How to Apply to Physics at the University of Sydney: the Physics Major and Astrophysics Program in the Bachelor of Science, with Entry and Prerequisite Requirements for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

At the University of Sydney, undergraduate physics is studied within the Bachelor of Science in the Faculty of Science: the website lists a Physics major and an Astrophysics program under that degree. This guide sets out the 2027 entry information for domestic applicants, international applicants, applicants from China and transfer students.

1. What you can study

• The degree (Bachelor of Science course page): three years full time (the page notes part-time study is available), 144 credit points, UAC code 513910, CRICOS code 000719E, on the Camperdown/Darlington campus, with Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry for international students. The website says there are more than 40 majors, programs and streams, from biology and chemistry to nanoscience and physics, plus a shared pool of majors from across the University.
• Structure: 12 credit points of degree core units plus 12 credit points of first-year science units; a 48-credit-point major (or program or stream); a 36-credit-point minor or a second 48-credit-point major; at least 6 credit points in the Open Learning Environment; and electives. The sample plan on the course page lists MATH1061 Mathematics 1A and MATH1062 Mathematics 1B as recommended degree core units (it was written for a student majoring in Biology and Chemistry, so treat it as a guide only).
• The Physics major (major page): the website describes physics as a generalist major that does not tie you to one career path. You learn to design and conduct experiments and analyse the results, take part in original research, and study the basic concepts and key ideas of modern physics, with flexible course choices. The graduate pathways it lists include Physics Honours and a PhD for a research career, or a Master of Medical Physics for a hospital-based medical physicist, as well as work in fields such as software, consulting, data science and actuarial work.
• The Astrophysics program (program page): Astrophysics is in the 2027 list of programs under the Bachelor of Science. The website says it is built around the Physics major with an emphasis on topics relevant to astronomy, including Astronomy and Data Science, Mathematics, Electrodynamics and Optics, and Quantum, Statistical and Computational Physics.
• Industry and research experience: the Bachelor of Science page mentions long-running year-in-industry programs in chemistry and physics and access to facilities such as the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, and high-achieving students may be invited to the Dalyell Scholars program. Places, conditions and credit for the year-in-industry program are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the Faculty of Science pages.
• Physics in other degrees: the website lists further degrees that offer the Physics major, including the Bachelor of Science (Advanced), the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences, the Bachelor of Advanced Computing and several double degrees. This guide covers the Bachelor of Science only.
• Laboratory work and professional accreditation: whether the physics program holds accreditation from a physics professional body is not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the Faculty of Science.
• Do you choose physics when applying? The application on the course page is for the Bachelor of Science. When, and on what conditions, a major or program is confirmed after enrolment is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the degree structure on the course page or ask the faculty.

2. Prerequisites

• Mathematics prerequisite: in the University's list of courses with a mathematics prerequisite, the Faculty of Science appears only through the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences; the Bachelor of Science is not on the list. (Mathematics course prerequisites)
• Assumed knowledge: the assumed knowledge field on the Bachelor of Science page shows mathematics (code MathsAdv) and other subjects; the exact wording is on the course page. Whether high school physics is required is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the course page or ask the faculty.
• Any placement test in mathematics or physics before or after enrolment is not given on the pages used for this guide.

3. Indicative entry scores for 2027

• Bachelor of Science: for international applicants, ATAR 80 (the page lists 80 for domestic applicants); IB 29; A-Levels 13 from three subjects or 13 from four; Gaokao 75%; BC Certificate of Graduation average 3.45; Ontario OSSD average 81; SAT 1250 or ACT 24; University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) 6.9/C; other Australian university foundation programs 69.
• Notes: A-Levels are scored on A2 subjects with A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1; if more than four subjects are offered the best four count, AS subjects are not used, and at most one Applied A-Level may be included. The IB figure is the total for the completed IB Diploma. The SAT is out of 1600 and must be accompanied by evidence of high school graduation; the SAT/ACT requirement can be lower for applicants with AP scores of 3 or better. The OSSD is the average of six university/college preparation courses including English, and the University says it currently accepts only Ontario schools that have passed its verification process. The BC figure is the average of all Grade 12 subjects except Graduation Transition on A=4, B=3, C+=2.5, C=2, C-=1, F=0. These are indicative figures and do not guarantee an offer.

Domestic applicants (Australian Year 12)

• How to apply: domestic applicants apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) rather than directly to the University of Sydney, and UAC's website sets the key dates. (Application dates)
• How selection works: the University uses a "selection rank". If you have an ATAR, your selection rank is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors. Adjustment factors come from the University's entry schemes; the amount can differ by course, and some are awarded automatically while others need an application. Non-ATAR qualifications are converted by UAC to an ATAR-equivalent rank. (Selection rank)
• What the published ranks mean: the University says each course's listed selection rank reflects the previous year's intake and is only a guide that changes from year to year. Some courses have additional criteria such as prerequisite study, a personal statement or an interview, shown on the course page.
• For the Bachelor of Science the page lists a domestic indicative ATAR of 80.

