Finding the right university in Sydney is not that difficult, it very much depends on your study plan and what do you want to achieve in the future. Aside from the financial capabilities, taking consideration of the ranking of a university is a smart move to decide which university to choose from.
The general rule of thumb is, the higher the ranking of a university, the higher tuition fee you have to pay, along with more research elements in your syllabus to maintain the high standard of education compare to university with a lower ranking.
Why many international students choose to study in Sydney
Sydney is the biggest city in Australia with a population of more than 4.5 millions of people. It is the capital city of New South Wales location in the south-west coast of Australia. Apart from being the financial hub of the country, food culture and corporate lifestyle are highly rated as one of the top in the world. In short, here are the top reason why you should study in Sydney,
Low employment rate 😀
It is much easier to get a job in Sydney compared to other regions in Australia according to the unemployment rate published recently from Labour Market Information Portal.
Unemployment Rate (15+) by State and Territory, Australia 2019 (%)
(Source: http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/LFR_SAFOUR/LFR_UnemploymentRate)
| Spending Category | Average Monthly Expenses |
| Rental for 1 bedroom in a shared unit ($350pw) |
AUD 1,400 |
| Food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) ($300pw) |
AUD 1,200 |
| Transport (Train and Bus) |
AUD 200 |
| Utility Bill (Electricity, Phone Bill and etc) |
AUD 200 |
| Social (Coffee, Beer and Party) |
AUD 800 |
| Total | AUD3,800 |
Top 10 best universities and institutions in Sydney
There are certain universities and institutions in Sydney that are not too bad and is more welcoming to international students with affordable fee. Below here I have selected the 10 best universities and institutions you can consider studying in Australia.
1) The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is known for the best school in Engineering in Sydney.
They offer the most comprehensive array of engineering degrees including Surveying, Petroleum Engineering, Food Science, Civil Engineering, Chemical Product Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Environmental Engineering.
- Recommended courses at the UNSW: Engineering
- Distance to Sydney CBD: 30min by bus
- UNSW is placed as 43 with the QS World University Ranking in 2019.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Foundation Studies - UNSW Global | Mar, Aug & Nov | 9 months | AUD 32,850 |
| Diploma in Science - UNSW Global | Jan, May & Aug | 12 months | AUD 38,379 |
| Diploma in Engineering | Jan, May & Aug | 12 months | AUD 41,997 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 41,280 |
| Bachelor of Information Systems (IT) | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 41,280 |
| Bachelor of Arts/Law | Feb | 5 years | AUD 37,920 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) | Feb & Jul | 4 years | AUD 46,230 |
| Doctor of Medicine | Feb | 6 years | AUD 73,440 |
2) University of Sydney (USYD)
- Recommended courses at the University of Sydney: Veterinary and International Business
- Distance to Sydney CBD: 10min by bus
- USYD is placed as 42 with the QS World University Ranking in 2019.
3) University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Recommended courses at University of Technology Sydney: Accounting and Nursing
- Distance to Sydney CBD: UTS is located in the city
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is placed as 140 with the QS World University Ranking in 2019.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Foundation Studies - UTS:INSEARCH | Mar, Jun & Oct | 8 months | AUD 25,250 |
| Diploma of Business - UTS:INSEARCH | Mar, Jun & Oct | 12 months | AUD 31,000 |
| Diploma of Engineering | Mar, Jun & Oct | 12 months | AUD 31,000 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 38,060 |
| Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 42,700 |
| Bachelor of Laws | Feb & Jul | 4 years | AUD 44,470 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) | Feb & Jul | 4 years | AUD 44,470 |
| Bachelor of Design in Architecture | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 38,720 |
4) Macquarie University
Macquarie University is best known for Actuarial Science and Physiology in Sydney. Actuarial Science could be a good option for students who enjoy solving high-level mathematics question and develop strong quantitative skills
- Recommended courses at Macquarie University: Actuarial Science and Physiology
- Distance to Sydney CBD: 1 hour and 20 min by train
- Macquarie University is placed as 237 with the QS World University Ranking in 2019.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Foundation Studies | Feb, July & Oct | 1 year | AUD 25,500 |
| Diploma of Accounting, Commerce and Business Administration | Feb, Apr, July & Oct | 9 months | AUD 30,282 |
| Diploma of Engineering | Feb, Apr, July & Oct | 9 months | AUD 30,282 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 36,450 |
| Bachelor of Actuarial Science | Feb | 3 years | AUD 36,450 |
| Bachelor of Information Technology | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 37,500 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) | Feb & Jul | 4 years | AUD 37,500 |
| Bachelor of Chiropractic Science | Feb | 3 years | AUD 39,900 |
5) Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University is employability focused with a renowned reputation for teaching and research. The university is ranked within the top 100 young universities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Recommended courses at Western Sydney University: MBA, Agriculture and Horticulture
- Distance to Sydney CBD: 40min by train
- Western Sydney University is placed as 468 with the QS World University Ranking in 2019.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Foundation Studies | Feb, July & Oct | 1 year | AUD 21,000 |
| Diploma of Business | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 25,725 |
| Diploma of Science | Feb | 3 years | AUD 36,450 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Mar & Jul | 3 years | AUD 26,760 |
| Bachelor of Information Technology | Mar & Jul | 3 years | AUD 29,360 |
| Bachelor of Engineering | Mar & Jul | 4 years | AUD 31,400 |
| Bachelor of Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security | Mar & Jul | 3 years | AUD 29,040 |
| Master of Business Administration | Mar & Jul | 2 years | AUD 30,200 |
6) Kaplan Business School
Kaplan Business School is a global recognised provider of higher education degrees in Australia that offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, accounting, marketing, management, tourism, entrepreneurship, health services, digital management, analytics, project management and leadership.
