About us
Since 1966, UNSW College has been committed to widening access to world-class education.
- About us
- Our history
- Study with us
Part of UNSW Sydney
Since 1966, UNSW College has a long history of educational innovation, creating future-focused programs that help improve and transform lives.
Originally founded as the UNSW Institute of Languages, it was the first language centre in the country. Built on a belief in collective progress and expanded access to quality education, UNSW College went on to introduce university preparation programs and, more recently, industry-embedded degrees designed for the future of work.
Today, UNSW College continues to innovate in teaching and learning, while remaining committed to progress and access to world-class education.
A history of progress through education
In 1966, UNSW Sydney Vice-Chancellor Sir Philip Baxter founded the UNSW Institute of Languages. It became Australia’s first university language centre and was created to support refugees and migrants through the Colombo Plan. It also helped professionally qualified migrants rebuild their careers in Australia.
As demand grew, the Institute expanded its Academic English programs and introduced new courses for students from a wide range of language backgrounds. Over time, it became recognised as one of Australia’s leading language centres.
In 1989, UNSW launched Foundation Studies, Australia’s first university preparatory program of its kind - giving students a more supported transition into university and setting a new standard for preparatory education in Australia.
The institution continued to grow in the years that followed. In 2005, students moved to a dedicated campus at 223 Anzac Parade in Kensington, directly opposite UNSW Sydney. In 2007, the UNSW Institute of Languages and Foundation Studies came together as UNSW Global. The new name reflected it's expanded mission in university preparation and pathways to higher education.
In 2018, UNSW Global launched Diplomas to offer students a more supported start to their studies and a clear route into the second year of a related degree at UNSW Sydney.
In 2023, UNSW Global became a recognised higher education provider and entered a new chapter as UNSW College.
That same commitment to access and innovation has continued to shape what comes next. In 2024, UNSW College introduced Pre-Masters Programs for students preparing for postgraduate study. In 2026, it launched Applied Degrees, career-focused bachelor’s degrees developed with industry and grounded in practical learning.
Today, UNSW College remains central to UNSW Sydney's mission: advancing education that drives progress for all.
Study with us
Whatever your academic goal, UNSW College is here to help you achieve it.
Study on our Sydney campus or at one of our partner locations, with programs designed to support your success at every stage.
Diploma
Duration: 12 months
Progression: Second Year at UNSW Sydney
Learn the same content as other first year UNSW Sydney students in this 12-month program. Upon successful completion, you’ll gain direct entry into second year in your Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media & Communications, or Science degree.
Foundation Studies
Duration: 4 – 16 months
Progression: First Year at UNSW Sydney
Foundation Studies offers three programs, Transition, Standard, and Standard Plus, which are tailored to different abilities and move at a pace that works for you – with the right support and flexibility to reach your study and career goals faster. Foundation Studies is the pathway to all UNSW bachelor’s degree programs.
Academic English
Duration: 5 – 30 weeks
Progression: Various pathways
Improve your English so you can reach your full potential. You’ll use real UNSW course material to improve your writing, speaking and reading skills to give better presentations, conduct better research and communicate clearly with teachers and students.
Pre-Masters
Duration: 15 weeks / 1 term
Progression: Master's degree at UNSW Sydney
The Pre-Masters program is designed to provide a pathway for students who require additional academic or English language support to meet the entry requirements for a master's degree at UNSW Sydney. Upon successful completion, students will receive guaranteed entry and up to 12 Units of Credit (one or two courses) toward their master's program at UNSW Sydney.
Applied Degree
Duration: 1, 2 or 3 years
Applied Degrees combines the academic excellence of a world top 20 university with practical, industry-embedded learning. Backed by UNSW Sydney, these three-year bachelor’s degrees offer three recognised exit points, giving you the flexibility and control over your study journey and career growth.
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, Diplomas, and Pre-Masters Program, under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
UNSW College delivers its Applied Degrees under TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
UNSW College also delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information.
© 2026 UNSW Global Pty Limited.