International applicants

• How to apply: applicants with overseas qualifications can apply directly to the University from the course page or through an authorised agent, and an application processing fee is payable (the amount is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website). International students currently studying an Australian Year 12 qualification, or an IB Diploma in Australia, apply through UAC. (How to apply as an international student)
• Closing dates: for undergraduate international applicants, the website gives 1 December of the year before commencement for Semester 1 (February) and 29 May of the commencing year for Semester 2 (August). It says applications generally open two years before the start date, that applications may close once capacity is reached, and that applicants should apply at least six to eight weeks before the start date to leave time for processing and a visa. The page does not print a year, so check the dates for 2027 entry; under this rule a February 2027 start closes on 1 December 2026. (Application dates)
• Start dates: the standard start dates shown on the page are 23 February 2026 (Semester 1) and 3 August 2026 (Semester 2). The 2027 start dates are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website.
• Documents: academic certificates and transcripts, proof of English proficiency and proof of identity (passport); some courses may also need a supplementary form, personal statement or portfolio. If your school issues electronic certification of transcripts, submit the secure digital document or use an approved platform. Documents not in English must be translated by a government-accredited translator such as NAATI, or by your school's registrar or equivalent.
• Visa steps: international students must meet the University's entry requirements and the Australian Government's Genuine Student requirement, and may be asked to complete an additional assessment. After an offer, you accept by the deadline and pay first-semester fees to receive the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for the student visa; Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required and can be arranged by the University or by yourself with an approved provider.
• Preparation programs: international applicants without a recognised qualification can take preparation programs, which are delivered by Taylors College. (How to apply as an international student)

English language requirements

• Bachelor of Science: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 85 overall, at least 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing; PTE 64 overall, 60 in each band.
• Waivers: the website says that applicants whose first language is English need citizenship or long-term permanent residency (at least 10 years) and secondary or tertiary study in a recognised English-speaking country; others can show completed secondary, foundation, Australian diploma or at least one year of bachelor's study taught in English in a recognised English-speaking country within five years of starting. The recognised list includes Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States; mainland China is not on the list.
• Another route is a specified subject (usually English or a humanities subject) in a recognised secondary qualification, such as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education or an IB Diploma not taught in English, completed within two years of starting; the required subject and grade are in the University's concordance table. Courses at the University's Centre for English Teaching are also an option. (English language requirements)

Applicants from China

• Gaokao: the University recognises the Gaokao. The website expresses the requirement as a percentage for each course, to be converted against the maximum score of your province: the maximum is 750 in most provinces, with exceptions including Shanghai (660) and Hainan (940); its example is that 70% in Beijing equals 525 out of 750. The percentages for the courses in this guide are listed above. The course page lists 75% for the Bachelor of Science. Whether a separate result in physics or mathematics is required is not given; ask the admissions office. (Recognised qualifications)
• International curricula: applicants in IB, A-Level or American curriculum programs (SAT/ACT with AP) can apply on the matching figures above.
• Foundation programs: the University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) and other Australian university foundation programs have reference results on the course pages; the list of recognised foundation programs also includes one located in China (the AIAC Foundation Program offered by Aceleader Education Group).
• Documents: the website says applicants from China should check whether their academic documents need to be verified by China's Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD); non-English documents must be translated.
• Senior-high graduation certificate, huikao results, interviews: whether any of these is separately required is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website or ask the admissions office or its regional contacts.

Transfer students and credit

• Recognition of prior learning (RPL): if you have completed university-level subjects, or in some cases a recognised qualification leading into a bachelor's degree, you may apply for credit, which the faculty assesses. Credit can take the form of specific credit, non-specific credit, reduced volume of learning or an enrolment exception request, and may shorten your course and reduce your fees. (Recognition of prior learning)
• Visa impact: for international students, a shorter course affects the student visa; the website says the University must notify the Department of Home Affairs if the expected duration is reduced, so check your visa conditions before applying, as you may be required to study full time.
• Articulation pathways: the website has a page on international articulation pathways; the specific arrangements for particular institutions and courses are not given on the pages used for this guide, so check the website.
• Rules for crediting calculus and physics sequences taken elsewhere are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the Faculty of Science.

Fees and scholarships

• Bachelor of Science: international fee A$63,600; indicative Commonwealth-supported (CSP) student contribution A$10,642.
• These are indicative amounts for 2027 entry, for Year 1 of full-time study (48 credit points). The website says the international tuition fee depends on the calendar year in which you study and your study load and is subject to annual increase; the CSP contribution also rises each year, subject to a maximum set by the Australian Government. Other costs such as OSHC are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the website.
• Scholarships: the University says it awards over A$135 million in scholarships each year. General undergraduate scholarships for international students include the Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship (for international students who have applied for but not yet started a single undergraduate coursework degree; it covers 100% of tuition fees and the student services fee for the published full-time duration of that degree), the Sydney International Student Award (20% of the tuition fee for the duration of the course) and the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Scheme (up to A$40,000). Among Faculty of Science scholarships, the Sir Lionel Hooke Scholarship (A$7,500) is for high-achieving recent high school graduates applying for an undergraduate degree in the faculty. Some scholarships are considered automatically when you apply for admission and others need a separate application with their own deadlines, so check each one's conditions. (International scholarships, General undergraduate scholarships)
• Students from the United States, Canada, Sweden, Norway or Denmark may be eligible for education loan schemes from their home country.

Application checklist

Domestic applicants:

• Apply through UAC and compare your rank with the course page (domestic indicative ATAR 80)

International applicants (including those from China):

• Gaokao 75% (converted against your province's maximum), or IB 29, A-Levels 13 from three subjects, SAT 1250 / ACT 24 with high school graduation
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), or TOEFL 85, or PTE 64
• Check whether your documents need CSSD verification and translate non-English documents
• Apply by 1 December of the year before a February start or 29 May of the start year for an August start, and confirm the exact dates for 2027

Transfer students:

• Apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) and check your student visa conditions on study load

Sources: The University of Sydney, Bachelor of Science; Physics major; Astrophysics program; Mathematics prerequisites; How to apply as an international student; Application dates; English language requirements; Recognised qualifications; Selection rank; Recognition of prior learning; International scholarships; Faculty of Science scholarships. Information is for 2027 entry; entry scores are indicative. Check the University of Sydney for the latest details.