USYD OR UNSW? Which uni is better? How do I choose a uni? Should I go to the University of Sydney or University of New South Wales?
The age-old dilemma many Year 12 students face as graduation looms closer is whether the University of Sydney (USYD) or the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a better choice for them. Both highly prestigious schools, it can be hard to distinguish between the two. Therefore, we’re here today to list several factors you may want to consider when applying for university and using your ATAR, updating our 2015 guide. Ultimately, we aim to communicate these points to you in hopes that you can make the right decision for yourself and your own specific circumstances.
About USYD and UNSW
The University of Sydney, recognisable for its Quadrangle building, is Australia’s first university founded in 1850. It is a public university with its main campus based in Camperdown and Darlington. Find out more here.
The University of New South Wales is a public university was founded in 1949. Its main campus is in Kensington, and is known for having a focus on scientific, technological and professional disciplines. Learn more here.
Rankings
The following tables summarise the two university rankings for 2019 in accordance to three world ranking sites; QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities and Times Higher Education.
| Australia Rank | QS | ARWU | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| University of New South Wales | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Global Rank | QS | ARWU | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | 42 | 80 | 60 |
| University of New South Wales | 45 | 94 | 71 |
As seen from the numbers, both schools are of extremely high calibre and are consistently the top 2 Sydney-based universities on each list. We can also see that USYD tends to rank slightly higher on both a national and international scale.
However, it is important to realise that rankings need not be of top priority, especially when it comes to higher education. Unlike what you may be familiar with for high school, rank does not have to be a hugely influential factor to your education. Also, ranks vary in accordance to which degree or faculty you wish to study at, so be sure to look at those once you’ve narrowed that down.
Degrees
With a wide array of schools, faculties and degrees to choose from, both unis offer a myriad of options. To browse available degrees, see the search portals for both USYD and UNSW. To compare each and every degree would be a difficult task, so here are some pointers for what to look for:
If you are graduating from high school, you would be looking at Undergraduate (not Postgraduate!) degrees. Hence, you can filter search results to make things easier for you.
If you’re overwhelmed and are not sure what you want to study, use a process of elimination. Look at the faculties at both schools and cross out the ones you are definitely not interested in. Then, deep dive into specific degrees.
Some degrees such as the Bachelor of Commerce, Science or Arts may have majors available to you too. This will require you to research further to see what sparks your interest.
Be mindful of double degrees if you wish to supplement your study with more than one area of study.
Use a degree comparison tool to compare degrees directly.
Some degrees, such as Medicine or Law, may be more complicated to understand if you don’t understand the progression yet, so be sure to research and understand those career pathways carefully.
We’ve discussed more on choosing degrees here.
ATAR Cut offs
See your previous year’s ATAR cut-offs at USYD and UNSW to estimate the likelihood of you reaching your goals.
If you want to venture further on this topic, compare the Bonus Points and Guaranteed Entry Schemes between the two.
Semesters vs Trimesters
A major difference between the two institutions is the difference in academic calendars.
USYD operates on a semester system, meaning 2 teaching periods a year. This means there is a winter holiday break in between (around 1 month), with a 1 week mid sem break in each semester.
UNSW operates on a trimester system, which is 3 teaching periods a year. Switching to this in 2019, it was said to align with more schools internationally, especially in the Northern Hemisphere to make exchange easier. There are 2 week breaks between terms (like high school), and many courses don’t run classes during a designated week in the middle of the term to let students catch up.
While this is an ongoing point of contention, be aware that it may not affect incoming cohorts as much if you do not have to experience a transition from one system to another.
Campus, Location & Public Transport
While this may not seem like a high priority, the campus experience, location and accessibility of your school is very important.
In terms of campuses, not all degrees are based on the main campus, changing your university experience. For instance, USYD’s health science degrees are taught in Cumberland (which is planning on moving in 2021), and UNSW Art & Design is in Paddington. If the degree you’re interested in isn’t entirely on the main campus, consider this in your decision-making as the on-campus experience would be different.
USYD, being in the inner city, is walking or bus distance from Redfern, Newtown or Central station. UNSW may require an express bus from Central station, which takes slightly longer. The light rail is also an option between UNSW and Central, but is generally a slower alternative.
Again, the degree you choose determines which building(s) you have classes in at uni, and it is best to visit these for yourself to see if the place is the right fit for you.
Social Life
This is a rather significant factor students often consider when choosing between the two. UNSW is colloquially cited as having the ‘better’ social life of the two, with a huge number of clubs and societies for you to join. It may be a surprise however that USYD has an active society scene as well. Both universities have free union membership, meaning the upfront costs when joining societies is up to the individual clubs to determine.
If societies are a large factor for you, consider attending Orientation, Welcome and Open Days at both universities to see firsthand what each culture is like. Furthermore, as this is a highly subjective experience, try to speak with current or previous students from both schools to hear their observations!
It is important to note that your social life is very much what you make of it. If you put yourself out there and willingly try to make friends, join societies and engage in the campus lifestyle, you will be rewarded no matter which university you go to!
Online Learning
Finally, in light of COVID-19, you may be wondering about the online learning experiences. Both universities are capable of operating online, using different intranet and technology tools. However, it is safe to say that both universities have a more dynamic in-person experience, so we hope you can have that chance.
Both universities are very reputable and well-known in Australia, so if you are able to choose between the two, you are in a lucky place and should be proud of yourself. Remember, the experience at each is mostly what you do with it - whether you choose to excel academically, engage in the social atmosphere or enhance your employability prospects is largely up to you, so don’t be disappointed if you can only make one or the other.
