Universities in Sydney, Australia: Top Universities, Ranking, Course Fees, Eligibility, and Popular Courses

The Harbour City of Australia, Sydney, has much more to offer besides its beautiful tourist attractions. The city is home to several high-class universities, most of which proudly figure among the top 100 international universities, as per QS World University Rankings 2024. Another reason international students prefer to study at Sydney universities is the high rate of employability they create for students after course completion. 

This article details the top 5 universities in Sydney, their QS rankings, course fees, eligibility criteria, and top programs offered. These universities are highly popular among students, welcoming them from around the world.

Top Universities in Sydney, Australia

Sydney is home to many top-ranked universities that attract admissions from all parts of the world. Below are some of the popular universities in Australia that enjoy high ranks as per QS World University Rankings 2024. A brief description of each university, along with its key highlights, is given below:

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) 

• The University of Sydney 

• University of Technology Sydney 

• Macquarie University 

• Western Sydney University

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney): One of the top universities in Sydney, Australia, UNSW is highly popular among students and employers globally. The university is committed to producing graduates who can make a positive and powerful impact on society. 

Some of the most popular courses among international students at UNSW are Geology, Physics, Political and Social Sciences, and Planning. Students can choose any course as per their academic interests and career objectives. 

The admission requirements at UNSW may vary slightly from those at other universities in Sydney. It is recommended that you check directly with the university regarding any specific eligibility criteria for the course you apply for. Some of the standard entry requirements are as follows:

• Admission to UG courses requires completion of secondary education from a recognised study institution in India

• PG courses require a Bachelor’s or Undergraduate degree in the related field of study from a recognised Indian university

• International students must also produce a proof of English proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 in each band

Related Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements#studyabroadexchangestudents  

Related Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/master-of-mathematics?studentType=International 

Considered as one of the top universities in Sydney, the UNSW campus is equipped to welcome international students with top-notch amenities. Some of these include a well-stocked bookshop, childcare, medical and health counselling, legal advice, and student support services such as career guidance and academic assistance.

There is a fitness and aquatic centre, sports clubs and courts for students' recreation. More than 300 student clubs have been formed to encourage students to participate in co-curricular competitions and learn peer tutoring or mentoring skills. 

International students also have the option to avail of UNSW Village, an on-campus student accommodation facility by the university. Gender-specific options are available, and the accommodation is fully, partially, and self-catered, as per budget and comfort preferences. 

• The University of Sydney: Another of the top-demanded universities in Sydney for international students, it has been consistently enjoying high ranks in QS World University Rankings. The University of Sydney offers a choice of nearly 400+ courses along with the additional facility of internships and professional real-world experience to students.   

Among its most notable programs include Studies in Human Society, Behavioural Science, Materials and Mineral Engineering, and Librarianship.

International students seeking admission to any of these courses must adhere to the following entry criteria:

• A recognised qualification from an Indian study institution with the desired grades is required for admission to Bachelor’s programs 

• For all Masters courses, a recognised Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university is preferred 

• Additionally, international students must show proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 score on the test

Related Source: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/english-language-requirements.html  

Related Source: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/fees-and-loans/international-student-tuition-fees.html 

The campus at the University of Sydney spans nearly 72 hectares and covers facilities for students such as historical museums, 6 libraries, and art galleries.   

Some of the popular co-curricular activities at the university are the Fishing Society, Film Society, Astronomy Society, Polo Society, and more, which help improve networking opportunities for students.

University residences, complete with the necessary amenities, make living comfortable for international students at the University of Sydney. Single-study rooms with common living areas are available on campus for students. 

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS): Practical learning and research are highly encouraged at UTS to enable students to prepare for real-world challenges.

Some of the most popular courses offered to international students at the University of Technology Sydney are Journalism, Creative Arts, Business, Robotics, and Mechatronics. 

