University of Sydney
Admission criteria and entry schemes
To gain admission to the University of Sydney in competition with other eligible applicants, you need to:
- have a qualification that is recognised by the University (see below sections) and meet course admission criteria, including through eligible entry schemes and admission pathways
- meet course prerequisites that apply to some courses, as outlined in the course description for the respective course
- meet specific additional admission criteria such as auditions, portfolios or interviews that may apply to some courses, as outlined in the course description for the respective course
- meet English language proficiency requirements that may apply depending on your qualifications and country of origin.
Undergraduate applicants
Admission is on the basis of the ATAR or equivalent in a recognised secondary qualification such as the NSW HSC, IB Diploma or GCE A levels. See the full list of recognised secondary qualifications.
If you have completed more than one secondary qualification, we will consider the better of the qualifications or attempts for the same qualification.
Entry schemes
The University of Sydney’s entry schemes help you to make the most of your ATAR by recognising your circumstances, special high school achievements and other abilities and activities.
Equity schemes
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme
MySydney offers eligible students residing in low socio-economic areas entry to courses with reduced ATAR requirements; an $8,500 per year scholarship for the duration of their undergraduate degree; and a range of additional support.
No separate application is required. Your eligibility is based on the residential address you enter in your UAC undergraduate application.
To be eligible, you must be:
- a domestic student residing at the time of your UAC application in an area listed in the bottom 25 per cent of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA), Index of Education and Occupation*
- applying as a new University of Sydney student for an undergraduate degree in semester 1 or 2.
High school students and non-recent school leavers will both be eligible under the scheme.
If you’re eligible and have a University of Sydney course listed as a preference in UAC, you will receive an eligibility notification by email from the University of Sydney. Then place your chosen MySydney course as your highest eligible UAC preference. If you meet the MySydney ATAR, and other admission requirements, you will be made an unconditional offer of admission and receive the MySydney Scholarship.
Find out more about the MySydney Entry Scheme.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
The University of Sydney’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is for students who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage that has impacted their studies during years 11 and 12. The scheme is only open for entry to undergraduate courses offered through UAC, excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Oral Health courses.
You can apply for this scheme if you are a domestic applicant and:
- you completed Year 12 in 2024 or are completing in 2025
- you have not attempted any tertiary studies since finishing Year 12.
Approval under the scheme does not guarantee admission, but you may be eligible for up to 10 adjustment factors.
To be considered, apply to UAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS) when you submit your UAC undergraduate application. Students are also encouraged to submit an application to the University’s equity scholarships through our single scholarship application form.
Find out more about the Educational Access Scheme.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
The Regional and Remote Entry Scheme offers eligible students residing in a regional or remote area, or attending a regional or remote school, entry to a course with reduced ATAR requirements, up to $5,000 global mobility scholarship for eligible exchange programs and a range of additional support.
No separate application is required. Your eligibility is based on the residential address, or high school entered in your UAC undergraduate application.
To be eligible you must be:
- a domestic student residing, at the time of your UAC application, in a regional or remote area*
- a recent school leaver who attended a regional or remote school*
- applying as a new University of Sydney student for an undergraduate degree in semester 1 or 2.
High school students and non-recent school leavers will both be eligible under the scheme.
* Classified as meeting one of the following Australian Statistical Geography Standards (ASGS):
Remoteness Area Values must be ASGSI = Inner Regional, ASGSO = Outer Regional, ASGSR = Remote, or ASGSV = Very Remote
The ASGS utilises geocoding technology to assign each school and individual street address an Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Area Value.
If you’re eligible and have a University of Sydney course listed as a preference in UAC, you will receive an email notification from the University of Sydney.
Then place your chosen Regional and Remote Scheme course as your highest eligible UAC preference. If you meet the Regional and Remote Scheme ATAR, and other admission requirements, you will be made an unconditional offer of admission.
Find out more about the Regional and Remote Entry Scheme.
Merit schemes
Academic Excellence Scheme
The Academic Excellence Scheme recognises high performance in higher levels of English and mathematics by applying adjustment factors to boost your selection rank for eligible courses.
You will automatically be considered for the Academic Excellence Scheme if:
- you are a domestic current school leaver applying via UAC for an undergraduate course at the University of Sydney to commence study in Semester 2 2025 or in 2026, and
- you are completing the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) or any other Australian state or territory Year 12 qualification, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, in or outside Australia in the year prior to admission, and have achieved one of the required results in English or mathematics.
Find out more about the Academic Excellence Scheme.
Future Leaders Scheme
If you are a Year 12 student attending a high school in Australia and you receive the highest ATAR or IB in your Year 12 cohort, you will be eligible for admission through the Future Leaders Scheme. If you are eligible for the scheme, meet all admission criteria for your selected course, and follow the steps outlined on the Future Leaders Scheme page, you will gain admission to an eligible course with a lower ATAR. Not all courses are available, and some have a limited number of places reserved below the guaranteed ATAR.
