Home to Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and over 5.5 million people, Sydney is also where some of the top universities in Australia are based. Sydney is famed for its prestigious educational resources. Top universities in Sydney include the world-famous University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Western Sydney University and Macquarie University. In the 2024 QS Best Student Cities Ranking, Sydney was rated as the seventh best student city in the world. If you have your sights set on studying in the Emerald City, scroll down for more information about the top universities in Sydney, the cost of living, student life, and some of our favourite facts about Sydney.
Why Study at Universities in Sydney, Australia?
There are many compelling reasons to study in Sydney: a stunning harbour-side setting, world-renowned public universities, a sun-drenched climate perfect for iconic beaches like Bondi and Coogee, and a vibrant, multicultural energy that welcomes students from across the globe. This dynamic city offers an exceptional standard of living, a thriving arts and culture scene, and unparalleled opportunities for both professional development and outdoor adventure. As the economic and cultural heart of Australia, Sydney provides a truly world-class education in one of the most desirable and picturesque cities on the planet.
- World-Class Universities:
- Sydney is home to lots of prestigious public universities with globally recognised programs, offering high-quality education in various fields.
- Student Experience
- Sydney is a city surrounded by the world’s largest natural harbour and beautiful beaches, boasts world-class museums and art galleries, alluring cuisine, and a series of exciting festivals and events.
- Beautiful Scenery:
- Students can enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty, including stunning beaches like Bondi, and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House.
- Quality of Life:
- Sydney consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and safe cities, providing good public transport and lots of purpose-built student accommodations.
- Career Opportunities:
- Sydney’s strong economy and status as a financial hub create abundant job prospects for students during and after your studies. Besides, the alumni networks from the top universities in Sydney are incredibly powerful.
- Student-friendly Environment:
- It’s undeniable that studying abroad is one of the best ways to gain a global outlook and immerse yourself in a new culture. An international student in Sydney will meet people from around the world, fostering a unique and enriching global perspective.
List of Top Universities in Sydney
- University of Sydney (USyd)
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Macquarie University
- Western Sydney University
- University of Wollongong
- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Central Queensland University (CQUniversity Australia)
University of Sydney (USyd)
If you want a world-class education, you look at the top universities in Sydney, USyd is Australia’s first university and a Group of Eight (Go8) member. It boasts academic excellence (QS World Ranking #25) and a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, EQUIS, CEMS). The University of Sydney has more than 30 disciplines that are ranked among the top 50 globally. Its research output and beautiful, historic campus are major draws. What’s the vibe like at the top universities in Sydney? From students’ reviews, they loved everything about being a student at the University of Sydney. The vibrant atmosphere, the beautiful campus, the exciting events, and plenty of support for student wellbeing.
For undergraduate students, master’s students and postgraduate students, the University of Sydney will offer a variety of university and college scholarships to help students throughout their studies. There are over 700 scholarships each year to assist and reward students from various backgrounds and disciplines, laying a solid foundation for their future careers. Among them, many scholarships and student loans are specifically set up for international students. For example, the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program offers up to $40,000 for indian students. Judge J Ralph J Perdriau Practical Legal Training Scholarship for Marrickville Legal Centre offers $20,000 for domestic or international students who currently enrolled in final semester in a LLB or JD.
Top Courses:
- Veterinary Science (21st globally, 1st in Australia)
- Mathematics (38th globally, 1st in Australia)
Life Sciences and Medicine (24th globally, 2nd in Australia)
Accounting and Finance (3rd in Australia)
Business and Management Studies (3rd in Australia)
- Ranking: Consistently ranks among the world’s best (QS #25 in 2026) .
- Acceptance Rate: Considered moderate to selective.
- Tuition: Among the highest, reflecting its status. Business and Computer Science are around AUD $51,500-$55,100/year
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
UNSW is a Go8 member known for innovation and strong industry ties. It’s often called the “MIT of the Southern Hemisphere” due to its top-ranked Engineering faculty (#1 in Australia). Its Accounting & Finance programs are also ranked #1 in Australia. The trimester system allows for a faster pace of study. As one of the top universities in Sydney, UNSW aspires to develop globally focused graduates who are rigorous scholars capable of leadership and professional practice in an international community.
The top universities in Sydney offer scholarships to support talented students. Except for regular scholarships like Academic Achievement Award, Equity scholarship, and Scientia scholarship, UNSW offers Co-op Programs for students. If you’re high-achieving and ambitious, the Co-op Program offers leadership and professional development training, three major industry placements, networking opportunities, mentoring and financial support of $19,600 per year.
Top Courses: Engineering (all streams), Commerce (especially Accounting/Finance) , Computer Science, and Photovoltaics (Solar Energy).
Ranking: QS World Ranking #19 in 2025 .
Acceptance Rate: Competitive, especially for prestigious programs. The elite Honours year is highly selective, with a low admission rate .
Tuition: Typically AUD $45,000 – $55,000+/year, varying by faculty
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Honestly, getting into the top universities in Sydney, like UTS is a huge achievement. The university is ranked 33rd in the world and 8th in Australia for overall contributions to Sustainable Development (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025), and ranked in the Top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026, US News Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026).
