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Title
Recognised qualifications
Category
undergraduate
UUID
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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)](/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/how-to-apply/domestic-admission-guide.pdf.coredownload.pdf)

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### [2026 Admission Guide (for domestic students)](/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/how-to-apply/domestic-admission-guide-2026.pdf.coredownload.pdf)

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##### For international students

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

### [2026 Admission Guide (for international students)](/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/how-to-apply/international-admission-guide.pdf.coredownload.pdf)

Filename
:   international-admission-guide.pdf

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### [2026 International Guide - Undergraduate admission scores explanation](/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/how-to-apply/usyd-international-guide-explanation-of-admission-scores.pdf.coredownload.pdf)

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

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---

## Secondary education qualifications

### Jump to

- [Global qualifications](#global)  false /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/globe-countries.svg
- [Australian qualifications](#australian)  false /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/koala.svg
- [Qualifications across the world](#world)  false /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/earth-globe-option-2.svg

### 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](mailto: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](https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/ib-applicants). 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:

- Diplome du Baccalaureate European
- Zeugnis der Europaischen Reifeprufung
- Diploma di Licenze Liceale Europea
- Europees Baccalaureate Diploma

### 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)](https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/international/nz-quals-overseas/study-with-ncea/australia/) 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 territo**ry** | ****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](https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/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

- Reifezeugnis
- Matura
- Reifeprufungszeugnis
- Maturazeugnis

### Belgium

- Diplome van Secundair Onderwij
- Certificat d’ Enseignment Secondaire Superieur
- Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichs

### Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Diploma o Završenoj Srednjoj Školi

### Bulgaria

- Diploma za Zavrsheno Sredno Obrazovanie

### Canada

- Alberta High School Diploma
- British Columbia Certificate of Graduation
- 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

**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

- Gaokao – National Higher Education Entrance Examination

### Croatia

- Croatian Matura, 2010 and onwards

### Cyprus

- Pancyprian Examinations

### Czech Republic

- Vysvedceni o Maturitni Zkousce

### Denmark

- Studentereksamen
- Højere Forberedelseksame
- Højere Tekniskeksame
- Højere Handelseksame

### Egypt

- Egypt Final Examination

### Fiji

- Fiji Seventh Form Certificate (2012 and earlier)
- Fiji Year 13 Certificate (2013 onwards)

### Finland

- Ylioppilastutkintotodistus
- Studenteksamensbetyg

### France

- Baccalauréat Général
- Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement du Second Degre
- Diplôme de Bachelier de l’Enseignement du Second Degre
- Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB)

### Germany

- Abiturientenzeugnis
- Reifezeugnis
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife
- Zeugnis der Reife

### Greece

- Panhellenic Examination for General Lyceum

### Hong Kong

- 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

### Hungary

- Gimnaziumi Erettsegi Bizonyitvany
- Erettsegi Vizsga
- Matura
- Szakkozepiskolai Erettsegi Kepesity Bizonyitvany

### Iceland

- Studentsprof

### India

- All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
- Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
- Indian Higher Secondary Certificate (State board exams)

### Ireland

- Leaving Certificate
- Matriculation Certificate

### Israel

- Teudat Bagrut

### Italy

- Diploma di Maturita Classica
- Diploma Maturita Scientifica
- Diploma di Maturita Linguistica

### Japan

- National Center Test (Sentaa)

### Kenya

- Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education

### Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Samoa and Solomon Islands

- South Pacific Form Seven Certificate

### Korea (South)

- Korea Republic College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)

### Lebanon

- Lebanese Baccalaureat

### Liechtenstein

- Liechtenstein Maturitatszeugnis

### Luxembourg

- Diplome de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires

### Macedonia

- Macedonian Secondary School Leaving Certificate or Matura, 2008 and onwards

### Malaysia

- Sijil Tinggi Perskolahan Malaysia (STPM)
- Malaysian Matriculation Certificate (Matrikulasi)
- Malaysian UEC

### Malta

- University of Malta Advanced Matriculation Examinations

### Montenegro

- Diploma o Završenok Srednjoj Školi

### Nepal

- Nepalese Higher Secondary Education Certificate

### Netherlands

- Voorbereidend Wetnschappelijik Onderwijs (VWO)

### New Zealand

- 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)](https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/), and provided to UAC. This will be used in the admission process, provided you have fulfilled university entrance requirements as set by NZQA.

