Diploma of Science
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What is a Diploma?
A Diploma is a 12-month program that gives you the foundational skills and knowledge in a specific stream. A Diploma of Science will take you straight into the Second Year of your Bachelor of Science at UNSW.
It is a great option for you as an international student if you need a bit more support but don't want to add extra time to your degree. If you have just missed out on direct entry into your preferred bachelor's degree, or hold qualifications that are not recognised by UNSW Sydney, this could also be the program for you.
Intakes
January, May, August*
Duration
12 months (3 terms)
Weekly class time
Approximately 20-25 hours
Progression
Second Year, Bachelor of Science at UNSW Sydney
Delivery mode
On-campus
CRICOS Code
113049K^
*For full details on intakes, please view Key dates.
^Prior to August 2024, this program was delivered as Diploma in Science, CRICOS Course Code 095862A.
Your journey with a Diploma Program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees and scholarships
Who is this program for?
The Diploma Program has been designed specifically for international students. Our Diplomas make it easy to adjust to university, with:
- smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- additional English and academic support
- course material equivalent to First Year courses within the UNSW Sydney degree, and
- access to the same facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
With an innovative First Year equivalent curriculum, you will begin to learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics before specialising and focusing on your future.
Why study science at UNSW Sydney?
A UNSW science degree unlocks a world of career opportunities. From oceanography to neuroscience, biotech to quantum physics, you will gain the flexibility to explore different disciplines to find the field that sparks your passion. Create innovative solutions to the world’s biggest challenges and be equipped with transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of industries.
UNSW provides world-class education and a career-focused student experience. You will belong to a connected student community with opportunities to expand your network socially and professionally, as well as full access to UNSW’s world-class libraries, labs, clubs and societies.
You will explore new ideas and diverse perspectives within a vibrant student community, through a wide choice of majors available in your Bachelor of Science.
Career opportunities
- Environmental Scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Geophysicist
- Hospital Technician
- Marine Biologist
- Medical Doctor
- Medical Lab Scientist
- Nutritionist
- Pharmacist
- Science Educator
- Scientist
- Veterinary Scientist
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into Second Year at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.
Want to know more about specific progression requirements for your chosen UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree?
The Diploma of Science is designed to provide you with a pathway straight into Second Year of a Bachelor of Science where you will have the option to choose a degree major from the following:
Bachelor of Science majors
- Anatomy
- Biology and Biodiversity*
- Chemistry
- Food Science*
- Genetics
- Marine and Coastal*
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physical Oceanography
- Physics
- Physiology
- Statistics
Note: Diploma of Science students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to Second Year of the relevant degree program at UNSW. If you wish to study a major not on this list, you may be eligible to receive credit for courses that are common.
* Specific courses are required in Second Year, which may increase program duration.
Top 20
Worldwide
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
Most
Employable Graduates
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
Leading
Innovation
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
Program structure
Diploma students learn the fundamentals required for their future studies in courses that are equivalent to First Year undergraduate courses at UNSW Sydney.
All discipline-specific Diploma courses are equivalent to First Year undergraduate courses, but you get the added benefit of extra support to equip you with the academic and English skills you need to succeed. All so you have a strong basis for your journey into Second Year at UNSW Sydney, where you will choose your major.
For more information on each major you can study when you get to UNSW, see below.
Entry requirements
The Diploma Program is designed specifically for international students as a potential pathway to study at UNSW Sydney - before you start a Diploma, you must meet the required English language proficiency and specific academic entry requirements.
For more information on entry requirements, view the Diploma and UEEC entry requirements - requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.
In addition to academic and English requirements, some Diploma Programs require specific subject minimum grade requirements and assumed knowledge depending on your intended program.
Diploma of Science
Minimum grade requirement – Mathematics
Assumed knowledge – Relevant Sciences
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a Diploma Program, you can complete a Foundation Studies program first.
If you need help meeting the English language requirements, you could complete the University English Entry Course (UEEC) before starting your Diploma Program.
Academic calendars
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as Orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
Column headers with buttons are sortable.
Orientation | Start of Week One | Сensus | Finish | Start at UNSW | PDF Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-May-25 | 12-May-25 | 6-Jun-25 | 8-May-26 | Term 2 - 01 Jun 2026 | View Calendar |
| 28-Aug-25 | 1-Sep-25 | 26-Sep-25 | 28-Aug-26 | Term 3 - 14 Sep 2026 | View Calendar |
- Orientation
- 8-May-25
- Start of Week One
- 12-May-25
- Сensus
- 6-Jun-25
- Finish
- 8-May-26
- Start at UNSW
- Term 2 - 01 Jun 2026
- PDF Calendar
- View Calendar
- Orientation
- 28-Aug-25
- Start of Week One
- 1-Sep-25
- Сensus
- 26-Sep-25
- Finish
- 28-Aug-26
- Start at UNSW
- Term 3 - 14 Sep 2026
- PDF Calendar
- View Calendar
Diploma fees
2024 tuition fees
A$43,440
2025 tuition fees
A$46,080
| Course | 2024 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | 2025 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | Courses to complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science | $5,430 | $5,760 | 7 |
| Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,430 | $5,760 | 1 |
- Course
- Science
- 2024 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD)
- $5,430
- 2025 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD)
- $5,760
- Courses to complete
- 7
- Course
- Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL)
- 2024 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD)
- $5,430
- 2025 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD)
- $5,760
- Courses to complete
- 1
Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) must be completed as part of each Diploma Program.
For additional information on our fees and other non-tuition fees, please see the Fees page.
Scholarships
If you start a Diploma in 2024 or 2025, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship for the duration of your studies.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to start your Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW.
At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to start your application, click the button below.
Need help?
If you need help or have questions about the application process, read our guide on How to Apply.
Or you can get advice from one of our certified agents who can help you through the process. Find an agent near you.
Why study with UNSW College?
Your path to a global top 20 university
Successfully complete a Diploma Program and progress directly to Second Year of a Bachelor of Science at UNSW Sydney.
Support as you learn
The Diploma Program is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and study skills to take the next step with confidence.
Directly connected to UNSW
The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world class libraries, clubs and societies.
"The Diploma Program has helped me by implementing the bases of knowledge needed to progress further with our studies. Furthermore, it gave me more information that helped me decide which major I want to take in university and what path I want to take in the future."
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited.