What if my qualification isn't listed?
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Recognised qualifications
We recognise a range of qualifications from across the world
Before applying for an undergraduate degree, you should first check that we accept your secondary/tertiary education qualification.
To be eligible for admission into one of our undergraduate degrees, you need to have completed one of the below qualifications.
Please note: you also need to meet the admissions criteria, which can be found on the individual course pages.
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Admission is based on the total score for the completed diploma. Information on comparable subjects between the HSC and IB is available through UAC.
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for this qualification (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
Admission is based on results in up to four Advanced Level subjects in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) comparable qualifications.
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for this qualification (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
SAT or ACT scores including a pass mark in the optional essay or writing component and completion of a secondary education (high school) qualification.
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for this qualification (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
Accepted (from 2010 onwards) with required score.
Completion of one of the following:
- Diplome du Baccalaureate European
- Zeugnis der Europaischen Reifeprufung
- Diploma di Licenze Liceale Europea
- Europees Baccalaureate Diploma
Countries/regions
We also recognise the following qualifications, listed below by country/region:
Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or equivalent in the following Australian state and territory year 12 qualifications:
- Higher School Certificate (HSC) – New South Wales
- ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACT SSC) – Australian Capital Territory
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) – Queensland
- Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) – administered by SACE
- South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
- Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
- Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Admissions information
Admission is based on the ATAR in an Australian Year 12 qualification.
To help you make informed decisions we publish a list of ATARs each year. For many of our courses we also list a guaranteed ATAR.
We also recognise the Universities Admission Index (UAI; acquired by people who completed high school before 2009) and the completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification at TAFE.
To convert your Queensland Overall Position (OP) to an ATAR result, check the ATAR/OP comparison table published by UAC.
- Reifezeugnis
- Matura
- Reifeprufungszeugnis
- Maturazeugnis
- Diplome van Secundair Onderwij
- Certificat d’ Enseignment Secondaire Superieur
- Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichs
- Diploma o Završenoj Srednjoj Školi
- Diploma za Zavrsheno Sredno Obrazovanie
- Alberta High School Diploma
- British Columbia Senior Secondary School Graduation Diploma
- Manitoba High School Graduation Diploma
- Newfoundland Provincial High School Graduation Certificate
- New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma
- Nova Scotia High School Completion Certificate
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- Prince Edward Island High School Graduation Certificate
- Quebec Diploma of Collegial Studies
- Saskatchewan Complete Division IV Grade XII Standing
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Gaokao – National Higher Education Entrance Examination (international students only)
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Croatian Matura, 2010 and onwards
- Vysvedceni o Maturitni Zkousce
- Studentereksamen
- Højere Forberedelseksame
- Højere Tekniskeksame
- Højere Handelseksame
- Fiji Seventh Form Certificate (2012 and earlier)
- Fiji Year 13 Certificate (2013 onwards)
- Ylioppilastutkintotodistus
- Studenteksamensbetyg
- Baccalauréat Général
- Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement du Second Degre
- Diplôme de Bachelier de l’Enseignement du Second Degre
- Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB)
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Abiturientenzeugnis
- Reifezeugnis
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife
- Zeugnis der Reife
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- State University/General Entrance Examination
- Vevaiosi Prosvasi
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, from 2012 onwards
- Completion of at least three Hong Kong Advanced Level subjects in one academic year, before 2013
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Gimnaziumi Erettsegi Bizonyitvany
- Erettsegi Vizsga
- Matura
- Szakkozepiskolai Erettsegi_kepesity Bizonyitvany
- Studentsprof
- All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
- Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
- Indian Higher Secondary Certificate (State board exams)
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Leaving Certificate
- Matriculation Certificate
- Teudat Bagrut
- Diploma di Maturita Classica
- Diploma Maturita Scientifica
- Diploma di Maturita Linguistica
- National Center Test (Sentaa)
- Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Korea Republic College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Lebanese Baccalaureat
- Liechtenstein Maturitatszeugnis
- Diplome de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires
- Macedonian Secondary School Leaving Certificate or Matura, 2008 and onwards
- Sijil Tinggi Perskolahan Malaysia (STPM)
- Malaysian Matriculation Certificate (Matrikulasi)
- Malaysian UEC
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- University of Malta Advanced Matriculation Examinations
- Diploma o Završenok Srednjoj Školi
- Nepalese Higher Secondary Education Certificate
- Voorbereidend Wetnschappelijik Onderwijs (VWO)
- National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3: If you completed the NCEA Level 3, an Interstate Transfer Index (ITI) will be calculated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and provided to UAC. This will be used in the admission process, provided you have fulfilled university entrance requirements as set by NZQA.
- Examen Artium
- Vitnemal Den Videregaende Skole
- Eksamen fra Okonomisk Gymnas
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Egzamin Maturalny (Liceum, Teknikum)
- Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundarios
- Diploma de Decimo Segundo Ano de Escolaridad
- Diploma Tecnico Profissional
- Diploma de Bacalaureat (Maturitate)
- Scottish National Courses at Higher and Advanced Higher levels
- Diploma o Zavrsenok Srednjoj Skolij
- Singapore GCE A levels
- NUS High School Diploma
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške
- Maturitetno Spricevalo
- Splošna matura
- J.M.B. Matriculation Certificate
- South African Senior Certificate (prior to 2008)
- South African National Senior Certificate (2008 onwards)
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Tecnico Especialista
- Curso pre-universitaria
- Curso de Orientacion Universitaria
- Titulo de Bachillerato
- Sri Lankan GCE A levels
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Federal Maturity Certificate (Certificate de Maturite)
- Baccalaureat
- Maturitatszeugnis
- Attestato di Maturita
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Taiwan General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT)
- Tanzanian Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education
- GCE A Levels: Admission is based on results in up to four Advanced Level subjects in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) comparable qualifications.