### Norway

- Examen Artium
- Vitnemal Den Videregaende Skole
- Eksamen fra Okonomisk Gymnas

### Poland

- Egzamin Maturalny (Liceum, Teknikum)

### Portugal

- Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundarios
- Diploma de Decimo Segundo Ano de Escolaridad
- Diploma Tecnico Profissional

### Romania

- Diploma de Bacalaureat (Maturitate)

### Scotland

- Scottish National Courses at Higher and Advanced Higher levels

### Serbia

- Diploma o Zavrsenok Srednjoj Skolij

### Singapore

- Singapore GCE A levels
- NUS High School Diploma (international students only)

### Slovak Republic

- Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške

### Slovenia (Republic of)

- Maturitetno Spricevalo
- Splošna matura

### South Africa

- JMB Matriculation Certificate
- South African Senior Certificate (prior to 2008)
- South African National Senior Certificate (2008 onwards)

### Spain

- Tecnico Especialista
- Curso pre-universitaria
- Curso de Orientacion Universitaria
- Titulo de Bachillerato with Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad

### Sri Lanka

- Sri Lankan GCE A levels

### Sweden

- Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan

### Switzerland

- Federal Maturity Certificate (Certificate de Maturite)
- Baccalaureat
- Maturitatszeugnis
- Attestato di Maturita

### Taiwan

- Taiwan General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT)

### Tanzania

- Tanzanian Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education

### Uganda

- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education

### United Kingdom

- **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**\
   Accepted (from 2010 onwards) with required score.

### United States

- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) examination or American College Test (ACT) with completion of a secondary education (high school) qualification.
- Advanced Placement (AP) aggregate score based on a minimum of three and a maximum of four AP exams, with completion of a secondary education (high school) qualification, achieved the required GPA (based on 4.0 scale of an accredited US high school). Only AP scores of 3 or higher are included in the aggregate (Calculus AB subgrade will not be included).

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

### Vietnam

- Vietnamese High School Graduation Certificate (Bằng tốt nghiệp THPT) with the required Grade 12 GPA from approved high schools (international students only)

### Zimbabwe

- Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) GCE A Levels

## 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:

- Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine (double degree)
- Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine (double degree)
- Bachelor of Arts (Dual Degree: Sciences Po, France)
- Bachelor of Economics (Dual Degree: Sciences Po, France)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine\*

\* 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](/students/guide-to-grades.html) – 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](/students/credit-for-previous-study.html) to carry across to your new degree.

**For international students**

The University has [international articulation pathway arrangements](/content/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/international-articulation-pathways.html) 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:

- the qualification was accredited by the [Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)](https://www.aqf.edu.au/) or an overseas equivalent at the time you were enrolled
- and your faculty accepts the qualification.

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:**

- Faculty of Science
- School of Economics
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- Sydney Dental School
- Sydney School of Education and Social Work
- The University of Sydney Business School

**The following faculties and schools accept relevant AQF diplomas only:**

- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Sydney Nursing School
- Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
- Sydney School of Health Sciences
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science

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](https://www.tcsisupport.gov.au/resources/field-of-education-types) listed by the Australian Government). If you're unsure that your diploma is relevant, contact [admissions.office@sydney.edu.au](mailto: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:**

- Sydney Law School
- Sydney Medical School
- Sydney Pharmacy School

### For international students

The University has [international articulation pathways](/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/international-articulation-pathways.html) 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](/study/applying/admission-pathways/tpc-scheme.html) 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](/study/applying/admission-pathways/mature-age-entry.html).

### Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student, you can apply through the [Gadigal Entry Program](/study/applying/admission-pathways/gadigal-program.html). 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)](/study/applying/how-to-apply/international-students/preparation-programs.html) 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](https://go8.edu.au/about/members) | 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](https://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/our-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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