The University of Melbourne vs The University of Sydney
The University of Melbourne
Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
The University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Head-to-Head Headliner Comparison
Scan the essential comparative metrics side-by-side to guide your final choice.
| Comparative Indicators | The University of Melbourne | The University of Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rank (2025/2026) | #19 | #25 |
| THE World Rank (2025) | #39 | #61 |
| ARWU Shanghai Rank | #38 | #72 |
| US News Global Rank | #27 | #29 |
| Acceptance Rate | 30% | 30% |
| Annual Tuition (Intl) | A$33,000 | A$38,000 |
| Established Year | 1853 | 1850 |
| Total Students Count | 53,963 | 70,298 |
| Campus Safety Rating | 89 / 100 | 92 / 100 |
5-Year Ranking Trajectory
Compare dynamic overall prestige ranking shifts over the past 5 years (lower value = higher rank).
Executive AI Admissions Counselor Verdict
Global Prestige & Reputation Vibe
Melbourne and Sydney both hold elite global prestige in Computer Science, consistently top-ranked. Melbourne typically offers a foundational science-oriented Bachelor of Science, promoting a broad academic culture. Sydney emphasizes an integrated engineering curriculum, prioritizing practical application and specialized professional development through Honours programs. Their robust reputations primarily differ in pedagogical philosophy.
Elite Academic Strengths & Major Comparison
Melbourne's Bachelor of Science (CS) costs $48,000/yr for 3 years; Sydney’s Bachelor of Engineering Honours (SE) is $52,000/yr over 4 years. Master's are mostly 2 years (Melb: $50-51k/yr; Syd: $50.5-52k/yr), though Sydney provides a 1.5-year Master of Data Science. PhDs vary: Melbourne 4 years ($49,000/yr) versus Sydney 3.5 years ($50,500/yr).
Campus Culture & Daily Student Vibe
Choose Melbourne for a 3-year Bachelor's with a broader science foundation and academic flexibility. Choose Sydney for a 4-year, professionally accredited engineering honours degree focused on applied software engineering, or if seeking a shorter Master of Data Science or PhD pathway.
Discipline Focus Showdown
Click on any subject in the QS Showdown table below to dynamically compare specific majors, annual tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities side-by-side.
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Click any subject in the QS Rankings Showdown table below to instantly unlock side-by-side program profiles and specific global international scholarships!
QS Subject Rankings Showdown
Head-to-head QS subject rankings. Click on any subject row to dynamically pull direct courses and scholarships in the Discipline Focus card above!
The University of Exclusive Edge
The University of Exclusive Edge
Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject. Rankings reflect the best available year in our database.
Cost of Living Face-off
Detailed ballpark monthly student expenditure comparison based on city indices.
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