Explore Courses

How to Study in Sydney in 2024 for International Students

Updated on 18 April, 2024

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

How to Study in Sydney in 2024 for International Students

Sydney is known for its high-quality education across the globe, offering students various global opportunities. This article explores top universities, courses, expenses, scholarships, and career prospects for international students in Sydney.

Education System in Sydney 

There are six Australian Universities in the top 100 and 11 in the top 200 in the latest QS Rankings. Higher education in Sydney, Australia, is sought-after for its top-notch quality, with the most popular fields being engineering, information technology, economics, law, commerce, architecture, psychology, art, and social science. 

The undergraduate and graduate degrees in Sydney are more affordable, and international students can also benefit from the shorter job-oriented programs that greatly improve their career prospects. 

Why Study in Sydney 

Studying in Sydney offers a multitude of compelling reasons that make it an attractive destination for students worldwide. Here are the top 6 reasons to study in Sydney: 

  1. Quality Education 
  2. Job Opportunities 
  3. Safety
  4. Great Food 
  5. Fun Activities 
  6. Health Care 

Best Universities to Study in Sydney 

These are some of the top universities to study in Sydney for international students: 

University

QS World University Rankings 2024

University of Sydney

=19

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

=19

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

90

Macquarie University

=130

Western Sydney University

=375

Best Courses to Study in Sydney

Some of the most popular courses to study in Sydney by international students include: 

FieldCourses

Science

  • Master of Agriculture and Environment
  • Graduate Diploma in Agriculture and Environment
  • Graduate Certificate in Agriculture and Environment
  • Master of Environmental Science and Law
  • Master of Environmental Science
  • Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science
  • Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science
  • Master of Marine Science and Management
  • Graduate Diploma in Marine Science and Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Marine Science and Management
Business
  • Graduate Certificate in Commerce
  • Graduate Diploma in Commerce
  • Master of Commerce
  • Master of Commerce (Extension)
Economics
  • Bachelor of Economics
  • Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Advanced Studies
  • Bachelor of Economics (Dual Degree, Sciences Po, France)
  • Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws

Engineering and Computer Science

  • Complex Systems
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Project Management

Arts and Social Sciences

  • Master of International Relations 
  • Master of International Security
  • Master of Political Economy
  • Master of Public Policy
  • Master of Social Justice (Development Studies)
  • Master of Social Justice (Human Rights)
  • Master of Social Justice (Peace and Conflict Studies)
  • Graduate Diploma in Social Justice (Development Studies)
  • Graduate Diploma in Social Justice (Human Rights)
  • Graduate Diploma in Social Justice (Peace and Conflict Studies)
  • Graduate Certificate in Social Justice

Law

  • Juris Doctor (JD) 
  • Master of Laws (LLM) and specialist masters
  • Research degrees

Medicine and Health

  • Master of Diagnostic Radiography
  • Master of Exercise Physiology
  • Master of Medical Imaging Science
  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Master of Occupational Therapy
  • Doctor of Physiotherapy
  • Master of Speech Language Pathology

Education and Social Work

  • Bachelor of Social Work* 
  • Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work* 
  • Social Work Undergraduate Non-Degree 
  • Social Work Undergraduate Cross-Institutional

Architecture, Design, and Planning

  • Master of Architecture
  • Master of Architectural Science (Audio and Acoustics)
  • Master of Architectural Science (High Performance Buildings)
  • Master of Architectural Science (Illumination Design)
  • Master of Architectural Science (Sustainable Design)
  • Master of Design (Design Innovation) (Strategic Design)
  • Master of Design (Design Innovation)
  • Master of Design (Strategic Design)

Music

  • Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance)
  • Graduate Diploma in Music (Opera Performance)
  • Master of Music Studies (Performance)
  • Master of Music Studies (Opera Performance)
  • Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Cost of Studying in Sydney

Tuition fees to study in Sydney for international students is usually as follows:

Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree

AUD 42,560 to AUD 47,940

Postgraduate Master’s Degree

AUD 45,360 to AUD 47,940 

Doctoral Degree

AUD 39,870 and upwards

Cost of Living in Sydney

The guidelines by Study Australia recommend budgeting between USD 258 and USD 480 per week for living expenses. However, the costs can go higher depending on the individual lifestyle of students. A breakdown of weekly expenses includes:

Groceries and Eating out

~AUD 95 - 461

Gas and Electricity

~AUD 10 - 21

Phone and Internet

~AUD 15 - 32

Public Transport

~AUD 32-62

Entertainment

~AUD 84-158

Explore More:

Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Sydney 

International students can apply for a number of scholarships provided by the Australian Government and Universities. Here are the top five scholarships for students who go to study in Sydney:

ScholarshipBenefits
Australia Awards Scholarships (Government)Full tuition fees, establishment allowance, return air travel, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), contribution to living expenses (CLE), etc
Destination Australia Scholarships (Government)Scholarships of up to AUD 15,000 are available for approximately 550 domestic and international students beginning their studies in 2024 as part of the 2024 round of the program.
Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Government)Covers tuition fees of around AUD 40,109 and health cover costs of students undertaking postgraduate research qualification in Australia.
University of Sydney International Scholarships (University)Covers tuition fees and living expenses for three with an extension of one semester for PhD students.
UNSW International Scholarships (University)For the duration of your degree, you will receive full tuition fee support or an AUD 20,000 contribution (per year).

Source: Official Websites

Student Life in Sydney 

Sydney offers an unparalleled student experience, making it an ideal study abroad destination. 

The city excels in various aspects, scoring remarkably high in stability (95), healthcare (100), culture and environment (94.4), education (100), and infrastructure (100), resulting in an impressive overall score of 97.4. 

Sydney serves as a hub for global firms, hosting more than any other Australian city. 

It acts as a gateway to Asian economies, with over 500 multinational companies choosing it as their regional headquarters. 

The city's cultural diversity is enriched by a quarter of Australians born outside the country, fostering a vibrant atmosphere with a multitude of languages, international cuisine, and year-round festivals.

Career Prospects for Students in Sydney 

Sydney has great career opportunities for students who complete their higher education degree.

  • Students can engage in real-world projects and internships during their degree studies, collaborating with leading organizations.
  • Students can leverage the resources at the University Careers Centre, providing career counseling services for optimal career positioning upon degree completion.
  • They can participate in student entrepreneurship programs to acquire skills that accelerate ideas, career, or research.
  • A wide range of recruiters, such as Adobe, Airbus, Alibaba, and ANZ Bank, provide opportunities to enhance employment prospects.

Read More: 

FAQs

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Sydney?

  • You can start by selecting a course and institution and waiting for the offer letter.
  • Apply for and receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your chosen institution.
  • Complete the online application for a student visa through the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
  • Provide necessary documentation, including proof of enrollment, financial capability, and health insurance, and meet health and character requirements.

Can I work and study in Sydney?

Yes, as an international student in Sydney, you can work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight) during your studies and full-time during scheduled course breaks.

Which course is best for studying in Sydney?

Some of the popular choices by students include programs in information technology, business administration, engineering, nursing, and hospitality management. These fields also have a high demand for skilled professionals in Australia.

What support services are available for international students in universities in Sydney?

Some of the support services commonly available across universities to students include:

  • International student hotline
  • Orientation and study preparation programs
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability services
  • Careers center
  • Academic and English language skills assistance
  • Information and advice for returning home
  • Safety and Security

What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Sydney outside of my studies?

Sydney offers a plethora of cultural experiences and attractions for students, including iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Diverse cultural festivals and events throughout the year are also attractions that draw people from all around. Additionally, you can explore beautiful beaches, national parks, museums, art galleries, and culinary delights around the city.

Study in Australia

BBA in Australia, Torrens University

BBA in Australia, Torrens University

In-built IELTS/PTE training and study abroad modules to meet Australian study requirement.

Learn More
BBA in Australia, James Cook University

BBA in Australia, James Cook University

End-to-end application, counseling and visa application support from upGrad.

Learn More
BCA in Australia, James Cook University

BCA in Australia, James Cook University

Eligible for transfer to on-campus studies in top Australian Universities.

Learn More

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

See More

Exams to Study Abroad

IELTS ExamGRE ExamGMAT ExamSAT ExamTOEFL ExamDuolingo Exam

Top Study Abroad Destinations

USAGermanyUKCanadaAustralia

Important Resources

LOR for Master'sSOP for Master'sCost of Living in CanadaHow to Write a Motivation LetterConvert GPA to PercentageDifference Between SDS and Non-SDS Visa ApplicationsTop Free Countries for Free Education Fully-Funded PhD. Programs In the USAPopular Study Abroad Courses after BCom Study in Canada after 12th

Get Free Consultation for study abroad

Similar Articles

upGrad Abroad Logo

Download our App

Study Abroad Important Blogs