How to Apply to Computer Science at UNSW Sydney: Gaokao, A-Level, IB, BC and Mathematics Requirements for the Three-Year Bachelor of Computer Science, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At UNSW Sydney, undergraduate computer science is taught by the School of Computer Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering. The degree is the Bachelor of Computer Science, listed on its course page as Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), program code 3778. Here is what you need to know for 2027 entry, based on UNSW’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. What the degree covers

• Key facts: three years full time, 144 units of credit, UAC code 425800, program code 3778, CRICOS 015784F, at the Kensington campus, with Term 1, 2 and 3 entry.
• Majors: general Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, Programming Languages, Computer Networks, Embedded Systems or Security Engineering. Minors include Accounting, Finance, Psychology, Information Systems, Mathematics and Marketing.
• Structure: in the first two years, two introductory maths courses, an introduction to algorithms and programming techniques, and core courses in programming, computer systems, software engineering, data structures, networks, ethics and object-oriented design; from second year, courses for your major and computing electives, plus two General Education electives outside engineering; in the final year, a team-based Computer Science Project.
• Project-based learning: the ChallENG program connects students, academics and companies on real projects for credit.
• Accreditation: accredited by the Australian Computer Society at the Professional level.
• Calendar change: UNSW moves to a new Flex-Semester calendar from 2028, so the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you start before 2028.
• The entry table also lists the four-year Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), which has higher requirements (see below).

2. Entry scores

• 2027 international entry requirements (UNSW’s 2027 international undergraduate entry table):
  • Bachelor of Computer Science: international ATAR 88; Gaokao 75%; IB 34; A-Level 12; BC GPA 3.6; Ontario OSSD 82; SAT 1240; ACT 26.
  • Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours): international ATAR 91; Gaokao 80%; IB 36; A-Level 14; BC GPA 3.7; Ontario OSSD 84; SAT 1280; ACT 28.
• Domestic reference: the course page lists a 2026 lowest selection rank (with adjustments) of 93.0, a lowest ATAR of 85.0, A-Level 15 and IB 37. These are domestic figures and differ from the international table; international applicants should use the table.
• A-Level calculation: best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeats), A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1, with at most one Applied A Level.
• AP: assessed on the total of three to four AP subjects at 3 or above, with evidence of completing senior secondary studies and authorisation for UNSW to verify results with the College Board; see the 2027 entry table for the score.
• Assumed knowledge: NSW Mathematics Extension 1.
• UNSW notes the published scores are a guide; actual requirements may be higher or lower.

3. Students at high schools in China

• The Gaokao is accepted for direct entry, based on your total as a percentage of the provincial maximum. UNSW’s Gaokao table shows, for 750-point provinces, 70% = 525 and 90% = 675; Shanghai and Hainan use their own maximums.
• Requirements: 75% for the Bachelor of Computer Science (about 563 out of 750) and 80% (600) for the Advanced (Honours) degree.
• Mathematics: the assumed knowledge is equivalent to NSW Mathematics Extension 1, so a strong maths background matters.
• Pathway: the course page says that completing a 12-month UNSW College Diploma lets you progress directly to second year of this degree.
• English: students from China usually need an English test (see below).

4. Students at Canadian high schools

• British Columbia: based on the BC Certificate of Graduation, averaging all grade 12 subjects except Graduation Transitions and Career-Life courses, with A=4, B=3, C+=2.5, C=2, C-=1, F=0; you must receive the certificate. 3.6 for Computer Science and 3.7 for the Advanced (Honours) degree.
• Ontario: average of the best six grade 12 U or U/C courses including ENG4U; 82 for Computer Science and 84 for the Honours degree.
• English: senior secondary studies taught and examined in English in an English-speaking country generally meet the requirement (within two years of starting, for applicants from a non-English-speaking background).

5. English requirements (Engineering undergraduate)

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each subtest; One Skill Retake accepted, IELTS Online not accepted.
• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with at least 23 in Writing and 22 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.
• PTE: 64 overall with at least 54 in each subtest.
• Cambridge C1/C2: 176 with at least 169 in each component.

6. Transfer students

• Students with prior university study can apply; credit is assessed when you apply. The course page gives no specific credit-transfer rules, so check with UNSW in advance.
• UNSW notes program changes are not processed directly; you must reapply, so list several preferences in your first application.
• Term 1, 2 and 3 entry lets transfer students choose a suitable term.

7. Timeline (2027 entry)

• International students apply directly through UNSW; those completing an Australian Year 12 or the IB in Australia apply through UAC.
• Term 1 undergraduate offer rounds: China and Canada are not International Student Award countries, so round schedules apply. The four completed-application deadlines were 14 May, 16 July, 20 August and 24 September 2026, with offers on 13 August, 10 September, 15 October and 19 November. As of October 2026 all four have passed; UNSW says further offers may be made after the final round if places remain.
• Terms 2 and 3: undergraduate round dates are not published yet; check the admissions page.

8. Tuition and scholarships

• International tuition (2026 indicative): about AUD 61,000 for the first year and about AUD 192,500 for the full degree (including an estimate of about AUD 1,000 a year in study costs). 2027 fees are not yet published.
• Scholarships: the course page features Women in Engineering and Engineering Rural scholarships; university-wide international scholarships are on UNSW’s scholarships site. The International Student Award applies only to citizens of listed countries, which do not include China or Canada.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Gaokao 75% (80% for Honours), or A-Level 12 / IB 34 / SAT 1240
• Maths at the level of NSW Mathematics Extension 1
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each), TOEFL 90 or PTE 64
• Term 1 rounds have closed; watch for late offers, or apply for Term 2 or 3
• Consider the UNSW College Diploma, which leads into second year

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• BC grade 12 GPA 3.6 (3.7 for Honours); Ontario 82 or 84
• Apply early in the offer rounds

Transfer students:

• Submit university transcripts for credit assessment; Term 1, 2 and 3 entry

Sources: UNSW Sydney, Bachelor of Computer Science; 2027 international undergraduate entry requirements table (PDF); English language requirements; International admissions and offer rounds; Scholarships. Information is for 2027 entry; entry scores are indicative and fees are 2026 figures. Check UNSW Sydney for the latest details.