WSU performs about average for an Australian uni in world rankings.
Western Sydney University is ranked #363 in the world, based on a composite of QS, Times, ARWU, and Webometrics rankings. In Australia, WSU is ranked #20 out of 42 universities.
Western Sydney University (WSU) is a large, multi-campus university. WSU teaches students across Sydney's expanding western suburbs. The university is spread across several sites, each with different specialisations. WSU caters to students of varying academic abilities and is less selective than some other Sydney universities.
Website: westernsydney.edu.au | Campuses: Sydney (Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Nirimba, Parramatta City, Parramatta South, Penrith, Sydney City, Sydney Olympic Park) [NSW]
WSU World Ranking
Global Ranking: 363
Western Sydney University is ranked #363 and is clearly in the world's top 500. It ranks 384th in QS, while Times Higher Education places it between 300-350.
QS ranking: 384
Times Higher Education: 325
ARWU: 350
Webometrics: 392
Australia Ranking
Australia Rank: 20
Western Sydney University is the 20th-ranked university in Australia. Despite being mid-table nationally, it is low-ranking by Sydney standards, sitting behind the University of Sydney, UNSW, UTS, and Macquarie University.
Above: La Trobe University (17), University of Newcastle (18), UTAS (19)
Below: Flinders University (21), UniSA (22), James Cook University (23)
Is Western Sydney University Good?
Western Sydney University (WSU) is known for its extensive campus network across Sydney’s western suburbs, bringing education close to many regional communities. WSU offers a wide variety of courses, from business to health sciences, and is an accessible choice for many students.
Serving the west of Sydney
Course variety
Career progression
For career-focused students, WSU’s “Career Activate” program includes workshops, career guidance, and work placements, helping students prepare for the workforce.
Satisfaction: 75.5%
Western Sydney University reviews show satisfaction levels of 71.5% for bachelor degrees, which is four points below the national average, and 79.5% for postgraduate students. Uni Reviews provides individual ratings and comments.
Source: Australian Government Course Experience Questionnaire 2023–2024, compiled by Compared.edu.au.
How Many Students?
Students: 47,895
Western Sydney University had a total of 47,895 students in 2024, making it the 11th largest university in Australia. WSU is the 4th biggest uni in New South Wales.
- International students: 11,698 (24%)
- Postgraduate students: 11,201 (23%)
- Gender ratio: 59% Female : 41% Male
- On-campus students: 42,937 (90%)
Biggest strength: Health (25% of enrolments here vs 18% nationally).
Source: Australian Government, Student Enrolments Pivot Table 2024. Calculations verified by Dr Andrew Lancaster (PhD, Economics).
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate: 73%
The Western Sydney University acceptance rate is 73%. Among students with an ATAR that qualifies for university, 27% are unable to be admitted into their preferred degree.
Required ATAR: 63
It is not hard to get into WSU, with a minimum ATAR of 63 on average. At the time of publishing, the ATAR threshold was 60 for Arts, and 65 for Bachelor of Business and Science degrees.
Is Western Sydney University Online?
Western Sydney University offers online study options but is primarily campus-based. Around 2,627 undergraduate and 2,331 postgraduate students study online. Western Sydney University Online enrolment makes up about 10% of the total student body. Most programs are delivered in person, with some online courses available.
Source: Extracted by Australian Universities from the Australian Government's Student Enrolments Pivot Table 2024