5 Best Universities in Sydney for International Students

Thinking about studying at universities in Sydney for international students? You’ve come to the right place! You’ve heard of Sydney: the Opera House, the zoo, the beaches, the cockatoos, the flat whites. Sydney, Australia is a vibrant and active international city full of diversity, and home to some of the best universities in the country—so you’re in great hands when it comes to meaningful international education. But what makes Sydney such a great location for international students?

Is the answer koalas? The answer might be koalas.

Well for starters, Sydney is a big city, but not like New York City big. It's just...different. Sydney is divided into dozens of smaller neighborhoods and districts. From the CBD (that’s central business district) to Surry Hills, to Bondi and Coogee, and Redfern to Manly – Sydney's inner and outer suburbs help organize the city’s 5+ million residents into approachable and unique hotspots. And if the prospect of spending your weekends exploring the urban landscape doesn’t interest you, then Sydney’s countless outdoor spaces might be what you’re looking for.

Why study abroad in Sydney?

With dozens of beaches, parks, and even a few national parks all accessible from the city, your inner adventurer is sure to be satisfied in Sydney. But if you’ll be traveling halfway around the world to study, you’re probably going to be concerned with academics. Well, you’re in luck! Sydney boasts some of the top ranked universities in Australia, so whether you’re looking for a campus in the heart of the city, by the coast, or nestled in Sydney’s suburbs, the choice is yours! 

With just these few highlights in mind, it's easy to see that Sydney has endless opportunities to explore iconic sights and offers limitless avenues to explore a new city, enjoy the great outdoors, and take advantage of world-class academics.Your time at universities in Sydney for international students will not disappoint!

Which university will YOU end up at for study abroad in Sydney?

Here are just a few of the universities in Sydney on offer for your study abroad experience:

The 5 best universities in Sydney for international students

1. Macquarie University 

The best universities in Sydney list begins with Macquarie University. This school is a wonderfully diverse institution that welcomes students from over 100 countries to campus every year. This modern university is the institution behind WiFi and the cochlear implant, but technology aside, it offers subjects in nearly every academic discipline.

Nestled in Sydney’s northwest suburbs, the main North Ryde campus of Macquarie University offers a campus environment that is very much like a college town, despite being just a short trek away from downtown Sydney. The campus environment is inclusive, active, and open thanks to 300+ acres of lush campus grounds with state-of-the-art facilities (including an automated library) and more than 170 student groups available to both local and international students.

Sydney study abroad at Macquarie University offers international students a classic Aussie student experience in a comfortable academic environment to provide the perfect home base for a semester spent in the city of Sydney. 

• What to study? Business, Communications & Media, History, International Studies, Social Sciences
• When? Semester, Trimester, Summer, Academic Year
• Read provider reviews

2. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

The UTS has been named the #1 young university in Australia (thus making our best universities in Sydney list) and has gained international recognition as one of the top 10 young universities in the world. Founded in the 1980’s, UTS began with a focus in technology, but has since grown to a dominant presence in Sydney study abroad with established programs in business, communications, natural sciences, arts, engineering, design, and social sciences.

The UTS campus is located in the heart of the city and is the epitome of a modern and urban university campus outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and academic facilities. The UTS campus itself is always bustling and full of student activities, thanks to the big commuter culture, and a host of student organizations and societies for both academic and social interests. With easy access to the main central business district, Sydney Harbour, and trendy cafes and shops, UTS offers a modern experience amongst universities in Sydney for international students, in an international city with iconic Aussie vibes. 

• What to study? Engineering, Science, Information Technology, Fashion and Design, Architecture
• When? Semester, Trimester, Summer, Academic Year
• Read provider reviews

The Sydney Opera House is positively radiating with Aussie vibes at sunset!

3. University of Sydney (USYD)

The University of Sydney is the oldest university in Australia and one of the most iconic. With its signature Victorian gothic architecture and contemporary, world-class amenities, the University of Sydney campus blends a modern campus feel with historical landmarks for a university experience that is the best of both worlds. The campus not only features open green spaces and its own lake, Lake Northman, but it also is a short walk away from the central business district of downtown Sydney.

