Metadata
Title
Recognised qualifications
Category
undergraduate
UUID
19e3f546df0f463ba572e89a23e52e4d
Source URL
https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/recognised-q...
Parent URL
https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/postgraduate-research.html
Crawl Time
2026-03-10T04:39:34+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown

Recognised qualifications

Source: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/recognised-qualifications.html Parent: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/postgraduate-research.html

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Recognised qualifications

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A list of Australian and overseas qualifications that we accept for admission into an undergraduate course.

How it works

To be eligible for admission into one of our undergraduate degrees, you need to have completed one of the qualifications listed on this page.

On top of a recognised qualification, you also need to meet the admissions criteria, which can be found on your course page.

Entry scores

Refer to our admissions guides for entry scores.

For domestic students

We provide selection ranks made up of your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and adjustment factors.

If you have a non-ATAR qualification it will be converted into an ATAR-equivalent selection rank. If you are eligible for adjustment factors these will be added to your ATAR-equivalent selection rank.

2027 Admission Guide (for domestic students)

Filename : domestic-admission-guide.pdf

Title : 2027 Admission Guide (for domestic students)

Size : 114 KB

Format : application/pdf

Extension : pdf

2026 Admission Guide (for domestic students)

Filename : domestic-admission-guide-2026.pdf

Title : 2026 Admission Guide (for domestic students)

Size : 437 KB

Format : application/pdf

Extension : pdf

For international students

We provide ATAR-equivalent entry scores for some year 12 or secondary qualifications.

2026 Admission Guide (for international students)

Filename : international-admission-guide.pdf

Title : 2026 Admission Guide (for international students)

Size : 1 MB

Format : application/pdf

Extension : pdf

2026 International Guide - Undergraduate admission scores explanation

Filename : usyd-international-guide-explanation-of-admission-scores.pdf

Title : 2026 International Guide - Undergraduate admission scores explanation

Size : 100 KB

Format : application/pdf

Extension : pdf

Secondary education qualifications

Jump to

Global qualifications

If you are applying with one of the non-ATAR qualifications below and would like to know the entry requirement for a course, refer to the course page. If your qualification is listed below but is not listed on the course page, email admissions.office@sydney.edu.au.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Admission is based on the overall scores for a completed IB diploma. When you apply, this score is converted into an ATAR equivalent called Combined Rank.

Domestic students

For a detailed breakdown of IB score conversion, refer to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website. UAC processes applications on behalf of universities in New South Wales, including the University of Sydney.

International students

For the latest information for international students, refer to your .

General Certificate of Education (GCE) A Levels

Admission is based on results in up to four Advanced Level subjects in the GCE-comparable qualifications.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) examination or American College Test (ACT)

Your SAT examination or ACT is recognised with completion of a secondary or high school qualification.

Domestic onshore students who have completed another recognised secondary qualification cannot apply with the SAT or ACT.

Cambridge Pre-University Diploma

You need to meet the required score for your course admission.

European Baccalaureate

We recognise the following qualifications from Europe:

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

If you completed the NCEA Level 3, an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 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.

Australian qualifications

Year 12 qualifications by state and territory

ATAR or its equivalent in the following year 12 qualifications for each Australian state and territory.

State or territory *Recognised* qualification****
Australian Capital Territory ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACT SSC)
New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Northern Territory Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) – administered by SACE
Queensland Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) To convert your Queensland Overall Position (OP) to an ATAR result before 2020, check the ATAR/OP comparison table published by UAC.
South Australia South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
Tasmania Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
Victoria Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Western Australia Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)

UAI and TAFE

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.

Other qualifications from across the world

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Canada

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (international students only)

We have strict entry standards with regard to quality and integrity and take any inconsistencies in applications extremely seriously, in line with our academic honesty policy. To ensure the integrity of our admissions, we only accept qualifications obtained at Ontario Secondary School Diploma schools that have gone through our robust verification process.

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Egypt

Fiji

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

India

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kenya

Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Samoa and Solomon Islands

Korea (South)

Lebanon

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

Macedonia

Malaysia

Malta

Montenegro

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Scotland

Serbia

Singapore

Slovak Republic

Slovenia (Republic of)

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Tanzania

Uganda

United Kingdom

United States

Domestic onshore students who have completed another recognised secondary qualification cannot apply with the SAT or ACT.

Vietnam

Zimbabwe

Higher education study

If you have studied at the tertiary level, you may be eligible for admission if you have:

  1. Studied in a bachelor's degree or equivalent or higher, and
  2. Have completed at least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) within one degree.\ \ This is equal to a minimum of 48 credit points at the University of Sydney or the equivalent study load at other institutions.\ \ If you have not completed a full year, you will be assessed on your results in a recognised secondary education qualification.
  3. Completed this study at a recognised university or non-university higher education provider.