Find out more about the Future Leaders Scheme.
Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme
If you are an elite athlete or performer (eg you have competed at state level or higher) and your training or competitive commitments have affected your studies, you may be eligible for up to five adjustment factors to raise your selection rank, through the Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme.
This scheme requires a separate written application with supporting evidence.
Find out more about the Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme.
Faculty schemes
Portfolio Admissions Pathway
The Portfolio Admissions Pathway is a potential way for you to gain entry into some architecture, design and planning degrees if you are expecting to receive an ATAR (or equivalent) up to five points lower than the than the required ATAR for your chosen course. To apply, you will need to submit a portfolio of design work and a letter of recommendation from your school. Academic staff from the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning will then assess portfolios, identifying students who have the potential to excel in architecture or interaction design.
Find out more about the portfolio admissions pathway.
Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme (CASAS)
For some courses, the Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme (CASAS) gives domestic high school students who apply through UAC a chance to receive an early offer of admission prior to the release of ATARs (or equivalent). Eligible applicants are assessed on a combination of academic performance and audition/portfolio requirements.
Find out more about CASAS for music or visual arts.
Course prerequisites
Mathematics course prerequisites
From 2025, , the advanced mathematics prerequisite for many of our degrees has been replaced with more individual and targeted mathematics support upon commencement.
The prerequisite will still apply to:
- Bachelor of Engineering Honours (including combined degrees)
- Bachelor of Advanced Computing (including combined degrees)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy Practice
- Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy Practice.
From 2025 commencing cohorts, students who achieve a Band 3 or higher in Mathematics Advanced in their Year 12 studies applying for the courses where the mathematics prerequisite was removed will now also be eligible to receive an additional 1 point towards their selection rank through the Academic Excellence Scheme. If eligible, this will be automatically applied.
The mathematics course prerequisites will apply to you (as a domestic or international student) if you are applying:
- with an Australian state or territory secondary education (Year 12 or high school) qualification, such as the NSW HSC, undertaken in or outside Australia
- with the IB Diploma or GCE A Levels, undertaken in Australia.
as well as:
- all domestic students applying on the basis of higher education study
- all domestic students applying on the basis of approved preparation programs or other qualifications accepted by the University
- all students applying through admission pathways will have to demonstrate achievement in mathematics. Some exceptions are made for Gadigal Program applicants.
Depending on your level of maths background and the program of study you plan to enrol in, you may need to complete an online preparation course, bridging course, or enrol in first-year maths units of study.
Mathematics support available to students
- There are recommended preparation courses which include a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) or a Mathematics Extension Bridging Course that you can undertake prior to commencing, depending on their background and the requirements of your chosen degree.
- Upon commencement, you can meet with a Learning Success Advisor for tailored assistance and advice with your studies and access further support via The Learning Hub for supplementary group-based sessions (both staff and peer-led).
- A comprehensive explanation of how you can access support and what support is available, can be found on this webpage – Mathematics learning support for commencing students
Find out more about the mathematics course prerequisites.
NESA prerequisites for teaching degrees
The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires students entering the below teaching degrees to achieve a minimum of three Band 5s in their NSW HSC, one of which needs to be English (Standard or Advanced or English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) or equivalent):
- Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education)
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
Additionally, the Bachelor of Education (Primary) requires students to achieve Band 4 in Mathematics Standard (or equivalent) or higher.
Assumed Knowledge
Most University of Sydney courses have assumed knowledge. This means that before starting your course, you are assumed to have completed relevant subjects in your NSW HSC or equivalent, or to have reached a certain level of knowledge. While this is not a prerequisite for admission, without this knowledge you may experience difficulties in your university studies. Some courses also require the study of certain units (eg mathematics, chemistry or physics) during your first year.
If you do not have the assumed knowledge for your course, we strongly recommend that you undertake the relevant bridging course(s). Bridging courses introduce the fundamentals of the subject, to help you reach a point where you can follow lectures and participate in tutorials and lab classes.
Bridging courses are offered in the following subjects:
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
For subject equivalencies and information about enrolling in bridging courses, visit the University of Sydney website.
Inherent Course Requirements
Some courses in areas such as education, health, medicine and veterinary medicine have inherent requirements that you need to consider when choosing your course. These are not admission criteria, but requirements that you will need to be able to meet in order to successfully complete your course, such as working with children, patients or animals, or completing fieldwork tasks.
If you have completed at least one full-time year of study at bachelor degree level or higher at a recognised tertiary institution, you can apply to transfer into most of our undergraduate degrees. Your application will be assessed based on your ATAR (or equivalent) or university results – whichever gives you the best chance of receiving an offer. Your university results will only be considered if you have completed at least one year of full-time university study (or part-time equivalent).
