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Both University of Melbourne and University of Sydney are top public research universities in Australia with excellent academics, research facilities, student diversity and career growth opportunities. It is very common to be confused between the two for choosing what is best for your career. This blog is here to help you make the choice that is best for you!
| Ranking | University of Melbourne | University of Sydney |
| Established | 1853 | 1850 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Acceptance Rate | 70-80% | 30% |
| Student Teacher Ratio | 12:1 | 20:1 |
This Blog Includes:
University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney
University of Melbourne, founded in 1853 is a top tier public research university in Melbourne. It is the 2nd oldest university in Australia and still ranks 37th in the world and 3rd in Australia. It offers a variety of top ranking undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs for its diverse students. With 11 colleges and 8 institutes under it, the University provides academic excellence and career development.
University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is one of the top universities and oldest in Australia and consistently ranks in the top 50 universities in the world. Located in Sydney, the university is known for its academics, research, student experience and graduate employability. It offers various undergraduate, graduate and research courses through its 16 faculties.
Ranking of University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney
| Ranking | University of Melbourne | University of Sydney |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 | 33(world rank)1(Australia Rank) | 58(world rank)5(Australia Rank) |
| QS World University Rankings 2022 | 37 | 38 |
| QS World University Rankings 2021 – Top 10 Universities in Australia | 3 | 2 |
| 2022 Best Global Universities RankingsBy US News & World Report | 25 | 28 |
| 2022 Best Global Universities in Australia By US News & World Report | 1 | 2 |
Courses offered by University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney
The University of Melbourne offers undergraduate courses, graduate courses, graduate research and short courses and microcredentials in the following study areas:
- Accounting
- Actuarial studies
- Agricultural sciences
- Architectural engineering
- Architecture
- Business administration
- Chemical engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer science
- Conservation
- Construction
- Dance
- Data and analytics
- Data science
- Dentistry and oral health
- Design
- Electrical and electronic engineering
- Energy
- Environmental engineering
- Film and television
- Finance
- Food science
- Geography
- Global and international education
- Health sciences
- Higher education
- History and philosophy
- Indigenous arts and culture
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Instructional leadership and management
- International business
- Landscape architecture
- Marketing
- Mechanical, aerospace and mechatronic engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Performing arts
- Physics
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological sciences
- Public administration
- Research in law
- Social and political science
- Social work
- Software engineering
- Spatial information
- Teaching
- Theatre
- Urban design
- Urban planning
- Veterinary science
- Visual art
- Writing
University of Sydney offer various undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs in the areas of Arts and social sciences, Architecture, design and planning, Business, Education and social work, Engineering and computer science, Law, Medicine and health, Music, Science with the top ranked courses being:
- Accounting and finance
- Archaeology
- Architecture and the built environment
- Agricultural sciences
- Anatomy and physiology
- Arts and humanities
- Business and management studies
- Clinical medicine
- Communication and media studies
- Education
- Engineering – civil and structural
- English language and literature
- Geography
- History
- History, philosophy and theology
- Law
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Performing arts
- Pharmacy and pharmacology
- Psychology
- Public health
- Social policy and administration
- Sociology
- Space science
- Sports-related subjects
- Surgery
- Telecommunication engineering
- Transportation science and technology
- Veterinary sciences
Cost of Studying at University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney
| Expense | University of Melbourne | University of Sydney |
| Tuition fee | A$31000-191000 (INR 16,52,108- 1,01,79,702) | A$38000-82000 (INR 20,26,373.18- 43,70,094) |
| Application fee | A$100 (INR 5,329) | A$125 (INR 6,662) |
| Living Expenses per week | $430 (INR 22,906) | $520 (INR 27,701) |
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Entry Requirements
There are majorly two intakes- February and July- for both the universities. Check the application dates for particular courses on the official websites. Keep in mind, while submission of essential documents at the time of application you meet these minimum requirements:
| Requirement | University of Melbourne | University of Sydney |
| TOEFL(paper-based) | 577 with a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English. | – |
| TOEFL(internet-based) | total score at least 79 and scores of 21 for writing, 18 for speaking, 13 for reading and 13 for listening. | overall score of 96 with 27 for Writing, 24 for listening, reading, and 23 for speaking |
| IELTS | total score of at least 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. | overall score of 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0 |
| Pearson Test of English | overall score of at least 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50. | overall score of 68 with no individual band below 68 |
| Cambridge English, Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) | Cambridge English Score of at least 176 with no skill below 169. | – |
| C2 Proficiency | Cambridge English Score of at least 180 with no skill below 180. | – |
| GMAT | minimum required 560 | 550-700 |
| GRE | minimum 310 with a minimum score of 157 on the Quantitative Section and a minimum of 152 on the verbal section | – |
Application Process
The application process for the two universities is similar yet exhaustive and overwhelming. Students are required to browse through the list of courses, check eligibility requirements and apply for the course with the supporting documents. Here is a stepwise application process that you can follow to apply to Australia:
- Register online with the university by making a new student application and select the course(s) you wish to apply for.
- Check the eligibility requirements for the course and fill out the application form online.
- Collect all the relevant documents, funds and scholarships for your desired course.
- Submit the application form and pay the application fees (Some universities allow students to waiver the application fees so do check if you are eligible for the same)
- Finally, get a confirmation letter from the university.
Still confused between University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney? Call our Leverage Edu experts on 1800 572 000 and clear all your doubts about studying in Australia’s top universities.
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