In the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering), you鈥檒l learn to design, create and optimise the systems and equipment used in chemical, industrial, biological and environmental processes. Chemical Engineers design and operate large-scale chemical process equipment and factories, and play an important role in making industries safer and more efficient.
This broad degree covers the steps in a product's creation, from chemistry through to economics. Chemical engineers design, create and optimise the systems and equipment used in chemical, industrial, biological and environmental processes, producing a range of materials, like fuels, fertilisers, foods, wine, polymers and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical Engineering bridges the study of the chemical and physical sciences with engineering. You'll learn how to design and develop chemical processes and equipment, optimise and control industrial operations, plan plant operations, tailor management strategies, work with nanoparticles, look into environmental effects and pollution control, and more. Management, critical analysis and economics are key components of your training.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
The latest 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject awarded UNSW 1st in Australia and #31 in the world for Engineering and Technology. UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable Students Award in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024).听
The School of Chemical Engineering was set up with industry in mind. We have close links to industry leaders and companies in the field of engineering to ensure our research and education are in line with industry requirements and real-world demand. We work hand in hand with Bluescope Steel, Sydney Water, Veolia and many other companies through sponsored projects, consulting and graduate recruitment.
All students鈥痷ndertake鈥痠ndustrial training as part of our undergraduate degrees. This means that you鈥檒l graduate with first-hand experience鈥痠n a professional organisation. Industrial training will provide you with a range of鈥痭etworking opportunities and鈥痚ngineering experience in design, analysis, experimental and on-site activities.
When you study at UNSW Engineering you can take part in ChallEng, real-world, project-based learning initiatives. This award-winning program is made up of Vertically Integrated Projects, The Maker Games, Student Projects and Social Impact. You鈥檒l connect with students, academics and industry to develop sought-after technical and professional skills for your future career as an Engineering professional.
Make a difference to disadvantaged communities through our Humanitarian Engineering projects, electives and minors on offer. Humanitarian Engineering听works to provide disadvantaged individuals and communities with听engineering听solutions that improve lives and livelihoods. These solutions may provide essential services such as food, water, shelter, energy and information where they are unavailable.
At UNSW Engineering you鈥檒l benefit from a diverse and welcoming community with plenty to keep you busy. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW鈥檚 Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.听
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
For Chemical Engineering: Mathematics Extension 1, Physics.
For Chemical Product Engineering: Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1, Physics
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.听
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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.听
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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
This degree is eligible for admission through our听Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. Complete a submission to demonstrate your passion and performance in relevant subjects. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement.
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鈥檙e 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.
International direct entry
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.鈥
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鈥檒l 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:
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
In this four year degree you'll learn how to apply your knowledge in chemical engineering and chemistry to optimise complex chemical processes in environmental management, general industry and services like water delivery. You'll master the entire process, translating small-scale, laboratory chemistry into large, industrial-scale production.听
During this degree, you鈥檒l study core subjects including:
Computing for Engineers
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Process Modelling and Analysis
Environment and Sustainability
Electives for this degree include:
Advanced Reaction Engineering
Collaboration and Innovation in Business
Grand Challenges for Engineering
Sustainable Energy
Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering
Entrepreneurial Engineering
International Humanitarian Response
During this degree, you鈥檒l complete a research thesis project with the support of leading researchers where you can explore an area of chemical engineering you鈥檙e passionate about. You鈥檒l bring together engineering principles to innovatively solve problems such as听developing a specific design, process and/or investigating a hypothesis.
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Minor in Nuclear Engineering
In this degree, you can choose to study a minor in Nuclear Engineering. With a UNSW Minor in Nuclear Engineering, you will be able to apply your degree expertise to work on energy efficiency, material improvements, defence technology, and crucial nuclear medicine for Australia. Find out more.
Chemical Engineering
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on the number of courses you choose and听timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.听
In your first year you might鈥痵tudy:听
Two introductory鈥痗ourses鈥痠n Mathematics听
An introductory course in Physics,听
and an introductory course in Computing听
You may also study an introductory course related to your specialisation of choice. These courses equip you with the skills required for the rest of your Engineering degree.鈥
All students鈥痵tudy鈥疎NGG1000 鈥淚ntroduction to Engineering Design and Innovation鈥.鈥疘n this course鈥痽ou鈥檒l鈥痩earn to think the way that engineers think,鈥痙eveloping鈥痵olutions鈥痺ith limited鈥痓udget, time and resources.鈥
In your second year鈥痽ou鈥檒l undertake:听
Courses from your selected specialisations听
Core鈥痗ourses to give you the fundamental knowledge in your area of interest听
In鈥痽our third and fourth year you鈥檒l develop your knowledge further with a range of core and elective courses.鈥
During鈥痽our degree you鈥檒l鈥痓e required to鈥痗omplete鈥痶wo鈥疓eneral Education electives.鈥疶hese courses help you鈥痓roaden鈥痽our鈥痚ducation by completing鈥痵everal鈥痗ourses from outside the engineering faculty strengthening your鈥痗ross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills.鈥
This degree also requires you鈥痶o complete 60 days of industrial training, which gives you some on the job experience before graduating.鈥疶his multidisciplinary educational approach connects students, academics and industry enabling鈥痽ou鈥痶o develop the essential technical and professional鈥痵kills,鈥痵o鈥痽ou鈥痶hrive in鈥痽our鈥痜uture career.鈥
You鈥檒l graduate with an industry renowned and accredited qualification. The undergraduate degree in chemical engineering is valuable across鈥痑 range of different industries such as design and construction, energy and fuels, government, law and mining.鈥
Chemical engineers are often known as 鈥渦niversal engineers鈥 due to their skills in chemistry, physics, maths and economics. Our graduates have gone on to work for leading companies including Caltex/Shell, Seimens Water Systems, Orica and BOC.
As a chemical engineer, you could work in many different roles in a range of industries including:
Pharmaceuticals
Food and Beverage
Chemical Processing
Energy Generation and Storage听
Environmental Services听
Minerals
Petroleum
Water and Wastewater Treatment听
Potential careers
Food and drink industry
Environmental management
Mining and minerals
Oil and gas
Paper and packaging
Pharmaceuticals
Water treatment and recycling
Accreditation
This degree is globally recognised and is accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord. This degree is also accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).听
Part of this degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to become career-ready.
Double degrees
Combine your talents and passions to explore opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and:
*Double Degree only available with some Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialisations.听
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 听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.
For most international students, applications are submitted via听our鈥痵ervice. 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听date. For听more information visit听our鈥.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the鈥痜or application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements.鈥.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,000*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$36,500*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*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
$58,500*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$253,500*
*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听.
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听.
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鈥檙e a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarships
Women in Engineering Scholarships
UNSW provides听a wide range of听Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.
听and search for听鈥楨ngineering鈥 in the keywords.听听
Engineering Rural Scholarship
The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.
听and search for听鈥楨ngineering鈥 in the keywords.听听
Top 20
Worldwide
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
Most
Employable Graduates
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
Leading
Innovation
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
Fees
Specialised curriculum
