Bachelor of Economics

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More than number crunching, economics explores human behaviour and decision-making, with a focus on the roles played by incentives, resource constraints, laws, customs and institutions. When you study the Bachelor of Economics at UNSW, you’ll investigate how these decisions determine outcomes for the economy and society.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: UAC code 424400; Program code 3543; CRICOS code 001920G

ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank: 91.0
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $14,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $45,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $54,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $172,000*

In-demand skills
Internship opportunities
Optional majors

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Overview

Economics is an influential social science that explores human behaviour and decision-making, with a focus on the roles played by incentives, resource constraints, laws, customs, and institutions. When you study the Bachelor of Economics at UNSW, you’ll explore how the decisions of institutions and individuals interact to determine outcomes for the economy and society.

As a graduate of economics, your distinct insights can be applied broadly. Through this degree, you'll gain highly transferable analytical skills that are valuable in a diverse range of careers.�� In addition to more traditional economic issues like unemployment, taxation, and trade policy, economics allows you to understand and address human challenges like inequality, climate change, corruption, political polarisation, and impediments to education and health care.

Key features

Learn how to change the world
You’ll explore and find solutions to the important issues of our time. Economics uncovers the forces behind global inequality and the drivers of international relations. It explores policymaking and regulation, inflation, property rights, labour markets, our interaction with the environment, firm organisation and competition, and strategic interaction.

Become highly sought after by industry and government
UNSW Economics graduates are keenly sought after by policymakers at all levels of government, private sector employers, not-for-profits, and international organisations. They work in diverse careers as analysts, researchers, forecasters, journalists, and advisors.

Build your expertise
Our flexible program allows you to shape your degree around your interests and goals. Choose from three specialisations in economics, build your own program, or complement your economics studies with other Business and Commerce courses. You can also study this program as a double degree to combine your expertise.

Put theory into practice
You’ll apply your academic learning through practical experience, empowering you to use economics and leadership to change the world. Opportunities for practical experience include internships, group consulting projects, and global practicums.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

We're business leaders

Study Economics at Australia's top business school, UNSW. We lead the way in career impact, quality and reputation. We’re ranked top 20 worldwide^{^}��and have been ranked Australia's #1 Business School*. UNSW Business School is renowned for best-in-class teaching and student outcomes; 1st in Australia for Accounting, Finance, Business, Management and Marketing^#.��

At the School of Economics, we lead the way, literally. Ranking 1st in Sydney, 3rd in Australia and 37th worldwide for Economics and Econometrics+.

Double your impact with a double degree
Why not study a double degree at UNSW Business School? With a double degree you’ll gain a unique set of skills that will set you apart in the job market. You’ll increase both your specialist skills and employability when you study a double degree.

If you want to combine your interests and carve out a career path that you’re passionate about a double degree is a great way to do that. Double degrees can help you become more of a specialist in a particular area or gain a breadth of skills that meets the demands of today’s organisations.

Plus, a double degree won’t necessarily double your workload or study duration.��

Explore Economics double degree combinations below:

Actuarial Studies
Advanced Mathematics (Honours)
Advanced Science (Honours)
Arts
Commerce
Computer Science
Education (Secondary)
Law
Science

Honours program��
If you want to stand out from other candidates and give yourself a point of different, consider adding honours study to your degree. With an honour's degree, you’ll complete an independent research project and advanced coursework in the area of business you’re passionate about.

How can studying honours help my career?

1) Develop your research skills: Your honours thesis is an independent research project that combines theory, methods, creativity, and communication skills
2) Deepen your expertise: Honours gives you the opportunity to become an expert in the field of business that interests you the most
3) Advance your career with advanced research, problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills, you’ll stand out in the eyes of employers.

