Study at the University of Sydney
Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney (USYD) is Australia’s oldest university and 25th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its sandstone Quadrangle buildings are part of Sydney’s architectural heritage. The main Camperdown campus sits 3 km from the CBD. With approximately 73,000 students of whom 50% are international, USYD combines institutional prestige, broad academic offerings, and urban Sydney location.
Why choose the University of Sydney
USYD stands out for the breadth of its academic offerings — every major discipline is represented, from medicine to philosophy via engineering, law, fine arts, and architecture. For students seeking interdisciplinary paths or wanting to keep options open, USYD offers particularly flexible double degrees (Arts/Law, Commerce/Science, etc.). The Sydney Business School, Sydney Law School, and Faculty of Medicine and Health all rank in the global top tier.
Programmes
- Arts — humanities, social sciences, languages
- Commerce — business analytics, finance, marketing, management
- Science — physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, data science
- Engineering — civil, biomedical, software, aerospace
- Architecture, Design and Planning — architecture, urban planning
- Medicine and Health — Bachelor of Medical Science leading to Doctor of Medicine
- Law — Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or post-Bachelor JD
- Conservatorium of Music — performance, composition
Admission requirements
USYD applies stricter English bars than the Go8 average:
- General undergraduate: IELTS Academic 6.5 minimum (no sub-band below 6.0)
- Education, Law, Media and Communication: IELTS 7.5 (no sub-band below 7.0) — high bar
- Nursing, Veterinary Science: IELTS 7.0 (no sub-band below 7.0)
- Foundation programs: IELTS 5.5
- Test must be less than 2 years old at course commencement
- IELTS Online NOT accepted — Academic test only in test centres
- Strong academic results recommended for competitive programs
Tuition and cost of living
Typical 2026 international Bachelor range: AUD 42,000–58,000/year by discipline. Medicine and Law at the top. Annual increases 3–5%. Sydney being one of Australia’s most expensive cities, budget AUD 32,000–40,000/year for living costs (student accommodation near campus, public transport, food, leisure, mandatory OSHC).
Application calendar
- Semester 1 — starting March, application deadline around 1 December
- Semestre 2 — starting July, application deadline around 1 May
Most selective programs (Medicine, Law, Architecture) open dossiers very early. Apply 6 months ahead of deadline minimum.
See our complete guide on Subclass 500 visa and the Australian system.
How YourDreamSchool supports you
Since 2011, YDS has supported students applying to the University of Sydney and the other Group of Eight universities. We help structure your Statement of Purpose, prepare you for IELTS, build your Subclass 500 visa application, and anticipate life on the ground. Book a free orientation call with a YDS coach, or contact us with any questions.