From its beginnings in 1850, the University of Sydney was created as an institution to suit the needs of New South Wales, not simply reflect England's ancient universities. A founding principle was that academic merit alone regardless of religious beliefs or social upbringing would be the test for admission. We can make a strong claim to being the first university in the world to admit male students purely on the basis of academic merit. In the 1880s we were also among the first to admit women on the same basis as men.

We sit in the top 0.3 percent of universities worldwide, ensuring that Australian innovation and research is recognised on the international stage. We were ranked 45 in the world in the 2015-16 prestigious QS World University Rankings.

It’s testimony to the broad spectrum of strengths displayed across our 16 faculties, many of which have impressive rankings themselves.

Leading the University’s results were Arts and Humanities, which achieved a rank of equal 14th globally and second in Australia.