University of Sydney Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission

Introduction

Are you looking for a university that combines historic prestige with modern technical innovation? The University of Sydney (USYD) is Australia's first university (founded in 1850) and is often called the "Harvard of the Pacific."

Ranked #25 globally for 2026, it is famous for its stunning sandstone campus that resembles Hogwarts. But beyond the looks, it is a powerhouse for Engineering, Medicine, and Law. For Indian engineering aspirants, USYD offers a unique advantage: it is consistently ranked in the Top 5 globally for Graduate Employability, often outranking heavyweights like Oxford and Cambridge in this specific metric.

In this guide, we break down the 2026 admission process, the high cutoffs for engineering streams, and the scholarship opportunities that can lower your tuition burden.

Highlights: University of Sydney at a Glance

Feature	Details
University Name	University of Sydney (USYD)
Location	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney, NSW
QS World Rank (2026)	#25 (Global)
Graduate Employability	#4 Globally (QS Rankings)
Intakes	Semester 1 (February) & Semester 2 (August)
Acceptance Rate	~30% (Highly Selective)
Top Scholarship	Vice-Chancellor's International (Up to AUD 40,000)

What is the University of Sydney?

As a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), the University of Sydney is one of the most respected institutions in the Southern Hemisphere. It is located just minutes from the Sydney CBD, offering a vibrant mix of city life and campus culture.

For Indian students, USYD is the top choice if you are looking for employability. Employers love "USYD grads" because the curriculum focuses heavily on leadership and real-world problem-solving.

• Engineering Advantage: The Faculty of Engineering is renowned for its Robotics, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering programs. The university recently invested millions into a new engineering precinct, ensuring students train in state-of-the-art labs.

Important Dates (2026 Intake)

The university follows a standard two-semester system. Unlike some other universities, the University of Sydney is very strict about deadlines.

Intake	Application Deadline (Standard)*	Classes Start
Semester 1 (Feb 2026)	November 30, 2025	February 23, 2026
Semester 2 (Aug 2026)	May 31, 2026	August 3, 2026

Pro Tip: For quota-based courses like Psychology or Veterinary Science, applications often close months earlier. Apply by November 2025 for the Feb 2026 intake to be safe.

Eligibility Criteria

The University of Sydney has some of the highest entry requirements in Australia. They strictly categorize Indian universities into Tier 1 and Tier 2.

1. Undergraduate Eligibility

• 12th Board Marks (CBSE / ICSE):

  • Engineering / Advanced Computing: 85% – 90%

  • Commerce / Liberal Arts: 85% – 90%

  • Law (Double Degree): 95%+

• State Boards: Students from State Boards (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc.) typically need 90% – 95% to be considered.

• Mathematics: Mandatory for Engineering, IT, and Commerce degrees. If you didn't take Math in Class 12, you may need to take a bridging course.

2. Postgraduate Eligibility

• Bachelor’s Degree: A 3 or 4-year degree from a recognized Indian university.

• Minimum Score:

  • Tier 1 Universities (IIT/IIM/DU/Mumbai/Pune): 65% (First Class)

  • Tier 2 Universities: 70% – 75%

• Backlogs: Strict policy. Profiles with more than 2-3 backlogs are often rejected unless there is a very strong justification.

Admission / Application Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to the University of Sydney for 2026:

1. Select Course: Use the "Find a Course" tool. For engineers, look for the Master of Professional Engineering (Accredited) or Master of Engineering (Specialized).

2. Check Eligibility: Ensure your Indian qualifications meet the specific ATAR equivalent.

3. Apply Online: Submit your application directly via the university portal.

4. Pay Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of AUD 150.

5. Submit Documents: Upload transcripts, passport, and English scores.

6. Wait for Offer: Processing time is 4–8 weeks.

7. Unconditional Offer: Once you get this, pay the tuition deposit.

8. Visa Application: Use your CoE to apply for the Subclass 500 visa.

Fees (2026 Estimates)

Studying at Australia's oldest university is an investment. Fees are generally higher than other Go8 universities due to the premium facilities.

Course Level	2026 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)	AUD 60,600
Bachelor of Commerce	AUD 56,000 – AUD 60,000
Master of Professional Engineering	AUD 57,900
Master of Data Science	AUD 58,000+

• Cost of Living: Sydney is expensive. Budget around AUD 35,000 (₹19 Lakhs) per year for rent, food, and transport.

Cutoff (Academic & English)

1. English Proficiency Cutoff

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS Academic	Overall 6.5 (No band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT	Overall 85 (W: 19, Others: 17)
PTE Academic	Overall 61 (No communicative skill below 54)

Note: Law, Architecture, and Medicine require IELTS 7.0 or 7.5.

2. Academic Cutoff (Indian Boards)

Course	CBSE / ISC Cutoff	State Board Cutoff
Bachelor of Advanced Computing	90%	95%
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)	85%	90%
Bachelor of Commerce	93%	96%

Documents Required

• Valid Passport: Front and back pages.

• Academic Transcripts: Class 10, 12, and Bachelors (Semester-wise).

• English Test Score: IELTS / PTE / TOEFL.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Mandatory for the Genuine Student (GS) assessment.

• CV / Resume: Required for MBA and Masters applicants.

• Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing tuition + living costs.

Tips / Strategy for 2026

1. Scholarship Hack: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Scheme offers up to AUD 40,000 based on academic merit. No separate application is needed; you are assessed automatically when you apply for admission.

2. Accommodation: On-campus housing (like the Queen Mary Building) fills up very fast. Apply for housing as soon as you receive a conditional offer.

3. Campus Life: USYD has over 200 clubs. Joining the "Indian Cultural Society" or the "Sydney University Engineering Undergraduate Association (SUEUA)" is a great way to network.

FAQs

Q1. Is the University of Sydney hard to get into?

Ans: Yes, the acceptance rate is around 30%. It is highly selective, especially for Medicine, Law, and Engineering. You need a strong academic record (usually First Class) to be competitive.

Q2. What is the application fee for the University of Sydney?

Ans: The fee is AUD 150 (approx. ₹8,300). It is non-refundable.

Q3. Does the University of Sydney require GRE/GMAT?

Ans: Generally, no. Most Masters courses (including Engineering) do not require it. However, the MBA program usually requires a GMAT score (or relevant work experience).

Q4. Can I work part-time in Sydney?

Ans: Yes, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks. Wages in Sydney are high (approx. AUD 25-30/hour).

Q5. Is USYD better than UNSW for Engineering?

Ans: It is a close contest. UNSW is often ranked slightly higher for pure Engineering and Technology, while USYD is famous for its broader research impact and Biomedical Engineering. Both are elite Go8 universities, so you can't go wrong with either.

Q6. How much scholarship can I get?

Ans: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship offers four tiers: $40,000, $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000. It is purely merit-based and very competitive.

Conclusion

The University of Sydney offers a blend of tradition and modernity that few universities can match. A degree from here is a badge of honor in the corporate world. While the cost is high, the potential for high-paying jobs in Sydney and global recognition makes it a worthwhile investment for serious engineering aspirants.

Ready to walk the halls of Hogwarts in Australia?

Start Your Application Now

🔗 Official Link: University of Sydney Website

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