University of Sydney Ranking

Latest Update:

• Applications for Semester 2, 2025, undergraduate programs at the University of Sydney close on May 15, 2025. International students can submit their applications directly through the official university website.
• The University of Sydney proudly celebrates 175 years of service to the community as Australia's first university founded on the principles of merit and equity.

The University of Sydney ranking in 2025 reflects its growing global reputation and academic strength. It is ranked #18 in the QS World University Rankings, the highest position ever, and ranks #2 in Australia.USYD also performs well in other major rankings, achieving a #61 rank in Times Higher Education (THE) and a #29 rank globally in the U.S. News & World Report.

USYD stands out in major areas such as sustainability (7th globally) and graduate employability (4th globally), maintaining its status as a top international institution.

Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is Australia's first and one of its most prestigious universities, offering over 400 degree programs. With more than 70,000 students, including internationals from 130+ countries, USYD is part of the Group of Eight. Its notable alumni include former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Justice Michael Kirby, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

University of Sydney World Rankings 2024-25

The University of Sydney achieved its highest-ever global ranking in 2025, securing #18 in the QS World University Rankings. In addition to QS, the university consistently performs in other major international rankings, placing #61 in Times Higher Education (THE) and #29 in U.S. News & World Report for 2025.

The table below provides a year-wise comparison of USYD’s performance across these ranking bodies from 2023 to 2025.

The shifting rankings of the University of Sydney can be visualized through the following graph:

The University of Sydney ranking has experienced notable movements across major ranking agencies. The QS World University Rankings advanced from #41 in 2023 to #19 in 2024 and further to #18 in 2025, reflecting its strong academic performance and employer recognition.

The THE Rankings have declined mildly but consistently, moving from 54 in 2023, 60 in 2024 to 61 in 2025.

Meanwhile, the U.S. News Rankings remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations. The University of Sydney ranked 28th in 2023, 30th in 2024, and 29th in 2025. The stability in the U.S. News & World Report rankings highlights USYD’s consistent performance in research and academic indicators.

Despite these ranking variations, the University of Sydney maintains a strong position within the top 100 globally.

To better understand USYD's strengths, let’s examine how its specific subjects perform across different ranking systems.

Also Read: Why Study in Australia? 15 Benefits for International Students

Subject-Wise Rankings of the University of Sydney

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, USYD ranks 15th globally in Arts and Humanities. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025, USYD is ranked 21st in Education Studies.

Let's explore the University of Sydney rankings in major subjects  according to three prominent ranking bodies:

QS Rankings

The QS World University Rankings by subject place the University of Sydney at #3 globally in 2025.

Its top-ranked fields include Sports-Related Subjects (#3), Anatomy and Physiology (#20), and Law (#18), reflecting its strong academic reputation and industry recognition. The university also maintains a strong presence in the humanities and social sciences, with English Language & Literature ranking 18th.

Here’s how different subjects at the University of Sydney rank in the 2025 QS rankings:

THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings place the University of Sydney at #61 globally in 2025. 

Its top-ranked subjects include Medicine & Health (#35), Education Studies (#21), and Law (#47), demonstrating its academic strength in these fields.

Here’s how different subjects at the University of Sydney rank in the 2025 THE rankings:

U.S. News Rankings

The U.S. News rankings position the University of Sydney at #29 globally and #2 in Australia in 2025.

Among its top-ranked programs, Electrical & Electronic Engineering (#10), Artificial Intelligence (#14), and Arts & Humanities (#16) stand out for their research excellence and faculty expertise.

The U.S. News & World Report's subject rankings offer a global perspective on USYD's academic performance, particularly in research-intensive areas.

Here’s how different subjects at the University of Sydney rank in the 2025 U.S. News rankings:

The University of Sydney’s subject-wise rankings show its strong academic performance across multiple fields. These rankings help students see where a university is consistently strong or where it may be improving, helping them identify the best programs.

In addition to the established QS, THE, and U.S. News rankings, other notable assessments also highlight the University of Sydney's global excellence.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

In addition to traditional rankings, USYD ranks 74th in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and 11th in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025. These "miscellaneous" rankings provide useful insights into research output, sustainability efforts, and disciplinary excellence.

The table below presents USYD’s performance in these latest rankings:

The University of Sydney excels in research, sustainability, and regional impact. It ranks 74th in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, showcasing strong research output. 

In the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, it ranks 11th globally for its sustainable practices. Regionally, it holds the #2 position in Australia and New Zealand in the U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings, reflecting its academic and community contributions.

Next, let’s take a closer look at USYD’s academic and non-academic achievements. 

