The University of Sydney
Australia's first university (1850): a sandstone Quadrangle, 450+ courses and eight prime ministers among its alumni.
- Students
- 74,322
- 42,851 undergraduates
- International
- 48%
- of students
- Tuition
- A$55,100
- From · 2027 (international fees); domestic figures are 2026
- Founded
- 1850
About USyd
The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is Australia's first university. Its Gothic Revival Main Quadrangle is one of the country's best-known buildings. It has more than 70,000 students and 450,000 alumni, and says its faculties offer the widest range of academic programs of any Australian university: more than 450 courses across 10 areas of study.
Teaching is organised into the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the Faculty of Science, the University of Sydney Business School, Sydney Law School, the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The main Camperdown/Darlington campus sits on City Road, close to the CBD and next to Newtown and Glebe.
Sydney's graduates run much of Australian public life, including eight prime ministers (among them Edmund Barton and Anthony Albanese) and many High Court justices. It also has a strong research record, placing 28th in QS 2027 and 31st in the US News global ranking. It suits students who want breadth, big-city life and access to a very large alumni network.
Sidere mens eadem mutato
“The stars change, the mind remains the same” — university motto
Why students choose USyd
Sydney offers more than 450 courses across 10 areas of study, including combined degrees and a medicine pathway straight from school (the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine).
Sydney graduates include eight Australian prime ministers and 26 High Court justices, so its law and politics alumni network is unusually deep.
The Business School says it is in the top 1% of business schools worldwide, and the Bachelor of Commerce includes international exchange and work placement options.
The Charles Perkins Centre brings researchers from across disciplines together to tackle chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Admissions
Semester 1, 2027 entry (starts February 2027)
Selectivity
Sydney does not publish an acceptance rate. Domestic applicants are ranked by ATAR or selection rank through UAC. Published 2027 ATAR indicators: Bachelor of Commerce 96; Bachelor of Science 80.0; Bachelor of Arts 80.0 (domestic) and 75.0 (international); Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine 99.95, which also requires further assessment.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR (2027 indicators) | Commerce 96; Science 80.0; Arts 80.0 domestic / 75.0 international; Science/Doctor of Medicine 99.95 |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma (international, 2027) | Commerce 38; Science 29; Arts 26; Science/Doctor of Medicine 45 |
| GCE A-levels (international, 2027) | Commerce 17 points; Science 13; Arts 12; Science/Doctor of Medicine 24 |
| SAT / ACT with US high school diploma (2027) | Commerce SAT 1380 or ACT 32; Science SAT 1250 or ACT 24; Arts (international) SAT 1200 or ACT 23; Science/Doctor of Medicine SAT 1590 or ACT 36 |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 85 Science and Arts (2027): IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 85 (17 in reading, listening and speaking, 19 in writing). Commerce (2027): IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 96. Science/Doctor of Medicine: IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 96. |
Deadlines
- UAC early-bird processing charge Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
Apply by this date to pay the lower processing charge.
- UAC December Round 2 (first ATAR-based offers) Non-binding Next deadline · In 51 days26 November 2026
ATARs released 16 December 2026; offers released 23 December 2026.
- UAC final closing date, semester 1 2027 Non-binding In ~4 months5 February 2027
Some courses close earlier; check the course page.
UAC key dates for 2026-2027 (correct as at 10 March 2026). International direct applicants should check the course page for closing dates, which differ by course.
How to apply
Australian and NZ school leavers apply through UAC. International students can apply directly to the University online or through UAC International. The Doctor of Medicine pathway has additional requirements.
What admissions looks for
- An ATAR or equivalent result at or above the published indicator for the course; offers go to the highest-ranked applicants.
- The assumed knowledge and prerequisites listed on each course page.
- For the Doctor of Medicine pathway, an exceptional academic record (ATAR 99.95 or IB 45 indicator) plus the extra selection steps.
Tips for applying to USyd
- 1 Sydney's course pages show indicators for many qualifications (ATAR, IB, A-levels, SAT/ACT); make sure you are reading the 2027 entry version of the page, as some courses (including Commerce) have separate pages per entry year.
