HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

The University of New South Wales vs Mcgill University

The University of New South Wales Logo
The University of New South Wales

Sydney, Australia

QS World: #1940% Admit
Mcgill University Logo
Mcgill University

Montreal, Canada

QS World: #3038% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

UNSW offers a modern, industry-aligned education, strong in STEM, rooted in a vibrant Australian culture of innovation. McGill, Canada's "Ivy of the North," provides a deeply academic, research-intensive environment, excelling in traditional liberal arts and sciences with historic North American prestige. Both are world-class, but differ significantly in approach.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For engineering, UNSW's Bachelor of Software Engineering is superior, offering cutting-edge programs and direct industry connections. McGill University's Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience is globally renowned for unparalleled research opportunities and advanced scientific career preparation.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose UNSW for immediate career impact from an innovative, industry-focused degree. Choose McGill for profound academic rigor, extensive research, and a strong pathway to elite postgraduate studies.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally4 — 4 Advantage
Comparative DimensionThe University of New South WalesMcgill University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#19 (2027)+11 places
#30 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#75 (2027)
#43 (2027)+32 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#81 (2026)
#73 (2026)+8 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#33 (2027)+35 places
#68 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
40%
38%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
A$36,300Lower tuition
$40,000
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1949
1821Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
70,238
39,513
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100Lead
89 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

New South Wales: 0 leads·Mcgill University: 3 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)New South WalesMcgill University
Mineral and Mining Engineering#3#2
Environmental Sciences#25#21
Psychology#26#22

New South Wales · Specialist Subject Standings

Petroleum Engineering#13
Law and Legal Studies#13
Civil and Structural Engineering#22

Mcgill University · Specialist Subject Standings

Anatomy and Physiology#5
Library and Information Management#11
Music#13
Discipline Focus: Psychology
Clear Filter ×

New South Wales Programs

Bachelor of Computer ScienceBachelor
Duration: 3 yrs
A$48,000/yrOfficial Page
Master of Computer ScienceMaster
Duration: 2 yrs
A$45,000/yrOfficial Page
Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science)PhD
Duration: 4 yrs
A$43,000/yrOfficial Page
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)Bachelor
Duration: 4 yrs
A$49,000/yrOfficial Page

Mcgill University Programs

Refer to the official Mcgill University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Sydney vs Montreal alongside annual international tuition.

Major Urban Hub

New South Wales (Sydney)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$36,300/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$69,660/yr
Upper-Moderate Index

Mcgill University (Montreal)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$40,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$65,680/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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