University of Sydney

The University was founded on two main principles — religious tolerance and the admission of students on academic merit. The first principle ensured students were admitted regardless of religious belief. The second, that students ‘matriculated’ to university by passing an academic examination.

Both ideas were new ways of thinking about universities in the mid-nineteenth century and challenged traditional university models. They emerged out of serious conversations in Britain and Europe about the purpose of universities and were adapted by our founders to create a university to suit the colonial circumstances of New South Wales.

The stars change, the mind remains the same. The motto and coat of arms acknowledge our historical roots and reflect our Australian experience.

Our arms in sandstone above the Clocktower entrance to the University's Quadrangle. Three years after our inauguration in 1852 Professor John Woolley and Fellow of Senate (later Sir) Stuart Donaldson were set the task of seeking a coat of arms for our University. Acting Provost Francis L S Merewether officially submitted the design and Sir Charles Nicholson negotiated the final design with the Kings of Arms in London.

Our coat of arms was formally granted on 14 May 1857 and we’ve been using a modernised version since 2010.

Understanding the heraldry

• The golden lion at the top represents courage and symbolises England and Cambridge.
• The open book in the centre is a symbol of learning and is from Oxford’s arms.
• The blue cross with stars likely originates from the popular yet unofficial 19th century symbol for New South Wales.
• Our motto, 'Sidere mens eadem mutato' has had many translations; "The stars change, the mind remains the same", "The constellation is changed, the disposition is the same" or "The same learning under new stars".

The University of Sydney recognises exceptional individual achievement by conferring an honorary higher doctorate (honorary degree), and outstanding service to the University by awarding the title of Honorary Fellow of the University of Sydney (Honorary Fellow).

Vision and values

Leading to improve the world around us

Since our inception, we have believed in education for all and leadership that improves lives in all of the communities that we serve.

The values that inspire our work

Three values inform the University's ongoing commitment to excellence and transforming our culture so that everyone – across all of our campuses – can thrive.

Trust

• Actively creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment

Accountability

• Owning our successes and failures, both collectively and individually

Excellence

• Pursuing outstanding performance in service to our communities

Ranked 18th in the world overall and 1st in Australia in a wide range of disciplines, our excellence in research, teaching and sustainability makes us one of the top universities in Australia.

In addition to our #1 rankings in sustainability, social impact and impact of education, we excel across an incredible breadth and depth of disciplines, from arts to architecture, engineering to education, geography to technology, and business. 

29th in best global universities

• US News & World Report Rankings 2024

61st in the world

• THE World University Rankings 2025

74th in academic rankings

• Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024