Real students, real stories
Discover what UNSW College is like from the people who have studied here.
Yousif, from Iraq
Name: Yousif Midhat Khalid
Program: Diploma in Engineering
Country of origin: Iraq
Yousif loved his UNSW College experience, saying the Diploma in Engineering prepared him exceptionally well for his next step, a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at UNSW. He felt fully immersed in university life, able to make the most of UNSW’s location and facilities – for both social and study experiences. Living and studying in Sydney has also been a big positive for Yousif, making new friends from many different cultures and being able to cycle to campus, enjoy UNSW’s vast green spaces and visit Sydney’s famous beaches all summer. He chose a pathway to UNSW because of its reputation as a leading university in Australia and around the world, creating career-driven, well-equipped students.
Claudia, from Indonesia
Name: Claudia Velda Widjaja
Program: Diploma in Science
Country of origin: Indonesia
With Indonesia’s curriculum not accepted for direct entry to UNSW, Claudia says that UNSW College gave her the chance to continue her university dream, without any added time. The Diploma in Science equipped Claudia with the knowledge she needed to launch straight into second year at university, while the first-year equivalent curriculum and extra attention from tutors gave her the opportunity to really think about the degree major she wanted to choose. She has decided to progress to a bachelor’s degree in Science, majoring in Microbiology. Claudia lives near campus, loves all the green spaces to relax or study, and enjoys being able to easily explore Sydney and its multitude of events with accessible public transport.
Monica, from Philippines
Name: Monica Andrea Macapagal
Program: Foundation Studies
Country of origin: Philippines
Monica has had her sights set on UNSW since she was in high school, and a visit to campus while on holiday in Sydney confirmed that it was the university she wanted to go to. The Foundation Studies Program helped Monica by laying out the basic skills she needed and helping her transition to studying in Australia, so she feels prepared when progressing to her chosen degree. She loves being on a big campus, with so many places to study and hang out with friends. Another big plus is the efficient and safe public transport system, and the relaxed lifestyle Sydneysiders enjoy.
Sahel, from India
Name: Sahel Mohammed
Program: Foundation Studies
Country of origin: India
Sahel wanted to gain direct entry into a bachelor’s degree in Commerce & Information Systems at UNSW, to help kickstart his career – that’s why he chose the Foundation Studies Program. He says the UNSW College teaching staff are really friendly and encourage interaction with students, making classes fun and learning easier. Studying in Sydney was a big attraction for Sahel; he’s a people person and wanted to be somewhere where he could feel part of a community and be social. He loves that people in Sydney are friendly and share his passion for sport.
Yin Ziqi, from China
Name: Yin Ziqi
Program: UEEC
Country of origin: China
Yin knew he needed to improve his English to gain entry to UNSW, but he also wanted to familiarise himself with life in Australia before he started university. The University English Entry Course (UEEC) was the perfect fit. He says he has now got the skills for success in his future studies, including writing English essays, emails, letters and preparing presentations. Living close to the Law library, Yin can study until late and get home safely, which helps support his academic goals.
Linxiong (Frankie), from China
Name: Linxiong (Frankie) Zhu
Program: Foundation Studies
Country of origin: China
Looking for a pathway into Australia’s top Engineering faculty at UNSW, Frankie chose UNSW College’s Foundation Studies Program. He explains that he knew the program had a great reputation and student success rate, and it is important to him to have a solid foundation for future studies. Within the competitiveness of a top faculty like Engineering, he wants to have all the tools he needs to succeed.
Maria, from Philippines
Name: Maria Andreanna Santos
Program: Foundation Studies
Country of origin: Philippines
Maria started her Foundation Studies Program as pathway to a Commerce degree at UNSW, because the university is so well known for its Business courses. One of the reasons she loves studying here is because of the diversity of UNSW students. There are people from all over the world, giving Maria the chance to learn about different cultures. She loves feeling safe and welcome in Sydney, and enjoys dining out at so many great restaurants close to home.
Hamood, from Pakistan
Name: Hamood Ur Rehman
Program: Foundation Studies
Country of origin: Pakistan
When Hamood was researching universities in Australia, he found out UNSW was number one for the course he wanted to do. His journey began to find out how to get there – and Foundation Studies at UNSW College was the perfect fit. He says the program will improve his knowledge of Commerce and Mathematics, which he’ll need for his next step to university.
Meiwie, from China
Name: Meiwie Chen
Program: FEEC
Country of origin: China
While studying the Foundation English Entry Course (FEEC), Meiwie has learned many skills that she can hold onto throughout her university journey. This includes essay formatting, how a tutorial is run and how to take useful lecture notes – not to mention all the opportunity to practise and improve her English. She is grateful for the support she’s had access to, receiving one-on-one guidance for any problems, whether academic or personal.