--- url: 'https://kdinternational.com.au/university-of-sydney-admission-rankings-fees-saudi-scholarship/' title: 'University of Sydney: Rankings, Admission, Fees and Saudi Scholarships' author: name: هند العمري url: 'https://kdinternational.com.au/author/hind-alamri/' date: '2026-09-29T14:00:00+00:00' modified: '2026-09-29T14:02:06+00:00' type: post summary: 'University of Sydney guide for Saudi students: QS and THE rankings, faculties, entry requirements and the foundation pathway, tuition fees, and which King Salma' categories: - Australian universities tags: - King Salman Scholarship Program - Saudi scholarship Australia - University of Sydney admission - University of Sydney fees international - University of Sydney ranking image: 'https://kdinternational.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/kd-43-en-art.png' published: true --- # University of Sydney: Rankings, Admission, Fees and Saudi Scholarships *[اقرأ هذا المقال بالعربية](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/?p=2576)* ### Key takeaways - The University of Sydney ranks 28th in QS 2027, 53rd in THE 2026 and 31st in US News 2026–2027, and is Australia’s oldest university (1850). - Eight faculties and schools cover arts, architecture, business, engineering, law, medicine and health, music and science. - Direct entry needs a recognised secondary qualification and IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0; Saudi high-school graduates enter via the foundation program at 80% or 90%. - Undergraduate fees are A$49,200–60,600 in 2026 and A$51,700–63,600 in 2027, and rise each year. - The University of Sydney is not on the 30-university Ar-Ruwad list for 2026–2027, but it appears in the field lists for the Research and Development and Emdad tracks. - Undergraduate applications close 1 December for Semester 1 and 29 May for Semester 2; the unconditional offer is what goes into Safeer. ### In this article - [Where does the University of Sydney sit in world rankings?](#s-1) - [What faculties and courses does the University of Sydney offer?](#s-2) - [What are the University of Sydney entry requirements for Saudi students?](#s-3) - [How much are University of Sydney tuition fees for international students?](#s-4) - [Is the University of Sydney eligible for a Saudi scholarship?](#s-5) - [When and how do you apply?](#s-6) - [How KD International can help](#s-7) The University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest university, founded in 1850 ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-story.html)), and ranks 28th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027 ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/06/17/university-ranks-31st-globally-in-us-rankings--.html), 17 June 2026). Direct entry needs a recognised secondary qualification and IELTS 6.5; Saudi high-school graduates usually enter through the foundation program. Undergraduate fees for 2026 run from A$49,200 to A$60,600 a year. ## Where does the University of Sydney sit in world rankings? | Ranking | Position | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | QS World University Rankings 2027 | 28th in the world | [University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/06/17/university-ranks-31st-globally-in-us-rankings--.html), 17 June 2026 | | THE World University Rankings 2026 | 53rd in the world | [Times Higher Education](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-sydney) | | US News Best Global Universities 2026–2027 | 31st in the world, 2nd in Australia | [University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/06/17/university-ranks-31st-globally-in-us-rankings--.html), 17 June 2026 | | ShanghaiRanking (ARWU) 2026 | 79th in the world | [University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-world-rankings.html) | | QS Sustainability 2026 | 15th in the world | [University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-world-rankings.html) | In QS 2027 the university’s employer reputation rose to 46th globally (from 53rd) and its academic reputation held at 29th ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/06/17/university-ranks-31st-globally-in-us-rankings--.html), 17 June 2026). By subject, it leads Australia in seven fields, including public health (12th in the world), veterinary science (16th) and transportation science (8th) ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-world-rankings.html)). ## What faculties and courses does the University of Sydney offer? The university has eight faculties and university schools: the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, the University of Sydney Business School, the Faculty of Engineering, Sydney Law School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Faculty of Science ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/faculties-and-schools.html)). It describes itself as offering "the widest range of academic programs of any university in Australia" ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/faculties-and-schools.html)). For a Saudi scholarship student, what matters is that the discipline appears in the field lists for your track; the Ministry of Education’s guide ranks universities by field for each track (see the scholarship section below). ## What are the University of Sydney entry requirements for Saudi students? ### Academic requirement for a bachelor’s degree Undergraduate admission is based on a recognised secondary qualification from the university’s list (such as the IB Diploma, GCE A Levels and qualifications from more than 70 countries), at least one year of higher education, or a recognised diploma ([University of Sydney – recognised qualifications](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/recognised-qualifications.html)). Applicants without a recognised qualification are directed to the University of Sydney Preparation Programs delivered by Taylors College on the university’s behalf; those who complete a program successfully "will be eligible to apply" for its courses ([University of Sydney – preparation programs](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/preparation-programs.html)). Check the current status of the Saudi secondary certificate on the university’s list before you apply, as