Taylors College Sydney

A Century of Excellence – Your Gateway to University of Sydney

Taylors College Sydney stands as one of Australia's most established and trusted pathway colleges, with a legacy stretching back to 1920. Originally founded in Melbourne as "George Taylor and Staff" (GT&S), it was one of 13 colleges offering tuition to University of Melbourne students. Between 1920 and 1970, Taylors College enrolled approximately 320,000 students, building an unmatched reputation for preparing students for university success.

Today, Taylors College Sydney specializes exclusively in preparing international students for undergraduate study at the University of Sydney – Australia's first university (established 1852) and currently ranked #18 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, #2 in Australia, and #1 in Australia for sustainability. If you're an international student aiming for one of the world's most prestigious universities but don't quite meet direct entry requirements, Taylors College Sydney provides the proven pathway to get you there.

In May 2023, Navitas completed its acquisition of Taylors College Sydney from Study Group, bringing the college into the Navitas global education network while maintaining all existing programs, staff, and university partnerships. The programs continue to be delivered on behalf of the University of Sydney and are recognized as official qualification for admission to degree-level study at the university.

Location – Inner-City Sydney

Located at 965 Bourke Street in Waterloo, Taylors College Sydney sits approximately 3 kilometers from Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) and about 4.5 kilometers southwest of the University of Sydney's main campus. This central inner-city location offers students the perfect balance – close enough to experience Sydney's vibrant urban lifestyle while being strategically positioned for easy access to the university.

Waterloo is a dynamic, diverse inner-city suburb well-connected by public transport. Buses provide convenient access to Sydney CBD, the University of Sydney, and other parts of the city. The surrounding area features numerous shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and dining options within walking distance, providing everything students need for daily living. Nearby parks and fitness centers offer opportunities for leisure and exercise. The location embodies Sydney's multicultural character, with students from many countries and cultures studying together.

Programs – Direct Pathways to University of Sydney

Taylors College Sydney delivers two official University of Sydney preparation programs, both designed by the University of Sydney to provide guaranteed progression pathways for international students who successfully complete the programs.

University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)

The USFP comes in multiple structures to suit different academic levels and timelines:

• Standard Program (40 weeks / ~12 months) – CRICOS: 022310D – Intakes: January and July
• Intensive Program (30 weeks / ~9 months) – CRICOS: 036126M – Intakes: April and October
• Extended Program (59 weeks / ~15 months) – For students needing additional foundation preparation

From July 2024, Taylors College implemented an updated curriculum across all USFP structures, integrating refreshed content, modern technologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to better prepare students for university. The curriculum emphasizes active learning strategies, critical thinking, collaboration, and student-centered teaching methodologies.

Students study Academic English (compulsory) plus choose from pathway-specific modules aligned with their intended University of Sydney degree. Available modules include:

• Social Research and Inquiry
• Core Mathematics and Enhanced Mathematics
• Applied Computing
• Art and Design
• Business and Economics Principles
• Cultural Studies
• International and Global Studies
• Principles of Science

Each module includes fieldwork and experiential learning. For example, Cultural Studies students visit Taronga Zoo to study Australia's unique biodiversity and environmental landscape.

Students select modules based on their chosen pathway stream (Arts/Media, Business/Commerce, Design/Architecture, Engineering/IT, Health/Medicine, Music, or Science), ensuring the curriculum directly prepares them for their specific undergraduate degree requirements.

High Achievers Preparation Program (HAPP)

CRICOS: 089556F

Designed specifically for high-achieving international students with excellent academic results and English skills, HAPP offers a fast-track pathway in just 14 weeks (maximum 1 term). This intensive program combines academic and contextual studies created through collaboration between the University of Sydney and Taylors College Sydney. Students study 4 subjects at 6.5 hours per subject per week (26 total weekly contact hours). The program includes compulsory online tutorials on Academic Integrity and the CareerAhead program to prepare students for university-level expectations and professional development.

