Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get into the University of Sydney

Wondering how to get into the University of Sydney? This article is for you. It will explore the University of Sydney application process in detail, providing a step-by-step guide on how to get into the University of Sydney. You’ll learn exactly what the university is looking for in students and the best tips to increase your chances of getting into the prestigious institution.

What Is the University of Sydney Known for?

The University of Sydney (located in Sydney, Australia) is famous for its high academic standards and research leadership.

Owing to its high academic standards and rigorous programs across a range of disciplines, the USyd consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. For example, it ranked 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

It’s no wonder that you’re thinking about how to get into the University of Sydney. The University is known as a leading university in social and environmental sustainability. It ranks 1st in Australia and 7th in the world for sustainability (QS Sustainability Rankings 2024). This recognises USyd as one of the best universities when it comes to tackling the world’s greatest environmental, social, and governance challenges.

USyd is also renowned for research leadership, particularly in medicine, engineering, and social sciences. For example, the University is home to the world-renowned Charles Perkins Centre, which has led research into understanding and developing innovative treatments for major health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Also, the Nano Sydney Institute is pioneering advancements in nanotechnology to tackle some of the most challenging problems faced by humanity. For example, in 2024, researchers at the university developed a nanotech-powered needle-free insulin delivery for diabetes treatment.

In addition to its reputation for high academic standards and research leadership, USyd is also known for having strong international links and collaborations. It is part of the Universitas 21 network, a global alliance of world-leading, research-intensive universities that facilitates academic exchanges and collaborative research projects. So, USyd offers extensive student exchange programmes with leading universities around the world.

The University of Sydney is also known for producing employable graduates. In a recent QS Graduate Employability Ranking, it ranked above all the top universities in Australia and number 4 in the world for graduate employability.

How Hard Is It to Get into University of Sydney?

As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, getting into the University of Sydney is not easy. While admission is very competitive, the acceptance rate at the University of Sydney is about 30%, according to some sources.

The 30% acceptance rate means that 30 out of every 100 students who apply succeed. So, getting into the university is definitely not easy.

However, if you consider that some institutions have acceptance rates of less than 5%, you’ll quickly realise that getting into the University of Sydney is far from impossible. Let’s look into what’s required of applicants hoping to get into the University of Sydney.

Also read: What you Didn’t Know about Applying to University in Australia.

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What Is the University of Sydney Looking for in Students?

The University of Sydney seeks well-prepared students for their programmes who can contribute positively to the university community. Thus, when assessing prospective students for admission, the school looks for more than academic excellence.

Here’s a breakdown of what the University of Sydney looks for in students:

Academic Excellence

Students seeking admission into the University of Sydney need to have achieved high academic performance in their previous studies. Prospective undergraduate students need high grades and competitive ATAR scores to get into the University of Sydney.

Programme Fit

USyd also looks at whether your academic background aligns with the specific programme’s objectives. It does this because programme fit makes it more likely for students to succeed in their chosen programme and make meaningful contributions to the field of study.

So, it’s not enough to do excellently in your previous studies. It’s also important that your previous qualifications and experience fit with the programme you’ve chosen.

Well-articulated Motivation

The University of Sydney also considers applicants’ motivation when assessing prospective students. The school looks for clear and well-articulated arguments about why a student is interested in a particular programme and how the programme aligns with the student’s career aspirations.

Hence, the personal statement or essay is critical to the application process. Ensure you have a strong essay that articulates your goal and reasons for choosing a particular programme.

Strong Recommendations

The Uni of Sydney also values relevant third-party recommendations, especially strong recommendations that clearly show the applicant’s strength and potential for success in their programmes.

Think of your essay as what you think about yourself. Now, a letter of recommendation is what a reputable third party thinks of you. Therefore, having letters from academic or professional referees attesting to your abilities, achievements, and character can enhance your application.

Drive Outside Academics

The University of Sydney also values students who contribute to their communities and demonstrate initiative and commitment outside academics. So, actively participating in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships can enhance your chances of getting into the University of Sydney.

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University of Sydney Deadlines and Requirements

The University of Sydney offers admissions in two intakes every year – February and August.

Admission deadline and requirements for undergraduate programmes:

	Admission stream	Deadline (specific date may vary each year)
Domestic students	Early bird application	End of September
Domestic students	Final deadline	Early February
International students	February intake	1 December
International students	August intake	15 May

Domestic students are required to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), while international students must apply directly to the University of Sydney.

