UOW is a regional university that achieves good rankings inside the world's top 300.
The University of Wollongong is ranked #250 in the world, based on a composite of QS, Times, ARWU, and Webometrics rankings. In Australia, UOW is ranked #15 out of 42 universities.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is based in the coastal city of Wollongong, around 80 km south of Sydney. UOW performs well in course surveys. Recent bachelor-degree graduates report good levels of satisfaction with their courses.
Website: uow.edu.au | Campuses: Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Bega, Moss Vale, Nowra, Sydney (CBD, Liverpool, Loftus) [NSW], Dubai, India, Malaysia
UOW World Ranking
Global Ranking: 250
The University of Wollongong's world ranking is #167 with QS but falls outside the top 250 in ARWU and Webometrics. It is among the top 300 unis globally.
QS ranking: 167
Times Higher Education: 225
ARWU: 350
Webometrics: 259
Australia Ranking
Australia Rank: 15
The University of Wollongong is the fifth-ranked university in New South Wales and 15th in Australia. It ranks behind UNSW, Sydney University, UTS, and Macquarie, but ahead of the University of Newcastle and Western Sydney University.
Above: Curtin University (12), QUT (13), RMIT University (14)
Below: Griffith University (16), La Trobe University (17), University of Newcastle (18)
Is the University of Wollongong Good?
The University of Wollongong (UOW) serves the NSW south coast through campuses in Wollongong, Nowra, Bega, and Moss Vale, bringing higher education to coastal and regional students. The main campus is located in a scenic area near Wollongong’s coastline.
Serving south coast of NSW
Research initiatives
Student life
UOW is also known for research initiatives, with a focus on innovation across fields like engineering and environmental science. Student life at UOW is active, with numerous clubs, events, and sports, providing a well-rounded campus experience.
Satisfaction: 79.0%
The University of Wollongong reviews show satisfaction levels of 78.3% for bachelor degrees and 79.6% for postgraduate students. The bachelor rate is above the national average. Uni Reviews provides individual ratings and comments.
How Many Students?
Students: 34,942
The University of Wollongong had a total of 34,942 students in 2024, making it the 17th largest university in Australia. UOW is the 7th biggest uni in New South Wales.
- International students: 15,924 (46%)
- Postgraduate students: 9,702 (28%)
- Gender ratio: 51% Female : 49% Male
- On-campus students: 32,669 (93%)
Biggest strength: Information Technology (21% of enrolments here vs 9% nationally).
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate: 57%
The University of Wollongong acceptance rate is 57%. Among students with an ATAR that qualifies for university, 43% are unable to be admitted into their preferred degree.
Required ATAR: 72
It is somewhat hard to get into UOW, with a minimum ATAR of 72 on average. At the time of publishing, the ATAR threshold was 70 for Arts and Bachelor of Business, and 75 for Science degrees.
Is UOW Online?
No, the University of Wollongong (UOW) has limited online study options. Only 458 bachelor and 1,815 postgraduate students study online, making up 7% of degree enrolments. UOW Online is campus-based, with undergraduate courses generally requiring in-person attendance.