The common admission criteria for international students applying to UTS courses are as follows:

• Completion of a recognised higher secondary course equivalent to Australian Year 12 qualification for admission to all UG courses at the university

• Recognised Bachelor’s from an Indian university equivalent to a Bachelor’s in Australia

• Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 7.5 

Related Source: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/international/essential-information/english-language-requirements?utm_source=IDP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=IDP  

Related Source: https://cis.uts.edu.au/fees/course-fees.cfm

Some notable campus facilities at UTS include the UTS Business School, an innovative institution that has gained immense popularity in Sydney. Students can choose from numerous dining options and appease their taste buds. Additionally, specialist science labs and daycare centres are provided at the UTS campus.  

Students can also engage in recreational activities such as fitness centres, clubs, and libraries. 

For comfortable accommodation, the UTS campus provides the option of 5 residences for students, all equipped with the latest facilities for maximum comfort. 

• Macquarie University: Situated in the centre of Sydney, it is yet another high-ranked university offering superior quality education to students worldwide. More than 200 courses in varied areas of study are offered to over 44,000 students from around 140 countries at Macquarie University. 

Among the courses offered at Macquarie, the ones that are the most sought after by students include History, Teaching, Business Administration, and Law. 

Fulfillment of the following admission criteria is a must for international students at Macquarie:  

• Recognised senior secondary qualification from a recognised school in India (for Undergraduate programs)

• Recognised Bachelor’s degree from an Indian university (work experience also preferred in some cases)  

• Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 

Related Source: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/find-a-course/courses/graduate-certificate-of-accounting-practice#entry-requirements 

Related Source: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/fees-and-costs/fees-search

To make the Macquarie campus more attractive to international students, the university offers a host of facilities such as a well-designed Finance Decision Lab, library, hospital, incubator, and metro station. 

Besides, there are many entertainment and recreational facilities for students, like a pool, gym, cheerleading club, cricket society, and more. 

To make international students feel welcome in Sydney, Macquarie University also offers decent, comfortable accommodation facilities on-campus and off it. 

• Western Sydney University: Ranked among the top 2% of universities globally, Western Sydney University focuses on student-centric education and learning, creating opportunities for career growth. The university reflects diversity in its approach, encouraging and embracing students from different cultures in the world at its campus. 

Some of its popular courses for students include Tourism, Visual Arts, Environmental Studies, Organisation Management, and Advertising. 

International students seeking admission to the university are required to meet some course-specific eligibility criteria. However, some of the standard entry requirements are listed as follows:

• For UG courses, completion of secondary education from a recognised Indian school is a must.

• For PG courses, students must have completed a recognised Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university.

• Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5, is required for all international students whose native language is not English

Related Source: https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au/programs/graduate-certificate-accounting/#admissiontext  

Related Source: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/content/dam/digital/pdf/international/INTL_PG_%20Fees_2024.pdf
The campus at Western Sydney University has several state-of-the-art facilities for the benefit of students. The most popular ones include computer and science labs, lecture theatres, libraries, restaurants, and gymnasiums.  

There are plenty of options for entertainment for students on campus, such as sports, tennis comps, outdoor chess, and more. 

On-campus accommodation is also an integral part of the university in the form of Western Sydney University Village. Discounts on rental costs are also offered to international students.

FAQs

1. How many universities are in Sydney, Australia?

Sydney currently has 6 large universities offering top-quality education to students worldwide.

2. Which universities are the best for international students in Sydney, Australia?

Sydney offers some top-ranked universities offering high-quality learning to international students. These are:

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) 

• The University of Sydney 

• University of Technology Sydney 

• Macquarie University 

• Western Sydney University 

3. How much does it cost to study in Sydney, Australia?

Each program's cost will likely vary from one university in Sydney to another. For instance, the average cost of pursuing a Postgraduate degree at a Sydney university is AUD 30,960.

Related Source: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/content/dam/digital/pdf/international/INTL_PG_%20Fees_2024.pdf

4. What are the benefits of studying in Sydney?

Sydney has many top-ranked universities that offer students top-notch educational and research opportunities. The employability rate for graduates of Sydney universities is also high.

5. Are Sydney universities good for international students?

Absolutely! Several international students graduating from universities in Sydney move on to rewarding career prospects at attractive pay scales.

6. How is life in Sydney for international students?

Sydney is famously known as a vibrant city among students arriving from other nations. The city offers a high standard of living, a host of leisure options for students to pursue in their free time, and part-time work opportunities. 

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