Why Sydney Uni may have a higher ranking than UNSW.
The University of Sydney is ranked #52 in the world, based on a composite of QS, Times, ARWU, and Webometrics rankings. In Australia, Sydney University is ranked #2 out of 42 universities.
The University of Sydney (Sydney Uni) was founded in 1850 and is Australia's oldest university. Sydney Uni is frequently ranked among the top 100 universities in world rankings. The main campus, located in inner Sydney, is considered one of the most beautiful in Australia.
Website: sydney.edu.au | Campuses: Sydney (Camperdown/Darlington, Burren St, Camden, Cumberland, Mallett St, Rozelle, Surry Hills, Conservatorium of Music) [NSW]
World Ranking
Global Ranking: 52
On a composite measure of world university rankings, Sydney University is ranked 52nd. It is rated in the top 100 across major ranking systems, including QS, ARWU and Times Higher Education.
QS ranking: 18
Times Higher Education: 61
ARWU: 74
Webometrics: 55
Australia Ranking
Australia Rank: 2
The University of Sydney is the second-ranked university in Australia, behind the University of Melbourne and ahead of UNSW, UQ, Monash, ANU, UWA, and Adelaide University. It's the top ranked uni in NSW and best university in Sydney.
Above: University of Melbourne (1)
Below: UNSW Sydney (3), University of Queensland (4), Monash University (5)
Is the University of Sydney Good?
The University of Sydney (USYD) is a Go8 university, known for strong programs in law, medicine, and business. It excels in research, particularly in health and science, and is highly ranked in Australia and globally.
Located on a scenic campus in central Sydney, USYD combines historic buildings with modern facilities. Its industry connections and global partnerships offer students valuable networking and career opportunities.
Satisfaction: 74.8%
The University of Sydney reviews show satisfaction levels of 73.9% for bachelor degrees and 75.7% for postgraduate students, slightly below national averages. Uni Reviews provides individual ratings and comments.
How Many Students?
Students: 78,882
The University of Sydney had a total of 78,882 students in 2024, making it the 3rd largest university in Australia. Sydney Uni is the 2nd biggest uni in New South Wales after UNSW.
- International students: 40,111 (51%)
- Postgraduate students: 35,800 (45%)
- Gender ratio: 56% Female : 44% Male
- On-campus students: 76,454 (95%)
Biggest strength: Science (12% of enrolments here vs 8% nationally).
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate: 30%
The University of Sydney acceptance rate is 30%. Among students with an ATAR that qualifies for university, 70% are unable to be admitted into their preferred degree.
Required ATAR: 85
It is very hard to get into Sydney Uni, with a minimum ATAR of 85 on average. At the time of publishing, the ATAR threshold was 80 for Arts, 95 for Bachelor of Commerce, and 80 for Science degrees.
Does the University of Sydney Offer Online?
The University of Sydney offers limited online study, mainly for postgraduates. Around 332 bachelor and 2,096 postgraduate students study online, making up 3% of the student population. University of Sydney Online enrolments are mostly in Health and Management. The university is more campus-based.
University of Sydney Review
Independent review by Australian Universities. Discover what it’s like to study at the University of Sydney (USyd) — a prestigious uni located close to the Sydney CBD.