If you want to know how to get into University of Sydney, start with one rule: your route depends on where you finish school. Australian Year 12 students (and IB students in Australia) apply through UAC. Most international students with overseas results apply directly. This guide covers both routes for the 2027 intake, with official scores, dates, English rules, fees and scholarships.
Key takeaways
- Australian Year 12 students apply through UAC. Applications for Semester 1, 2027 close on Friday 5 February 2027.
- International students with overseas results apply directly. The Semester 1, 2027 deadline is 1 December 2026.
- Your selection rank is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors. Schemes like MySydney can add factors.
- Engineering, Advanced Computing and Pharmacy need maths: HSC Mathematics Advanced Band 4 or equivalent.
- The school-leaver medicine double degrees list a selection rank of 99.95, plus a written assessment and a panel discussion.
How to get into University of Sydney: what do you need?
Quick answer: To get into the University of Sydney, pick a course and check its selection rank and prerequisites. Australian Year 12 students apply through UAC by 5 February 2027. International students with overseas results apply directly by 1 December 2026. You also need the course's English score, and some courses add extra steps, such as an assessment or portfolio.
For Australian Year 12 students, Sydney mainly looks at your selection rank. That is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors. With no factors, it equals your ATAR.
Two things can still stop an offer. One is a prerequisite: a subject you must pass at a set level. The other is extra criteria, such as an audition, portfolio or interview. Assumed knowledge is different. You can get an offer without it, but Sydney recommends a bridging course.
Which entry route fits you?
Your route depends on your school qualification, not your passport.
Entry routes into the University of Sydney by applicant type.
Australian Year 12 students apply through UAC, and Sydney uses the ATAR plus adjustment factors. IB Diploma students in Australia also apply through UAC, which sends them an IB Admissions Score (IBAS). International students doing an Australian Year 12, in or outside Australia, apply through UAC too. Students with overseas results, such as A Levels, CBSE, ISC, the Gaokao or a US diploma with the SAT or ACT, apply directly. Graduates who want medicine apply for the Doctor of Medicine with a GPA and GAMSAT results.
See the full list on Sydney's recognised qualifications page.
What ATAR do you need for the University of Sydney?
These selection ranks come from Sydney's 2027 Admission Guide for domestic students. The guide says they reflect the previous year's entry requirements. The real 2027 rank depends on demand and places, so treat them as a guide.
| Course | Selection rank (2027 Admission Guide) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | 80 |
| Bachelor of Science | 80 |
| Bachelor of Advanced Computing | 90 |
| Bachelor of Engineering Honours (most majors) | 90 |
| Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) | 90 |
| Bachelor of Science (Advanced) | 95 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 96 |
| Combined Laws degrees (for example, Arts and Laws) | 99.5 |
| Arts or Science and Doctor of Medicine | 99.95 plus other criteria |
With an ATAR of 98 or above and an offer to a degree with a Dalyell Scholars stream, Sydney invites you to join the Dalyell Scholars program. Check live numbers on each course page.
Which admission schemes can lower your selection rank?
Adjustment factors raise your selection rank for a course. They do not change your ATAR, and you cannot combine factors from different schemes. Sydney's admission pathways page lists these for domestic students:
- Academic Excellence Scheme: For 2027 entry, most courses give 3 factors for a Band 5 and 5 factors for a Band 6 or E4 in a qualifying English or maths subject (IB: HL 5 or SL 6 for 3; HL 6-7 or SL 7 for 5). It is automatic. See the scheme page.
- MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme: For students whose UAC address is in the bottom 25 percent of areas on the SEIFA index. It gives adjustment factors and an $8,500 yearly scholarship. See MySydney.
- Regional and Remote Entry Scheme, and the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) through UAC for educational disadvantage or disruption.
- Elite Athletes and Performers, Future Leaders, the Gadigal Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and creative pathways for music, visual arts, architecture and design.
This can matter a lot. The guide lists Commerce at 96, but 86 under MySydney and 91 or 93 under the Academic Excellence Scheme.
What about E12? The E12 (Early Offer Year 12) scheme is not listed on Sydney's current pathways page. The only E12 page we found describes 2022 entry.
Which courses need maths?
Sydney's mathematics prerequisite applies to most Engineering Honours degrees, Advanced Computing, Pharmacy, the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences, and Engineering with Laws. You must meet it to get an offer. The Bachelor of Education (Primary) has a maths requirement set by NESA.
| Qualification | Minimum result |
|---|---|
| NSW HSC | Mathematics Advanced Band 4, or Extension 1 or 2 Band E3 |
| VCE (Victoria) | Mathematical Methods 28-32 |
| QCE (Queensland) | Mathematical Methods B |
| IB Diploma (taken in Australia) | Maths SL 5 or HL 4 |
Mathematics Standard does not count. So if engineering or computing is possible, choose Mathematics Advanced or higher in Year 11. Our HSC Maths Advanced guide, HSC Maths Extension 1 guide and VCE Maths Methods exam guide explain these courses.
If you miss it, Sydney lists options such as the Introduction to Calculus MOOC with a post-MOOC exam, or transferring later. The prerequisite does not apply to international students with other overseas qualifications. But the SAT and ACT do not meet it for students who must meet it.
