University Overview: Australia’s First Regional Public University
The University of New England is located in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. It is actually Australia’s first university not located in a capital city. Originally known as the University of Sydney’s New England College, it officially adopted its current name in 1954. Its motto is “Wisdom Comes from Moderation.”
This public, comprehensive university currently has approximately 22,000 students. International students come from 75 countries and regions. Its mission is to empower people through knowledge and sharing. Did you know? The university was ranked number one in Australia in The Australian’s 2025 university rankings, One of the most prestigious University of New England Degree programs in Australia.
Employment Outcomes: The Regional University’s Comeback
In the 2025 *The Australian* university rankings, UNE ranked first in Australia, with a median graduate salary of 81,600 Australian dollars and a full-time employment rate of 86.1% within months of graduation. The *Guide to Australia’s Top Universities* also awarded UNE a five-star rating for undergraduate full-time employment. The full-time employment rate for graduates is as high as 85.9%. In the 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey, UNE graduates had an employment rate of 80.9% four months after graduation, far exceeding the national average of 68.9%.
UNE works closely with industry to cultivate “ready-to-work” talent and ensures that curriculum content keeps pace with labor market demands through ongoing dialogue with government and industry partners.
Detailed Explanation of Tuition Fees and Scholarship Policies: High-Quality Education at an Affordable Price
The University of New England collaborates closely with many industries to teach students the skills needed in the workplace. It also maintains regular contact with industry partners to ensure that course content keeps pace with market demands. Regarding tuition and scholarships, the University of New England offers students very competitive rates. For example, annual tuition for a Bachelor of Accounting is approximately AUD 32,016, for a Bachelor of Regional Studies it is approximately AUD 30,480, and for a Bachelor of Education it is AUD 34,800. The university also offers numerous scholarships, such as the Australian Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, which helps international research students cover tuition and living expenses.
Campus Environment and Facilities: A Modern Campus Within a 74-hectare Heritage Park
UNE’s main campus is situated within 74 hectares of green space in a heritage park, overlooking the beautiful town of Armidale in the Northern Highlands of New South Wales. World-Class Campus Facilities: SportUNE features a strength and conditioning gym, an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, a multi-purpose indoor arena, outdoor sports fields, and mountain bike trails; the UNE Life Health Center provides on-campus medical and mental health services; and 24/7 campus security ensures student safety. The university offers seven residential colleges, ranging from traditional dormitories to modern self-catering apartments, providing incoming students with an ideal living and learning community.
Graduate Outcomes: Top Salaries in Australia and Highest CEO Output
The future looks bright for graduates as well. According to News Corp’s rankings, University of New England graduates have a median starting salary of 81,600 Australian dollars, and 86.1% of alumni find employment within months of graduation. A 2021 survey showed that the full-time employment rate for undergraduate graduates was 8.9%, ranking third in Australia. Furthermore, their average salary of 72,000 Australian dollars is 6,500 Australian dollars higher than the national average. Even more impressive is that the University of New England has the highest proportion of alumni serving as CEOs, reaching 4.4%.
