In short
The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is Australia's oldest university and a global top-30 research institution. It offers over 100 disciplines across multiple faculties and is known for its international student diversity and strong graduate outcomes.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1850
- Students
- 63,602
- International students
- 22,000
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €26–48k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
The University of Sydney (USYD), founded in 1850, is Australia's oldest university and one of the world's leading research institutions, consistently ranked in the global top 30. Located on the iconic sandstone Camperdown campus in inner Sydney, it offers over 100 disciplines across medicine, law, engineering, arts, business, and science. USYD is a member of Australia's Group of Eight and attracts more than 63,000 students, including a large and diverse international cohort from over 130 countries.
Why study here
- Ranked #25 globally (QS 2026) and among Australia's most prestigious Group of Eight universities.
- Over A$84 million in scholarships awarded annually across 700+ schemes.
- Australia's most internationally diverse campus with students from 130+ countries.
- Strong graduate employment outcomes backed by a world-class Careers Centre.
- Research powerhouse with major contributions in medicine, environment, social sciences, and engineering.
Student life
Campus life at Sydney is vibrant and varied, centred around the historic quadrangle and a sprawling inner-city campus. The University of Sydney Union runs hundreds of clubs and societies, from cultural groups and debating to robotics and film. On-campus accommodation options include colleges affiliated with the university, offering a residential community experience. Sydney's location means students also enjoy the cultural, dining, and outdoor lifestyle of one of the world's most liveable cities.
Fees
InternationalAUD 32,000–62,000 per year (approx. EUR 26,000–48,000) depending on course and faculty
HomeAUD 0–14,500 per year (government-subsidised HECS-HELP places for eligible domestic students)
LivingAUD 20,000–28,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses in Sydney
International students pay full fees; medicine and dentistry attract the highest rates. The university provides a fee estimator tool and detailed cost breakdowns on its website.
Admissions
Undergraduate (International)Completion of senior secondary school equivalent to Australian Year 12 with competitive results; meeting course-specific prerequisites
Postgraduate (International)A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent) at credit average or above; some programs require relevant work experience or additional entry requirements
IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band for most degrees; 7.0 overall for some programs)
TOEFL iBTOverall 85 (minimum 20 in Reading, 22 in Writing; 96 overall for some programs)
PTE AcademicOverall 64 (minimum 60 in each communicative skill; 72 overall for some programs)
Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 ProficiencyOverall 176 (minimum 169 per section; 185 overall for some programs)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202625
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202561
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 202467
US News Best Global Universities 202529
QS — 1st in Australia for international student diversity1
University scholarships
International Student ScholarshipUp to AUD 10,000 (tuition reduction)
Vice-Chancellor's International ScholarshipUp to AUD 40,000 over 2 years
Sydney Scholars AwardAUD 6,000 per year
MySydney Accommodation ScholarshipCovers on-campus accommodation costs
Australia Awards Scholarships (DFAT)Full tuition + living allowance for eligible countries
Accreditation
Member of the Group of Eight (Go8); AACSB-accredited Business School; professionally accredited programs in law, medicine, engineering, nursing, and architecture by relevant Australian bodies.
For international students
AustraliaStudent visa & funds
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Working while you study
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
- PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+
Main intakes
FebruaryJuly
Typical living cost
€1,600/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Sydney · Australia
Executive Master of Business Administration
The Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed for senior executives with at least 10 years of experience. It offers a global perspective with unique experiences across Australia, Asia, Europe, India, and the United States, focusing on experiential learning, disruption, and adaptability. You will work with business leaders and global organisations to address complex problems. The program is structured for busy professionals, combining self-directed online learning with intensive residential modules held approximately every four months over an 18-month period.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of Sydney · Australia
Executive MBA
The Executive MBA (EMBA) at the University of Sydney is a global program designed to equip experienced professionals with advanced business acumen. Through a blend of self-directed online learning and intensive face-to-face residential blocks held internationally, the program focuses on experiential learning, AI, disruption, and adaptability. You will work with business leaders and global organizations to tackle complex, real-world problems, fostering a global mindset that integrates economic principles with ethical considerations.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of Sydney · Australia
Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics
This Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics is designed to provide advanced training for individuals with a relevant degree and a strong aptitude for mathematics. It focuses on the application of statistical techniques to health-related scientific research, including medicine and public health. The program is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for students to manage their study schedules. Upon completion, graduates will have a foundational understanding of biostatistical principles, preparing them for further postgraduate studies or entry-level roles in health research, though it does not fully qualify them as a practicing biostatistician.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
University of Sydney · Australia
Graduate Certificate in Brain and Mind Sciences
This Graduate Certificate program offers specialized education and training designed for individuals aiming to advance in fields related to brain and mind sciences. It prepares graduates to address the needs of individuals experiencing disorders of the brain and mind. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including those with non-medical degrees, science graduates, general practitioners, and nurses who frequently encounter patients with mental health conditions. The University of Sydney is a globally recognized institution, ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide and second in Australia for Medicine. The program is delivered through the renowned Brain and Mind Centre, a hub for clinical research and patient care for conditions like Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, dementia, and youth mental health. This affiliation provides students with access to leading researchers and advanced clinical facilities.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
University of Sydney · Australia
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology is a fully online program designed for healthcare professionals, clinical researchers, and health decision-makers. It equips you with essential skills to conduct high-quality clinical research and critically interpret evidence to enhance patient care outcomes. This certificate provides a strong foundation in clinical research methods and evidence-based practice, preparing you for advanced studies or a career in research.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
University of Sydney · Australia
Graduate Certificate in Coaching Psychology
The Graduate Certificate in Coaching Psychology equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help individuals and organizations enhance performance, productivity, and quality of life. This program is ideal for those focused on coaching within business and organizational settings, providing a foundation for various coaching roles including executive, management, and personal coaching. You will learn a client-centred approach to facilitate personal and professional development.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Australia
full fundingAustralian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)
ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
full
Funding
€120k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingForrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne
Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Sydney
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)
University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
-18d left
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at the University of Sydney?
+
International student fees at the University of Sydney range from approximately AUD 32,000 to AUD 62,000 per year, varying by course and faculty. Medicine and dentistry programs tend to have the highest fees.
What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each band) for most degrees, or a TOEFL iBT score of 85 overall. Some programs may have higher requirements.
What are the general admission requirements for international students?
+
For undergraduate studies, international students need to have completed secondary school equivalent to Australian Year 12 with competitive results and meet any course-specific prerequisites. Postgraduate applicants require a recognized bachelor's degree with a credit average or above, and sometimes relevant work experience.
Does the University of Sydney offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the University of Sydney offers numerous scholarships for international students, including the International Student Scholarship (up to AUD 10,000) and the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (up to AUD 40,000 over two years). Over 700 scholarship schemes are available annually.
What is the University of Sydney's global ranking?
+
The University of Sydney is consistently ranked among the world's leading institutions, achieving 25th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also ranked highly by other major global rankings like Times Higher Education and US News.
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