Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electrical (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- UAC code 450060 - Defence 451060 - Non Defence
- Program code 4471
- CRICOS code -
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 85 + Application (Defence)90 - Non Defence View all admission criteria
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $7,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $37,000*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- -
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- -
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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60-day internship
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Professional accreditation
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Research project
The Australian Defence Force Academy
Combining teaching and research with military education
91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôspecialises in high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all areas relating to military, strategic and defence studies. This means future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force can combine their military and leadership training with our world-class university programs and defence industry expertise.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees
Overview
Spark your career with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) from UNSW Canberra. This degree equips you with the skills to design, program and innovate across a range of industries, from telecommunications and robotics to Defence and aerospace. As an electrical engineering graduate, you’ll be prepared to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. Graduating with an Engineers Australia accreditation will open doors to opportunities in Australia and beyond.
Gain hands-on experience through workshops, state-of-the-art facilities and a professional 60-day internship. Learn to think like an engineer –Ìýanalysing, designing and testing solutions that power modern technology. With support from experienced academics and industry partners, you’ll develop the confidence and capability to make a real impact in the world when you graduate.
Graduate ready to take on roles in sectors like renewable energy, biomedical engineering and urban infrastructure. Or pursue a career in Defence, managing complex challenges in fields such as radar systems, satellite communications and power engineering.Ìý
Key features
Gain hands-on industry experience
Through a 60-day internship in a professional electrical engineering environment, you’ll gain practical insights and in-demand skills. Connect with industry leaders and tackle real-world challenges, giving you a competitive edge in the job market from day one.
Globally recognised accreditation
UNSW Canberra’s Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, a globally recognised and respected accreditation that will open the door to career opportunities around the world.
Industry-aligned program
This program is designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure your skills are relevant and in demand. From emerging technologies in renewable energy to advanced telecommunications systems, you’ll be prepared to address current and future engineering challenges with confidence.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
World-class engineering facilities
Study in labs and workshops equipped with the latest technology. With access to cutting-edge equipment specifically for engineering innovation, you’ll develop and test projects that could shape the future of technology in fields like telecommunications, energy and aerospace.
One-on-one guidance
Benefit from small class sizes and a close-knit learning environment where teachers and classmates provide a strong support network. 91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôhas the best teacher-to-student ratio in the country, so you’ll benefit from one-on-one guidance that sets you up for success.
Exclusive Defence connections
Benefit from UNSW Canberra’s unique partnership with the Australian Defence Force, giving you exceptional access to Defence resources, industry contacts and exclusive career pathways. Learn directly from academics who work alongside Defence and engineering leaders, bringing real-world insights into the classroom.
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Want to see more from 91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôat ADFA?
Entry requirements
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- 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.
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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.
Additional Selection Criteria
Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for 91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôat ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit thisÌýÌýfor more information on both application processes.
This degree is also available toÌýnon-defence students.
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.Ìý
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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.Ìý
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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
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 andÌýÌýwith our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.Ìý
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.Ìý
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.Ìý
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.
Program structure
In the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Canberra, you’ll start by building a strong foundation in mathematics, physics and core engineering principles. Then, you’ll dive into specialised areas like circuit design, telecommunications, control systems and power engineering, applying your knowledge to real-world problems.
The program includes hands-on lab work, industry projects and a 60-day internship, giving you practical experience to reinforce your classroom learning. In your final year, you’ll complete an Honours research project, where you’ll tackle an engineering challenge under the guidance of academics, preparing you for a successful career in diverse engineering fields.
Full program structure
The Bachelor of Electrical EngineeringÌýis a four-year full-time program. Students will complete 192 Units of Credit (UOC).