^{^ QS World University Rankings, 2024}

^{# QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024}

^��

Program Code

3543

CRICOS Code

001920G

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

424400

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

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Entry requirements

Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank derived from the following:

Australian interstate Year 12 qualifications (e.g., OP rank)
New Zealand NCEA Level 3
Equivalent overseas qualifications e.g., International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels
Post-secondary or tertiary qualifications
An alternative entry qualification

��

2024 Lowest Selection Rank

91.0

2024 A levels

14.0

2024 IB Diploma

35.0

2024 Lowest ATAR

78.1

The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.

The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.��

��
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.��

��
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and��with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.��

This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.��

We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.��

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.

Please for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The Bachelor of Economics is a three-year degree program consisting of 24 courses. You can choose from a wide variety of courses according to your interests or focus on a major study area. You’ll be able to study one or two Economics majors choosing from Macroeconomics and Financial Markets, Data Analytics and Econometrics, and Economic Policy and Society, or other Commerce majors including Behavioural Economics.��

The program includes:

Economics core courses
Introductory Business courses
Economics elective courses or optional Economics major
Business electives or the option to pursue a Commerce major or minor
General education courses from other faculties

Professional development courses and experiences:

Work Integrated Learning – You can complete up to two for-credit work industry experiences such as an internship or business practicum
Practical Application – The curriculum is taught with practical application of real-world problems so you can gain a solid grounding in understanding society and business. ��

Study areas

Data Analytics and Econometrics

Economic Policy and Society

Macroeconomics and Financial Markets
Accounting

Behavioural Economics

Business Analytics

Business Economics

Business Sustainability and Social Impact

Cybersecurity Management

Finance

FinTech

Human Resource Management

Information Systems

Innovation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship

International Business

Marketing

Marketing Analytics

Taxation

Sample Program

What can you do with an economics degree?��

Careers in economics are about using data, maths and reason to understand behaviour, improve wellbeing and make a positive impact on people’s lives. With highly transferable skills in analysis, statistics, data, problem-solving and communication, you can move across the private sector, financial institutions, and government departments.��

Health economist��

Behavioural economist��

Financial economist��

Labour economist

Macroeconomist��

Credit analyst

Business analyst��

Financial analyst��

Insurance analyst��

Data analyst��

Policy analyst

Actuary

Business reporter

Economic researcher

Economic consulting

Financial consultant

Financial controller

Financial services

Human resource manager

Investment analyst

Management consultant

Market research analyst

Explore careers

UNSW supports career experience while you study

UNSW Business School's��Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started.��

Our degrees include up to two for-credit industry experiences, such as internships or global business practicums. These professional development opportunities complement your studies, build connections to industry, and give you a clear advantage after graduation.

Your opportunities are supported by our industry and alumni networks. As one of Australia’s leading business schools we have strong connections to industry and more than 90,000 alumni worldwide who could be connections to your future career. Not only that, , with more founders than any other Australian university and over 300+ clubs to find people with complementary skillsets.

Honours

Take your Bachelor of Economics to the next level with an additional one-year Honours degree, where you'll gain advanced knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of business. You'll have the opportunity to be mentored by top-tier researchers and work on industry relevant projects while undertaking a significant research thesis. Graduate with advanced knowledge, analytical, problem-solving and research skills that are highly sought after in business and government. Learn more about��Economics Honours.��

Accreditation

Depending on your course selection you may meet the education requirement of various professional bodies including Australian Human Resources Institute (Human Resource Management), and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (RG-146) (Finance).

Double degrees

Design your degree to suit your career goals with the flexibility to specialise in up to two different business areas, or a subject outside the UNSW Business School faculty, such as arts or science. With a wide-ranging education, you can strengthen your career opportunities by completing a double degree.��

Double degree options:

Actuarial Studies
Advanced Mathematics (Hons)
Advanced Science (Hons)
Arts
Commerce
Computer Science
Education (Secondary)
Law
Science

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the ��and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement��date. For��more information visit��our .

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the  for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. .

Ready to apply?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$14,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$45,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$54,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$172,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the��.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit��.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.