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AUSTRALIA · WOLLONGONG

University of Wollongong

public · Founded 1975 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Wollongong is a globally ranked public research university founded in 1975, known for its industry-connected research and innovative curriculum. It offers a vibrant student experience in the affordable coastal city of Wollongong, with various scholarships available for international students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1975
Students: 35,076
International students: 10,000
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition (intl): €6–31k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Wollongong, Australia

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a leading Australian public research university founded in 1975 and consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. Located in the coastal city of Wollongong, NSW, UOW enrolls over 35,000 students from more than 130 countries across faculties covering arts, business, engineering, science, and health. The university is known for industry-connected research, an innovative curriculum, and a personalised learning environment that prepares graduates for global careers.

Why study here

Globally recognised research university ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with strong subject rankings in philosophy, nursing, engineering, and business.
AACSB-accredited Business School — placing UOW among the top 6% of business schools globally, highly valued by international employers.
Access to over 280 academic and research collaborations across 45 countries, offering global networking and exchange opportunities.
Study in Wollongong — an affordable, safe coastal city with a high quality of life, just 80 km from Sydney.
Generous scholarship programme with merit and early-bird awards available to international students, reducing tuition costs significantly.

Student life

Wollongong offers an ideal student lifestyle — a safe, multicultural coastal city with beaches, national parks, vibrant cafes, and easy rail access to Sydney. UOW's main campus provides extensive student facilities including libraries, recreation centres, student support services, and a lively student union. The university hosts hundreds of clubs and societies, sporting teams, and cultural events throughout the year. UOW's Innovation Campus provides a dynamic environment for entrepreneurship and industry engagement. International students benefit from dedicated orientation programmes, peer mentoring, and a global student community.

Fees

InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 40,000 per year depending on the program. Postgraduate coursework fees range from AUD 28,000 to AUD 42,000 per year. Medicine and dentistry programs carry higher fees. Fees are reviewed annually.

HomeDomestic Commonwealth Supported students pay a student contribution amount set by the government. HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible domestic students to defer tuition payments.

LivingLiving costs in Wollongong are lower than Sydney. Students should budget approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available.

Fees are charged in Australian Dollars and are subject to annual indexation. International students must also obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). A non-refundable application fee may apply.

Admissions

Undergraduate EntryCompletion of Year 12 or equivalent with competitive grades. Minimum ATAR of 65 or equivalent international qualification. Foundation and diploma pathway programs are also available.

Postgraduate Coursework EntryA recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Some programs require professional experience or specific undergraduate backgrounds.

English Language ProficiencyMinimum IELTS 6.0 overall for most undergraduate programs; IELTS 6.5 for most postgraduate programs. Some programs require higher scores.

IELTS AcademicOverall 6.0 (undergraduate); Overall 6.5 (postgraduate), with no band below 6.0

TOEFL iBT60-79 (undergraduate); 79-90 (postgraduate)

PTE Academic50 (undergraduate); 58 (postgraduate)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026Top 200

Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2025=31st for SDG Impact

QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th for Philosophy

QS World University Rankings by Subject 202636th for Nursing

AACSB International AccreditationTop 6% of Business Schools globally

University scholarships

Undergraduate High-Achiever Scholarship30% off tuition for entire degree

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship50% off tuition for first year

Postgraduate High-Achiever Scholarship40% off tuition for entire degree

Postgraduate Merit Scholarship25% off tuition for entire degree

EarlyBird Scholarship (UG/PG)20% off tuition for first trimester

Accreditation

UOW is registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as an Australian University. The Business School is accredited by AACSB International, placing it in the top 6% of business schools worldwide. Selected engineering programs hold Engineers Australia accreditation, and health programs are accredited by relevant professional bodies.

For international students

Australia

Student visa & funds

International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.

Working while you study

Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+

Main intakes

FebruaryJuly

The Bachelor of Arts degree equips you with the skills and understanding to critically analyze the complexities of our rapidly changing world. You will develop essential analytical and communication abilities, fostering a deeper appreciation for human culture and its evolution. This program encourages you to view the world from new perspectives, enriching your life and your contribution to the community. From 2027, you can combine a major with a second major or a minor from a wide range of disciplines within the Bachelor of Arts.

Scholarships

for Australia

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)

ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.

Forrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)

Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships

Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.

University of Melbourne

Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne

Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.

Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.

University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)

For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.

University of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)

University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship

Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at the University of Wollongong?

International undergraduate tuition fees generally range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 40,000 per year. Postgraduate coursework fees are typically between AUD 28,000 and AUD 42,000 annually, with medicine and dentistry programs being more expensive. These fees are subject to annual review and are charged in Australian Dollars.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Wollongong?

Students should budget approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 per year for living expenses, which cover accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. Wollongong offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to Sydney.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For undergraduate programs, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall is generally required, while postgraduate programs typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall. Specific program requirements may vary, and some applicants might have their requirements waived or reduced based on their country of origin or previous study.

Does the University of Wollongong offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the University of Wollongong offers a generous scholarship program for international students. Available awards include merit-based scholarships that can cover a significant portion of tuition fees for the first year or the entire degree, as well as early-bird discounts.

What is the University of Wollongong's global ranking?

The University of Wollongong is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is recognized in the top 200 by QS World University Rankings and has strong subject rankings in areas like Philosophy and Nursing.

Last updated 10 July 2026