University of Sydney: Australia’s Oldest University With a World-Class Reputation

Tarang Patel

study in Australia

07/04/2026

24 Views

Tarang Patel

study in Australia

07/04/2026

24 Views

If you are going to be studying in Australia, you should learn why the University of Sydney (the first university in Australia and also the oldest university) is one of the best universities in the world. This document was created with information that explains everything you need to be able to apply to the University of Sydney.

Overview

Some decisions in life are bigger than others, and where you choose to further your university education ranks right at the very top of that list. This isn’t a decision about what you want to major in; it’s a decision about where you want to live, who you want to be around, what you want to be able to do, and what you want to be built on in your entire future. So why choose anything less than the very best?

If you’re thinking of going to school in Australia, then you’re already off to a great start by considering the University of Sydney. Not only was it founded in 1850, making it the very first university in Australia, but nearly 175 years later, it still manages to be out in front of the rest of the competition. Ranked 25th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026 and 1st in Australia by US News Best Global Universities 2025–2026, it’s not only historic; it’s making history.

But what really sets the University of Sydney apart is not the rankings. It is the whole experience. They have a student population of over 60,000 students from more than 150 countries, a magnificent sandstone campus located in the heart of one of the best cities in the world to live, which is ranked as one of the three most livable cities in the world. It has a commitment to research excellence, which means that whatever you choose to study, medicine, law, engineering, business, arts, sciences, you name it, the University of Sydney is a place where you can achieve your dreams.

This is a comprehensive guide for you, covering everything you need to know as an international student.

NOTE: Be sure to explore other top universities to study in Australia to broaden your perspective and find the environment that suits you best.

University of Sydney Rankings

25th – QS World University Rankings 2026
1st in Australia – US News Best Global Universities 2025–2026
53rd – Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026
15th in the world – QS Sustainability Rankings 2026
72nd – ShanghaiRanking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025

Programs & Faculties

The University of Sydney offers one of the most extensive ranges of academic programs in Australia, with over 450 courses across 10 study areas, covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels. The university is organised into 8 faculties and schools, each a powerhouse in its own right:

1. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of International Studies
PhD in Arts & Social Sciences

2. University of Sydney Business School

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
Bachelor of Economics
Master of Commerce (MCom)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Management
Master of International Business
PhD in Business

3. Faculty of Engineering & Computer Science

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology
Master of Professional Engineering
Master of Data Science
Master of Cybersecurity
PhD in Engineering

4. Sydney Law School

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Juris Doctor (JD) — a graduate-entry law degree
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of International Law
PhD in Law

5. Faculty of Medicine & Health

Doctor of Medicine (MD) — graduate entry
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Health Management
PhD in Health Sciences

6. Faculty of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Bachelor of Advanced Studies (with Honours)
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Biotechnology
PhD in Science

7. Sydney School of Architecture, Design & Planning

Bachelor of Design Computing
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
PhD in Architecture

8. Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Bachelor of Music (Jazz)
Master of Music Studies
Master of Music (Composition)
PhD in Music

Can’t Choose Just One? Go for a Combined Degree!

Sydney’s flexible degree structure lets you study across faculties and combine your passions. Popular combinations include:

Law + Arts
Commerce + Law
Science + Engineering
Medicine + Science
Arts + Education

Admission & Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate: Completed Year 12 equivalent with strong results
Postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree with 65–70% average or above
PhD / Research: Bachelor’s (Honours) or Master’s + research proposal
MBA: Bachelor’s degree + relevant work experience

NOTE: Medicine, Law, and Dentistry have higher entry standards. Check your course page for specifics.

English Language Requirements

IELTS: Minimum 5 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 85+
PTE Academic: Minimum 58+
Cambridge C1 Advanced is Accepted

NOTE: All test results must be no more than two years old. Nursing, Medicine, Law, and Architecture may require higher scores.

