The University of Sydney (USYD) is widely recognized as one of Australia’s leading universities, consistently ranking among the top institutions nationally and globally. Its academic units and disciplines enjoy strong reputations, reflected in various prestigious ranking systems in 2025.
Overall University Ranking
In 2025, the University of Sydney holds an impressive position in global university rankings:
- QS World University Rankings 2025 places USYD at 18th worldwide, making it one of the top universities not only in Australia but globally.
- The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 ranks USYD 4th in Australia and around 61st–73rd globally, with high scores in research quality (92.1) and industry income (99.5).
- According to University Guru, USYD ranks **#11 among 42 Australian universitiestopping several meta-rankings nationally.
Unit and Subject Rankings
Beyond overall university rankings, specific academic units at USYD are highly ranked internationally, indicating the university’s strength across diverse fields. The QS Subject Rankings 2023–2025 highlight some of the university’s top-performing disciplines:
| Subject Area | 2025 QS Ranking | Notable Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Sports-Related Subjects | 3 | Improved from 4th in previous years5 |
| Nursing | 20 | Consistently strong |
| Law and Legal Studies | 18 | Maintains top 20 status |
| Medicine and Life Sciences | 24–27 | Stable high rankings |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | 19 | Improved slightly |
| Architecture and Built Environment | 30 | Solid position |
| Mathematics | 38 | Significant improvement |
| Engineering (various branches) | 23–60 | Growing strength across fields |
| Social Policy and Administration | 22 | Rising steadily |
| Communication and Media Studies | 28 | Competitive global ranking |
These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and research impact in both traditional and emerging fields.
Importance of Unit Rankings
Unit or subject rankings are valuable for prospective students and researchers as they:
- Indicate the quality of teaching and research within specific disciplines.
- Help students choose programs with strong reputations and industry connections.
- Reflect faculty expertise, research output, and graduate outcomes.
- Influence scholarship opportunities and international collaborations.
Why University of Sydney Stands Out
- Research Excellence: USYD scores exceptionally high in research quality and output, contributing to its strong subject rankings.
- Industry Collaboration: The university’s near-perfect score in industry income (99.5) demonstrates strong ties to business and innovation sectors.
- Comprehensive Programs: USYD offers a broad range of highly ranked courses, from health sciences to humanities and engineering.
- Global Reputation: Its consistent presence in top global rankings attracts international students and faculty.
The University of Sydney’s unit rankings in 2025 affirm its status as a top-tier institution in Australia and worldwide. Whether you are interested in health sciences, law, engineering, or the arts, USYD offers programs that rank highly for quality and impact. These rankings provide valuable guidance for students seeking a world-class education aligned with their academic and career goals.