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Uncover how to get into engineering with a pathway program from UNSW College

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Explore flexible study options, industry-aligned learning, and hands-on experience designed to help you transition smoothly into university and prepare for the future of engineering.

UNSW Sydney is home to Australia’s #1 Engineering and Technology school (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025), and with competitive entry requirements, it can be a challenge to secure a place.

At UNSW College, we offer a range of pathway programs to support your academic development and help you progress into undergraduate or postgraduate engineering degrees at UNSW Sydney.

Why choose the UNSW College engineering pathway?

  • Designed with UNSW Sydney – programs align with the academic standards and expectations of Australia’s leading engineering faculty

  • Multiple entry points – whether you want to strengthen your English, ease into university life, or head straight into second year

  • Personalised attention – small class sizes (around 20 students) and up to 20% more teaching time than first year at UNSW

  • Tailored support – access weekly tutor sessions, study clubs, leadership opportunities, and well-being programs

  • Access UNSW’s world-class facilities – get hands-on experience in engineering labs, design studios, 3D makerspaces, and more

Get university-ready

If you're looking for a comprehensive stepping stone between high school and university, the Foundation Studies (Engineering) program is designed to help you build confidence and academic skills in a supportive environment.

Developed in consultation with the UNSW Faculty of Engineering, this program offers:

  • A curriculum tailored to your English level, academic background, and learning pace

  • Classes capped at 20 students for focused, personalised learning

  • A flexible duration (4–12 months) depending on your needs

  • Academic preparation in maths, science, and academic English

Go straight into second year

If you’ve narrowly missed direct entry or want a more supportive start to university, the Diploma of Engineering is your direct path into second year of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Sydney.

In just 12 months, you’ll complete a curriculum equivalent to first-year undergraduate study, with additional academic support built in.

What you’ll gain:

  • Strong foundations in mathematics, physics, computing, and engineering

  • Practical, hands-on experience in engineering design and programming

  • A program developed in partnership with UNSW to mirror the first-year experience

  • The opportunity to choose your engineering major in second year

Prepare for your UNSW Master’s

Already completed an undergraduate engineering degree but not quite ready for a master’s? Our Pre-Master’s Program (Engineering) is a 15-week academic and English preparation course designed to help you meet entry requirements for a UNSW master’s degree.

You’ll strengthen your skills in academic writing, research, and communication while building the confidence to succeed in postgraduate study.

This program offers:

  • Intensive preparation for academic and professional communication

  • A fast, focused route into the UNSW Master of Engineering

  • Support from teachers who understand the demands of postgraduate study

Boost your English for university

If you need to meet UNSW Sydney’s English language entry requirements before starting your academic program, our Academic English courses can help.

These flexible courses are designed to build your language skills for university-level study—so you feel confident and capable from day one.

  • Study from 5 to 30 weeks depending on your starting level

  • Improve academic writing, reading, speaking, and listening

  • Gain entry into UNSW College pathway programs upon completion

Why study engineering at UNSW Sydney?

Work with robots. Design bionic limbs. Boost renewable energy.

UNSW Sydney is ranked #1 in Australia and #25 in the world for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). All eight engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 — with two ranked in the global top 10 (QS World University Rankings, 2025). A $1 billion recent investment in facilities means you’ll study in world-class labs, studios, and research spaces.

As an engineering student at UNSW, you’ll:

  • Join a future-focused learning environment

  • Belong to a vibrant student community with access to clubs, societies, and professional networks

  • Choose from a wide range of majors tailored to your interests

Just some of the majors you can explore:

  • Aerospace Engineering – design and test aircraft, drones, satellites, and spacecraft

  • Biomedical Engineering – develop prosthetics and medical devices that improve lives

  • Chemical Engineering – innovate in areas from food production to sustainable fuels

  • Civil Engineering – shape the built environment through infrastructure and design

  • Electrical Engineering – advance power systems, automation, and new technologies

  • Environmental Engineering – create solutions that tackle pollution and climate change

  • Mechanical Engineering – design and build machines for construction, defence, and more.

How to apply

At UNSW College, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Start your journey:

  1. Choose the best pathway program for your goals

  2. Read our step-by-step application guide

  3. Submit your application to UNSW College

We look forward to supporting your academic, personal and professional goals.

UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.

Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.

UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.

Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). 

Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).

See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.