Documents Required

Academic transcripts and certificates
Valid passport copy
English language test scores
Personal statement (program-dependent)
CV / Resume (postgraduate applicants)
Letters of recommendation (select programs)
Research proposal (PhD only)
Portfolio (Architecture & Design only)

Intakes & Deadlines

Semester 1
Starts: 23 February 2026
Apply By: 1 December 2025
Semester 2
Starts: 3 August 2026
Apply By: 29 May 2026

NOTE: Competitive programs like Medicine and Dentistry close earlier; apply as early as possible. Along with that, check university course pages for detailed entry requirements and course-specific requirements. Along with that always verify the exact deadline on the individual course page at sydney.edu.au, as some faculties set their own earlier closing dates.

How to Apply

Find your course on the University of Sydney’s official course search page
Check eligibility: academic + English requirements for your specific program
Prepare documents: transcripts, passport, test scores, and any extras
Submit your application: directly via the university portal or through an authorised agent
Accept your offer: pay first semester fees to receive your eCoE
Arrange OSHC: mandatory health cover for your student visa
Apply for your Student Visa through the Department of Home Affairs
Arrive in Sydney: attend orientation, and begin your studies

Don’t meet entry requirements yet?
The University of Sydney offers pathway programs through Taylors College and the Centre for English Teaching to help you qualify for direct entry.

Fees & Scholarships

Tuition Fees:

Faculty / Area: Arts & Social Sciences
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $49,200–$56,300 (₹27–31 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $49,700–$57,300 (₹27–31.5 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Business & Economics
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $56,300–$60,600 (₹31–33.3 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $54,100–$61,700 (₹29.7–33.9 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Engineering & Computer Science
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $60,600 (₹33.3 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $57,900–$63,400 (₹31.8–34.8 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Law
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $56,300 (₹31 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $54,100–$61,700 (₹29.7–33.9 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Medicine & Health Sciences
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $60,600–$65,900 (₹33.3–36.2 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $61,700–$69,300 (₹33.9–38 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Science
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $56,300–$60,600 (₹31–33.3 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $57,900–$61,700 (₹31.8–33.9 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Architecture & Planning
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $52,500 (₹28.8 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $48,100–$52,900 (₹26.4–29 lakh)
Faculty / Area: Music
Undergraduate (per year): AUD $49,200–$50,300 (₹27–27.6 lakh)
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $47,500 (₹26.1 lakh)
Faculty / Area: PhD / Research (all faculties)
Undergraduate (per year): —
Postgraduate (per year): AUD $46,900–$58,400 (₹25.7–32 lakh)

NOTE:

Dentistry and Medicine (Doctor of Medicine) fees are significantly higher — check the official course page for exact figures. All fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year.
All the tuition fees mentioned above are based on information from the official University of Sydney website and are indicative fees for 2026 entry. The fees are subject to annual review and may fluctuate; it is best to check the official course page for the most recent information.

Living Expenses:

Regarding living expenses, the Australian Department of Home Affairs expects international students to show their financial capacity to live on at least AUD $24,505 per annum (approximately ₹13.4 lakhs). However, the living expenses in Sydney are sometimes more than this amount. The cost of living in Sydney for international students is between $25,000 and $35,000 per annum (approximately ₹13.7 lakhs and ₹19.2 lakhs).

To assist international students in managing living expenses, international students are allowed to work for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during the academic session and any number of hours during scheduled breaks.

Scholarships for International Students

Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship:

100% tuition fees
Exceptional UG international students (approx. 20 awarded globally per year)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme:

AUD $5,000–$40,000 (₹2.7–22 lakh)
UG & PG international students

Sydney International Student Award:

Up to 20% fee reduction
Commencing international students

University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS):

AUD $42,754/year (₹23.5 lakh) + tuition
Master’s by Research & PhD students

Australian Government RTP Scholarship:

Full tuition + living allowance + relocation
PhD & Research Master’s students

Australia Awards:

Fully funded
Students from eligible partner countries

NOTE: The RTP Scholarship and USYDIS are among the most competitive and prestigious awards available to PhD students; they should apply early and directly through their faculty.

