International relationships

As a global university, the University of Sydney measures itself by international standards, and aspires to achieve:

• clear leadership as Australia’s premier university
• acknowledgment and ranking as one of the top five universities in the region, and
• recognition and ranking in the top 40 universities around the world.

The University engages in a wide range of international activities:

Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is a global network of 42 leading research universities from around the Pacific Rim. APRU's members are drawn from Asia, Australasia, North and South America, and include such prestigious universities as Stanford, California Institute of Technology, UCLA, the University of Tokyo, Peking University and the National University of Singapore.

The aim of APRU is to foster cooperation in education, research and enterprise thereby contributing to economic, scientific, and cultural advancement in the Pacific Rim.

The University of Sydney's position in APRU enables us to take a leading role in research and teaching and to collaborate with some of the world's leading universities.

Worldwide Universities Network (WUN)

The University of Sydney is a member of the the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), a partnership of research-led universities from Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

The WUN alliance exists to make significant advances in knowledge and understanding in areas of current global concern. By fostering and encouraging collaboration between members, WUN brings together the experience, equipment and expertise necessary to address the challenges and opportunities currently facing societies, governments, business and education.

Academic Consortium (AC21)

The Academic Consortium (AC21) is an international network comprised of educational, research and industrial organizations throughout the world. The Consortium has been established to encourage the further advancement of global cooperation to the benefit of higher education and to contribute to world and regional society.

Collaborative research projects

The University's academics are involved in collaborative research projects with colleagues overseas, with governments and with international organisations like the OECD and United Nations to further knowledge and improve people's lives.

Internationally recognised graduates

University of Sydney graduates are based throughout the world. Graduates who have gained international recognition for their work include President of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn; academic and businesswoman Jill Ker Conway; film makers Phil Noyce, Jane Campion and Bruce Beresford; soprano Yvonne Kenny; writers Germaine Greer and Clive James; and Nobel laureates Sir John Cornforth and Dr John Harsanyi.

Active alumni networks

Alumni Associations are active overseas, particularly in North America, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, and the Alumni Relations Office is happy to help you keep in touch.

Biannual international newspaper

Twice a year, the University also produces special international editions of its fortnightly newspaper, focussing on research and teaching activities throughout the world.