With a pathway to every UNSW degree, you will reach your study goals at UNSW College. Learn more about why to study with us.

Discover your potential with UNSW College
UNSW College, owned by UNSW Sydney, offers pathway programs for international students to university. With a longstanding commitment to international and transnational education, UNSW was the first in Australia to offer a Foundation Studies program, and also established the first university language centre in the country. 

More recently, our offerings have increased with the addition of Diplomas and our newly established, fully online programs. With campuses in Sydney and our programs available to study around the world, we’ve helped more than 40,000 students reach their university dreams over the past 50 years.  

With all this experience, our goal is to provide a supportive transition to a degree at UNSW, whether you choose to study at the Sydney campus, in your home country, or online. You can build your confidence and master important academic and English language skills while getting practical experience and personal support to make the most of your university studies. 

Our history 
A proud past and bright future for English language and international education excellence. 
Welcoming students from all backgrounds and nations is a big part of life and learning at UNSW. That’s why the UNSW Institute of Languages was established in 1966, paving the way for UNSW College as we know it today.

Classes began at the UNSW Institute of Languages in its first premises in Kensington in 1968. One year later, Intensive English courses were run for Czechoslovakian refugees, and by 1973 around 600 students were studying English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, following increased awareness of the importance of Asian languages in the region.  

In 1975, the first courses in interpreting and translating were offered and 1000 migrants with professional qualifications were studying English with us.  

As student numbers continued to grow, the Institute moved to UNSW’s Randwick Campus and interest expanded in the Japanese student market. 

In 1989, the English for Academic Purposes courses were launched, a predecessor for the English Language Programs we offer today. Over the next 20 years, the Institute continued to grow, offering more language programs and the first Foundation Studies program in Australia in 1989,  and five years later, this program was offered internationally for the first time – giving students the opportunity to study Australian university content in their own country.  

In 2006, the Institute is integrated into UNSW Global Pty Limited and the current Kensington campus opened in 2007. As students from around the world continued to choose UNSW College to complete Foundation Studies and English Language Programs both here and abroad, we developed and launched its Diploma programs in 2018. This broad offering, including the launch of bespoke online programs in 2020, gives students a range of options when considering their university dreams. 

Over the past 50 years, we’ve helped more than 40,000 graduates achieve their dreams of studying at university, it’s a legacy of international education that we’re extremely proud of – and there are more to come. 

The pathway to UNSW Sydney 
When you progress to UNSW, you will be part of a world-leading university recognised by employers, organisations and governments around the globe.

It is a place to discover and grow your strengths and knowledge through life?changing experiences and inspirational mentoring from world-renowned academics. We’re here to support you on your journey to a world-class education, and help build the foundations for a successful global career.