University of Sydney: Excellence and Achievements

The University of Sydney is renowned for its excellence in research, sustainability, and student life. With over 70,000 students, it offers a rich environment for academic and personal growth. 

The university’s 30 residential colleges, including St. Andrew's College and Sancta Sophia College, provide strong academic support and a sense of community, helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. USYD combines top-tier education with a welcoming and inclusive campus experience.

The following sections showcase USYD’s distinguished recognition across academics, culture, and community engagement.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

USYD's residential colleges are dedicated to promoting intellectual achievement through tutorial programs and scholarly support. For instance, St. John's College offers an extensive weekly tutorial program covering over 50 subjects, supplementing the university's teaching and enhancing student learning outcomes.

Here’s a closer look at the University of Sydney’s key recognitions and awards:

Cultural and Creative Excellence

USYD’s colleges are not just centers of academic achievement but also vibrant spaces for artistic exploration and cultural expression. With events like the Palladian Cup and annual arts festivals, the university nurtures a creative community, encouraging students to engage with and contribute meaningfully to the arts.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

The colleges at USYD encourage a strong sense of community and provide various opportunities for personal development and leadership. St. Andrew's College, for example, has a rich tradition of participating in intercollege sports and cultural events, which promote camaraderie and school spirit.

The table below shows USYD’s key contributions to the community and the cultural scene:

Let’s now understand the University of Sydney ranking in relation to its acceptance rate.

University of Sydney: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

The University of Sydney has a competitive acceptance rate of about 30%, with high demand for its top-ranked programs in Business, Medicine, and Engineering. 

However, it's a common misconception that a higher university ranking always means a lower acceptance rate. This may not be the case, particularly at a well-rounded institution like the University of Sydney.

The table below shows how top-ranked courses at USYD maintain varying acceptance rates depending on the nature of the program.

Note: overall figure is for admissions across all undergraduate and graduate programs.

Although the University of Sydney has a strong overall ranking, program selectivity varies.

Business has a lower acceptance rate (20%) due to high competition, while Medicine has a higher rate (30%) due to greater capacity and different entry requirements. This highlights how selectivity depends on demand and program specifics, not just overall rank.

After examining the varying acceptance rates for different programs at the University of Melbourne, let's examine the ranking methodologies in detail.

Ranking Methodologies

QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News & World Report are the foremost university ranking systems that are widely recognized for evaluating university performance. 

These rankings assess various factors, such as academic reputation, research quality, and global presence, to determine the positioning of universities worldwide.

Here’s an overview of the criteria used in these ranking systems.

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings assess universities based on employer perception, research impact, and academic output. For the University of Sydney, its strong research influence, industry ties, and diverse international student body contribute to its high ranking.

Here are the key factors considered in the QS World University Rankings for the University of Sydney:

These criteria offer insights into key areas such as educational quality, research contributions, global presence, and employability.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings evaluate universities like the University of Sydney based on research citations, teaching quality, faculty ratio, and industry funding. USYD excels in academic rigor, global reach, and industry collaborations, securing strong rankings.

Here are the specific criteria used in THE rankings for the University of Sydney:

These factors help provide a well-rounded assessment of a university’s educational and research strength and global and industry ties.

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

The U.S. News & World Report Rankings assess universities like the University of Sydney based on student retention, graduation rates, faculty quality, and financial support. These rankings highlight USYD’s focus on academic success and student well-being.

Here are the criteria used in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings for the University of Sydney:

These rankings highlight the universities’ ability to provide excellent education and deliver strong outcomes, using indicators like employability and industry connections.

Now, let’s explore how upGrad can assist you in studying at the University of Melbourne.

How Can upGrad Help You?

upGrad helps students and professionals enhance their knowledge and career through expert mentorship, industry-relevant courses, and flexible learning. Bridge courses provide foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in fields like business, computer science, cyber security, and data science. 

Their study abroad program offers expert guidance, while industry-focused programs ensure students gain skills aligned with market trends. Career development is supported through coaching, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities.

Here are some study abroad opportunities offered by upGrad at the University of Sydney:

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management

Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Software Engineering)

Conclusion

​In 2025, the University of Sydney (USYD) demonstrated a strong performance across major global rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and sustainability.​

USYD improved its position to 18th globally at the QS World University Rankings, marking a significant rise from previous years. Additionally, the university secured the 7th position worldwide in sustainability, underscoring its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

THE ranked the University of Sydney 61st globally, maintaining a strong presence in the top 100 institutions.

USYD achieved the 29th position globally at the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking 2025, reinforcing its reputation for research excellence and academic stature.

When choosing a university, consider program-specific rankings. The University of Sydney’s strong global standing, especially in high-demand fields like business, makes it an appealing choice for students.

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