Comparison
University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney
University of Melbourne and University of Sydney are both Group of Eight universities, so both carry the research reputation and both sit in the highest tuition band. The choice usually comes down to city, specific course strengths, and cost.
University of Sydney is the more selective of the two (around 62% acceptance against 70% at University of Melbourne), though acceptance rate is an institution-wide figure and competitive courses stay selective everywhere.
| University of Melbourne | University of Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Acceptance rate | 70% | 62% |
| Tuition (international) | A$47,968 | A$49,000 |
| Tuition (domestic) | from A$8,000 | from A$8,989 |
| Required tests | typically IELTS, TOEFL, PTE | typically IELTS |
University of Melbourne vs University of Sydney: common questions
Is University of Melbourne or University of Sydney cheaper for international students?
They are close. The cheapest tuition on record is A$47,968 at one and A$49,000 at the other, but the gap is small and course choice matters more.
Which is more prestigious, University of Melbourne or University of Sydney?
Both sit in a similar tier, so prestige is not a strong tie-breaker. Look at rankings in your specific field and where you want to work afterward.
Can I apply to both University of Melbourne and University of Sydney?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and most charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal and sensible.
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Tuition and acceptance figures are approximate and drawn from this site’s database. This is general information, not admissions advice.