Academic Requirements

Admission to the University of Western Sydney is highly competitive and is on the basis of academic merit. International students are required to meet the same standards as Australian residents. The following qualifications are the minimum acceptable levels for eligibility and you should not assume that because you have met the minimum level you will be offered a place at the university. It should be noted that certain courses may have special entry requirements.  

UWS and UWSCollege Entry Requirements [PDF 185Kb] (opens in a new window) - the information in the publication is correct as at 18 October 2012. The University reserves the right at all times to vary information within this publication.

Postgraduate Requirements

Admission to the University of Western Sydney is highly competitive and is on the basis of academic merit. International students are required to meet the same standards as Australian residents. The following qualifications are the minimum acceptable levels for eligibility and you should not assume that because you have met the minimum level you will be offered a place at the university. It should be noted that certain courses may have higher entry requirements.

Postgraduate coursework degrees

Graduate Diplomas
An Applicant for a Graduate Diploma Program must either hold:

  • a Bachelor degree or  
  • an overseas qualification from a recognised university or tertiary institution that is equivalent to a Bachelor degree

These are general guides only. Refer to the Course Summary section of this publication for the specific requirements of each degree program. Some programs may also require evidence of relevant work experience.

UWS Masters by Coursework degrees
An applicant for a Masters coursework degree program must either hold:

  • a Bachelor degree or 
  • an overseas qualification from a recognised university or tertiary institution that is equivalent to a Bachelor degree or 
  • a Graduate Diploma from a recognised tertiary institution or university

These are general guides only. Refer to the Course Summary section of this publication for the specific requirements of each degree program. Some programs may also require evidence of relevant work experience.

UWS Postgraduate Research degrees

Masters by Research – Masters (Honours)
The focus of this degree program is a major research project. The topic of the project is usually chosen by the student, and the research activity is conducted under academic supervision. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and experience in research methodology and specific research and evaluation techniques as well as the capacity to prepare and present academic papers for publication and public presentation.

  An applicant to the degree of Masters (Honours) must either hold:

  • a Bachelor degree or 
  • an overseas degree from a recognised university or tertiary institution that is equivalent to an Bachelor degree or
  • qualifications that are recognised as equivalent to those listed above.

Find out more on Research at UWS (opens in a new window) now and join our vibrant and dynamic research environment.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctoral research programs (PhD) require the completion of a major original research project in a chosen academic field. The program is conducted independently, under academic supervision. Candidates are expected to uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas. The outcome of the research project is presented by way of thesis and is expected to make a significant original contribution to knowledge in the chosen field. The Doctoral programs support further development of research skills and experience and candidates are expected to present academic papers within professional fora and to publish academic papers.

  An applicant for a PhD program must either hold:

  • a Masters (Honours) degree by research, or 
  • a Bachelor (Hons) degree with Class 1 or Class 2 division 1 honours, or 
  • a demonstrated capacity for research in a discipline deemed to be acceptable to the university

Please note:

All Research degree students must submit a Research Proposal with their Application for Admission. This proposal will be assessed by senior academic staff for relevance to UWS research programs, availability of appropriate supervisors, and the ability of the applicant to carry out high-level research. It may take several weeks before students receive approval. For more details, visit Research at UWS (opens in a new window).