the page is updated. ### The foundation program for Saudi high-school graduates Taylors College publishes the entry requirement for holders of the Saudi "Tawjihiyah / General Secondary Education Certificate" for the University of Sydney Foundation Program: an 80% average in academic subjects for the Standard stream and 90% for the Intensive stream ([Taylors College](https://www.taylorssydney.edu.au/how-apply/entry-requirements/)). The Standard program runs 52 weeks and the Intensive 40 weeks ([Taylors College](https://www.taylorssydney.edu.au/programs/university-sydney-foundation-program/)). The English requirement for most streams is IELTS 6.0 (with 5.0 shown in brackets as the per-skill minimum), PTE 60 or TOEFL iBT 73 ([Taylors College](https://www.taylorssydney.edu.au/how-apply/entry-requirements/)). ### English language requirement The standard requirement for undergraduate and postgraduate study is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0; some faculties set more ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/english-language-requirements.html)). The official equivalents of 6.5 are TOEFL iBT 85, PTE Academic 64 and Cambridge 176 ([University of Sydney concordance table](https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/how-to-apply/english-language-concordance-table.pdf), 27 November 2025). The university does not accept IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition, and the test must be no more than two years old at course commencement ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/english-language-requirements.html)). Remember the student visa has its own threshold (IELTS 6.0) at the Department of Home Affairs ([Department of Home Affairs](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500)). ## How much are University of Sydney tuition fees for international students? Indicative annual fees for full-time study (48 credit points), as published by the university ([University of Sydney – international student tuition fees](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/fees-and-loans/international-student-tuition-fees.html)): | Level | 2026 (AUD) | 2027 (AUD) | | --- | --- | --- | | Undergraduate | 49,200 – 60,600 | 51,700 – 63,600 | | Postgraduate coursework | 46,400 – 69,300 | 48,700 – 72,800 | | Postgraduate research | 46,900 – 58,400 | 49,200 – 61,300 | The university notes that "all fees are subject to annual reviews and indexation. This means they may increase each year during your studies" ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/fees-and-loans/international-student-tuition-fees.html)). Add the application processing fee, OSHC and the Student Services and Amenities Fee ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/fees-and-loans/international-student-tuition-fees.html)), plus the student visa application charge, which is from A$2,500 since 1 July 2026 ([Study Australia](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/student-visa-subclass-500)). ## Is the University of Sydney eligible for a Saudi scholarship? The Ar-Ruwad track (مسار الرواد) list in the Ministry of Education’s guide to university rankings by field for the 2026–2027 academic year contains 30 universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia; the University of Sydney does not appear, and nor does any Australian university ([Ministry of Education – ranking guide 2026–2027](https://object.moe.gov.sa/nasaq/cm/files/aldlyl-alastrshady-ltrtyb-qwaaem-aljamaeat-hsb-almjalat-2027-2026.pdf)). By contrast, the University of Sydney appears in the field lists for the Research and Development (البحث والتطوير) and Emdad (إمداد) tracks in the same guide, at a position that varies by field ([Ministry of Education – ranking guide 2026–2027](https://object.moe.gov.sa/nasaq/cm/files/aldlyl-alastrshady-ltrtyb-qwaaem-aljamaeat-hsb-almjalat-2027-2026.pdf)). So check the ranking of your specific discipline within your track: a track does not accept a university in general, but the university in a field. The Ar-Ruwad track’s own conditions (a final, unconditional offer from a listed university, for bachelor’s and master’s degrees) are on the Ministry’s page ([Ministry of Education – Ar-Ruwad track](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/scholarship-program/paths/path-arruaad/)); we explain them in our [Ar-Ruwad scholarship track](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/arruaad-track-scholarship-australia/) article, and the other tracks in our [guide to Saudi scholarship programs](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/?p=2318). From our own experience, the University of Sydney took part in an online information session we organised in March 2021, when it was one of the universities for the Excellence (التميز) scholarship track; tracks and their lists change every year, so rely on the current year’s guide. ## When and how do you apply? Application closing dates for international students ([University of Sydney – application dates](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/application-dates.html)): - Undergraduate: Semester 1 (February) closes on 1 December of the year before; Semester 2 (August) closes on 29 May of the commencing year. - Postgraduate coursework: Semester 1 closes on 18 December of the year before; Semester 2 on 29 May. - Semester 1 2026 began on 23 February and Semester 2 on 3 August; some medicine and health programs start earlier ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/application-dates.html)). ### The application steps as the university publishes them - Choose your course and check its requirements ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students.html)). - If you do not meet the academic requirement, consider a preparation program at Taylors College. - Prepare certificates, transcripts, proof of English and your passport, and have non-English documents translated by a government-accredited translator such as NAATI ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students.html)). - Check closing dates and scholarship deadlines. - Apply directly or through an authorised agent ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students.html)). - You will receive a conditional or unconditional offer; meet any