University of Western Sydney

Introduction

The University of Western Sydney (UWS) is a major urban university spread over six campuses in Greater Western Sydney, a region of great opportunity, diversity, challenge and growth. The university has a flexible outcomes driven approach to teaching and a progressive outlook, offering Bachelor, Masters and PhD programs in over 100 course areas.

UWS is one of the largest universities in Australia, with over 37,000 students drawn from Australia and round the world. Our six campuses are modern, green, clean and friendly - offering a pleasant lifestyle in Sydney's outer suburbs.

International Student Contact Details

Postal Address:University of Western Sydney
UWS International
Locked Bag 1797
South Penrith DC NSW 1797
AUSTRALIA
Telephone number:+61 2 9678 7468
Fax number:+61 2 9685 9316
Email:internationalstudy@uws.edu.au
Website:http://www.uws.edu.au/international
 

History and Special Features

Founded in 1989 the University of Western Sydney is a smart modern institution committed to providing courses for today's rapidly changing world. It has gained a reputation for innovation and relevance in teaching and research.

The UWS Advantage:

  • highly regarded by employers for practical and theoretical course content;
  • flexibility in subjects and course work;
  • links with key Australian industries;
  • friendly and communal campuses with modern facilities;
  • internationally-recognised research centres;
  • innovation and creativity;
  • skills and knowledge for life; and
  • professionally accredited or registered courses.

Location

Western Sydney has a population of 1.5 million people. It is the third largest regional economy in Australia and is home to 150 of the top 500 companies based in Australia. The region has a population that is young and ethnically diverse providing a multicultural and international environment for study. All six UWS campuses are conveniently located between 30 to 90 minutes from the Sydney Central Business District. The campuses are adjacent to suburban retail and commercial centres and are easily accessible from the city by the extensive road and rail network. Western Sydney – home of the 6 UWS campuses is the 3rd largest economy in Australia.

Student Numbers and Staff

With more than 37,000 students, UWS is one of the largest universities in Australia. The student population is comprised of undergraduate, postgraduate, cross-institutional and non-award students. Of these, 3,630 are on-shore International Students and 3,283 off-shore International Students. The total number of staff comprises of 995 Academic and 1,283 General Staff members.

Faculties / Fields of Study

Study and research disciplines in the University of Western Sydney are organised into four Academic Colleges, and these are further arranged into 22 Schools:

  • College of Arts, Education and Social Sciences;
  • College of Law and Business;
  • College of Science, Technology and Environment; and
  • College of Social and Health Sciences.

Study areas include: Agriculture, Horticulture, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Communications, Media & Design, Engineering, Construction & Design, Environment, Food Science, Health Science, Nursing, Information Technology, Computing, International Studies, Languages, Interpreting, Translation, Law, Policing, Criminology, Forensic Science, Psychology, Science, Sport Studies, Teaching, Education, Tourism, Hospitality, Visual & Performing Arts.

English Language Courses

Sydney West International College (SWIC) is a tertiary pathway college owned by the University of Western Sydney, with strong links with business and the wider professional community offering a range of English Courses:

  • English for Academic Purposes;
  • Intensive Writing for Further Studies;
  • Academic English Entry Course;
  • Advanced Speaking Skills;
  • IELTS Preparation Courses; and
  • Senior Secondary English Preparation.

Admission Requirements

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS:
All Business, Science, Computing, IT & Engineering degrees: IELTS - 6.0 overall score with a minimum 6.0 in each subtest TOEFL - 550 (minimum 4.5 in TWE) computer based test 213 (minimum 4.5 in Essay Rating)

FOR ALL OTHER COURSES:
IELTS - 6.5 overall score with a minimum 6.0 in each subtest TOEFL - 600 (minimum 4.5 in TWE) TOEFL computer based test - 250 (min. 4.5 in Essay Rating)

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS:
For all courses (except those listed below) & UWS research Degrees IELTS - 6.5 overall score with a minimum 6.0 in each subtest TOEFL - 600 (minimum 4.5 in TWE TOEFL computer based test - 250 (minimum 4.5 in Essay Rating)

For professional education courses [BTeach, M Teach, B Special Ed, M Teach (Special Ed), TESOL/Interpreting & Translation, & Master of Professional Communication IELTS - 7.0 overall score with a minimum 6.0 in each subtest TOEFL 650 (minimum 5.0 in TWE) TOEFL computer based test - 280 (minimum 5.0 essay writing)

Enrolment Procedures

University admission involves a number of steps from submitting an application form and fee, transcripts of academic and English proficiency documents, through to the final offer. The full details of the application procedures are listed on the UWS website.

Your application will not be considered unless you have paid the AUD$100 application fee, completed all sections of this form and attached required certified copies of relevant documentation requested.

Prior to the beginning of each semester the University offers an Orientation Program that takes place in the week before classes commence.