Multiple qualifications

If you have both a recognised secondary education qualification and a bachelor's degree, you will be assessed based on your best result.

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 based on your ATAR or equivalent score.

Some double / dual degrees are not available

If you've already started your bachelor's degree studies, the following courses are not available for application:

* You may be offered a place in Year 1 or 2 of the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine if you're an eligible applicant with previous tertiary studies at the University of Sydney or other institutions listed on the course page. Otherwise, you are not eligible for admission or credit and should apply for graduate entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. No offers will be made from Year 3 onwards.

Admission requirements

Grading systems and calculations vary across different institutions, and the following grades represent the University of Sydney grading system – this is only a guide for eligibility to apply.

In addition to the course selection rank, you are also required to meet any additional admission criteria listed on the course page.

Bachelor's degree grade Eligibility to apply
Pass average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 80.00
Credit average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 88.00
Distinction average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 94.00
High distinction average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 99.50

Credit for previous study

You may be eligible for credit for previous study to carry across to your new degree.

For international students

The University has international articulation pathway arrangements with selected overseas universities and higher education institutions. These formal arrangements can help fast-track your studies by providing you with credit towards your degree.

If your institution and program is listed, credit will be awarded as part of the application for admission. A separate application for credit is not required.

Diplomas, advanced diplomas and VET qualifications

We may consider the results of a completed diploma or advanced diploma, including vocational education and training (VET) qualifications at that level if:

In addition to the course selection rank, you are also required to meet any additional admission criteria listed on the course page.

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

The follow admission criteria is 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.

Diploma grade Eligibility to apply
Pass average (or overall competent) You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 75
Credit average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 81
Distinction average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 90
High distinction average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 95

AQF Advanced Diploma requirements

The follow admission criteria is 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.

Diploma grade Eligibility to apply
Pass average (or overall competent) You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 76
Credit average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 83
Distinction average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 93
High distinction average You can apply to courses with a selection rank of up to 96.95

For domestic students aged 20 and below

If you will be younger than 21 by the first time the study units of your prospective admission are finalised (called the ), you will also need to have completed the HSC or an equivalent acceptable secondary education qualification before your diploma will be considered.

If you have completed the HSC but have not received an ATAR, your diploma can be considered.

Faculty requirements

The following faculties and schools accept any AQF diploma:

The following faculties and schools accept relevant AQF diplomas only:

A relevant diploma means the diploma is from the same broad field of education as the degree you are applying for (check the field of education types listed by the Australian Government). If you're unsure that your diploma is relevant, contact admissions.office@sydney.edu.au with the details of your diploma and the University of Sydney course you want to apply for.

The following faculties do not accept AQF diplomas:

For international students

The University has international articulation pathways from selected post-secondary qualifications at overseas universities, polytechnics and colleges. This includes polytechnics in Singapore.

These formal arrangements can help fast-track your studies by providing you with credit towards your degree.

My qualification isn't listed

If you haven't completed a recognised qualification (as listed above), you may be able to gain admission through an enabling (preparation/foundation) program or entry scheme.

Domestic students

18 years or older

If you are aged 18 or older and have not followed a traditional secondary studies path, you may be able to apply for some courses through the Tertiary Preparation Certificate Entry Scheme or .

21 years or older (mature-age)

If you are aged 21 or older, without a recognised qualification, you may be able to gain admission through an approved preparation program via the Mature-age Entry Scheme.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student, you can apply through the Gadigal Entry Program. It offers strong student support and entry to your course with a lower ATAR requirement.

International students

From the University of Sydney

Completing the University of Sydney Preparation Programs (USPP) may help you become eligible to apply for your course. This program is available in intensive or standard formats, which are designed for applicants with high academic achievements.

From other universities and institutions (in Australia and globally)

Program Recognised delivery locations
Foundation programs offered by Group of Eight universities Australia
Foundation programs offered by Australian and New Zealand public university faculties/schools Australia, New Zealand
AIAC Foundation Program offered by Aceleader Education Group China
University of South Pacific programs Fiji
Malaysian Foundation Programs listed as MQR-registered programs Malaysia
Preparatory Year Samoa
Foundation programs offered by UK Russell Group universities United Kingdom
Advanced International Certificate of Education at the University of Cambridge United Kingdom
Foundation programs administered by the Study Group International United Kingdom, Europe, USA, Canada
St. Andrew’s College Cambridge Foundation Course offered by the UK Foundation Network (UKFN) United Kingdom, South Korea
Degree Pathway Programme offered by Kings Education United Kingdom, Vietnam, South Korea, Albania, Myanmar, Thailand

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