- Recommended courses at Kaplan Business School: MBA, Accounting and Business Programs
- Distance to Sydney CBD: The institution is located in the Sydney CBD
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Diploma of Business | Feb, Jul & Nov | 1 year | AUD 17,200 |
| Bachelor of Business (Accounting) | Feb, Jul & Nov | 3 years | AUD 17,200 |
| Master of Business Administration | Feb, Jul & Nov | 2 years | AUD 21,750 |
7) Top Education Institution
Top Education Institute begins offering Bachelor of Laws in 2015. The first non-university private provider to be fully accredited for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) by the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB).
- Recommended courses at Top Education Institution: Accounting
- Distance to Sydney CBD: The institution is located in the Sydney CBD
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Foundation Studies | Feb, May & Sep | 8 months | AUD 22,000 |
| Diploma of Business Management | Feb, May & Sep | 8-12 Months | AUD 26,400 |
| Bachelor of Business (Accounting) | Feb, May & Sep | 2.75 years | AUD 26,766 |
| Bachelor of Hospitality Management | Feb, May & Sep | 3 years | AUD 28,966 |
| Master of International Business | Feb, Jul, Sep | 2 years | AUD 20,100 |
8) International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)
- Recommended courses at International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS): Hospitality Management and International Business
- Distance to Sydney CBD: 40min by ferry
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Diploma of Business | Mar, Aug & Nov | 1 year | AUD 21,000 |
| Bachelor of Business (Accounting) | Mar, Aug & Nov | 3 years | AUD 21,000 |
| Bachelor of Laws | Jul & Nov | 4 years | AUD 20,000 |
| Master of Business Administration | Mar, Aug & Nov | 2 years | AUD 23,000 |
9) Sydney Institute (TAFE NSW)
TAFE NSW is the largest training and education provider in Australia. All TAFE NSW Institutes were united as one ‘TAFE NSW’ in an ongoing process starting in 2017. Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW is located in one of Sydney’s strongest education, cultural and entertainment precincts, right in the very heart of the city. The campus is surrounded by Central Station, UTS, the ABC, Sydney University and Chinatown.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| Certificate III in Agriculture | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 11,030 |
| Certificate IV in Agriculture | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 11,820 |
| Diploma of Agriculture | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 14,030 |
| Certificate III in Captive Animals | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 8,930 |
| Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 16,340 |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 14,680 |
| Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 16,460 |
| Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 21,360 |
| Certificate IV in Business | Feb & Jul | 0.5 year | AUD 6,210 |
| Diploma of Business | Feb & Jul | 0.5 year | AUD 7,220 |
| Bachelor of Business | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 15,040 |
| Certificate IV in Design (Interior Design Foundation) | Feb & Jul | 0.5 year | AUD 9,270 |
| Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration | Feb & Jul | 1 year | AUD 17,140 |
| Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) | Feb & Jul | 3 years | AUD 30,000 |
10) Academies Australasia
Established in 1908, Academies Australasia has been operating for 111 years. There are 18 colleges in the group, each with its own licence to operate as an education institution. Some operate in more than one location.Academies Australasia Polytechnic (‘AAPoly’) offers the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Bachelor of Business (Leadership and Management). It also offers Vocational courses in Melbourne.
Over the years, Academies Australasia colleges have taught more than 100,000 students from 130 countries. The majority of the faculty and staff were born overseas. This background and sensitivity to cultural differences, needs and expectations, means that they are very well placed to understand and assist students from overseas. They know the issues and how best to address them.
| Program | Intake | Duration | Indicated annual fee (2019) |
| General English | Every week | 10 - 40 weeks | AUD350/week |
| Certificate III in Business | Jan, Apr, Jun & Sep | 3 months | AUD 2,000 |
| Certificate IV in Business | Jan, Apr, Jun & Sep | 6 months | AUD 4,000 |
| Diploma of Leadership and Management | Jan, Apr, Jun & Sep | 1 year | AUD 8,000 |
| Bachelor of Business | Jan, Apr, Jun & Sep | 3 years | AUD 15,000 per year |
Contact us to find out more
International Student enquiries:
Phone: +6018-241-4802
Email: [email protected]
For more stories like this, join the Excel Education community on Facebook
Need help with your uni application? Connect with us here
About Author
Michelle Phan
Michelle is a freelance content writer graduated from Curtin University with a degree in Communication (Commercial writing). Michelle loves to travel and enjoys walking by the beach. Michelle also feeds on psychology quotes and will give away just about anything to cuddle with furry felines.