The program is designed to introduce international students formally to the University and to key staff. Important information and advice is provided to assist international students to adjust to the living and learning environment of the university and to give them the opportunity to meet other students and participate in social activities and excursions.

Important Dates / Academic Year

2006 Academic Year

  • First Session:
    • Orientation Starts: 17 Feb 2006
    • Classes Start: 27 Feb 2006

  • Second Session:
    • Orientation Starts: 21 July 2006
    • Classes Start: 31 July 2006
Non-Standard Sessions 2006

  • Master of Applied Finance;
  • Master of International Trade & Finance; or
  • Master of Business Administration
    • Enrolment: 4 Jan, 29 March, 21 June, 13 Sept
    • Classes Start: 9 Jan, 3 April, 26 June, 18 Sept

  • Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
    • Orientation: 8 Feb, 19 July
    • Classes Start: 13 Feb, 24 July

  • Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)
    • Orientation: 8 Feb, 19 July
    • Classes Start: 20 Feb, 31 July

Foundation Studies

Sydney West International College (SWIC) owned by the University of Western Sydney, is a tertiary pathway college for students wishing to further their education. Academic courses include:

  • Senior Secondary Studies;
  • Foundation Studies – Standard;
  • Foundation Studies – Fast Track;
  • Diploma in Business; or
  • Diploma in Information Technology.

Postal Address:

Sydney West International College
St Vincents Building
158-160 Hawkesbury Road
Westmead NSW Australia 2145

Telephone number: +61 2 9685 9785
Fax number: +61 2 9685 9700
Email: Succeed@swic.uws.edu.au
Website: www.swic.uws.edu.au

Support Services and Facilities

Support services: Professional Counsellors, International Student Advisors, Chaplains, student mentor program, Orientation program, Airport reception, Study Skills Workshops, accommodation services, Clubs & Societies, Career & Employment service, & Learning Assistance Centre.

Facilities: Sports Centre & Lab, UniClinic (podiatry & osteopathy), Robotics Lab, Food Processing & Pilot Plant, Early Childhood Centre, Observatory, 2 Moot Courts, Nursing & Science Labs, Music, Dance, Drama & Design Studios, Photography Labs, 3 Multitrack Recording Studios, Computer Labs, 7 Libraries, Co-Op Bookshops, Cafeterias, Coffee Shops, Bars, Hairdressers, Childcare centres, Student Association, Postgraduate Student Association.

Sporting facilities vary from campus to campus: 2x50 metre swimming pools, gyms, tennis, cricket pitch, beach volleyball, football, barbeque facilities, volley ball, X-country running track, golf driving range, kickboxing, indoor & outdoor basketball & professional hockey fields.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary according to the program of study. Ranging from A$12,000 to A$33,000. For full details of the tuition fees please see our web site.

Student union and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) are additional compulsory fees.

Accommodation Costs

UWS offers international students a wide range of accommodation options. These vary from campus to campus and include on-and-off campus accommodation.

On-campus accommodation is available on our Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Penrith Campuses. Rates start at A$89 and go to A$134 per week depending on the type of accommodation required. For full details of the accommodation offered by UWS please visit our website.

Off-campus accommodation is available only at the Penrith Campus.

UWS does not offer accommodation at the Parramatta campus. However, a level of assistance will be offered to students wishing to seek alternate accommodation.

Scholarships and Grants

International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)

The Australian Government offers a limited number of 'tuition only' scholarships to Research degree students from most overseas countries. These scholarships are only available to applicants who are commencing postgraduate research programs in the year the scholarship is awarded. Applications close each year on October 31st. Application forms are available from UWS International or from UWS representatives in your home country. For an application form and further information visit our website.

Student Achievements

UWS students have achieved the following:

  • Communication, Media & Design
    • Winner 2003 Neville Banner Memorial Scholarship
    • Winner Sydney Film Festival Yaramgoss Animation Award 2001
    • Successful entrant Telluride Film Festival Colorado 2003
    • Successful entrant Seattle International Film Festival 2003

  • Law
    • Winner 2003 National Final, Law Council of Australia Family Law Mooting Competition
    • Winner 2003 Australasian Law Students Association Competition, Best

  • Oralist Mooting Competition and Best Witness Examination Competition
    • Second, 2002 National Butterworths Lexis-Nexis Constitutional Law Moot
    • Second 2001 International Negotiation Competition
    • First 2001 Australian National Negotiation Competition

Alumni Association

For information regarding the UWS Alumni Supporters Network please visit our website.

Overseas Agents

For the full list of UWS International Representatives please visit our website.

CRICOS Registration Information

CRICOS Provider code:00917K
Registered as:University of Western Sydney (UWS)
Trading as:University of Western Sydney


         

Important: Information on this page has been supplied by the institution and is subject to change.  Statistics quoted on this page are not endorsed by the Commonwealth.