Visa Guide

To study at the University of Sydney, you need an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Documents Required:

Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Proof of financial capacity
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
English language test scores
Medical exam + police clearance
Passport-sized photographs

Key Requirements at a Glance

Visa Application Fee: Approx AUD $2,000 (₹1.1 lakh), non-refundable
Minimum Proof of Funds: Approx AUD $29,710/year (₹16.3 lakh)
Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the entire duration of stay
Work Rights (Semester): 48 hours per fortnight
Work Rights (Breaks): Unlimited hours
Work Rights (PhD / Research): Unlimited hours year-round

How to Apply?

Receive your eCoE from the University after paying the first semester fees
Purchase OSHC from an approved provider
Create an ImmiAccount at the Department of Home Affairs website
Complete the Subclass 500 online application and upload all documents
Pay the visa fee via ImmiAccount
Await decision, apply early as processing times vary
Receive a visa grant and fly to Sydney!

NOTE: Always apply through the official portal: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Campus & Student Life

The campus is located on a land area of 72 hectares. Moreover, the location is just 3 km from the city centre. The university has six libraries, art galleries, state-of-the-art classrooms, and sandstone architecture.

The university has a wide range of accommodation options for its students. These options include on-campus living, fully catered residential colleges, as well as living off campus in shared housing or a homestay. Application for these options is required to be made as early as possible since they get filled up quickly. The university has a wide range of activities beyond the classroom. There are over 200 clubs and societies for the students to choose from. In addition to that, there are over 40 sports clubs for students who love sports. The university’s Union, known as the University of Sydney Union (USU), has a welcome festival known as Welcome Fest, which is one of the largest orientation festivals in Australia at the start of each semester.

The university has full support for its international students. The university’s support includes academic, health, counselling, financial, and arrival support for its international students. The city of Sydney is known for its world-class beaches, good food, safe neighborhoods, affordable public transport, and sunny weather.

Career Outcomes

Worldwide, the University of Sydney has an internationally recognised degree, which gives its graduates an excellent degree of employability globally, with the university ranked third among Australian universities for its graduates’ employability record. Consequently, University of Sydney alumni can be found in every sector worldwide.

The University of Sydney directly connects students with industry through numerous year-long activities such as career fairs, internships, work-integrated learning, and a dedicated Career Development Programme for all international students and recent grad students.

The University of Sydney also has one of the biggest and most distinguished alumni networks (6 past Australian Prime Ministers, 5 Nobel Prize winners, 24 High Court justices, and more than 24 Rhodes Scholars), which indicates the high standard of graduates of this particular institution. Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, McKinsey & Co., Commonwealth Bank, Google, Atlassian, and several government organisations are actively recruiting from the University of Sydney.

How Can We Help You?

Planning to study in Australia can be overwhelming at times, but you do not have to go through the process alone. Our experienced education counsellors are here to help you with your planning at no extra cost.

My Study Offers provides a free global education platform for students to get the right university, the right course, and the right guidance all in one place at no extra cost. No extra fees, no confusion, just honest advice to help you achieve your dreams of studying in Australia.

FAQs

1. What are the entry requirements for international students?

For an undergraduate, you need strong high school results equivalent to Australian Year 12. For postgraduate studies, a bachelor’s degree with a 65–70% average. IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE is required for both.

2. How much does it cost to study at the University of Sydney?

Tuition fees range from AUD $49,200 to $63,400 per year, depending on your faculty. Budget an additional AUD $25,000–$35,000 per year for living expenses.

3. Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes. Scholarships range from partial fee reductions to full tuition coverage. The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship offers AUD $5,000–$40,000, while the Academic Excellence Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees.

4. Can international students work while studying?

Yes. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. PhD and research students can work unlimited hours year-round.

5. What is the Australian Student Visa fee?

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee is approx AUD $2,000 (₹1.1 lakh) and is non-refundable.

6. What accommodation options are available?

On-campus residences, residential colleges with meals included, and off-campus shared housing or homestays. Costs range from around AUD $980–$3,500 per month.

7. When are the application deadlines?

For international students, Semester 1 (February 2026) applications generally close on 1 December 2025, while Semester 2 (August 2026) applications close on 29 May 2026. Competitive programs like Medicine, Dentistry, and the MBA have much earlier. Always verify dates for your specific degree on the official University of Sydney website.