The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is one of Australia’s leading teaching and research universities. Highly regarded for its teaching excellence and research innovation in the international academic community, UNSW was ranked 47th in the world in the 2009 Times Higher Education – QS World University Rankings.

A foundation member of the Group of Eight leading research universities in Australia, UNSW is also one of only three Australian institutions in the prestigious Universitas 21 consortium of the world's leading teaching and research institutions. UNSW is a comprehensive teaching and research university with international recognition in photovoltaics, solar energy, quantum computing, interactive cinema and HIV/Aids research.

UNSW enjoys a vibrant and cosmopolitan campus life. Of the 44,000 students studying at UNSW, more than 9,900 are international students from over 130 countries. The University also maintains strong links with its international graduate community – the UNSW exchange program has over 230 student exchange opportunities in 32 countries and there is an extensive network of alumni chapters throughout Asia.

Location

Located in Sydney, Australia's largest city, UNSW is close to the city’s main business hub providing easy access to a wide range of academic, cultural and social activities. All three UNSW campuses – Kensington, Paddington and Canberra - provide a vibrant educational and communal environment.

In 2009, UNSW celebrates 60 years as one of Australia’s foremost international research intensive universities and as the university of choice for over 200,000 graduates.

Academic Environment

UNSW offers a wide range of degree programs, pre-university/foundation studies and English language courses. More than 900 degree programs are available at UNSW, ranging from undergraduate programs (Bachelor degrees at pass and honours level) to postgraduate coursework programs (Master degrees, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates) and postgraduate research programs (Master by thesis and Doctor of Philosophy). Programs are offered through the Faculties of: Arts and Social Sciences; the Built Environment; Australian School of Business; College of Fine Arts; Engineering; Law; Medicine; Science and UNSW@ADFA, at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra.

UNSW students enjoy a balance of cutting-edge online facilities and indispensable face-to-face teaching and are encouraged to take advantage of the cross-disciplinary studies.

The Student Experience

UNSW is a vibrant intellectual, research and cultural hub. It offers a modern, dynamic and innovative teaching and learning environment with extensive social and recreational facilities. The UNSW campus is a beautiful, architecturally sophisticated place, offering an enviable cosmopolitan lifestyle for staff and students.

Study and research facilities are comprehensive, with a library network housing more than two million volumes and extensive electronic resources. There are hundreds of sport, recreational, social, political and religious clubs and societies, a vibrant cafe scene and an award-winning bookshop. Student support services include airport reception, accommodation placement services, orientation programs, academic and language support, and counselling services.

A major $700 million campus re-development is underway at UNSW, a program recently described by UNSW Vice Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer, as "one of the most significant building programs in the history of the university."

This campus transformation includes a new Engineering Precinct, with Phase 1 a new $75 million Energy Technologies Building which will showcase carbon neutral design and support energy research, including UNSW's world-leading solar energy program. The redevelopment will also deliver new teaching, research and student accommodation and study facilities.

Muslim Students

The Islamic Society, www.isoc-unsw.org.au/ , runs the Islamic Centre’s prayer room and meeting facilities. Jumm’ah congregational prayers are held from 1.00pm to 2.00pm every Friday at the Sam Cracknell Pavilion on campus.

Many cafes and restaurants around the UNSW campus cater for students looking for Halal food options. These include Indonesian, Lebanese, Indian and Turkish restaurants as well as Halal butchers. Some of the major supermarkets in the Eastern Suburbs also stock Halal products.

For further information about resources for Muslims in Sydney, including local mosques and prayer rooms, please have a look at the following websites:

UNSW Islamic Society www.isoc-unsw.org.au/
Sydney Prayer Times www.islamicfinder.org/
Halal Food Information www.halal.com.au/

Contact for further information

UNSW International Office
University of New South Wales
Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9385 6996; Fax: +61 2 9385 9907
Web: www.international.unsw.edu.au/
CRICOS Provide Code: 00098G