Top Universities in Sydney in 2025
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Sydney, the largest city in Australia is also home to some of the top universities in the world. Its flourishing economy, soothing climate and extensive range of employment opportunities attract international students from across the globe. Check out everything about universities in Sydney and why should international students study there.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best universities in Sydney and some top Australian colleges. Apart from this, some of the top universities in Australia also have a base in Sydney. Both the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales Australia are among the five universities that are included in the QS World University rankings and have their base in Sydney. Sydney also features within the top 10 livable cities by The Economist and Mercer. Considered Australia’s financial hub, Sydney is home to people from 180 different nationalities. Read on about studying options in Sydney for international students.
Top 7 Universities in Sydney
Here is the list of top universities in Sydney:
- Macquarie University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- The University of Technology Sydney
- Western Sydney University
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Darwin University
Top 5 Ranking Universities in Sydney
Check out some of the top universities in Sydney which have made it to the global rankings as per QS - 2025 rankings:
| Universities in Sydney | QS - World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| The University of Sydney | #18 |
| The University of New South Wales | #19 |
| University of Technology | #88 |
| Macquarie University | #133 |
| Western Sydney University | #384 |
Best Universities in Sydney
The following Syndey University list has been given based on popularity and global rankings in Australia:
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Macquarie University
Macquarie University has been consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in Australia. In addition to this, it was also awarded five stars in the prestigious QS Stars rating system for excellent performance in research, graduate employability, teaching, and other facilities. Macquarie University awards more than 10,000 degrees per year. It is home to over 44,000 students and 3,000 staff.
Highlights of Macquarie University
- It awards scholarships of around $2.5 million to students. The majority of this amount is given to those who need financial assistance and to students with other hardships.
- It is the first university in Australia that owns and operate a private medical facility.
- It is the only university in Australia with a metro station.
Top Courses at Macquarie University
A few popular courses at Macquarie University are given below:
- Marketing
- Applied Finance
- Business Analytics
- Health & Human Science
- STEM education courses
University of New South Wales
It is one of the topmost universities in the world. It is ranked 70th by Times Higher Education World Ranking 2022 and 45th by QS World University Rankings 2023. The university is highly respected by corporate leaders because of its excellence in education. The University of New South Wales has 4 campuses across Australia and 7 faculties with 47 schools providing a world-class education.
Highlights of the University of New South Wales
- Its engineering faculty is considered one of the best not only in the country but across the globe.
- The majority of Australia’s top 100 companies’ CEOs pursued their studies here.
- International students get insights about the corporate world through its Professional Development Program.
- It is home to more than 63,000 students from over 132 countries.
Top Courses at UNSW
Some of the top courses at UNSW are as follows:
- MBA
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of International Business
- Master of Engineering-Civil Engineering
- BSc in CS
University of Sydney
Established in 1850, The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university. The University of Sydney is ranked first in Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Master of Management, Oncology, and Nursing in various world university rankings. In addition to this, the University of Sydney ranked first in Australia and fourth across the world in terms of graduate employability by QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2023. The University of Sydney is ranked in the top 70 for four of the most credible and influential world university rankings. Thus, it makes it one of the leading universities in Sydney.
Highlights of the University of Sydney
- University of Sydney or USyd enrols 70,000 students annually across its 10 different departments of study.
- Students who pass out from USyd become a part of the 445,000+ alumni base.
- Since University of Sydney is a leading research centre, it offers valuable courses and opportunities to students across its 150+ centres of research.
Top courses at the University of Sydney
Some of the top courses offered at University of Sydney are as follows:
- Humanities, social sciences
- Creative arts
- Business, management
- Veterinary science
- Science
The University of Technology Sydney
Located in Sydney’s central business district, The University of Technology Sydney is considered one of the best universities in Sydney for pursuing technology courses. UTS’ high reputation among the business community and industry, allows it to offer excellent career opportunities to students. It is the first university in Australia to feature in the top 100 universities under 50 years of age by the Times Higher Education. There are more than 44,000 students at the University of Technology Sydney, thus, it can be said one of the largest universities in Australia. The university has three campuses.
Highlights of UTS
- UTS is the youngest university in the world - 50 under 50 and also the youngest one in operation in Australia.
- University of Technology Sydney enrolls around 20,000 international students annually on average.
- The placement rate at UTS almost surpasses 80% mark annually.
Top courses at the University of Technology Sydney
Some of leading courses at UTS are as follows:
- Business, management
- Law
- Nursing
- Communications
- Computer science
Western Sydney University
Many of the courses offered by the university are specially designed to meet the growing demands of the industry. Apart from this, the university also offers various external and university-based scholarships to international students to assist them financially. QILT Australia Ranking has rated Western Sydney University at the top in terms of employer satisfaction. This is the reason why it is one of the key universities in Sydney.
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?
Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years.
On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).
Q: How hard is it to get to Notre Dame?
The acceptance rate of the University of Notre Dame Australia is 19%, So for every 100 applicants, only 19 students get admitted. This means that it is a relatively competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Notre Dame University. While the acceptance rate is competetive, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: What is the PTE requirement for Stanley College Australia?