Students must complete 180 UOC of the following to satisfy the core requirements of this degree:
Level 1 Core Courses - 48 UOC
- Introduction to Programming
- Electrical Circuits
- Introduction to Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics 1A
- Engineering Mathematics 1B
- Computational Problem Solving
- Engineering Physics 1A
- Engineering Physics 1B
Level 2 Core Courses - 42 UOC
- Analog Electronics
- Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers
- Electrical Engineering Design Project 1
- Introduction to Cyber-Security: Policy & Operations
- Engineering Mathematics 2A
- Engineering Mathematics 2B
- Physics 2B: Electrons, Photons and Matter
ÌýLevel 3 Core Courses - 42 UOC
- Signals and Systems
- Communication Systems
- Engineering Electromagnetics
- Signal Processing and Control
- Embedded Systems
- Electric Machines and Power Electronics
- Managing the Development of Engineered Systems
ÌýLevel 4 Core Courses - 18 UOC
- Electrical Engineering Design Project 2
- Engineering Project A
- Engineering Project B
Technical Electives - 30 UOC
Space Stream
- Satellite Communications
- Space Mission Design
- Space Situational Awareness
Maritime Stream
- Naval Architecture Practice, Hydrostatics and Stability
- Electrical and Mechanical Plant
- Nuclear Propulsion and Its Assurance
- Building the Fleet: History, Politics and Naval Technology
Artificial Intelligence Stream
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Human-Artificial-Intelligence Teaming
- Natural Computation
- Deep Learning
Environmental Engineering Stream
- Environmental Engineering
- Geosynthetics and Ground Improvement
- Smart Grids and Renewable Energy
- Finite Element Method
Robotics and Autonomous Systems Stream
- Autonomous Robots
- Algorithms for Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Advanced Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Other Technical Electives
- Data Structures and Representation
- Fundamentals of Flight
- Cryptography
- Computer Languages and Algorithms
- Simulation
- Aircraft and Systems Design 1
- Occasional Option 2
- Occasional Option 3
- Occasional Option 4
- Digital Image Processing and Target Detection
- Radar Techniques and Applications
- Engineering Project Extension
General Education - 12 UOC
One of the following:
- Introduction to Strategic Studies
- Strategy, Management and Leadership
One of the following:
- Law, Force and Legitimacy
- Introduction to Military Ethics
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Future careers
Future careers in Defence
Studying electrical engineering will equip you with the skills needed to drive innovation across Defence, telecommunications, and renewable energy. You'll gain expertise in designing, developing and managing advanced technologies that make systems safer, more efficient, and connected. With this degree, you’ll be prepared to tackle challenges in satellite communications, robotics and sustainable energy, helping to shape the future through secure, resilient and intelligent technology.
With accreditation from Engineers Australia, you’ll be ready to embark on a career in Australia and around the world from the moment you graduate.
Whether your path leads to the Navy, Army, or Air Force, electrical engineers play a crucial role in managing and advancing complex systems and cutting-edge technology.
Navy
As a Navy graduate, you’ll become a technical authority on electrical and electronic systems on board. You could be responsible for critical equipment, including communication systems, navigation systems, radar, sonar and more. Electrical engineering in the Navy offers exciting roles like:
- Aircraft Electronics Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Electronics Engineer Submariner
- Nuclear Submarine Officer
Army
In the Army, you’ll gain experience in a range of electrical systems within the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) or other Corps. You could work in mobile and static workshops, headquarters, or procurement, managing and maintaining technology across armoured vehicles, communications systems and automated defence systems. Army roles for electrical engineers include:
- Avionics Engineer
- Mechatronic and Electrical Engineer
- Army Officer
Air Force
As an Air Force graduate, you’ll support and maintain essential systems that keep operations running smoothly. Your skills will contribute to the maintenance of aircraft avionics, radar, and weapons technology, playing a critical role in mission readiness and performance. Careers in the Air Force include:
- Armament Engineer
- Electronics Engineer - Aviation
- Electronics Engineer - Networks
Future careers in non-Defence roles
Graduates with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) are entering an exciting and rapidly evolving field, driven by advancements in renewable energy, telecommunications and automation.
With Australia’s ongoing shift towards clean energy and net-zero emissions, the demand for electrical engineers has surged, especially in areas like infrastructure and sustainable power solutions. In the next five years, jobs are predicted to grow by 9.5% thanks to significant investment in green energy projects and infrastructure.
Graduates will be in demand in industries as diverse as energy, aerospace, manufacturing and beyond, where they’ll play a critical role in building the resilient and sustainable systems of tomorrow.
Potential civilian roles:
- Automation Engineer
- Broadcast Engineer
- Building Services Engineer
- Communications Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Energy Consultant
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Maintenance Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Research Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Signal Processing Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
Alumni testimonial
“There are so many great things about studying at UNSW Canberra: a fantastic library, a small campus (it’s hard to get lost), state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and small class sizes, to name a few. The best thing is the people. The teaching staff and other students are friendly and supportive. This creates a safe and productive learning environment where students can succeed.â€
Jane Millward, Electrical Engineering student
Accreditation
Engineers Australia
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 Ìýand 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 start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.
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.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
