University of New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of New South Wales

Coat of arms
Latin: Universitas Novae Cambriae Australis
Former name	The New South Wales University of Technology (1949–1958)
Motto	Scientia Corde Manu et Mente (Latin)
Motto in English	Knowledge by Heart, Hand and Mind
Type	Public research university
Established	1 July 1949; 75 years ago (1949-07-01)
Accreditation	TEQSA
Academic affiliations	Go8 U21 APRU EQUIS PLuS GATU ADFA AACSB AAL AMC OUA UA
Endowment	A$219.7 million (2022)
Budget	A$2.5 billion (2022)
Chancellor	David Gonski
President	Attila Brungs
Academic staff	3,251 (2022)
Administrative staff	3,750 (2022)
Total staff	7,482 regular (2022) 4,368 casual (2022)
Students	66,540 (2022)
Undergraduates	37,207 (2019)
Postgraduates	20,896 (2019)
Other students	4,343 research (2022)
Address	High Street , Sydney , New South Wales , 2052 , Australia
Campus	Urban, parkland and regional, 38 hectares (0.38 km2)
Colours	Yellow Black
Sporting affiliations	UniSport EAEN UBL
Mascot	Clancy the Lion

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), also called UNSW Sydney, is a big public university in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's one of the main members of the Group of Eight, a group of top Australian universities known for their research. In 2024, it was ranked 19th best university in the world and 3rd in Australia.

UNSW started in 1949. It is a research university and part of Universitas 21, a worldwide group of research universities. UNSW works with over 200 universities around the world for student exchanges and research. It is especially well-known for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects. The university ranks highly in both Australian and international university lists.

The university has seven main parts called faculties. These faculties offer different degrees, like bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The main campus is in Kensington, about 7 km from the centre of Sydney. The art and design faculty, UNSW Art & Design, is in Paddington. There are also smaller campuses in other parts of Sydney, like Randwick and Coogee. Research centres are located across New South Wales.

UNSW also has a second large campus called UNSW Canberra at ADFA. This campus is in Canberra, the capital of Australia. ADFA is a military academy for the Australian Defence Force. UNSW Canberra is the only university in Australia that focuses on defence studies.

Discover the History of UNSW

How UNSW Began

University council's first meeting in 1949

The university's roots go back to the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (1833) and the Sydney Technical College (1878). These places helped people learn new skills in technology. This was important as New South Wales changed from farming to industrial work.

The idea for UNSW came from World War II. People saw how important science and technology were for a modern country. After the war, the government in New South Wales wanted a university to train many skilled engineers and tech experts. The existing University of Sydney could not do this alone. So, in 1946, they decided to create the Institute of Technology.

The university was first called the "New South Wales University of Technology". It officially started in 1949 with a special law passed by the government.

Early Years and Growth

In March 1948, the first 46 students began classes. They studied subjects like civil engineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, and electrical engineering. These courses were new because they included lots of practical training in industries. It was also unusual for universities then to make students study humanities.

At first, the university operated from the Sydney Technical College in Ultimo. But in 1951, the government provided money to build new buildings. These new buildings were at the Kensington site, where the main campus is today. The land for the Kensington campus was given to the university in stages between 1952 and 1959.

Expanding the University's Reach

In 1958, the university's name changed to the "University of New South Wales". This showed it was no longer just about technology but a wider university. In 1960, new faculties for arts and medicine were added. The faculty of law started in 1971.

Arthur Denning was the first director (1949–1952). He helped set up the university. Philip Baxter took over in 1953 and helped the university grow a lot. By 1968, it had grown from a few students to 15,000. Later leaders like Rupert Myers (1969–1981) and Michael Birt (1981–1992) helped the university become even stronger.

In 1962, the university started its own book publishing company, University of New South Wales Press. It publishes books and runs the UNSW Bookshop.

The university also helped start other universities. Colleges in Newcastle (1951) and Wollongong (1961) later became the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong.

Recent Developments at UNSW

In 2010, the Lowy Cancer Research Centre opened. It was Australia's first centre to bring together researchers studying cancer in children and adults.

In 2019, UNSW changed its academic calendar to a trimester system. This means students study three subjects in a 10-week term instead of four subjects in a 13-week semester. Some students and staff felt this change was too fast.

In 2012, UNSW Press celebrated 50 years. They also started the UNSW Bragg Prize for Science Writing. This prize is for science writing by Australian high school students.