The PTE score for international students must be in the range of 50-57 for Stanley College Australia. However, students are expected to fulfill other English language proficiency tests along with PTE. The table below is the English language proficiency score for all the tests required at Stanley College:
Exam | Score Required |
|---|---|
Overall 60-78 | |
6.0 | |
50-57 | |
Cambridge English Advanced | 169 |
Q: Is there any application fees for MIT Australia?
The university does not charge any application from its national or international applicants. It means that aspirants for all courses/programs may apply to the university free of cost.
Q: What are the application deadlines for University of Notre Dame?
The University of Notre Dame Australia opens its applications on May 1 2024 and closes their applications by Sep 30 for the 2024 academic year. These dates allow students apply comfortably as the applications can be given till september. Applicants must remember to submit their application forms within this timeframe to be considered for admission at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
Level of Study | Application deadlines |
|---|---|
Undergraduate | May 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2024 (tentative) |
Postgradute | Opened throughout the year |
Highlights of Western Sydney University
- Western Sydney University ranks among the top 2% of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, demonstrating a strong commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
- Western Sydney University boasts of a diverse student body with over 43,000 students from various backgrounds.
- Also, high graduate employability rates with strong industry connections and a focus on practical skills development have also been a key factor at Western Sydney University.
Courses offered by the Western Sydney Australia
Check out some of courses offered at Western Sydney University below:
- Law
- Tourism, sports management
- Nursing
- Architecture, building
- Education
Australian Catholic University
It is a public university having campuses in major Australian cities like Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. The quality of teaching of the Australian Catholic University is considered one of the best among universities in Sydney. The ACU is ranked 39 among the young universities in the world by Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022. Students have the option of transferring between the campuses after completing one year of study.
Highlights of Australian Catholic University
- ACU has over 35,000 students that are annually enrolled across its campuses in Australia and internationally.
- ACU boasts an 88.6% employment rate for graduates within four months of completing their studies (2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
- ACU is ranked among the top 5 Australian universities for social inclusion and community engagement (2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings).
Best courses offered by the Australian Catholic University:
Some of the best courses at ACU are as follows:
- Nursing
- Nutrition and health
- Social work
- Education
- Physio, occupational therapy
Charles Darwin University
The excellent student-to-teacher ratio explains its focus on the quality of teaching and learning. Charles Darwin University is a research-intensive university offering Accounting and Business courses. Also, An excellent graduate employment rate and great part-time work opportunities make it one of the top universities in Sydney.
Highlights of Charles Darwin University
- CDU has over 20,000 students, with approximately 25% of them being international students from over 50 countries.
- CDU has a graduate employment rate of 85.1%, with many of its graduates securing employment within six months of completing their studies (2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
- CDU is ranked in the top 200 universities globally for research in environmental sciences and indigenous studies (QS World University Rankings).
Top Courses at Charles Darwin University
Check out some of the popular courses offered at Charles Darwin University in the section below:
- Engineering
- Law
- Community Services and Social Work
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management
- Languages and Linguistics
Sydney is a vibrant city, a centre of the world-class education system. It can boast of some of the best universities available in Australia, as they offer a myriad of programs catering to one's interests. Whether applicants are looking for an institution with research or one that focuses on practical skill development, universities in Sydney have it all. Further still, Sydney is a lovely place to study and live because of its high quality of life, cosmopolitan population, and temperate climate.
Want to study at any of the Sydney universities? Get in touch with our counsellors by signing up here - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply for admission-related help.
Top Universities in Sydney FAQs
Q. What is the best university in Sydney?
A. Based on ranking and popular choice, the following universities in Sydney are considered best:
- Macquarie University.
- University of New South Wales.
- University of Sydney.
- The University of Technology Sydney.
- Western Sydney University.
- Australian Catholic University.
- Charles Darwin University.
Q. Is Sydney good for study?
A. Ranked #6 as per QS - Best Student Cities Rankings 2025, Sydney has been ranking among the top 10 student cities for the past five years now. Sydney is an emerging popular study abroad destination because it is home to some of the globally renowned universities. Sydney's universities are widely known for their wide range of disciplines, excellence in research, teaching and sustainability.
Q. What is the hardest university to get into Sydney?
A. Since the University of Sydney records acceptance rate of 30% for its recent enrollments, it is believed that it is the hardest university in Sydney to get into. University of Sydney is a top ranker globally, academically distinguished and renowned for its research-focused education. These reasons also make it the hardest university in Sydney to get into.
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a year ago
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a year ago
Hello! You can check out the details here - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/australia/universities/federation-university
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2 years ago
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a year ago
Hello Sanu, pls get in touch with our counsellors for this info. Sign up at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply for free counselling or admission and application related queries.
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2 years ago
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2 years ago
Hi Dikshant, please refer to the below URL and check out the fee structure for the universities offering MS in CS in Australia: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/canada/ms-in-health-science-colleges-ds
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2 years ago
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.