Bachelor of Design (Honours) (CRICOS course code 009534G) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This AQF Level 8 program is designed for students who want to deepen their creative and critical skills in graphic arts and design studies. UNSW is a leading public university in Australia, consistently ranked among the top 50 globally. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring compliance with Australian standards for international education. As an international student, you will study at the UNSW Kensington campus in Sydney, New South Wales. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. The indicative tuition fee for this program is A$200,500 over four years, with additional non-tuition costs of A$4,000. However, fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with UNSW. This page provides a detailed overview of the course, entry requirements, student visa information, and how to apply. Whether you are planning to become a professional designer, art director, or creative strategist, this honours degree equips you with advanced research and practical skills. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees.
Bachelor of Design (Honours) (CRICOS course code 009534G) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This AQF Level 8 program is in the field of Graphic Arts and Design Studies (field of education 100501). UNSW is a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00098G) and a government university. The course is specifically designed to prepare students for professional practice or further research in design. International students benefit from the ESOS Act protections that apply to all CRICOS-registered courses. As of April 2026, Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register.
As a Bachelor Honours Degree in design, you will engage in advanced study of visual communication, typography, interaction design, and design thinking. The program emphasises research methodologies, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving. Graduates typically develop a professional portfolio and may pursue careers in graphic design, user experience design, art direction, or design management. The field of education (10 Creative Arts) covers a broad range of creative disciplines, and this particular course focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of graphic arts and design studies. Note that the specific syllabus is set by UNSW; for detailed curriculum information, please visit the UNSW website.
The course duration is 4 years, equivalent to 208 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification only — it is not a dual award or combined degree. The course does not include a foundation studies component. It is delivered on a full-time basis at the UNSW Kensington campus. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for Bachelor of Design (Honours) is A$200,500, with non-tuition fees of A$4,000, making an estimated total of A$204,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent of A$300-$500, groceries around A$80-$120, and public transport about A$30-$50. Always confirm current fees directly with The University of New South Wales (UNSW) by visiting their official website.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0 (specific requirements may vary). Applicants are expected to have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent, with satisfactory results in relevant subjects. Some programs may require a portfolio or interview. For detailed entry requirements, including specific ATAR or equivalent scores, please refer to the UNSW website. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements — contact UNSW for options.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb approximately 5 kilometres south-east of Sydney's central business district (CBD). Sydney is New South Wales’ capital and Australia’s largest city, with a vibrant multicultural population of over 5 million. The city is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and it offers a high standard of living. Sydney has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a top destination for international students. The UNSW Kensington campus is well-served by public transport, including buses and light rail, providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas.
International students undertaking this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia. Key requirements include: being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. As of 2025, the Student visa application charge is approximately A$710 (subject to change). Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, protecting your tuition fees and providing a complaints process. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Design (Honours) at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and find providers like UNSW that are CRICOS-registered and meet your study goals.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, prepare your academic documents, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and submit your application before the deadline. UNSW typically has two intakes per year (February and July).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you accept the offer, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to apply online for your student visa. Don't forget to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity.
Sydney is a global creative hub with a thriving design industry. The city is home to numerous design studios, advertising agencies, and tech companies. Studying at UNSW places you in a network of creative professionals. However, the cost of living in Sydney is among the highest in Australia, so budget accordingly. Consider your personal preferences: do you prefer a bustling city lifestyle or a quieter campus environment? UNSW's Kensington campus offers a dynamic atmosphere with modern facilities. Also, think about employment opportunities: Sydney's job market for designers is competitive but rewarding. If you value cultural diversity, world-class beaches, and a strong arts scene, Sydney could be an excellent choice. Remember to factor in the six-year cap for certain student visa holders. HeadStart Academy provides this context to help you make an informed decision.
Ready to apply? Follow our step-by-step application guide above to begin your journey towards a Bachelor of Design (Honours) at UNSW.
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Bachelor of Design (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.