The Academic Board oversees all academic activities and matters at the University.
The Academic Board has the principal responsibility to encourage and maintain the highest standards in teaching, scholarship and research, and to safeguard the academic freedom of the University. It reports to the Senate, the University's principal governing authority.
The University of Sydney (Academic Board) Rule 2017 outlines the functions, constitution, meeting procedures and standing committees for the Academic Board.
| Meeting date (deadline for papers) | Meeting time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 3 March (17 February) | 1–3pm |
| Tuesday 14 April (31 March) | 1–3pm |
| Tuesday 2 June (19 May) | 1–3pm |
| Tuesday 21 July (7 July) | 1–3pm |
| Tuesday 8 September (25 August) | 1–3pm |
| Tuesday 24 2026 (10 November) | 1–3pm |
The composition of the Academic Board is defined by Part 3 of the University of Sydney (Academic Board) Rule 2017, and currently includes:
| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (x12) |
|
| University of Sydney Business School (x8) |
|
| Faculty of Engineering (x8) |
|
| Faculty of Medicine and Health (x16) |
|
| Faculty of Science (x12) |
|
| Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning (x4) |
|
| Sydney Law School (x4) |
|
| Sydney Conservatorium of Music (x4) |
|
| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (x4) |
|
| University of Sydney Business School (x2) |
|
| Faculty of Engineering (x2) |
|
| Faculty of Medicine and Health (x4) |
|
| Faculty of Science (x4) |
|
| Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning (x2) |
|
| Sydney Law School (x2) |
|
| Sydney Conservatorium of Music (x2) |
|
Four committees assist and advise the Academic Board in ensuring the maintenance of the highest standards and quality in teaching, scholarship and research in the University of Sydney.
| Meeting date (deadline for papers) | Meeting time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 10 February (27 January) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 10 March (24 February) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 5 May (21 April) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 26 May (12 May) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 23 June (9 June) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 14 July (30 June) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 11 August (4 August) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 22 September (15 September) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 6 October (22 September) | 10am – 12pm |
| Tuesday 3 November (20 October) | 10am – 12pm |
The Academic Quality Committee assists the Academic Board in ensuring the
maintenance of the highest standards and quality in teaching, scholarship and
research at the University of Sydney.
| Meeting date (deadline for papers) | Meeting time |
|---|---|
Tuesday 27 January (13 January) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 17 February (reserve meeting) (3 February) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 17 March (3 March) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 28 April (reserve meeting) (14 April) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 19 May (5 May) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 16 June (reserve meeting) (2 June) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 7 July (23 June) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 4 August (reserve meeting) (21 July) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 25 August (11 August) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 22 September (reserve meeting) (8 September) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 27 October (13 October) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 17 November (reserve meeting) (3 November) |
2–4pm |
The Academic Standards and Policy Committee assists and advises the Academic Board in ensuring the maintenance of the highest standards and quality in teaching, scholarship and research in the University of Sydney.
| Meeting date (deadline for papers) | Meeting time |
|---|---|
Tuesday 3 February (20 January) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 24 February 2026 (reserve meeting) (10 February) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 24 March (10 March) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 21 April (reserve meeting) (7 April) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 12 May 2026 (28 April) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 9 June 2026 (reserve meeting) (26 May) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 30 June (16 June) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 28 July (reserve meeting) (14 July) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 18 August (4 August) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 15 September (reserve meeting) (1 September) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 20 October (6 October) |
10am–12pm |
Tuesday 10 November (reserve meeting) (27 October) |
10am–12pm |
The Graduate Studies Committee advises the Academic Board about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to postgraduate study at the University.
| 2026 meeting date (deadline for papers) | Meeting time |
|---|---|
Tuesday 3 February (20 January) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 24 February (reserve meeting) (10 February) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 24 March (10 March) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 21 April (reserve meeting) (7 April) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 12 May (28 April) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 9 June (reserve meeting) (26 May) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 30 June (16 June) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 28 July (reserve meeting) (14 July) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 18 August (4 August) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 15 September (reserve meeting) (1 September) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 20 October (6 October) |
2–4pm |
Tuesday 10 November (reserve) (27 October) |
2–4pm |
The Undergraduate Studies Committee advises the Academic Board about resolutions, policy and procedures relating to undergraduate study at the University and determines undergraduate matters, including the approval of new and amended courses.
In addition to the various policies and procedures approved by the Academic Board, the Academic Board also approves certain standards and develops guidelines in a range of areas.
The Coursework Policy 2021 makes reference to the following admissions criteria, which may be faculty-specific but which must be approved by the Academic Board.
As referenced in Part 7 of the Coursework Policy 2021
Mathematics as referenced in clause 18 of the Coursework Policy 2021
Admissions Standards - English Language Proficiency as referenced in Parts 5 and 6 of the Coursework Policy 2021 and Part 2 of the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2026:
As referenced in clause 17, 18 and 62 of the Coursework Policy 2021
As referenced in clause 15(3) of the Coursework Policy 2021
As referenced in clause 13(2) of the Coursework Policy 2021
The Academic Board has authority to approve a range of matters related to Higher Degrees by Research and also develops guidelines in this area.
The Academic Board has authority to approve a range of matters related to teaching and curriculum issues, as listed below:
The Academic Board Guideline – Grade Descriptors (pdf, 45KB) lists the various codes that are in use or have historically been used for student results. The Flexsis grades provided were in use until 31 December 2014.