General requirements for undergraduate admission in USyd include:

Recognised secondary education qualification. Domestic students need ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) scores of at least 70.05. International students need equivalent high school qualifications. An advanced diploma like TAFE (Technical and Further Education) is often considered for entry into undergraduate programmes.
Official academic transcripts.
Personal statement and letters of recommendation (some programmes require one or both).
English language proficiency tests if your first language is not English. The USyd English requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
A portfolio of works (may be required by programmes in fields like Design or Architecture).
An interview or audition (may be required by programmes in music or performing arts).

Can You Apply to the University of Sydney Early?

You can apply to the University of Sydney early. In fact, the university encourages students to apply as early as possible. There is an early bird application that ends around the end of September, which allows domestic undergraduate students to submit their applications earlier than the final deadline around the start of the following year.

As an international student hoping to gain admission to the University of Sydney, you can apply up to two years before the proposed start date of their programme.

What Grades Are Needed to Get into the University of Sydney?

The grades needed to get into the University of Sydney vary depending on the specific programme. Qualifications should be obtained from a higher education institution or vocational education and training institution.

While USyd generally requires high school grades from prospective undergraduate students, requirements differ from programme to programme.

Highly competitive programmes (like Medicine, Law, and Engineering) generally require higher grades than less competitive programmes. For example, a domestic student applying for medicine typically requires an ATAR score above 99, while a student for law will require an ATAR score of 98 or above.

ATAR of around 85 – 90 may be sufficient for other programmes, depending on the demand and competitiveness of the programme. International undergraduate students must meet the equivalent of the Australian secondary school requirements.

Does the University of Sydney Offer any Scholarships to International Students?

The University of Sydney has numerous scholarships for international students.

There are over 20 scholarships for international undergraduate students. These include:

Australia Award Scholarships (AAS): AAS is sponsored by the Australian government and allows students from certain countries to study specific courses at USyd. Its benefits include full tuition fees, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, initial visa expenses, and return air travel.
Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is for exceptional international students who have completed secondary school education but have not started tertiary education. Its benefits include full tuition and student services amenities fee (up to a maximum of 4 years).
The Bruton Education Trust Scholarship: This scholarship is for financially disadvantaged international students pursuing a degree that can benefit the rural community of Australia. Its benefits include $10,000 per annum (up to five years).
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme: This scholarship is awarded by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney to exceptional international students admitted into a CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institution and Courses for Overseas Students) registered program. The scholarship is up to $40,000. And it is paid once, during the first year of commencement of the degree.
Sydney Uni Sports and Fitness (SUSF) Sporting Scholarships and Elite Athlete Program: This scholarship is for student-athletes who will represent the University of Sydney in their sport. The sporting scholarship awards qualifying students up to $2,500 per annum.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to the University of Sydney

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for applying to an undergraduate course at the University of Sydney.

Step 1: Choose a Course

Use the Course Search feature to browse the institution’s wide range of courses.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

After finding a course in Step 1 above, click on it to view its admission criteria and application deadlines.

Some courses have assumed knowledge requirements, where applicants are expected to have reached a certain level of knowledge or passed a relevant subject at Australian Year 12 or equivalent. If you do not have assumed knowledge for your course, you need to take a bridging course.

Step 3: Consider Finances

Before applying, it’s important to understand the cost of the study.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Gather all the documents you’ll be required to submit.

For international students, this will include:

Scanned copy of your passport identification page
Official academic documents (results, transcripts, and grading system)
English language results
Personal statement or essay
Work experience or CV
Scholarship documents (if any)
Marriage or change of name certificate
English translations for documents not in English

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Apply directly online. Domestic undergraduate students need to apply through the University Admissions Centre (UAC), while international students can apply directly to the University through their online application portal.

Simply select “Apply Now” on the course page and follow the prompts. Then, complete the online application form, upload your documents, and pay the applicable application fee.

Step 6: Receive and Accept Your Offer

The outcome of your application will be communicated to you through email. The email will come from the University of Sydney or UAC, depending on how you applied.

If you receive an unconditional offer, your application has been successful. You can proceed to accept it, pay your fees, and apply for your student visa. But if you receive a conditional offer, you need to provide the evidence requested in the offer letter. Your application will be re-assessed.

