Program Overview

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) (Canberra)

The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Canberra empowers students to solve real-world challenges by designing, building, and improving machines that power industries, transportation, and communities. This four-year program covers fundamental areas like thermodynamics, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, equipping students with the expertise to design and maintain critical systems.

Overview

A Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) from UNSW Canberra enables students to tackle complex engineering challenges in mechanical systems and power generation, particularly for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The program includes a 60-day internship, providing hands-on experience and practical knowledge that prepares students for a career in solving complex, real-world challenges.

Key Features

• Real-world experience: Build a resume before graduating with a 60-day internship, working alongside professionals on real industry projects and gaining real-world engineering experience.
• Specialisation and research opportunities: Tailor studies to interests and gain specialist expertise to propel future careers. Choose electives from one of five specialist streams and complete an Honours research project in a field of choice.
• Accredited by Engineers Australia: Graduate with a degree accredited by Engineers Australia, showing future employers that students meet the highest standards of engineering practice.

Why Study at UNSW Canberra?

• World-class facilities: Work in cutting-edge laboratories and engineering facilities designed for innovation.
• Learn from leading academics: Learn from leading researchers and industry practitioners whose insights and connections give students a deeper understanding of the latest trends and breakthroughs in mechanical engineering.
• Benefit from strong Defence and industry links: Located in Australias Defence capital, UNSW Canberra offers unparalleled connections with Defence and industry leaders, providing valuable networking and career opportunities.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) is a four-year full-time program. Students complete 192 Units of Credit (UOC), including:

• Level 1 Core Courses (48 UOC)
• Level 2 Core Courses (48 UOC)
• Level 3 Core Courses (36 UOC)
• Level 4 Core Courses (24 UOC)
• Technical Electives (24 UOC)
• General Education (12 UOC)

Technical Electives

Students can choose from various streams, including:

• Space Stream
• Maritime Stream
• Artificial Intelligence Stream
• Environmental Engineering Stream
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems Stream
• Other Technical Electives

Future Careers

Graduates are prepared for roles in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and non-Defence roles, including:

• Mechanical Engineer
• Aeronautical Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Automotive Engineer
• Building Services Engineer
• CAD Technician
• Design Engineer
• Energy Engineer
• Hydraulic Engineer
• Maintenance Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer
• Mining Engineer
• Operations Engineer
• Plant Engineer
• Product Development Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Research and Development Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Test Engineer
• Thermal Engineer
• Transport Engineer
• Water Systems Engineer

Accreditation

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia.

Entry Requirements

• 2025 Lowest Selection Rank: 85.0
• 2025 A levels score: 11.0
• 2025 IB Diploma: 33.0
• 2025 Lowest ATAR: 82.95
• Assumed knowledge: Mathematics, Physics
• Adjustment Factors: HSC Plus, Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL), Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

Fees

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $7,500
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $37,500
• The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.

Scholarships

UNSW awards over $83 million in scholarships each year, including scholarships for Indigenous Australians and other groups.