Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a 3-year undergraduate qualification in a discipline other than social work (or overseas equivalent) and prior completion of specified Social Science studies, or an international qualification in social work not meeting AASW eligibility.
Entry is based on a 3-year undergraduate qualification in a discipline other than social work (or overseas equivalent) and prior completion of specified Social Science studies, or an international qualification in social work not meeting AASW eligibility. English language requirements must also be met.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- 084828E
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2027 | Trimester 2 – June 2027 | Trimester 3 – October 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Build on your existing knowledge and passion for social justice and human rights with practical experience and flexibly delivered case-based learning. Gain the skills necessary to address barriers, inequality and injustices faced by marginalised and disadvantaged groups in Australia's socially and culturally diverse society. With a focus on rural and regional communities, UNE's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will provide you with the tools to thrive in this rewarding and rapidly-evolving profession.
Why study the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) with UNE?
Social workers address the barriers, inequality and injustices faced by many disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups in our community, and engage with the many challenges involved in social work practice locally, nationally, and internationally, including within rural and remote communities. UNE's Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is designed for people who wish to change their career direction, or for those already working in the community services who wish to boost their career trajectory.
Our social work program embraces a framework that examines the dynamics of human behaviour, institutions and complex social interactions. If you have a passion for social justice and human rights, our course will provide you with the practical and theoretical skills for a career in the growing and dynamic field of professional social work.
UNE is consistently awarded the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. Study with a highly rated university.
What makes our course different?
At UNE, our social work courses include a focus on issues that face rural and regional communities. They are designed to provide an understanding and respect for the varied social, ethnic, cultural and religious groups that make up Australian society, with an emphasis on marginalised and Indigenous people. Our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will enable you to effectively respond to the rapidly changing social and environmental issues affecting individuals and communities.
- Study flexibly to work in with your lifestyle, professional situation, and learning needs, either full-time or part-time, on campus or online (with some mandatory, on campus intensive schools).
- Complete your 1000 hours of professional fieldwork (clinical) placements in diverse social work settings in Australia and internationally. Clinical placements are supervised by experienced practitioners who support you in developing the skills needed to practice social work effectively in complex environments, with disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, groups, and communities.
- Prove your enhanced discipline knowledge and research skills with the capstone unit HLTH554A, a research unit in a specialised area of your choice, usually completed alongside your second field placement. This unit of study will enable your critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice tools gained as you produce a piece of independent professional research.
Please note: all students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150hrs over the duration of the course. This requirement is met via attendance at the mandatory intensive schools associated with some of the core units for online students and/or via face-to-face mandatory classes throughout the trimester for on campus students. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).
This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.
Before starting your first field placement, there are a number of requirements that you must meet. These include vaccinations for Category A Health Care Workers (NSW Health), a current National Criminal History Check, and a NSW Working with Children Check. Some of these take some time to complete, so we encourage you to commence processing these as soon as you have enrolled in the course.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a three-year undergraduate qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution in a discipline other than Social Work.
Your degree must include 48 credit points (1 year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent) in any Social Science discipline. You must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study in Social and Behavioural Sciences. UNE uses the definition from the Australian Association of Social Workers (ASWEAS) that social and behavioural sciences refer to topics that focus on psychology and human development and the relationship between individuals and society. Courses accepted as social science are defined by the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS). Other courses that are considered social science include:
- Community development
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Education
- Indigenous studies
- International relations
- Public health
- Social welfare
- Community services
- Nursing
- Social policy
- Mental health and wellbeing.
If you are not sure if your degree constitutes a social science, please contact the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator to discuss.
Please note: If your three-year undergraduate qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) does not include48 credit points of study in any Social Science discipline you cannot apply for this course. You may become eligible to enrol in this degree by successfully completing 48 credit points of study in UNE's social science offerings.
If you are admitted under Rule A, you must study on campus in Armidale commencing in Trimester 1.
Rule B: You have an international qualification in social work that does not meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) eligibility for membership.
Permission for admission on this basis must be granted by the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator.
Please note: You are individually responsible for contacting the AASW regarding eligibility for membership based on your individual circumstances.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
If you are admitted under Rule B, you must study on campus in Armidale commencing in Trimester 1.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
If you are admitted into this course you are required to spend 20 days face-to-face on campus across the duration of your candidature. You must also undertake at least one placement in Australia.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit .
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule C: You hold a visa - other than a Student visa - that permits study within Australia, and have completed a three-year undergraduate qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution in a discipline other than Social Work.