Tips on How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into University of Sydney

Now that you know how to get to USyd (the step-by-step application process) and what the university looks for in students, let’s look at certain tips that can increase your chances of getting in.

These tips have helped many people move from prospective students to students of the University of Sydney, with some even graduating and making strides in their fields of endeavour. These tips include:

Achieve Strong Academic Results

One of the first things the University of Sydney looks for in students is academic excellence. So, excellent academic performance in your current studies will increase your chances of getting into the school.

The higher your grades, the higher your chances. Thus, your aim shouldn’t be meeting the minimum entry requirements but exceeding them by as much as possible.

Outline Extracurricular Activities Outside of School to Make Your Application Stand Out

Remember that the University of Sydney seeks students who can contribute positively to the university community. One way to demonstrate this is by active participation in extracurricular activities outside of school. These activities showcase your skills, interests, and commitment beyond academic performance.

To really make your application stand out, highlight any leadership role you’ve had in your extracurricular activity. This demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work with people. Also, consider highlighting any specific achievements you’ve had in your extracurricular activity and significant contributions you made toward the achievement.

Showing a long-term commitment to your extracurricular activity also helps. This is because sustained involvement in extracurricular activities indicates dedication and perseverance, which are qualities that admission committees look for in prospective students.

Write a High-Quality Essay

Remember that USyd considers applicants’ motivation. Your essay gives you an opportunity to wow the committee with your unique qualities, achievements, and motivations beyond your academic records.

Write a clear and compelling essay that explains your academic and career goals, why you’ve chosen the specific programme at the University of Sydney, and how the programme aligns with your aspirations. Link your background and experiences to the programme to show why you are a good fit.

Ensure you convey genuine enthusiasm for your chosen field, as this shows that you are motivated. Provide specific examples to highlight your unique strengths and suitability for the programme.

Pro tip: Take extra courses (like the Immerse Education online research programmes) and mention how the course has prepared you for the programme you seek. This makes your essay more compelling and elevates your chances as it tells the admission committee that you have a clear vision for your future.

You may also like: The Benefits of Attending a Summer School.

Apply Early

Submitting your USyd application early can increase your chances of getting into the University of Sydney. Though the university may not acknowledge it, many indirect indicators suggest it favours early applications.

Whether it is because early applicants are relatively fewer, they get more attention from admissions committees, resulting in more favourable consideration.

Also, an early application removes the stress of rushing to meet the deadline, allowing you to focus on producing a high-quality application. If there are any issues or additional information needed, you’ll also have ample time to address them before the final deadlines.

Obtain Strong Recommendation Letters

Obtain letters of recommendation from referees who know you very well and can provide detailed and positive insights into your abilities and achievements.

Ensure your referees are people who hold positions of authority or have credibility in their fields, such as teachers, professors, or professional mentors. Just knowing you may not be enough. Use people who have had a direct and significant relationship with you, such as those who supervised our project.

Pro tip: Give your referees information about the programme you are applying for and any specific points you’d like them to highlight about you. This will help them effectively highlight your strengths and connect your qualities and achievements to the programme’s goal.

Also read: 12 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad!

Takeaway: Increase Your Chances Of Gaining Admission to USyd by Utilising Proven Strategies

With the University of Sydney renowned for high academic standards, research leadership, high graduate employability, and more, it’s no surprise that admission into the institution is highly competitive.

However, while getting into school can be challenging, it is achievable. With this post, getting into the University of Sydney can become easier than you think. Just understand what the institution looks for in students (outlined above), follow the tips to increase your chances of getting in (also outlined above), and you’ll see yourself navigating the application process with confidence.

Remember that one of the best ways to stand out positively is to highlight how extra courses have prepared you for the programme you seek. This is where Immerse Education comes in.

Immerse Education builds bridges to the future by empowering and equipping students aged 13 – 18 with the knowledge and skills to navigate their success. Our academic enrichment programmes and expert guidance will prepare you for your desired programme. Highlighting this in your essay will help you stand out, elevating your chances of admission into the University of Sydney.

Ready to take that first step toward entering the University of Sydney? Consider joining our Sydney Summer School.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get into the University of Sydney

Table of contents

What Is the University of Sydney Known for?