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University of Sydney Accepted Qualifications by Country: Complete Guide (2026/2027)

University of Sydney Accepted Qualifications by Country: Complete Guide (2026/2027)

University of Sydney Accepted Qualifications by Country: Complete Guide (2026/2027)

The University of Sydney accepts secondary education qualifications from 59 countries for direct undergraduate admission. Each qualification is assessed on its equivalence to the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) or Australian Year 12 standard. This article provides a comprehensive, objective listing of accepted qualifications by country, along with global qualification pathways available to all applicants.

Global Qualifications (Accepted from All Countries)

Several internationally recognised qualifications are accepted by the University of Sydney regardless of the applicant’s country of origin. These include:

These qualifications are listed on the university’s global admissions page and are not tied to any single nationality.

Country-by-Country List

East Asia

Southeast Asia

South Asia

Europe

Middle East and Africa

Oceania

Americas

What If Your Qualification Isn’t Listed?

If your secondary qualification does not appear in the country list above, direct undergraduate admission may not be possible. The University of Sydney recommends applying through a recognised foundation program. Foundation programs are one-year bridging courses designed for international students who have completed 12 years of schooling but whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry.

Foundation programs that are recognised as pathway options include:

Applicants with unlisted qualifications should contact the University of Sydney Admissions Office directly for individual assessment or refer to the university’s foundation program page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the University of University accept the Gaokao directly?

Yes. The Gaokao is accepted for direct undergraduate admission. Applicants must achieve a score above the university’s published minimum threshold, which varies by province in China and by faculty. There is no requirement to complete a foundation program if the Gaokao score meets the threshold. However, English language proficiency must also be demonstrated via IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

2. I have an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Do I need to meet any country-specific requirements?

No. The IB Diploma is a global qualification accepted from all countries. The university assesses IB scores directly against its published entry requirements, which differ by course (e.g., 24–45 points depending on the program). Some courses also have prerequisite subjects at Higher Level. English language tests are required only if the IB was not completed in English.

3. What if my high school only offers a local curriculum not listed in the 59 countries?

You should not apply for direct entry. Instead, you must complete a recognised foundation program first. The University of Sydney’s own foundation program (run by Trinity College) is designed for such cases. Alternatively, you may complete an Australian Year 12 equivalent (e.g., through a high school exchange program) or an international qualification like the IB Diploma through a registered school. Always verify with the admissions office before applying.

4. Are there any qualifications from the 59 countries that are not accepted?

Yes. The university only accepts the specific qualifications listed for each country. For example, in China, only the Gaokao is accepted—not the National College Entrance Exam for vocational tracks (e.g., Zhongsheng). In India, only CBSE, CISCE, and state board Higher Secondary Certificates are accepted; certain vocational or open school certificates may not be recognised. Always check the official list.

5. How do I know which grade or score is required for my qualification?

Minimum grade requirements are determined by each faculty and can change annually. The university publishes a separate document for each qualification showing the required scores for specific courses. For example, for the IB Diploma, you may need 28 points for a Bachelor of Arts but 38 points for a Bachelor of Medicine. Similarly, Gaokao thresholds differ by province and course. You should consult the University of Sydney’s official entry requirements page for the current intake year.

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