diploma?

Accepted Answer

The University English Entry Course (UEEC) is the ideal preparation for a UNSW Diploma program. It is offered as a 10, 15 or 20 week course and will help you to develop your English language proficiency and vital academic skills such as research and note-taking techniques and academic writing. Once you’ve successfully completed UEEC you may be admitted directly into your chosen Diploma.

Question 15

I’m a domestic student, can I apply for a Diploma?

Accepted Answer

Australian and New Zealand Citizens and Australian permanent residents are not currently eligible for UNSW Diploma programs. For advice on your options, please email agent@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au

Question 16

What are the start dates and tuition fees?

Accepted Answer

There are three intakes per year for UNSW Diplomas: January, May and August. Tuition fees are dependent upon which Diploma program you choose. For detailed dates and tuition fee information for the Diploma in Science, click here For detailed dates and tuition fee information for the Diploma in Engineering, click here For detailed dates and tuition fee information for the Diploma in Business, click here For detailed start dates and tuition fee information for the Diploma in Computer Science, click here

Question 17

What is the cost of living in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Sydney is a great place to live and study, and to help you understand your new city, we have put together some typical costs. Living in Sydney

Question 18

What documents do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

A complete application should include the below documents:

Passport Copy
Certified copies of your Academic transcripts
English Proficiency Test Results if applicable (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) if required
Completed Parent consent form for Under 18 applicants if required

Our Admissions team will contact you if any further documents are required.

Question 19

How do I submit my application?

Accepted Answer

Students are encouraged to apply online at https://apply.unswglobal.unsw.edu.au/ Alternatively, applications can be emailed to: admissions@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au.

Question 20

Do I need health insurance?

Accepted Answer

If you are an international student, you will need overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the whole of your program. We can organise this through our preferred provider, Medibank. The cost of your OSHC will be included in your letter of offer.

Question 21

How do I accept my offer?

Accepted Answer

There are four things you need to do:

Sign the Acceptance Agreement & Declaration for International Student Visa Holders.
For students under 18 years old, please follow our under 18 guidelines and procedures and return the completed form.
Provide proof of payment.
Ensure that you have health insurance (OSHC) in place if you are an International student. Our Admissions team can assist you in arranging this.

Our Admissions team may contact you if any further information is required.

Question 22

What do I do if I have a conditional offer?

Accepted Answer

If you meet the academic entry requirements, but do not meet our English language requirements, you may receive a conditional offer. In this case, you must provide us with evidence of your English language proficiency, such as an IELTS test result. For more information about our English language requirements, for the Diploma in Science click: Diploma in Science English language requirements for the Diploma in Engineering, click: Diploma in Engineering For more information about our English language requirements, for the Diploma in Business, click: Diploma in Business For more information about our English language requirements, for the Diploma in Computer Science, click: Diploma in Computer Science

Question 23

What accommodation options are available?

Accepted Answer

UNSW Global has several accommodation options depending on students’ preferences. For further information, please see: accommodation . If you are an Under 18 year old international student when you start studying with us, and you want to be part of our Under 18 Care Program where we issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW), you must stay in approved accommodation.

Question 24

What student support services are available?

Accepted Answer

The UNSW Global Student Life team provides a comprehensive range of support services to ensure your student experience is happy, rewarding and successful. Our staff are well experienced and here to help you throughout your studies. Please find more details on our website: Student support.

Question 25

Can I change Diploma streams?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to change your Diploma within a stream. Changing from one Diploma stream to another may extend the length of your Diploma. It may be possible to change from a Diploma in Engineering to a Diploma in Science or vice versa, but you will need to make enquires to ensure eligibility. Current students should speak with our Student Services team for information about their individual situation.

What if I do not pass a course?

Question 26

What if I do not pass a course?

Accepted Answer

If you do not pass a Diploma course, we recommend that you make an appointment to see a Student Advisor via email: student.support@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au or visit the Student Services Office to find out about your options. You will normally be able to study that course again in the following intake and will only be required to make payment for the courses you have not passed.

Question 27

How do I receive and accept my offer to UNSW second year?

Accepted Answer

All UNSW Sydney offers will be emailed to the personal email address that you have provided to UNSW Global. UNSW Sydney offers cannot be collected in person or posted to UNSW Global. If you have received your Diploma but have not received a UNSW Sydney offer one week after the release of your UNSW Diploma results, please contact UNSW Admissions directly via https://www.enquiry.unsw.edu.au/

Question 28

What if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

If you already have a Student ID, please email admissions@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au including your Student ID. If you have NOT submitted a UNSW Diploma application, please email: enquiries@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au.

Question 29

What mark do I need to pass my course?

Accepted Answer

To be issued a Diploma, you need to pass all Diploma courses for the given specialisation. After being issued the Diploma, you can progress directly to send year of the degree, except for Business, where you need to score an average of 60% across all Diploma courses.

Question 30

What is CAL?

Accepted Answer

CAL stands for Communication and Academic Literacy, grades are expressed using letters from A-F. In order to pass the course and be eligible for the Diploma award, students must achieve a grade of Satisfactory in CAL.

Question 31

What if I don’t meet the Academic Entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma program, you can study a 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQs: Diplomas

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