Your degree must include 48 credit points (1 year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent) in any Social Science discipline. You must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study in Social and Behavioural Sciences. UNE uses the definition from the Australian Association of Social Workers (ASWEAS) that social and behavioural sciences refer to topics that focus on psychology and human development and the relationship between individuals and society. Courses accepted as social science are defined by the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS). Other courses that are considered social science include:
- Community development
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Education
- Indigenous studies
- International relations
- Public health
- Social welfare
- Community services
- Nursing
- Social policy
- Mental health and wellbeing.
If you are not sure if your degree constitutes a social science discipline, please contact the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator to discuss.
Please note: If your three-year undergraduate qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) does not include 48 credit points of study in any Social Science discipline you cannot apply for this course. You may become eligible to enrol in this degree by successfully completing 48 credit points of study in UNE's social science offerings.
If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be eligible to study online commencing in Trimester 1 or 2. You are required to spend 20 days face-to-face on campus across the duration of your candidature (via on campus intensive schools). You must also undertake at least one placement in Australia.
Rule D: You hold a visa - other than a Student visa - that permits study within Australia, and have an international qualification in social work that does not meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) eligibility for membership.
Permission for admission on this basis must be granted by the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator.
Please note: You are individually responsible for contacting the AASW regarding eligibility for membership based on your individual circumstances.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be eligible to study online commencing in Trimester 1 or 2. You are required to spend 20 days face-to-face on campus across the duration of your candidature (via on campus intensive schools). You must also undertake at least one placement in Australia.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
If you are admitted into this course you are required to spend 20 days face-to-face on campus across the duration of your candidature. You must also undertake at least one placement in Australia.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit .
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed three-year undergraduate qualification and any additional studies contributing to meeting the requirement of 48 credit points of study in any Social Science discipline.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Formal Learning: Advanced Standing for Formal Learning can be considered for units that you have successfully completed within an Australian social work program accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). You may also apply for Advanced Standing for units completed as part of another postgraduate qualification which have learning outcomes substantially equivalent to units within UNE’s Master of Social Work.
Non-Formal Learning: If you have prior professional experience in the field of social work you can apply for Advanced Standing for the first field education unit only (HSSW450 Fieldwork 1). Applications must be received in the trimester prior to enrolling in the first field placement unit in accordance with AASW guidelines. Applications for Advanced Standing for Social Work units are subject to additional requirements.
You can also apply for credit on the basis of work/life experience gained after your initial enrolment in this course.
Please review the criteria for Advanced Standing towards Social Work Courses including Field Education Units prior to application.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- HLTH554A Capstone Project
- HSSW550 Fieldwork 2
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a three-year undergraduate qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution in a discipline other than Social Work.
Your degree must include 48 credit points (1 year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent) in any Social Science discipline. You must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study in Social and Behavioural Sciences. UNE uses the definition from the Australian Association of Social Workers (ASWEAS) that social and behavioural sciences refer to topics that focus on psychology and human development and the relationship between individuals and society. Courses accepted as social science are defined by the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS). Other courses that are considered social science include:
- Community development
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Education
- Indigenous studies
- International relations
- Public health
- Social welfare
- Community services
- Nursing
- Social policy
- Mental health and wellbeing.
If you are not sure if your degree constitutes a social science, please contact the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator to discuss.
Please note: If your three-year undergraduate qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) does not include 48 credit points of study in any Social Science discipline you cannot apply for this course. You may become eligible to enrol in this degree by successfully completing 48 credit points of study in UNE's social science offerings.
Rule B: You have an international qualification in social work that does not meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) eligibility for membership.
Permission for admission on this basis must be granted by the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator.
Please note: You are individually responsible for contacting the AASW regarding eligibility for membership based on your individual circumstances.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
If you are admitted into this course you are required to spend 20 days face-to-face on campus across the duration of your candidature. You must also undertake at least one placement in Australia.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit .
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed three-year undergraduate qualification and any additional studies contributing to meeting the requirement of 48 credit points of study in any Social Science discipline.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Formal Learning: Advanced Standing for Formal Learning can be considered for units that you have successfully completed within an Australian social work program accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). You may also apply for Advanced Standing for units completed as part of another postgraduate qualification which have learning outcomes substantially equivalent to units within UNE’s Master of Social Work.
Non-Formal Learning: If you have prior professional experience in the field of social work you can apply for Advanced Standing for the first field education unit only (HSSW450 Fieldwork 1). Applications must be received in the trimester prior to enrolling in the first field placement unit in accordance with AASW guidelines. Applications for Advanced Standing for Social Work units are subject to additional requirements.
You can also apply for credit on the basis of work/life experience gained after your initial enrolment in this course.
Please review the criteria for Advanced Standing towards Social Work Courses including Field Education Units prior to application.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- HLTH554A Capstone Project
- HSSW550 Fieldwork 2
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including 1000 hours of fieldwork and 48 credit points at 500-level.