In 2019 and 2021, student satisfaction surveys showed lower ratings for UNSW compared to other universities. This was linked to the change to the trimester system.

In 2020, the university announced some job cuts due to money problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, UNSW created Mentem by UNSW. This helps companies train their workers in new skills. In 2022, Mentem won an award for its work with the government.

In 2022, UNSW received $4.7 million to research health prevention. This money helps the university study ways to prevent diseases and offer early help.

Symbols of UNSW

The university has its own special Coat of arms. It was given to UNSW in 1952. The design includes a lion and four stars, which represent the State of New South Wales. An open book with the word "SCIENTIA" (meaning "knowledge" in Latin) shows the university's purpose.

The university's motto is Scientia Corde Manu et Mente. This means 'Knowledge by heart, hand and mind'. It combines the idea of knowledge with using your heart (passion), hand (skills), and mind (thinking). The original motto was "Knowledge by hand and mind," but it was updated in 2021.

The university also has a special ceremonial mace. It is made of stainless steel and wood. It has the arms of New South Wales and the university's original arms. The mace is used in important ceremonies.

Explore UNSW Campuses

Quadrangle Building

Library Lawn, upper campus

Lower campus

The main UNSW campus is in Kensington, Sydney. It covers about 38 hectares. Most of the university's faculties are here. The UNSW Art & Design campus is in Paddington.

The main Kensington campus has two parts: upper campus and lower campus. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other.

UNSW Canberra at ADFA is in Canberra. Students here are training for the Australian Defence Force. This campus focuses on defence, security, and engineering research.

UNSW also has other smaller campuses and research stations. These are in places like Randwick, Coogee, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga.

Research Centres at UNSW

The university has special buildings for research, including:

• The UNSW Lowy Cancer Research Centre: This is one of Australia's biggest cancer research centres. It brings together scientists who study childhood and adult cancers.
• The Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre: This centre helps scientists study the structure of different materials. It's used by science, medicine, and engineering students.
• UNSW Canberra Cyber: This centre focuses on research and teaching about cyber security.
• The Sino-Australian Research Centre for Coastal Management (SARCCM): This centre works with a university in China to research how to manage coastlines.

Venues and Facilities

UNSW has several places for theatre and music. Many of these can be rented by the public. The UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre offers health and fitness services for students and the public.

How UNSW is Managed

Main Walkway, lower campus

The university is run by its council. The council makes sure the university achieves its goals. It has 15 members, including the chancellor and vice-chancellor. Some members are chosen by the government, and others are elected by staff and students.

The main group for academic matters is the academic board. It helps set rules for teaching and research. It also approves study programs and checks academic standards. The board has 59 members, including leaders, staff, and students.

The head of the university is the president and vice-chancellor, currently Attila Brungs. Other leaders help manage academic work, research, and relationships with outside groups.

Each faculty also has its own board. These boards are in charge of teaching and exams for their subjects.

Explore UNSW Faculties

UNSW Business School

The university has six main faculties:

• UNSW Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture
• UNSW Faculty of Business
• UNSW Faculty of Engineering
• UNSW Faculty of Law and Justice
• UNSW Faculty of Medicine & Health
• UNSW Faculty of Science
• UNSW Canberra at ADFA

UNSW also works closely with the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

University Rankings and Achievements

Overall University Rankings

UNSW is highly ranked among universities worldwide.

• In 2025, it was ranked 19th globally (3rd in Australia) by QS World University Rankings.
• In 2024, it was 40th in the world overall by SCImago Institutions Rankings.
• The Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed UNSW 70th in the world in 2022.
• In 2022, the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked UNSW 64th globally.
• The Australian Good Universities Guide 2014 gave UNSW 5-star ratings in 10 categories. This was more than any other Australian university.

Top Subjects at UNSW

UNSW is also ranked highly for specific subjects:

• In 2024, QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked UNSW:

* 17th in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering (1st in Australia). * 20th in the world for Accounting and Finance (1st in Australia). * 12th in the world for Law (2nd in Australia). * 31st in the world for Engineering and Technology (1st in Australia).

• In 2022, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject ranked UNSW:

* 46th in the world for Engineering (1st in Australia). * 24th in the world for Law (2nd in Australia).