- 2 US applicants: AP scores of 3 or better can lower the SAT or ACT score you need.
- 3 Domestic students who have completed the HSC or another recognised Year 12 cannot apply with SAT or ACT instead.
- 4 International applicants: fees for 2027 rise (for example, Arts from A$52,500 to A$55,100), so budget for annual increases across your degree.
Costs & financial aid
2027 (international fees); domestic figures are 2026 · figures in AUD
Domestic students can defer their contribution through HECS-HELP. The university says it awards over A$135 million in scholarships each year, and international students can search its scholarship database for merit awards.
- Over A$135 million
- Scholarships awarded each year
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters
Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine
A double degree that guarantees a medicine pathway from school, with an ATAR indicator of 99.95 or IB 45.
Bachelor of Commerce
Taught by a business school the university says is in the top 1% worldwide; 2027 ATAR indicator 96 and a wide choice of business majors.
Law (combined degrees)
Sydney Law School describes itself as one of the best law schools in the world for teaching and research, and the university's graduates include 26 High Court justices.
Veterinary Science
Ranked 1st in Australia and 16th in the world in the QS subject rankings 2026.
Mathematics
Ranked 1st in Australia and 35th in the world in the QS subject rankings 2026.
Research
- The Charles Perkins Centre is a large cross-disciplinary initiative focused on chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Sydney ranks 31st in the world for total research citations in the US News 2026-2027 global ranking.
- In the US News 2026-2027 global ranking, Sydney placed 35th in the world for the number of its papers among the top 1% most highly cited.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- University of Sydney Business School
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Faculty of Science
- Sydney Law School
- Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Sydney's employer reputation rose to 46th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (up from 53rd).
Student life
Campus life centres on the Camperdown/Darlington campus, with the Quadrangle at its heart and Newtown's cafes and live music on the doorstep. The University of Sydney Union (USU) runs more than 300 clubs and societies. On-campus residential colleges offer furnished rooms and three catered meals a day, and there are also university-run residences. With a large commuter population, clubs and college life are the main ways to build community.
- USU runs 300+ clubs and societies.
- Residential colleges on campus with catered meals, plus university residences.
- The Sydney Conservatorium of Music is part of the university, so live performance is part of campus life.
Housing. Choose between residential colleges (fully furnished rooms, three catered meals a day) and university residences near the Camperdown/Darlington campus, or rent in surrounding suburbs.
Location
The main campus is on City Road in Camperdown, close to the CBD and between the inner-west suburbs of Newtown and Glebe, putting inner-city Sydney on the doorstep. Sydney offers harbour beaches, a major arts scene and a large tech and finance job market, but living costs, especially rent, are high.
Nearest airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
Notable alumni
- EB Edmund BartonFirst Prime Minister of Australia
- AA Anthony AlbanesePrime Minister of Australia
- JC John CornforthNobel Prize in Chemistry
- JH John HarsanyiNobel Prize in Economics
- RM Robert MayChaos theory pioneer and Crafoord laureate
- PS Paul Scully-PowerFirst Australian-born astronaut to fly in space
- RB Ron BracewellRadio astronomer who proposed the nulling interferometer and the Bracewell probe
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for Sydney Commerce?
The Bachelor of Commerce ATAR indicator for 2027 entry is 96. International equivalents are IB 38, A-levels 17 points, or SAT 1380 / ACT 32.
Can you study medicine straight from school at Sydney?
Yes, through the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine. The 2027 indicator is ATAR 99.95 (IB 45, SAT 1590), plus additional selection requirements.
How much does the University of Sydney cost for international students?
First-year tuition for international students starting in 2027 is A$55,100 for Arts, A$59,100 for Commerce and A$63,600 for Science. Fees rise each year of the degree.
What IELTS score does Sydney require?
Most degrees, including Arts and Science, need IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each band (TOEFL iBT 85). Commerce needs IELTS 7.0 and the Medicine pathway 7.0 in every band.
Does the University of Sydney accept the SAT?
Yes, with a completed high school diploma. For example, Science needs SAT 1250 or ACT 24 for 2027, and AP scores of 3 or better can lower the requirement.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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