Book a free demo class with an Asymptode maths mentor to plan your Year 11 and 12 maths, or see our plans and fees.
What are the key dates for the 2027 intake?
Key dates for Semester 1, 2027 entry.
UAC applications opened on 8 April 2026, and the early-bird charge ended on 30 September 2026. The international direct deadline is 1 December 2026. NSW and ACT ATARs come out on 16 December 2026. Medicine double degree Assessment Day 1 is on 18 December 2026. The main UAC offer round is on 23 December 2026, and UAC applications close on 5 February 2027.
These dates come from UAC's Year 12 key dates and Sydney's application dates page. A few more details:
- The early-bird charge was about $82. From 1 October 2026, the charge is about $215.
- To be in the 23 December round, apply by 26 November 2026. You can change preferences until 18 December.
- IB results come out on 17 December 2026, and UAC emails IBAS to NSW and ACT students on 18 December.
- More offer rounds follow on 8 and 21 January 2027.
Check UAC key dates for changes.
How do you apply to the University of Sydney?
The application path in four steps.
First, choose a course and check its criteria. Second, apply through UAC or directly to Sydney. Third, send your results and documents. Fourth, accept your offer. International students then arrange health cover and a visa.
Through UAC (Australian Year 12 students):
- Check the course's selection rank, prerequisites and extra criteria.
- Apply at uac.edu.au and pay the charge.
- Put your real first choice first. Schemes work on your highest eligible preference.
- If you get an offer, Sydney emails you with steps to accept.
Directly (international students with overseas results):
- Check the entry rules and the Australian Government's Genuine Student requirement.
- Prepare certificates, transcripts, English test results and your passport. Documents not in English need an accredited translation.
- Apply from the course page or through an authorised agent. Check the fee on the international how-to-apply page.
- Accept your offer and pay first semester fees to get your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). Then arrange health cover and your visa.
What scores do international students need?
Sydney's 2027 international Admission Guide lists indicative scores for many qualifications:
| Qualification | Science | Engineering Honours | Commerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| International ATAR | 80 | 85 | 96 |
| IB Diploma | 29 | 31 | 38 |
| GCE A Levels (3/4 subjects) | 13/13 | 14/14 | 17/19 |
| India CBSE | 14 | 15.5 | 19 |
| Indian School Certificate | 84 | 87 | 94 |
| China Gaokao | 75% | 75% | 85% |
| USA SAT / ACT | 1250 / 24 | 1300 / 26 | 1380 / 32 |
How the scores work:
- A Levels: First number for three subjects, second for four. A* = 6, A = 5, B = 4, and so on. AS subjects do not count.
- CBSE: English or Hindi plus your best four other external subjects, adding grade values (A1 = 4, A2 = 3.5, B1 = 3, and so on).
- ISC: The average of your best four subjects, including English.
- Gaokao: A percentage of your province's maximum (750 in most provinces).
- US high school: SAT or ACT plus proof of graduation. The score can be lower with AP tests scored 3 or better.
IB students can read our IB Diploma Programme guide.
What English test scores does Sydney accept?
| Test | Standard undergraduate score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 85 (17 in Reading, Listening, Speaking; 19 in Writing) |
| PTE Academic | 64 overall, 60 in each skill |
Many courses ask for more. Commerce lists IELTS 7.0 (6.0), and Arts and Laws lists 7.5 (7.0). Tests must be no more than two years old when your course starts. IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted. See the English requirements page and the concordance table, where the TOEFL and PTE numbers come from.
How much does the University of Sydney cost?
The 2027 international guide lists these indicative first-year tuition fees for full-time study:
| Course | 2027 indicative Year 1 tuition (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | $55,100 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | $59,100 |
| Bachelor of Science | $63,600 |
| Bachelor of Engineering Honours | $63,600 |
No fee is listed for the medicine double degrees. Domestic fees work differently, so check each course page.
What scholarships can you get?
Sydney says it offers more than $135 million in scholarships and prizes each year. Key ones for new undergraduates:
- Chancellor's Award: $10,000 a year for domestic school leavers with an ATAR of 99.90 or above. It is automatic after ATARs come out.
- MySydney Scholarship: $8,500 a year, plus adjustment factors, for eligible domestic students.
- Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: Awards from $5,000 up to $60,000. There is no form; you need an unconditional offer by a round's close date. Semester 1, 2027 rounds closed on 17 August, 5 October and 16 November 2026, with extra rounds after IB results and after UAC's 23 December offers.
- Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship: 100% of tuition and SSAF for a single degree. You must apply. It is closed for Semester 1, 2027, but open for Semester 2, 2027.
Sydney's single form for domestic scholarships closed on 30 September 2026.
How do you get into medicine or dentistry at Sydney?
From school: The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Doctor of Medicine takes 7 years. Sydney's How to become a doctor page says places are very limited: 30 domestic and 10 international. The listed selection rank is 99.95, plus a written assessment and a panel discussion.