• In 2023, the Academic Ranking of World Universities listed 19 UNSW subjects in the top 50 worldwide. These included Water Resources, Civil Engineering, and Finance.
• In 2023, UNSW's School of Risk and Actuarial Studies was ranked 1st globally for Actuarial Science.

Successful Graduates

UNSW has produced many successful people.

• A 2016 survey found that UNSW had produced more millionaires than any other Australian university.
• Engineers Australia reported that 23% of "Australia's Top 100 Influential Engineers 2013" were UNSW graduates. This was the highest percentage from any university.

How to Get into UNSW

To get into an undergraduate degree program, students usually need a certain Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). This score can be different for each course. Some courses, like medicine or law, also require special tests.

UNSW offers a "HSC Plus" scheme. This gives up to 5 extra points for good results in Year 12 courses that are related to UNSW degrees.

The university also offers scholarships to high-achieving students. The Co-op program gives scholarships and work experience. Scientia Scholarships provide $10,000 per year for students who did very well in high school.

For older students (20 or older), UNSW has a University Preparation Program. This program helps them meet the requirements to get into UNSW or other universities.

Student Life at UNSW

Where Students Live

UNSW offers many places for students to live. These include Philip Baxter College, Basser College, Goldstein College, Fig Tree Hall, Colombo House, UNSW Hall, International House, New College, and Warrane College.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The university has exchange programs with over 250 partner universities around the world. This means UNSW students can study overseas. Some partner universities include Princeton University, McGill University, UCLA, New York University, and Imperial College London.

Student Projects and Teams

UNSW students are involved in many exciting projects:

• Sunswift Solar Racing Team: This team builds solar-powered cars. Their car, Sunswift 7, won the 2023 World Solar Challenge Cruiser Class. They also hold a world record for the fastest electric car over 500 km.
• rUNSWift: This is the university's robot soccer team. They are one of the most successful teams in the world, winning the RoboCup Standard Platform League competition four times.
• Impact Engineers: This group of students uses engineering skills to help developing communities. They currently work on projects in rural Sri Lanka.
• UNSW Redback Racing: This team designs and builds a race car for the Formula SAE-A Competition. They were national winners in 2000.
• MAVSTAR: This project develops small flying and ground robots for search and tracking.
• Developing Country Project: Students in engineering help villagers in developing countries get clean and sustainable electricity.
• iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine): This is a global competition in synthetic biology.

Arc @ UNSW Limited

ARC Logo

Arc @ UNSW Limited is the main student organisation at UNSW. It is a not-for-profit company.

Arc was created in 2006. It took over from three older student groups. Arc helps student clubs and volunteer programs, like Orientation Week. It also publishes student magazines and runs two student art galleries.

Arc operates the Roundhouse entertainment venue. It also has a student support service that helps students with legal and academic issues. Arc is separate from the university itself.

Arc has three main student bodies:

• The Student Development Committee (SDC): This group supports clubs, volunteer programs, and activities.
• The Postgraduate Council (PGC): This group represents students doing postgraduate studies.
• The Student Representative Council (SRC): This elected group speaks for students to the university and nationally.

Arc also runs UNSW Sport and Recreation. This group manages sports facilities and supports over 30 university sports clubs.

Student Publications

Blitz

Blitz is an online student publication by Arc @ UNSW. It started in 1988. Blitz covers events and activities around campus. It also publishes interviews and stories about student life. It promotes Arc services and activities.

Tharunka

Tharunka is a student newspaper. Its name means "message stick" in the language of the local Aboriginal people. It has been published since 1953.

Tharunka is run by a small team of editors. It encourages students to send in their articles and photos.

UNSW and Schools

UNSW works with primary and secondary schools. It runs several national and international academic competitions for school children:

• The Australian Schools Science Competition: This is part of the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). It offers exams in English, maths, science, computers, writing, and spelling for students from Year 3 to Year 12.
• International Competitions and Assessments for Schools-Mathematics: This is also part of ICAS and focuses on maths.
• The UNSW School Mathematics Competition: This is a three-hour exam that tests students' mathematical thinking. Good results can help students get university scholarships.
• The UNSW COMPUTING ProgComp: This competition helps high school students learn about computer programming.
• The UNSW COMPUTING Robotics Workshops: These workshops use Lego NXT technology and are linked to the RoboCup Junior competition for schools.

Notable People from UNSW

Many famous people have studied at UNSW, including:

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de Nueva Gales del Sur para niños