University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Our strategic priorities

UNSW’s strategic priorities actively address the challenges we face today - from climate change and renewable energies to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. We aim to make an impact on people’s lives around the world. In 2020, UNSW evolved its motto to “Scientia corde mente et manu” - Knowledge by Hearts, Hands and Minds. This is more than just a slogan of renewed values and aspirations. It captures the fact that we serve higher purpose, and are committed to serving society through knowledge sharing and new discovery.

Aboriginal history of UNSW

UNSW is located on unceded territory, and we recognise the Traditional Owners of the lands where each campus of UNSW is situated. This timeline of Australian history helps us understand the impact of laws and policies upon the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

UNSW through the decades

Our history tells the story of a University forged by a commitment to discovery, creativity and challenging the status quo. We chronicle milestones from UNSW’s earliest foundations in 1949, and celebrate trailblazers such as our first international student

, in 1950, our first female graduate, in 1952, and Australia’s first Indigenous law graduate, in 1976 — to name just a few. Our University has since been shaped by the addition of new schools, centres and institutes, by changes to the physical campus and strategic planning processes. Today UNSW is building a legacy of transformative and positive impact.

We are one of the leading research and teaching-intensive universities in the world, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact. Our 2025 Strategy provides the framework for UNSW to advance our contribution to serve our society now and into the future.

Our faculties & schools

Advancing knowledge and innovation for a better world.

Our faculties and schools are distinctively known for their multi-disciplinary approach to research and learning. UNSW is committed to outstanding and relevant research. We lead the way in lifesaving medical discoveries, trailblazing entrepreneurship and projects that help solve our most pressing social problems.

Higher Degree Research

At UNSW Sydney, we are passionate about research, changing lives and achieving global impacts. From biomedical engineering to climate change to the arts and humanities, UNSW researchers fuel discovery and innovate to solve complex world challenges. We translate discoveries into meaningful change for a better world.

Pathway programs: UNSW College

At UNSW College, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. We offer three unique university pathway options:

• UNSW Foundation Studies
• UNSW Diplomas
• English Language Courses

You'll have full access to UNSW facilities, small class sizes with dedicated support and the opportunity to apply for one of our many Pathway Scholarships.

What makes a UNSW education different? 

It is our privilege to shape the next generation of global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers.

Top 50

Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2022.

Leading

Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

27th Worldwide

Employer Reputation

QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2020.

Our faculties 

UNSW has six faculties, Arts, Design & Architecture, Business, Engineering, Law & Justice, Medicine & Health, Science. Through innovative teaching and ground-breaking research our faculties contribute to the advancement of knowledge across disciplines as we help to create a just society.