UNSW Sydney is a powerhouse of cutting-edge research, teaching and innovation. We are one of the top 50 universities in the world, with more than 63,000 students and a research community of more than 8000.

Research for the public good

Located in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, the university was established in 1949 with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines. Today, we are an education and research-intensive university delivering outstanding teaching alongside research that has an impact on people’s lives around the world.

At UNSW, we strive to honour our motto – Knowledge through hand, mind and heart. Pioneering research and sustained innovation are addressing some of the most important issues of today, from climate change and renewable energies to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. In the social sciences, our research informs policy and expert commentary in issues facing society, ranging from human rights and constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to public health and population ageing.

A solid global profile

We continue to climb the global rankings: UNSW ranks 44th in the 2021 QS World University Rankings, 67th in the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 74th in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities.

UNSW is rated first in Australia for research excellence and impact. UNSW obtained the top rating of five for ‘outstanding performance well above world standard’ in 17 broad subject areas in the Australian Research Council’s 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) analysis. The result was the best of any university in Australia.

Robust international networks

We are proud of our national and international networks, which support our belief that strength through collaboration and generosity in partnerships will enable society to solve its greatest challenges. UNSW is a founding member of both the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, and the prestigious Universitas21 international association.

The main UNSW campus is located on a 38-hectare site at Kensington, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney. Other major campuses are the Art & Design campus in the Sydney suburb of Paddington and UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.