conditions, accept, and pay first-semester fees to receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). - Arrange OSHC; the university’s preferred insurer is Bupa, and cover starts one week before the course begins ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc.html)). - Apply for the student visa after payment and OSHC ([University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students.html)). For a scholarship applicant, the unconditional offer is what goes into the Safeer platform, so book your English test early so it is not left as an outstanding condition. ## How KD International can help We help with university admission from our offices in Riyadh and Sydney; our admission service is free for students applying to scholarship-program disciplines at universities recognised by the Saudi Ministry of Education. We also provide NAATI-accredited translation, visa guidance and help with accommodation, and we have hosted University of Sydney representatives at our student sessions. See [our process steps](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/%d8%ae%d8%b7%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%b9%d9%85%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a9/), then [submit your application](https://kdinternational.com.au/applynow/) with your grades and intended course, or [contact us](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/%d8%aa%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b5%d9%84-%d9%85%d8%b9%d9%86%d8%a7/) so we can check with you whether direct entry or the foundation program is the right route. ## Frequently asked questions What is the University of Sydney’s world ranking? 28th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 according to the university’s announcement on 17 June 2026, 53rd in THE 2026, 31st in the world and 2nd in Australia in US News 2026–2027, and 79th in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking. What are the University of Sydney entry requirements? A recognised secondary qualification from the university’s list, at least one year of higher education or a recognised diploma, plus IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 or equivalent (TOEFL 85, PTE 64). Applicants without a recognised qualification enter through the preparation program at Taylors College. Does the University of Sydney accept the Saudi secondary certificate? The University of Sydney Foundation Program at Taylors College accepts the Saudi General Secondary Education Certificate with an 80% average for the Standard stream and 90% for Intensive. For direct entry, check the certificate’s status on the university’s recognised qualifications list before applying. How much are University of Sydney fees for international students? Undergraduate fees are A$49,200 to A$60,600 a year in 2026 and A$51,700 to A$63,600 in 2027. Postgraduate coursework is A$46,400 to A$69,300 in 2026. Fees are reviewed annually and may rise during your studies. Is the University of Sydney on the Ar-Ruwad scholarship list? It does not appear on the 30-university Ar-Ruwad list in the Ministry of Education’s 2026–2027 guide, and no Australian university does. It does appear in the field lists for the Research and Development and Emdad tracks in the same guide, depending on the discipline. When do University of Sydney applications close? Undergraduate: 1 December of the previous year for Semester 1 and 29 May for Semester 2. Postgraduate coursework: 18 December and 29 May. Some medicine and health programs start earlier than the general calendar. What IELTS score does the University of Sydney require? 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 as the standard requirement; some faculties require more. The test must be no more than two years old at course commencement, and at-home versions of IELTS and TOEFL are not accepted. ## Official sources - [University ranks highly in QS and US News global rankings (17 June 2026)](https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/06/17/university-ranks-31st-globally-in-us-rankings--.html) — The University of Sydney - [Our world university rankings](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-world-rankings.html) — The University of Sydney - [Faculties and schools](https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/faculties-and-schools.html) — The University of Sydney - [How to apply as an international student](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students.html) — The University of Sydney - [English language requirements](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/english-language-requirements.html) — The University of Sydney - [English language concordance table (27 November 2025)](https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/how-to-apply/english-language-concordance-table.pdf) — The University of Sydney - [Application dates](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/application-dates.html) — The University of Sydney - [International student tuition fees](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/fees-and-loans/international-student-tuition-fees.html) — The University of Sydney - [Recognised qualifications](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/recognised-qualifications.html) — The University of Sydney - [Entry requirements – University of Sydney Foundation Program](https://www.taylorssydney.edu.au/how-apply/entry-requirements/) — Taylors College Sydney - [University of Sydney – World University Rankings 2026](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-sydney) — Times Higher Education - [الدليل الاسترشادي لترتيب قوائم الجامعات حسب المجالات للعام الأكاديمي 2026–2027](https://object.moe.gov.sa/nasaq/cm/files/aldlyl-alastrshady-ltrtyb-qwaaem-aljamaeat-hsb-almjalat-2027-2026.pdf) — وزارة التعليم السعودية ### Ready to start? KD International helps you choose a university, prepare your admission and visa file, and answers your questions about Saudi scholarships and studying in Australia. [Apply now](https://kdinternational.com.au/applynow/) or [message us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/966582357717). *Last updated: 14 September 2026. Fees and requirements change; always confirm with the official source before deciding.*