The University of New South Wales was founded in 1949 as a public research university in Sydney, Australia, initially focused on technology and scientific education to support post-war industrial and scientific advancement. It began as the New South Wales University of Technology and evolved rapidly, adopting its current name in 1958 and expanding into a comprehensive institution with strengths across disciplines. Over the decades, UNSW has grown through mergers, innovative programs, and a commitment to societal impact, becoming a founding member of Australia's Group of Eight research-intensive universities and a global leader in fields like renewable energy, quantum computing, and photovoltaic technology.
UNSW's main campus is located in the suburb of Kensington in Sydney, spanning a large, modern urban site with a mix of contemporary buildings, green spaces, state-of-the-art research facilities, and easy access to beaches, parks, and the city center. Additional campuses include the Art & Design campus in Paddington (focused on creative disciplines), the CBD campus for business and law programs, and the Canberra campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy. The Kensington campus features vibrant student hubs, extensive sporting facilities, libraries, and proximity to Sydney's cultural and coastal attractions.
UNSW is a public university governed by its University Council, which oversees strategy, policy, and governance. The chief executive is the Vice-Chancellor and President, currently Professor Attila Brungs (since January 2022, the 10th in the role). The Chancellor is Mr Warwick Negus (from 2026 onwards). The university operates with significant autonomy, supported by government funding, tuition, research grants, and philanthropy, and is structured into seven faculties plus various institutes and schools.
UNSW is organized into seven faculties covering arts/design/architecture, business, engineering, law, medicine/health, science, and built environment/arts & social sciences, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees with a strong emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary study, and industry collaboration. It consistently ranks among the world's top universities (#20 in QS World University Rankings 2026, #79 in Times Higher Education 2026, #34 in US News Best Global Universities), with particular excellence in engineering, computer science, law, business, renewable energy, quantum technologies, and employability (ranked #1 in Australia and top globally for graduate outcomes). UNSW is affiliated with numerous high-impact researchers and maintains one of Australia's largest research portfolios.
UNSW enrolls over 80,000 students (including a large international cohort from more than 130 countries, around 49% international), creating a dynamic, diverse, and high-achieving community. Student life features residential colleges and off-campus housing, over hundreds of clubs and societies (spanning sports, arts, entrepreneurship, cultural groups, and activism), strong sporting culture (with excellent facilities and teams), events like orientation festivals and Arc student-led activities, and easy access to Sydney's beaches, nightlife, and cultural scene. The environment balances rigorous academics with social engagement, wellbeing support, career services, and a reputation for producing highly employable graduates in a vibrant, urban Australian setting.
Professors at The University of New South Wales
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