Government funding often prioritizes research at the top universities in Sydney. For example, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) receives government funding, and used for student loan schemes like HECS-HELP, research funding, and scholarships, such as the International Research Training Program (IRTP) and specific government-funded scholarships. Recent grants include $4.4 million for the Advanced Prototype Packaging Facility and Vaccine & RNA Design Centre, along with support for maritime robot research through the Economic Accelerator.
Top Courses: Nursing (Top 10 globally), Computer Science/IT , Design, and Communication & Media Studies .
Ranking: Ranked highly among young universities (QS Top 150 under 50) .
Acceptance Rate: Not explicitly stated, but postgraduate entry typically requires a GPA equivalent to 75% .
Tuition: Generally more affordable, around AUD $24,000-$26,000/year for many programs
Macquarie University
Want to study at one of the best universities in Sydney, Australia with great employability prospects? Macquarie University could be the place for you! Macquarie is very highly ranked, it ranked #11 in Australia and #138 in the world, according to QS World University Rankings, 2026. In addition, the university ranked top in Sydney for graduate employment, meaning there’s a high proportion of students who find a career in the field in which they studied six months after graduating.
Several of Macquarie’s programmes rank in the top 100 in the world. Some of the business programmes like Master of Applied Finance, Master of Marketing, Master of Business Analytics and Master of Management are all ranked in the top 50 in the world, and linguistics in the top 10! So you can rest assured that whatever programme you choose, it will be recognised globally on the QS World Rankings system as a competitive choice.
It’s not just about books, the best universities in Sydney offer an unparalleled experience. Macquarie University students can easily access popular restaurants, bars and shopping centres in Sydney CBD. Sydney Metro operates a subway from Macquarie University Station to Sydney CBD, convenient for students to explore the surrounding areas. A trip from Central Station in the Sydney CBD to Macquarie University Station takes 38 minutes (Train + Metro).
Top Courses:
- Master of Applied Finance ranked #1 in Australia and #40 in the world
QS Business Master’s Rankings, 2025 - Master of Marketing ranked #1 in Australia and #25 in the world
QS Business Master’s Rankings, 2025 - Master of Business Analytics ranked #2 in Australia and in the top 70 in the world
QS Business Master’s Rankings, 2025 - Master of Management ranked #2 in Australia and #65 in the world
QS Business Master’s Rankings, 2025
- Master of Applied Finance ranked #1 in Australia and #40 in the world
- Rankings:
- Ranked #11 in Australia and #138 in the world
QS World University Rankings, 2026 - Ranked #10 in Australia and #178 in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2025 - Ranked #50 overall and in the top 40 for 4 UN Sustainable Development Goals
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2025 - Ranking:pecific subjects like Finance being highly regarded.
Acceptance Rate: Selective for its top programs like the MAF, which has high academic hurdles even for experienced professionals .
Tuition: Estimated around AUD $38,000/year, varying by course.
Western Sydney University
WSU is also one of the the best universities in Sydney, it excels in high-demand, practical fields like healthcare and social sciences. Its Nursing program is ranked #1 in Australia . It has a strong commitment to community engagement and research that addresses real-world problems. It’s not just about studying; the top universities in Sydney have great social clubs too. Western Sydney University offers over 80 Student Clubs, such as African Australian Youth Collective, Ahlulbayt Islamic Society, Anime and Gaming Society: A hobby club, Campus Bible Ministries Bankstown/Liverpool and Career Activate, you can ps. You can find and join these clubs, along with academic, social, and sporting groups, on the WESTERNLife portal. WSU students have the opportunity to lead a vibrant social life on and off campus
Top Courses: Nursing , Social Work (Top 10 in Australia) , Teaching (Top 200 globally) , and Construction Management.
Ranking: Ranked in the top 2% globally (THE).
Acceptance Rate: Considered moderate.
Tuition: Generally more affordable, between AUD $26,240 – $31,760/year
University of Wollongong
UOW offers a great balance of strong academics (QS #167 ) and a vibrant coastal lifestyle. It has a strong focus on engineering, technology, and research, with strong industry links, students can explore a wide range of courses and degrees at the top universities in Sydney.
Top Courses: Engineering, Computer Science , Business Analytics, and Health Informatics.
Ranking: QS World Ranking #167 in 2025 .
Acceptance Rate: Moderate. Postgraduate entry often requires a GPA of 60% or higher .
Tuition: AUD $30,000 – $42,000/year
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Like all the top universities in Sydney, ACU offers a gateway to a brilliant future. ACU specializes in health, education, and humanities. It is a leader in Nursing and Education and is known for its high graduate employment rates and strong student support . It has a welcoming, community-focused environment.
Top Courses: Nursing, Education, Social Work, and Theology.
Ranking: Highly rated for specific disciplines like Nursing and Education rather than overall ranks.
Acceptance Rate: High (~90.6%) , making it a strong option for many students.
Tuition: Estimated AUD $26,000 – $31,000/year.
Central Queensland University (CQUniversity Australia)
CQU is celebrated for its flexibility and inclusivity. It is a leader in online education and has an exceptional 99% graduation rate. The fees for international students at the top universities in Sydney are quite high, so some students choose online education to save money. CQU focuses on providing practical skills and has strong regional campuses.