With a wide range of academic offerings taught by world-class faculty, the University of Sydney offers courses that aim to enrich your studies with a cutting edge curriculum, making it a top choice amongst universities in Sydney for international students. As an added perk, USYD students have easy access to all that the city center has to offer, as well as the trendy neighborhood cafes and popular shops offering a balanced campus life.

With an application-based internship course available to Sydney study abroad students as well, a semester at the University of Sydney presents a versatile academic experience for students of almost every discipline. Is it any wonder why USYD made the best universities in Sydney list?

• What to study? Natural & Health Sciences, Engineering, Sport and Exercise Science, Fine Arts
• When? Fall, Spring, Academic Year
• Read provider reviews

4. University of New South Wales (UNSW) 

If you think Sydney looks beautiful from above, just wait until you get to see it up close.

If you’re torn between wanting to take full advantage of Sydney’s east coast beaches and being close enough to the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s CBD when choosing between universities in Sydney for international students, then UNSW-Sydney may just be your ideal choice. Continually named one of the top universities in Australia and a member of the Group of 8, UNSW-Sydney has gained acclaim for its engineering, business, media, natural science, and institutional research.

Tucked away in the southern Sydney neighborhoods of Kensington and Randwick, UNSW boasts a modern and vibrant campus with world-class academic facilities, a fitness and aquatics center, and numerous sports grounds on campus. Sydney study abroad students on campus are never short on activities thanks to the ARC Student Association, which sponsors more than 300 clubs and societies on campus. Not to mention, UNSW is a prime location for accessing the local favorite Coogee Beach, which is just a 15 minute bus ride from campus.

• What to study? Engineering, Natural Science, Art & Design, Business, Media and Communications
• When? Fall, Spring, Academic Year
• Read provider reviews

5. New York University Sydney

Rounding out the best universities in Sydney list is New York University. Seems counterintuitive, right? Well, it’s actually a pretty solid choice for Sydney study abroad. NYU Sydney has a ton to offer international students, such as a prime location in the Rocks (a historic district of the city center), organized day trips, and fields of study ranging from anthropology to environmental studies. As one of the best universities in Sydney for international students, NYU Sydney offers a beautiful and comprehensive facility to match (hey, they even boast a sandwich press!).

International students at NYU Sydney will have the opportunity to engage in credit-bearing internships as well, in media communications or other businesses. The quality of their excursions cannot be overstated either: You could find yourself exploring Cairns, the Blue Mountains, or Canberra on one of numerous outings. Rumor has it that staff plan more remote trips as well, to places where the tourists don’t usually get to go. This one is a total no-brainer for Sydney study abroad.

• What to study? Anthropology, Business, History, Journalism, TV & Media Production
• When? Summer, Fall, Winter
• Read provider reviews

If you want to feel like an authentic Aussie, make sure to grab a daily flat white on the way to class.

Next steps to find the best universities in Sydney

Don’t buy your books for universities in Sydney, Australia just yet! There are a few items on your study abroad to-do list you should check off first.

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where to study abroad in Sydney isn’t easy. With so many beautiful, fun, and trendy locations around the city, it can be difficult to choose. Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Your major courses or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). Look at your course options and decide what combination of required classes and just-for-fun-or-because-you-want-to-learn-it classes are out there. Choose from literature, the sciences, education, psychology, and more!
• Choose from the best study abroad programs in Sydney. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and your ease of getting credits. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between study abroad programs. 
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and travel splurges (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Check out scholarships for study abroad in Australia too!
• Talk to your home university. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Talk to a study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your university to see what choices are available to you.

The best universities in Sydney are calling!

Ready to choose amongst the best universities in Sydney?

Universities in Sydney, Australia are as diverse as the population and city, and international students are sure to find something that appeals to them. When you consider everything Sydney has to offer, including picturesque beaches, a bustling metropolis, and strolls through the unique suburbs, you will see that the city has aspects that can appeal to any kind of student. Deciding between universities in Sydney for international students can seem like a daunting task, but with the help of our best universities in Sydney list, students will be able to find their perfect match!

Compare Your Favorite Universities in Sydney Side-by-Side with MyGoAbroad

International Studies Abroad (ISA) has been helping students study abroad for over 30 years. With both domestic and international staff, ISA assist students from initial application through the pre-departure process and even offers on-site support.