Outstanding Progression Results

Numbers speak louder than marketing claims. In 2024, 90% of Taylors College USFP graduates and 100% of HAPP graduates received offers to the University of Sydney. These exceptional outcomes directly reflect the quality of education, personalized attention from experienced educators, and comprehensive support systems at Taylors College. The college's dedicated progression team provides guidance and advice from pre-arrival through to university progression, including participation in progression days at the University of Sydney where students engage with faculty teams, explore campus, meet welfare teams, and talk with Taylors alumni now studying at the university.

Entry Requirements

Taylors College maintains one overriding admissions policy: applications are only accepted if results indicate students can successfully pass the program. This ensures students are set up for success rather than frustration.

Academic Requirements:

• Standard Program: At least average grades in English and relevant subjects from completion of Year 11 or equivalent
• Intensive Program: Superior grades in English and relevant academic subjects required
• Specific mathematics and/or science subject minimums may apply depending on intended undergraduate degree

English Requirements (as of October 2024, differentiated by packaged degree):

• Standard/Extended: IELTS 5.5 (5.5 all bands), PTE Academic 54 (54 all), TOEFL 62 (W≥16, other≥14), or CAE 162
• Intensive: IELTS 6.0 (5.5 minimum per band), PTE Academic 60 (54 minimum), TOEFL 73 (W≥16, other≥14), or CAE 169

English test results must be dated no older than two years prior to course commencement. Entry to the University of Sydney depends on two separate results: English grade and Grade Point Average (GPA) in the eight subjects studied. Each university degree has specific GPA requirements, with some competitive courses having limited places.

Progression to University of Sydney

Upon successful completion of USFP or HAPP, students progress to first-year undergraduate study at the University of Sydney. Available bachelor degrees span:

• Business and Commerce
• Engineering and IT
• Science and Health Sciences
• Arts and Social Sciences
• Design and Architecture
• Law (including combined Law degrees)
• Music

Some courses have limited places, and progression is not automatic – students must achieve the specific GPA and English requirements for their chosen degree. However, alternative course options are available if first-choice placements are full.

Fees and Scholarships

Tuition Fees (2025 indicative):

• Foundation Programs: Approximately AUD 27,000-38,000 depending on structure and duration
• Additional costs: textbooks (~AUD 350), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses

Fees can be paid in installments with schedules provided in offer letters. Late payment fees of AUD 100 apply.

Scholarships:

Future Leaders Award – 20% contribution toward Foundation studies tuition fees for the full course duration. Automatically applied to eligible students based on nationality (includes India and other qualifying nations) and academic criteria. Reflected in letter of offer.

Taylors College Sydney Award – Automatically applied to eligible students, reflected in offer letter.

Sydney International Student Award (University of Sydney) – Separate award determined by the University of Sydney offering 20% contribution toward undergraduate degree tuition fees for the full degree duration. Celebrates the university's diverse international student community.

Scholarship recipients must complete their undergraduate degree with the University of Sydney.

Support Services – Setting You Up for Success

Taylors College Sydney provides comprehensive support recognizing that international students face academic and cultural adjustments:

• Student Advisers assist with academic and personal issues
• Associate Dean, Careers Advisers, and Dean of Students monitor attendance and academic progress
• On-campus Careers Advisers provide valuable course and careers guidance
• Dedicated Progression Team guides students from pre-arrival through university progression
• Personal counselling services address wellbeing concerns
• Free application support in 12+ languages from Student Recruitment Advisors
• Airport meet-and-greet services available to help students arrive safely at accommodation
• Progression Days at University of Sydney for campus familiarization

The University of Sydney oversees setting and moderating all final examinations, ensuring highest quality assessment. University lecturers visit Taylors College, giving students opportunities to learn about course options directly from faculty.

The college maintains a respectful, supportive multicultural learning environment where students from many countries study together. Teaching excellence emphasizes skills-based learning, critical thinking, and independent learning development. Small class sizes enable personalized attention and mentoring relationships between students and educators.

Why Taylors College Sydney

Over a century of experience preparing students for university, specialized exclusively in University of Sydney pathways, exceptional 90-100% progression rates, university-designed curriculum with direct oversight, guaranteed offers upon successful completion (subject to course availability), central Sydney location, comprehensive support services, and proven track record of student success make Taylors College Sydney the premier choice for international students aiming to study at one of the world's top universities.