The Western Sydney University (WSU), is a public university with approximately 48,000 students. It is best known for its emphasis on accessibility, diversity, and applied research. Its admissions are fairly open, with an estimated acceptance rate of 30%. Programs favored by students include Business, Nursing, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Education. The graduation rate at WSU is approximately 70%, and the average starting salaries of graduates are AUD $60,000–65,000 (INR 33–36 lakhs) per year.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) in Wollongong, New South Wales, is a globally positioned research-led university with approximately 35,000 students. It is especially renowned in Engineering, Information Technology, Business, and Health Sciences, with a global reputation. Admissions are relatively competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 30%. The graduation rate of UOW is higher at around 75%, while its alumni draw beginning salaries of AUD $65,000–70,000 (INR 36–39 lakhs) per annum.
| Western Sydney University | University of Wollongong | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.9 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 # 400 QS World University 2026 # 301 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 184 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 167 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 101 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 101 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -160 PG Programs -35 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -89 PG Programs -42 Doctorate Programs -2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 30.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-600 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-82 | IELTS-6.5 TOEFL-86 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 21031 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 23628 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27018 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 22157 [For UG Program] |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Rankings: #301-500, MBA: $99,000, Bachelor of Science: $76,000, Bachelor of Arts: $54,000, Bachelor (Other): $72,000, Master in Finance: $60,000, Other Degree: $63,000 | University of Wollongong is one of the top public universities in Wollongong, Australia. It is ranked #=185 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Average Salaries Are As Follows :
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| application requirements |
For Indian students, CBSE.ICSE/State Boards certificates with minimum aggregate of 55% is required. Proof of English language proficiency, some specific programs may also require evidence of relevant work experience in the concerned field. | Students must complete min. 13 years of education to apply for bachelors programs. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 15 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 7 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 401 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 201 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 82/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 62/90TOEFL - 86/120 |
| application dates | May 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Feb 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake) | May 5, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Nov 18, 2025 (Trimester 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Dec 9, 2025 (Application Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake) Feb 24, 2026 (Trimester 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Jun 2, 2026 (Trimester 3 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Western Sydney University | University of Wollongong |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1989 | 1951 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 24:1 | 24.1:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 46% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Western Sydney includes , or partially includes, the NSW Electoral Districts of Penrith, Londonderry, Mulgoa, Camden, Macquire Fields , Campbelltown etc. Just 20 km from the Sydney CBD, Parramatta is accesible from Sydney Airport by rail or taxi transfers (costs apply).Parramatta city campus is rich in art learning skills and unique study spaces. | It is located on the coastal city, Wollongong. Wollongong campus is landscaped by gardens and is minutes away from the Pacific ocean. |
| Library | The university has 8 libraries. The libraries hold over 240257 physical books; 6 million digital books; 4140000+ journals; more than 10 ,million information resources. | The university has seven libraries having million of recourses inclusive of 90,000 journals, 260 databases, and 450,000 ebooks. |
| Campus Life | University has over 100 clubs providing numerous opportunities for students to lead vibrant social life. It also offers involvement iin sports clubs, Elite Athelete Programs, Unisport Nationals, Inter-varsity tournaments etc. It also conducts Diversity Fest comprising over 160 cultural groups. | Over 130 clubs and societies and a variety of stress-relieving workshops and wellness activities are available on campus. Students can find various international cuisine outlets (20), gyms, cafes (9), and live music festivals at Unibar. The international student program allows freshman to find and interact with people from their cultures and other cultures as well. |
| Hostel | #Apartment - $12105 #Apartment En-suite - $14913 | - |
| Famous Alumni |
Several politicians, actors, authors and poets have brought laurel to the university. Some of them are Cathy McGowan (Politician), Shannon Cole(Footballer turned coach), Anita Heiss (Author), Don Hany (Actor), Ben Quilty (Artist), Rosie Scott (Novelist and lecturer), Frank Puletua (Rugby league footballer) etc. | Alex Zelinsky (vice-chancellor of University of Newcastle), Gareth Ward (Legislator), John Tranter (Poet), Julian McMohan (Actor), Kate Bell (Actress), B.Sandhya (Additional Director General of Kerala Police), Bryan Doyle (Legislator) |
| City Life | Unemployment rate of Sydney is low as 2.8%, | Unemployment rate of Sydney is low as 2.8%, |
| Weather |
Western Sydney University vs University of Wollongong
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is higher-ranked internationally than Western Sydney University (WSU). In QS 2026, UOW is ranked approximately 184, with excellent subject performance in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Education, and Environmental Sciences. WSU is ranked approximately 400 in QS 2026, with good performance in Social Sciences, Nursing, Business, Psychology, and Education. Both universities are well-regarded in applied research, although UOW enjoys more international recognition.
General Information
UOW, established in 1951, is a public research university in Wollongong, New South Wales, with ~35,000 students and a high international student population. WSU, established in 1989, is a public university for Greater Western Sydney with ~48,000 students in a number of campuses, focusing on accessibility, diversity, and skills-based learning pathways.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both universities are moderately selective, with selection based on previous academic records. UOW is more competitive entry for Engineering, Computer Science, and Business, whereas WSU is more accommodating entry pathways, especially for students with diverse backgrounds and non-traditional pathways.
Research Impact & Facilities
UOW is a research-intensive institution, particularly known in materials science, engineering, medical research, and environmental studies, with international research collaborations. WSU is engaged in research in the areas of health sciences, social justice, sustainability, and urban planning, with facilities designed for applied community-based impact and industry partnership.
Cost & Financial Aid
As public universities in Australia, fees for international students are around AUD 30,000–38,000 a year, varying with the course. Both provide merit scholarships and financial assistance, with UOW offering greater scholarship schemes for high-achieving international students and WSU focusing on equity-based and accessibility support.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UOW graduates are highly respected around the world, with excellent employment in engineering, business, IT, and research, backed by industry collaborations and a global alumni network. WSU graduates thrive especially in healthcare, teaching, business, and social services, with close connections to the Sydney metropolitan workforce, providing hands-on employment opportunities in Australia's largest job market.
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