The University of Western Australia (UWA) is considered moderately competitive to get into, with an acceptance rate of approximately 38% for international applicants, indicating a balanced level of selectivity. Admission difficulty varies depending on the program and applicant background, but overall, UWA maintains clear academic and English language standards to ensure quality student intake.
Academic Requirements
For undergraduate admission, UWA generally requires applicants to have an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 or above, along with meeting English Language Competency (ELC) requirements. For international students, equivalent secondary school qualifications are accepted, and the university also considers various pathways such as diplomas or vocational education qualifications. Some competitive courses like Medicine or Dentistry have much higher entry thresholds, often requiring an ATAR of 98 or above, plus additional tests like the UCAT ANZ and interviews.
Postgraduate applicants typically need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a weighted average mark (WAM) of around 60% or higher, depending on the course. English proficiency tests such as IELTS (usually minimum 6.5), TOEFL, or PTE are also mandatory for non-native English speakers.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, English test scores, and other documentation through the official UWA application portal, along with a non-refundable application fee of AUD 150. Meeting deadlines is crucial, with Semester 2, 2025 applications closing around May 26, 2025. UWA also offers special entry pathways for students with relevant work experience or those facing educational disadvantages.
Is UWA Hard to Get Into?
While UWA is not as highly selective as some of Australia’s most elite universities, its admission standards are firm enough to maintain academic quality. The acceptance rate of around 38% suggests that admission is moderately competitive, especially for popular or professional programs. Students with strong academic records, adequate English proficiency, and complete applications stand a good chance of admission.
For courses with higher demand or specialized entry requirements, such as Medicine, the process is more rigorous, making those programs harder to access.
Summary
UWA offers a balanced admissions process that values academic achievement and English proficiency, with moderate competition for places. While some programs are highly selective, many undergraduate and postgraduate courses have accessible entry standards for qualified applicants. Prospective students should prepare their documentation carefully, meet deadlines, and consider alternative pathways if needed to improve their chances.