For 2027 entry, put the course in your UAC preferences before the UAC deadline in mid-December 2026. Sydney's Assessment Day information says Day 1 is Friday 18 December 2026, online via Zoom. Invitations go out on 16 December after 9am, and you must RSVP by 2pm on 17 December.
What about the UCAT ANZ? Sydney's 2027 guides do not list it for these degrees. Check the course page before you book. If you apply to other medical schools too, check their rules; our UCAT 2027 guide explains the test.
After a degree: The Doctor of Medicine is a 4-year graduate-entry degree. For 2027, domestic applicants need a bachelor's degree with at least a credit average GPA, and GAMSAT results with at least 50 in each section. International applicants may be able to use the MCAT instead.
Dentistry: The Doctor of Dental Medicine is also graduate entry, using a bachelor's degree, GPA and GAMSAT. School leavers can look at the Bachelor of Oral Health (listed selection rank 95).
What do international students need for a student visa?
Most international students need a Student visa (subclass 500). According to Study Australia:
- You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- You must arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
- Under-18s need an approved welfare arrangement.
- You can stay up to 6 years, in line with your course, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while classes run.
You must also meet the Genuine Student requirement. Check costs on the Home Affairs visa page. Comparing Asia too? See our guide to getting into NUS.
What should you do in Year 9 and Year 10?
A simple timeline from Year 9 to your first offer.
In Year 9 and 10, build strong maths and plan Year 11 subjects. In Year 11, choose Mathematics Advanced or higher if you may need it. UAC applications opened on 8 April 2026. International direct applications close on 1 December 2026. ATARs and the main offers arrive between 16 and 23 December 2026, and UAC applications close on 5 February 2027.
- Keep maths strong. Weak Year 10 algebra makes Mathematics Advanced much harder. Our NAPLAN numeracy guide shows the Year 9 skills that matter.
- Pick a target course early and note its selection rank, prerequisites and assumed knowledge.
- Match your Year 11 subjects. Pharmacy, for example, lists biology, chemistry and Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge.
- Check schemes like MySydney, Regional and Remote and EAS.
- Go to events. Sydney's Info Day is on Thursday 17 December 2026.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Choosing Mathematics Standard for engineering. It does not meet the prerequisite.
- Treating selection ranks as guarantees. They are a guide only.
- Using the wrong route. International students doing the HSC or IB in Australia apply through UAC.
- Missing 1 December 2026. That is the international deadline, and courses may close earlier once full.
- Putting your dream course second. Schemes work on your highest eligible preference.
- Letting an English test expire. It must be no more than two years old when your course starts.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with getting into the University of Sydney
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1. Your Asymptode mentor follows your own syllabus (HSC, VCE, IB or A Levels) and exam dates, so prerequisites like Mathematics Advanced Band 4 stay on track.
- Method first. The mentor watches each step of your working and fixes the method, not just the answer.
- Personalised homework with feedback and short parent updates. Every class is recorded, so you can rewatch hard topics.
- Help with the plan. For applications and English tests, your mentor helps with planning and method, while official pages stay your source for rules. Start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 3 November 2026.
FAQ
What ATAR do you need to get into the University of Sydney?
It depends on the course. The 2027 Admission Guide lists Arts and Science at 80, Engineering Honours at 90 and Commerce at 96. These reflect the previous year and can change.
Can international students apply through UAC?
Yes, if you are doing an Australian Year 12 (in or outside Australia) or the IB Diploma in Australia. Students with other overseas qualifications apply directly or through an authorised agent.
When is the international deadline for Semester 1, 2027?
Sydney's international closing date for Semester 1 is 1 December of the year before, so 1 December 2026. Apply early, because courses may close once full.
Is the E12 scheme still running?
E12 is not listed on Sydney's current admission pathways page. The only E12 page we found describes 2022 entry. For 2027, look at MySydney, Regional and Remote, and EAS.
Do I need the UCAT ANZ for Sydney medicine?
Sydney's 2027 guides describe a written assessment and a panel discussion for the school-leaver medicine double degrees and do not list the UCAT ANZ. Check the course page before you book. Graduate entry uses GAMSAT and GPA.
Does Sydney accept the SAT and ACT?
Yes. The 2027 guide lists SAT 1380 or ACT 32 for Commerce, for example. You also need proof of graduation. The SAT and ACT do not meet the maths prerequisite for students who must meet it.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- University of Sydney Admission Guide, domestic students, 2027 entry
- University of Sydney Undergraduate Guide, domestic students, 2027 entry
- University of Sydney International Guide, 2027 entry
- University of Sydney 2027 international Admission Guide
- University of Sydney application dates
- How to apply as an international student
- English language requirements
- English language concordance table
- Mathematics prerequisite
- Admission pathways
- MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme
- Academic Excellence Scheme
- Chancellor's Award
- Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Scheme
- Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship
- DDMP 2027 entry: Assessment Day information
- How to become a doctor
- Doctor of Medicine Domestic Admissions Guide 2027
- Doctor of Dental Medicine Domestic Admissions Guide 2027
- UAC key dates for Year 12 students 2026-2027
- UAC key dates
- UAC applicant processing charges
- Study Australia: Student visa (subclass 500)
- Home Affairs: Genuine Student requirement