96 credit points
Complete the following units:- Social Work Through the LifeSpan (HSSW305) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA400) – 6 credit points
- Disadvantage and Service Provision B (HSSW400B) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Direct Practice B (HSSW401B) – 6 credit points
- Fieldwork 1 (HSSW450) – 18 credit points
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection (HSSW504) – 6 credit points
- Social Work Intervention Models and Skills B (HSSW510B) – 6 credit points
- Groups and Communities (HSSW511) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights, the Law and Social Justice (HSSW513) – 6 credit points
- Fieldwork 2 (HSSW550) – 18 credit points
- Capstone Project (HLTH554A) – 6 credit points
- Social Work in Practice Five (HSSW555) – 3 credit points
- Social Work in Practice Six (HSSW655) – 3 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $29,376* |
| International | $34,560* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $9,840* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $384 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Our social work graduates are in demand in Australia and overseas in rewarding and challenging careers. Choose the direction you want to take, with strong projected future growth in the field.
Social workers are employed in a diverse range of government, non-government and community agencies such as:
- hospitals and community health centres
- early intervention, child protection programs and family support services
- schools
- justice and human rights
- housing
- mental health
- community development and advocacy agencies.
With the emphasis on skill development and continuing lifelong education, a postgraduate social work degree from UNE will position you at the forefront of change and innovation, and can lead to opportunities in management, education, research, policy development, politics and community planning.
This is an AASW-accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate commitment to the social work profession's three key value areas integral to social work practice: respect for persons; social justice; and professional integrity;
- create knowledge of, respect for, and ability to work professionally with varied social, ethnic, cultural and religious groups that make up Australian society, with a particular emphasis on marginalised and Indigenous people;
- interpret and assess the impacts of disadvantage, disability and trauma upon the health and well-being of people and their implications for practice responses;
- analyse and effectively respond to the rapidly changing social and environmental issues that impact the lives of individuals within a given community at local, national and international levels;
- demonstrate skills for in-depth analysis, reflection, judgement and application of theories for ethical engagement with individuals, families, groups, and communities across a range of contexts;
- generate research to advance, apply and maintain evidence-informed social work practice to deal effectively with complex issues affecting families, individuals, groups and communities; and
- acquire and manage lifelong learning skills with a firm preparation for professional and career development.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Students study theory and practice units covering increasingly complex social work practice knowledge, skills and values. Students build on theoretical knowledge covered in their undergraduate degree and are exposed to global perspectives of social work, including the manner in which systemic issues of social justice have local impacts on populations and social work practice. This perspective is gained as students develop an understanding of human rights and social marginalisation, and the ways in which change, society, culture and practice are connected. Students demonstrate their developing knowledge, skills and values through assessment tasks in all units, including fieldwork placements. Completing a discipline related research project is integral to the capstone field unit.
- Communication Skills
Working interactively and responsively with a range of stakeholders is a core social work skill. Cooperative peer feedback will be an important part of tutorial/online discussion as students are taught to collaboratively explore and develop their understanding of course materials. Fieldwork placement is a site for the further development and assessment of communication skills.
- Problem Solving
Many social work theory and practice units are taught using case scenarios to critically examine and assess the biopsychosocial implications and develop practice options. Social work students learn to practice using a global perspective that highlights the manner in which extra-local factors impact on local lived experience. This perspective is gained as students develop an understanding of disadvantage, marginalisation and the ways in which change, society and culture connectedly contribute to this. This attribute will be assessed through assignment tasks.
- Information Literacy
Guidance is provided about how to use information and communication technologies and contemporary search procedures to identify and access relevant information about practice and social trends.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Ethical practice and social responsibility are core social work requirements that are taught, practiced and assessed across the course. Students are expected to demonstrate this in practice and identify possible responses to a range of client and professional situations.
- Lifelong Learning
Consistent with the AASW Practice Standards, students will be exposed to, taught about, and expected to develop, independent learning plans and strategies throughout the course and in subsequent practice.
- Independence and Collaboration
Independence and collaboration are essential in social education and practice. Students are taught to be active learners, and to develop independent thinking as well as collaborative practice skills. All social work theory and practice units are taught in a case-based learning framework where students are expected to demonstrate independence and contribute to group learning. This perspective is practiced and assessed in all units.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
My degree also enabled me to work in a range of other related roles. Prior to moving to England, I worked in the disability sector with NDIS participants in the Sydney metro area.
Why study with us?
I appreciated the welcoming spirit of UNE. I immediately felt part of the community. All my units were exceptional because they all contributed to what I know now as a graduate.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 12 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 |
| Trimester 2 | 11 June 2027 | 21 June 2027 |