Full-time study is considered to be the achievement of 48 credit points or more at the University of Sydney or the equivalent at another tertiary institution.
Please note – depending on the course you are applying to – you may still be required to satisfy course prerequisite(s) and other admission requirements, as outlined in the respective course description and admission criteria. See the “applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)” of this page for more information on course prerequisites, assumed knowledge and inherent course requirements.
Learn more about transferring from another university.
Current University of Sydney students
If you are currently enrolled in a University of Sydney bachelor's degree and you intend to apply for another University of Sydney degree, you will need to apply directly to the University for an internal transfer.
Learn more about how to transfer courses as a current student.
Failure and exclusion
A record of failure at tertiary study means you will be less competitive for a place than those with a successful academic history. If you have been excluded from study at any university, you will not be considered for admission at the University of Sydney unless:
- you have successfully completed at least one semester of study at degree level after the exclusion, or
- your application for special consideration has been approved (see below).
If you have been excluded from a University of Sydney course, there is a two-year waiting period before you can apply for special consideration for entry to that course.
Special Consideration for Admission Scheme for applicants with tertiary study
You may apply for the Special Consideration for Admission Scheme if you:
- have a record of failure at tertiary study
- have been excluded from tertiary study, or
- believe that your tertiary studies have been affected by circumstances beyond your control, and
- have an ATAR (or equivalent qualification) that is close to the entry requirement of your preferred course.
This pathway is only available for Semester 1 undergraduate entry.
Find out more about the Special Consideration for Admission Scheme.
Other entry schemes
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme
MySydney offers eligible students residing in low socio-economic areas entry to courses with reduced ATAR requirements; an $8,500 per year scholarship for the duration of their undergraduate degree; and a range of additional support.
No separate application is required. Your eligibility is based on the residential address you enter in your UAC undergraduate application.
To be eligible, you must be:
- a domestic student residing at the time of your UAC application in an area listed in the bottom 25 per cent of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA), Index of Education and Occupation*
- applying as a new University of Sydney student for an undergraduate degree in semester 1 or 2.
High school students and non-recent school leavers will both be eligible under the scheme.
If you’re eligible and have a University of Sydney course listed as a preference in UAC, you will receive an eligibility notification by email from the University of Sydney. Then place your chosen MySydney course as your highest eligible UAC preference. If you meet the MySydney ATAR, and other admission requirements, you will be made an unconditional offer of admission and receive the MySydney Scholarship.
Find out more about the MySydney Entry Scheme.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
The Regional and Remote Entry Scheme offers eligible students residing in a regional or remote area, or attending a regional or remote school, entry to courses with reduced ATAR requirements, up to $5000 global mobility scholarship for eligible exchange programs and a range of additional support.
No separate application is required. Your eligibility is based on the residential address, or high school entered in your UAC undergraduate application.
To be eligible you must be:
- a domestic student residing, at the time of your UAC application, in a regional or remote area*
- a recent school leaver who attended a regional or remote school*
- applying as a new University of Sydney student for an undergraduate degree in semester 1 or 2.
High school students and non-recent school leavers will both be eligible under the scheme.
* Classified as meeting one of the following Australian Statistical Geography Standards (ASGS):
Remoteness Area Values must be ASGSI = Inner Regional, ASGSO = Outer Regional, ASGSR = Remote, or ASGSV = Very Remote
The ASGS utilises geocoding technology to assign each school and individual street address an Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Area Value.
If you’re eligible and have a University of Sydney course listed as a preference in UAC, you will receive an email notification from the University of Sydney. Then place your chosen Regional and Remote Scheme course as your highest eligible UAC preference. If you meet the Regional and Remote Scheme ATAR, and other admission requirements, you will be made an unconditional offer of admission.
Find out more about the Regional and Remote Entry Scheme.
Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme
If you are an elite athlete or performer (eg you have competed at state level or higher) and your training or competitive commitments have affected your studies, you may be eligible for up to five adjustment factors to raise your selection rank, through the Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme.
This scheme requires a separate written application with supporting evidence.
Find out more about the Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme.
Portfolio Admissions Pathway
The Portfolio Admissions Pathway is a potential way for you to gain entry into some architecture, design and planning degrees if you are expecting to receive an ATAR (or equivalent) up to five points lower than the than the required ATAR for your chosen course. To apply, you will need to submit a portfolio of design work and a letter of recommendation from your school. Academic staff from the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning will then assess portfolios, identifying students who have the potential to excel in architecture or interaction design.
Find out more about the portfolio admissions pathway.
We may consider the results of a completed diploma or advanced diploma, including vocational education and training (VET) qualifications at that level if it was accredited by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or an overseas equivalent at the time you were enrolled, and is accepted by the faculty your chosen degree belongs to. You can check AQF accreditation with the provider or look for an AQF accreditation symbol on your transcript of results or award certificate.
