IELTS Requirement for University of New South Wales: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses

Ranked at 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is one of Australia’s leading universities known for its research and academic excellence. As a result, it attracts students from all over the world to apply for its undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. The overall minimum IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales is 6.5, with at least 6 in each section in IELTS Academic, and international students need to fulfill this criterion besides other requirements to join their dream university.

In this blog, we will provide a detailed look at the IELTS requirements for different undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at UNSW.

Undergraduate IELTS Requirement for University of New South Wales

Undergraduate programs at UNSW are offered in various subjects and have varying IELTS requirements depending on the faculty and the specific course. While some have the overall IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales & UNSW Canberra, which is 6.5 with no less than 6 in each of the four modules, programs in law, medicine and design require a higher IELTS band score.

Below is a detailed table that lists some popular undergraduate courses as per faculty, along with their IELTS requirements and other important criteria.

Postgraduate IELTS Requirement for University of New South Wales

Postgraduate programs, like undergraduate courses, in the University of New South Wales have varying IELTS exam requirements. The overall IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales & UNSW CanberraIt in the postgraduate programs is 6.5 with at least 6 in each module. It highlights how UNSW ensures that international students have the language skills necessary to succeed in their academic and social life at the university.

The requirements for some popular postgraduate programs as per faculty are listed in the table below along with exceptions.

IELTS Exemptions at University of New South Wales

There are some situations in which candidates to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) may be eligible for an IELTS exemption, even though many international students must present an IELTS score as evidence of their English competence. This implies that if students fulfill specific requirements, they might not be required to submit their IELTS results. The main situations where IELTS exemptions might be given are listed below.

To make it easier for prospective students to understand whether they qualify for an IELTS exemption at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), here is a comprehensive table summarizing the exemption criteria:

How to Apply for an IELTS Exemption?

If one believes that they can qualify for an IELTS exemption based on any of the above criteria, they must submit supporting documentation along with the application. The process typically involves:

• Applying during Online Application: Candidates can apply for an English Waiver during the online application by providing a personal statement and supporting documentation under the English Language Requirements section.
• Submitting a Formal Request: Some faculties or departments may require a formal exemption request form. Be sure to check with the specific program.
• Providing Relevant Documents: Examples include certificates, transcripts, official letters from educational institutions or employers, and evidence of work experience.
• Submission Date: Requests for English waivers must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the relevant deadline.
• Review by the Admissions Office: The Admissions Office at UNSW will review the application and supporting documents to determine whether the exemption applies.

Important Considerations for Admission to University of New South Wales

Besides knowing the IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales, it is crucial for IELTS aspirants to learn about the other important considerations for admission. Check out these factors below.

• Important Conditions: UNSW accepts a number of English language qualifications to meet their English language requirements including IELTS. However, candidates have to complete the test no more than two years before the intended start date, the English test must be dated on or after the 1st of January (two years prior) for Term 1 commencement, 1st of May for Term 2 commencement or the 1st of August (two years prior) for Term 3 commencement. Additionally, they need to achieve the minimum scores for the desired program.
• Program-Specific Exemptions: Certain programs may have stricter requirements regarding IELTS exemptions. Always refer to the specific course or faculty page on the UNSW website to understand if the exemption applies to the chosen field of study.
• Timely Submission: Ensure that all exemption-related documentation is submitted well in advance of the application deadline to avoid any delays in processing the admission.
• IELTS One Retake Skill: One Skill Retake is accepted by the University of New South Wales. In order to qualify, candidates need to book their IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of their original test date, and they can take only one retake per full IELTS test.
• Other Ways to Fulfill Language Requirement: UNSW also accepts some other English tests or conditions apart from IELTS. The table below summarizes these exemption criteria.

Ensuring that candidates meet the IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales is a crucial step toward securing admission to this reputable institution. The university places a strong emphasis on language proficiency to help international students excel in their academic journey. Adequate preparation will not only help candidates to meet the necessary standards, but also equip them with the skills to thrive in their studies at UNSW.

Also Check:

• IELTS Score Requirement for University of Queensland: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses
• IELTS Requirement for the University of Western Australia: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses
• IELTS Requirement for Australian National University
• MBBS in Australia for Indian Students: Top Colleges, Fees, & Career Opportunities
• Australia PR Eligibility: Criteria, Pathways, Cost & More
• Australia PR Procedure: Processing Time, Eligibility, and Cost
• Cost of Living in Australia for International Students
• Intakes in Australia for International Students: Process, Documents & Eligibility
• PhD in Australia - Eligibility, Admission 2024-25, Cost, Courses and Scholarships
• How to Prepare IELTS at Home?