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

The University of New South Wales vs University of Illinois At Urbana-champaign

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

Sydney, Australia

QS World: #1940% Admit
University of Illinois At Urbana-champaign Logo
University of Illinois At Urbana-champaign

Urbana-Champaign, United States

QS World: #7444% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

UNSW offers a globally-ranked, international experience in Sydney, strong in research and practical application. UIUC provides a top-tier American public university education, celebrated for its robust campus and national impact in technology. UNSW has higher overall global prestige; UIUC is a US academic titan, particularly within American higher education.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For academic strengths, The University of New South Wales clearly excels in Civil Engineering, renowned for its industry connections and research. The University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign conversely dominates in Computer Science, consistently ranked among the world's best for innovation and faculty.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose UNSW if you prioritize a globally-focused engineering degree and an international city experience in Australia. Opt for UIUC if seeking a leading American university, especially for computing excellence, with strong campus life and US-centric career paths.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 3 Advantage
Comparative DimensionThe University of New South WalesUniversity of Illinois At Urbana-champaign
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#19 (2027)+55 places
#74 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#75 (2027)
#48 (2027)+27 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#81 (2026)
#46 (2026)+35 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#33 (2027)+65 places
#98 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
40%More selective
44%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
A$36,300Lower tuition
$39,078
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1949
1867Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
70,238
59,238
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100Lead
88 / 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: 3 leads·Illinois At Urbana-champaign: 1 leads

New South Wales · Specialist Subject Standings

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

Illinois At Urbana-champaign · Specialist Subject Standings

Library and Information Management#6
Agriculture and Forestry#22
Engineering & Technology#26
Discipline Focus: Civil and Structural Engineering
Clear Filter ×

New South Wales Programs

Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)Bachelor
Duration: 4 yrs
A$49,000/yrOfficial Page
Doctor of Philosophy (Electrical Engineering)PhD
Duration: 4 yrs
A$43,000/yrOfficial Page
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours)Bachelor
Duration: 4 yrs
A$49,000/yrOfficial Page
Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)Master
Duration: 2 yrs
A$46,000/yrOfficial Page

Illinois At Urbana-champaign Programs

Refer to the official Illinois At Urbana-champaign 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 Urbana-Champaign 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
High Cost Index

Illinois At Urbana-champaign (Urbana-Champaign)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$39,078/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$68,118/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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