If you will be younger than 21 at the first census date of your prospective admission, you will also need to have completed the HSC or an equivalent acceptable secondary education qualification before your diploma will be considered.
If you are applying for a course with course prerequisites and additional admission criteria – such as an interview, audition or portfolio – these factors will also be taken into account. See the "applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)" on this page for more information on course prerequisites, assumed knowledge and inherent course requirements.
Find out more about applying with a vocational education and training (VET) qualification.
To be eligible for admission into one of our undergraduate degrees, you need to have completed one of the below qualifications recognised by the University:
- A secondary education qualification
- Higher education study
- Vocational education and training (VET) study (Diplomas and advanced diplomas)
- An approved preparation program, through the Mature-age Entry Scheme.
Note: you also need to meet the specific course’s admission criteria, which can be found in the respective course description. Depending on the course you are applying to – you may still be required to satisfy course prerequisite(s) and additional admission requirements, as outlined in the respective course description and admission criteria. See the “applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)” of this page for more information on course prerequisites, assumed knowledge and inherent course requirements. Please also refer to our domestic admission guide or the course page on our website for course entry scores.
Explore our admission pathways and entry schemes.
Mature age entry scheme
If you are 21 or older and did not commence tertiary studies straight from school, you may be eligible for the University’s Mature Age Entry Scheme. To apply under this scheme, you need to be at least 21 years old on 1 March of the year you will commence study at the University and have completed an approved preparation course within two years of applying to the University.
You will not be eligible for the Mature-Age Entry Scheme if you:
- have an ATAR or equivalent equal to or higher than 70
- have completed an AQF accredited (or an overseas equivalent) diploma or advanced diploma (including vocational education and training (VET)) qualifications at that level
- have completed at least one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) study at a bachelor level or higher.
Instead, you will be assessed on these results, even if you are 21 or older.
Please note, not all University of Sydney undergraduate degrees are available under the Mature-Age Entry Scheme. Admission into the University of Sydney is competitive and places are awarded based on academic merit. Simply completing an eligible preparation course does not guarantee an offer to your degree. To be considered for an offer of admission into some courses, you may also be required to successfully complete specific subjects within the accepted preparation course(s).
Visit the Mature-age Entry Scheme page to confirm your eligibility for the scheme, review the eligible course list, and check which preparation courses are accepted for your course of interest.
The University is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed in their higher education journey.
The Gadigal Program
The Gadigal Program is an Indigenous student pathway that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to study at the University of Sydney.
Through the Gadigal Program you will have the opportunity to apply for a Gadigal early conditional offer, reduced course ATAR requirements, access to an academic skills program before commencing University, ongoing academic and personal support throughout your degree, and up to $5,000 global mobility award for eligible exchange programs.
Year 12 and post-high school applicants are eligible to apply.
To be considered for entry through the Gadigal Program:
- submit your UAC application
- select the option to self-identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- select at least one University of Sydney course preference
- if you satisfy the eligibility criteria, you will see the Gadigal Program alert on the UAC home page – click ‘Apply’ or ‘Review your application’ to open the Gadigal application form within UAC
- Complete the additional Gadigal Program application form.
Find out more about the Gadigal Program.
Extended Bachelor’s Programs
The Extended Bachelor’s Programs provide dedicated pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study some of our humanities, science and health degrees.
The Extended Bachelor’s Programs include an additional year of study and allow Indigenous students to undertake studies in an academically and culturally supported environment.
All students commencing in one of the Extended Bachelor’s Programs in 2026 will be automatically awarded the Extended Bachelor's Program Scholarship worth up to $8,500 per year.
To be eligible, you must be commencing one of the four Extended Bachelor Programs at the University of Sydney:
- Bachelor of Arts (Extended)
- Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Extended)
- Bachelor of Science (Extended)
- Bachelor of Science (Extended) (Health).
Find out more about the Extended Bachelor's Program.
The University of Sydney accepts military ranks for entry into bachelor degrees.
Postgraduate applicants
Postgraduate coursework
The Juris Doctor is the only University of Sydney postgraduate course offered for admission through UAC. Admission to the Juris Doctor requires a bachelor’s degree from any discipline other than Law. Domestic students are assessed on the better of a combination of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate and completed tertiary study or completed tertiary study by itself. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking. Where students have completed more than one degree, results from the best degree will be used.
First Nations applicants will be assessed under the Gadigal Program pathway. In addition to your UAC application please submit a postgraduate Gadigal application form.
English language proficiency
Depending on your qualifications and country of origin, you may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Applications without the required proof will not be considered.
General information for The University of Sydney
Location
Student Centre, level 3, Jane Foss Russell Building
(enter from City Road), The University of Sydney,
NSW 2006