- Cambridge Pre-University Diploma
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) examination or American College Test (ACT). SAT or ACT scores including a pass mark in the optional essay or writing component and completion of a secondary education (high school) qualification.
Admissions information
The below guides provide information on the guaranteed or indicative scores required for one or more of the above qualifications (admission is subject to meeting all applicable admission criteria, as found on the course page):
- Vietnamese High School Graduation Certificate (Bằng tốt nghiệp THPT) with the required Grade 12 GPA from approved high schools
- Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) GCE A Levels
If your country or secondary qualification isn’t listed, then check the other qualifications we recognise in higher education study, vocational education or enabling/preparatory programs.
You may be eligible for admission based on the completion of at least one year of full-time study* (or the part-time equivalent) in a bachelor's degree or equivalent or higher, at a recognised university or non-university higher education provider.
If you have not completed a full year, you will be assessed on your results in a recognised secondary education qualification.
If you have both a recognised secondary education qualification and bachelor's degree studies, you will be assessed based on your best result, regardless of the order in which you completed them. This means that if your ATAR or equivalent score in a secondary qualification is higher than your bachelor's degree result, your application will be considered on basis of the ATAR (or equivalent score only).
If you're applying for a course with prerequisites and/or additional admission criteria, such as an interview, audition or portfolio, these factors will also be taken into account.
Some courses are not available to applicants who have already started bachelor's degree studies.
These are:
- Bachelor of Arts/Doctor of Medicine (double degree)
- Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine (double degree)
- Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Dental Medicine (double degree)
- Bachelor of Arts (Sciences Po Dual Degree)
- Bachelor of Economics (Sciences Po Dual Degree)
Guide to admission requirements for applicants with bachelor's degree studies
- Applicants with a pass average result in their bachelor’s degree studies can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 80.00
- Applicants with a credit average credit can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 88.00
- Applicants with a distinction average can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 94.00
- Applicants with a high distinction average can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 99.50
The admission criteria published above are a guide only for eligibility to apply. Grading systems and calculations also vary across different institutions, and the above grades represent the University of Sydney grading system.
You may also be eligible for credit for previous study to carry across to your new degree.
*Full time study is a minimum of 48 credit points at the University of Sydney or the equivalent study load at other institutions.
We may consider the results of a completed diploma or advanced diploma, including vocational education and training (VET) qualifications at that level if it was accredited by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or an overseas equivalent at the time you were enrolled, and is accepted by your faculty. If you're applying for a course with additional admission criteria, such as an interview, audition or portfolio, these factors will also be taken into account.
You can check AQF accreditation with the provider, or look for an AQF accreditation symbol on your transcript of results or award certificate.
AQF Diploma requirements
- Applicants who have completed a Diploma in Australia with an average pass result (or overall result of Competent) can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 75.
- Applicants with an average credit can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 81.
- Applicants with an average distinction can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 90.
- Applicants with an average high distinction can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 95.
AQF Advanced Diploma requirements
- Applicants who have completed an Advanced Diploma in Australia with an average pass result (or overall result of competent) can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 76.
- Applicants with an average credit can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 83.
- Applicants with an average distinction can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 93.
- Applicants with an average high distinction can apply to courses with an ATAR up to 96.95.
The admission criteria published above are a guide only for eligibility to apply. Grading systems and calculations vary across different institutions and countries, and the University will assess and determine the equivalent requirements.
Information for domestic students
If you will be younger than 21 at the first census date of your prospective admission, you will also need to have a completed the HSC or an equivalent acceptable secondary education qualification before your diploma will be considered.
- The following accept any AQF diploma:
- Faculty of Science
- Sydney Dental School
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- The University of Sydney Business School
- The following accept relevant AQF diplomas only:
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Sydney School of Health Sciences
- Sydney Nursing School
- Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science
- The following do not accept AQF diplomas:
- Sydney Law School
- Sydney Medical School
- Sydney Pharmacy School
Information for international students
If you have studied at Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Republic, Singapore or Temasek Polytechnics, the University offers admission and credit for eligible international students into many undergraduate degrees. For more information, refer to the relevant guide for specific admission and credit information.
- Nanyang Polytechnic Admission and Credit Guide (pdf, 172kb)
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic Admission and Credit Guide (pdf, 168kb)
- Republic Polytechnic Admission and Credit Guide (pdf, 164kb)
- Singapore Polytechnic Admission and Credit Guide (pdf, 168kb)
- Temasek Polytechnic Admission and Credit Guide (pdf, 172kb)
- Mature age students: If you’re 21 years of age or older and meet certain other criteria, you may be able to gain admission through an approved preparation program. For more information refer to the mature-age admission pathways.
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants: For more information about enabling or foundation courses for admission, refer to the Gadigal Program.
We accept Australian and New Zealand university foundations programs and some overseas programs for admission.
More than 80 percent of students who complete the University of Sydney Preparation Programs (USPP) consisting of the University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) and the High Achievers Preparation Program (HAPP) are accepted into one of our undergraduate courses.
