University Guide

University of Western Sydney

UWS offers an excellent array of leading undergraduate postgraduate and research options on all 10 of its campuses in Greater Western Sydney. It has a total enrolment of 41,864 (2014) students from over 70 countries. The University takes pride and excels in its commitment to sustainability, demonstrated by it ranking #1 globally for ‘commitment to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals’ (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022).

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University of Western Sydney

The overview

The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Western Sydney.

  • Rankings

    Times Higher Education 2023 has ranked UWS 11th in Australia, tied with 4 other universities. It has also been recognised as a top 250 university globally (Times Higher Education World Ranking 2022). Furthermore, UWS fared well in subject-specific rankings, being recognised as a top 50 university worldwide for Nursing, top 150 for Sociology and Agricultural Forestry and top 250 for Psychology (QS World Rankings 2022).

  • Employability

    UWS excellently prepares students for the world of work, demonstrated by its graduates being ranked as 10th across all the universities in Australia, and first in Sydney for overall employer satisfaction. The University also enhances students’ employability by providing extra-curricular opportunities and programmes. For example, a two-week virtual learning experience allowing students to work on real-world industrial projects, with teams from multiple disciplines, alongside various employers, these are known as the Study Australia Industry Experience Projects. It also offers a High-Flyers Program which provides students with practical experience with UWS’s industry partners. Many work experience opportunities are also provided to allow students to gain skills, connections and explore career options. Students all have access to Careers Consultants to help them form a coherent career path.

  • Fees

    At UWS, all domestic undergraduate students have access to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), though these are competitive. The loan means the Australian Government subsidises part of students’ fees, therefore each student’s fee will be different. For more information on this, visit this webpage. International student fees for undergraduates starting study in 2023 range from AUD$27,522 to $35,704. This depends on the course studied, and each course’s individual tuition fee can be viewed here. UWS further recommends an average of AUD$25,000 per year for living expenses on top of tuition fees. Financial support is also available for both international and domestic students.

  • Bursaries

    UWS gives out $20 million in scholarships annually. Merit based scholarships are available for those demonstrating excellent academic, leadership and community skills abilities. Donors also fund scholarships which support students based on academic achievements and aim to generate equity among students. These can provide internship and mentor experiences. Information about scholarship opportunities for domestic students who may qualify based on being Indigenous, High Potential, Equity and Humanitarian reasons can be found here. International students are automatically assessed for scholarship eligibility during the Western application process. More information about scholarships for international students can be found here.

Accommodation

The University offers both on and off-campus accommodation options. On campus, there are six ‘villages’ where students may find themselves living. Living on campus comes with benefits such as 24/7 support, and access to university facilities such as the library and social spaces. Living on campus also means students are within walking distance of their classes. Alternatively, students have the option to live off-campus, within Western Sydney itself to fully immerse themselves in the local community and gain a sense of independence. There are a range of apartment and house-share options available within Western Sydney.

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Students' Union

Western Student Representative Council (SRC) is elected annually by WSU students, and act as a voice for the entire student community. They to campaign students’ issues and run student events throughout the year. Their monthly meetings discuss matters affecting the lives of UWS students. Events hosted by Western SRC include the likes of outdoor carnivals, food handouts, giveaways, streamed talks. There are also opportunities for students to pursue hobbies and meet likeminded others outside the classroom through the clubs, societies, sports teams, and volunteering programmes on offer.

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University of Western Sydney Students' Union
University of Western Sydney Students' Union

Famous for

Peter K, a Psychology Professor at UWS won the Ig Nobel Prize for Psychology in 2014 due to his research into the ‘dark side’ of human nature. This award is given annually to ten pieces of ‘unusual’ scientific research.

News

In January 2023, WSU has welcomed a new Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO. Westacott is WSU's fourth Chancellor overall and its first female Chancellor.

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"Sydney is an iconic Australian city, often mistaken for the capital, and for good reason. You will never run out of things to do, from the vibrant art and cultural scene, excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, amazing weather (think Bondi Beach), and spectacular landmarks like the Opera House. Sydney is a city you will certainly love."

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