ShareUMD Exchange: University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Australia)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
The University of New South Wales is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching universities. Established in 1949, UNSW is home to over 52,000 students and provides students with access to first class facilities, excellent lecturers, and a fantastic university and student services support. The University is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), which is a coalition of leading Australian universities that are research intensive and have comprehensive general and professional education programs, now with more than 300 undergraduate programs. UNSW is also a member of the Universitas 21, the leading global network of research intensive universities working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning and student mobility. UNSW's main Kensington campus features award winning architecture, natural surroundings and exceptional sport and recreational facilities, including an Olympic sized indoor pool, courts, ovals, bars, food courts and medical clinic.
Host City
UNSW is located in Sydney, Australia. Sydney, the most famous city in Australia, offers a cosmopolitan city center, vibrant cultural activities and attractions, sparkling beaches, and dramatic national parks. UNSW's main Kensington campus is located 15 minutes from the Central Business District and about 3 kilometers from Sydney’s famous Coogee and Bondi beaches.
The University of New South Wales and the University of Maryland are both members in Universitas 21 (U21). U21 is the leading global network of research-intensive universities; working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization.
Learn more about Universitas 21 and it's programs and mission on the U21 website.
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. Information about the visa process will be provided to accepted applicants. For more information, visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
There are a wide variety of disciplines available for study at UNSW, making it a great fit for all majors at UMD. Students can take classes in the physical and life sciences, arts & humanities, and social sciences. Not all courses are offered each semester. You are advised to check the semester availability of courses based on the current academic year.
There are some course restrictions at UNSW. Exchange students cannot take courses beginning with the codes LAWS, JURD, MARK2999, MARK3999, MARK4999, FINS3100, FINS3200, MARK6xxx and GBAT are not available to exchange students. Art and design courses are only available to students majoring in these disciplines.
INST (international studies), GLST, DANC (dance), EDST, Music, Art and Design courses are restricted to students with declared majors in those disciplines. Note that the Art and design courses are held on the Paddington campus - a shuttle bus services is available.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Internship
UNSW opens two of it's academic internship courses to UMD students on exchange; one through the finance department (FINS3201) and the other through the media studies department (MDIA3007). The UNSW Careers and Employment Office offers assistance to students searching for and applying to internships while abroad.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at UNSW will be converted as follows:
| University of New South Wales Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 UNSW credit | 0.66 UMD credit |
| 6 UNSW credit | 4 UMD credits |
The credit conversion listed above was last approved by the UMD Study Abroad Transfer Credit Committee on June 4, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| University of New South Wales Grade | UMD Grade |
| 50 or P | C- |
UNSW offers spots for exchange students in on-campus housing at one of the following UNSW residential colleges - Kensington Colleges (Basser, Baxter & Goldstein), Fig Tree Hall, Colombo House and University Terraces. A separate housing application is necessary once accepted to the program. Exchange students are able to apply for one of the other on-campus options but are not guaranteed a placement. On campus options include catered (meals provided) and self-catered residences. Prices for on-campus housing include rent, utility charges, internet, furniture & fixtures, pillow, comforter and mattress protector. Learn more about these on campus housing options on the UNSW website: http://www.housing.unsw.edu.au/. Check out this video for a review of all housing options:
Students who do not wish to live in one of the on-campus residential colleges can find independent housing off campus. There are shared housing close to campus in the beachside suburbs of Coogee, Randwick, Kensington, and Bondi. Independent housing close to UNSW can take a few days to arrange, particularly in January and February and EA recommends arriving 2-3 weeks before classes start to allow time to look for suitable accommodation. International Student Housing Assistance (ISHA) at UNSW offers assistance to find suitable off-accommodation to new international students at the start of each semester. ISHA lists a variety of properties varying in price, security, quality and proximity to campus and these can be accessed at the SDI office. During this period there is also a service available to drive new students around to inspect properties. Keep in mind that you will need a furnished rental and that rental rates for off campus housing do not tpyically include utility charges, internet. See https://student.unsw.edu.au/housing-assistance. This video give you an introduction to off-campus housing:
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
UNSW offers over 300 clubs ranging a broad span of topics. Whatever your interests are, there’s a club for you!
International Welcome/Orientation
UNSW hosts a mandatory orientation program for all students before the start of the term. In addition to this program, UNSW will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport so that you will quickly feel oriented, safe, and connected.
Counseling & Health Services
The UNSW Health Service offers both medical and mental health services to students.
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*
*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 |