Top Courses: Engineering, Nursing, Professional Accounting, and Information Technology.
Ranking: Known for teaching quality and graduate outcomes rather than international rankings.
Acceptance Rate: High, with a focus on providing access to education.
Tuition: Estimated around AUD $31,000/year.
Cost of Living in Sydney for Students
Sydney is generally regarded as one of the cities with the highest cost of living in Australia, especially in terms of accommodation. For an international student living and studying there, the average monthly cost of living in Sydney is around $2,645 AUD to $4,000+ AUD. This figure covers essential expenses but does not include tuition fees, which can be substantial and vary by degree program. You can reduce these costs by choosing student-friendly accommodation, utilising public transportation, cooking meals at home, and applying for scholarships.
| Expense Category | Details & Options | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | On-campus dormitory | 1,000 – 1,800 |
| Shared rental (suburban area) | 800 – 1,400 | |
| Homestay (with some meals) | 1,200 – 1,600 | |
| Food & Groceries | Self-cooking (groceries) | 320 – 600 |
| Eating out (casual restaurants, cafes) | 480 – 1,200 | |
| Transportation | Public transport (Opal card, with student discounts) | 100 – 150 |
| Utilities (if not included in rent) | Electricity, water, gas, internet | 150 – 250 |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) | Mandatory for international students | 50 – 67 |
| Books & Study Supplies | Textbooks, stationery, etc. | 42 – 83 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | Mobile phone plan, entertainment, clothing, etc. | 100 – 300 |
Student Accommodation near Top Universities in Sydney
Securing a great education is only half the journey, finding the right place to live in Sydney is crucial for your success and enjoyment. Whether you’re studying at the historic University of Sydney, the rapidly ascending UNSW, or the industry-focused UTS, uhomes.com offers a curated selection of furnished student accommodation in Sydney to suit your needs and budget. Focus on your studies and experience all that Sydney has to offer, with a perfect home just steps from your campus. The best areas for student accommodation in Sydney include Glebe, Chippendale, Newtown, and Redfern. These suburbs are especially close to the University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The table shows the average rent of student accommodation near the best universities in Sydney, Australia.
| Floor Plan | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| studio | AU$818.03/Week |
| en-suite | AU$675.56/Week |
| non en-suite | AU$515.84/Week |
| shared room | AU$522.72/Week |
| 1-bedroom apartment | AU$766.59/Week |
| 2-bedroom apartment | AU$732.04/Week |
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting into top universities in Sydney is investing in the future of education. Sydney’s status as a premier global education hub is firmly anchored by its diverse and prestigious universities. From the historic, research-intensive excellence of the Group of Eight members like the University of Sydney and UNSW to the innovative, industry-focused approach of institutions like UTS, the city offers a world-class option for every academic ambition. Whether you are drawn to the strong business and finance programs at Macquarie University or the specialized strengths of other institutions, Sydney provides an unparalleled educational experience. Ultimately, the best university is a personal choice, dependent on your specific field of study, career goals, and preferred learning environment. These top universities in Sydney also offer scholarships to support talented students. Are you dreaming of studying at one of the best universities in Sydney? Carefully researching each institution’s unique strengths will ensure you find the perfect academic home in this vibrant, world-class city to launch your future career. Dream big, aim high, and apply to the ideal universities in Sydney!
FAQ about Top Universities in Sydney
What are the best universities in Sydney for international students?
The best universities in Sydney for international students include the University of Sydney (USyd), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Western Sydney University and Macquarie University. These universities offer world-class study options and support, a diverse and welcoming multicultural environment, and create a truly global experience for international students.
Is Sydney good for study?
Yes, Sydney is an outstanding study destination. Sydney institutions are recognised globally for their academic research. The University of Sydney and UNSW are part of Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8). Besides, Sydney is one of the most liveable cities globally, offering a high standard of living, beautiful beaches and natural surroundings. Students could live by the sea and enjoy the sunny climate.
How do the top universities in Sydney ranked globally?
UNSW Sydney is consistently ranks in the top 20 globally in the QS World University Rankings. USyd is consistently ranks in the top 100 globally and has placed in the top 25 in the QS World University Rankings. While UTS secures its place among the top 100 universities in the world.
What is the hardest University to get into in Sydney?
The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are often considered the hardest universities to get into in Australia due to their low acceptance rates of around 30% and highly competitive programmes such as Medicine, Law, and Business.
What is the easiest university to get into in Sydney?
There is no single “easiest” university to get into in Sydney, as difficulty varies by program and individual academic background; however, universities with higher acceptance rate, more flexible entry requirements and diverse program offerings, such as Western Sydney University, Griffith University, the University of South Wales and Macquarie University, could be considered easier.
What are some of the affordable universities in Sydney?
The most affordable universities in Sydney include Australian Catholic University (ACU), Western Sydney University (WSU), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australian Catholic University, and University of New South Wales, these universities offer a more budget-friendly pathway to studying in Sydney compared to institutions like the University of Sydney, where tuition fees are significantly higher.
