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

The University of New South Wales vs University of California, Los Angeles

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

Sydney, Australia

QS World: #1940% Admit
University of California, Los Angeles Logo
University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States

QS World: #499% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), though ranked higher globally, offers a more industry-integrated, research-heavy Australian experience, particularly strong in STEM. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides a quintessential, highly competitive American public university education, celebrated for its broad academic excellence and vibrant campus culture with strong US brand recognition.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For unparalleled excellence in practical engineering, The University of New South Wales shines in programs like Software Engineering. Conversely, University of California, Los Angeles is the undeniable leader for aspiring creatives in its highly acclaimed Film and Television major within its School of Theater, Film and Television.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose UNSW if your ambition is a direct pathway into global tech and engineering industries with a strong research focus; opt for UCLA for a comprehensive, top-tier US university experience with a wider liberal arts, humanities, and arts appeal.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 5 Advantage
Comparative DimensionThe University of New South WalesUniversity of California, Los Angeles
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#19 (2027)+30 places
#49 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#75 (2027)
#20 (2027)+55 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#81 (2026)
#14 (2026)+67 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#33 (2027)
#11 (2027)+22 places
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
40%
9%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
A$36,300Lower tuition
$46,296
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1949
1919Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
70,238
46,430
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100Lead
90 / 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·California, Los Angeles: 1 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)New South WalesCalifornia, Los Angeles
Psychology#26#11

New South Wales · Specialist Subject Standings

Mineral and Mining Engineering#3
Petroleum Engineering#13
Law and Legal Studies#13

California, Los Angeles · Specialist Subject Standings

Anatomy and Physiology#6
Anthropology#7
English Language and Literature#9
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

California, Los Angeles Programs

Refer to the official California, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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
Major Urban Hub

California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$46,296/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$79,656/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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