Why choose VU Sydney
Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, we are revolutionising education in Australia with our new way to do uni. This includes the VU Block Model®, where we teach one unit at a time, rather than several at once.
Our focus on student success will give you skills for a 21st century career.
The VU Block Model®
With VU's award-winning Block Model, you study one subject at a time for four weeks (undergraduate courses), or two subjects at a time for eight weeks (postgraduate courses). Each four-week or eight-week 'block' includes all assessments, allowing you to focus on one or two subjects at a time and receive your results before moving onto the next block.
International students at VU Sydney are performing particularly well under the VU Block Model®. Students are achieving average pass rates of 90%, with over 40% receiving distinctions and high distinctions without a change to the assessments given.
All diploma and undergraduate courses are taught under the Block Model at VU Sydney, with our postgraduate business courses moving to delivery via Block Model from 2021.
Benefits of the Block Model
Better results
Under the VU Block Model®, not only are you more likely to pass, you're more likely to get better grades. Completing one or two subjects at a time helps build your confidence and see results from day one.
Smaller classes
Smaller class sizes mean more one-on-one time with your learning facilitators for a personalised education. Studying with one group at a time will help you to adjust to university life in Australia and form better connections with your classmates and mentors.
Less stress
By focusing on one or two subjects, you can deeply immerse yourself in your studies without having to juggle other subjects with conflicting deadlines and assessments.
Greater flexibility
Teaching sessions are available in multiple combinations (morning, mid-morning, afternoon and evening), allowing you to plan your work and other activities. We also have multiple entry points and the option to fast-track or catch up on your studies during our winter and summer blocks.
Simple timetables
Each unit has three face-to-face teaching sessions per week, scheduled over three days. Teaching sessions don't run on more than two consecutive days, so you will have one gap day between teaching sessions and two gap days each week.
Early assessments
Assessments have been redesigned for quicker completion within each block, with most of your work completed in class so you can achieve your best through early and ongoing feedback. You'll have a great sense of how you're progressing in your course, with final grades for units available soon after each block finishes.
Job & future-ready graduates
Our industry and government partnerships add value to our courses and ensure our graduates are job-ready, with many of our courses professionally recognised and accredited. Courses are tailored to meet industry needs, and students undertake real-world projects, as well as meaningful and engaging internships and work placements.
Our graduates have the creative, problem-solving and technical skills required to thrive in a fast-changing world. Practical learning, designed with our industry partners, is reinforced through industry application and supported by skills in communication, collaboration and leadership.
Our teaching spaces are optimised for contemporary learning, and you will be supported by a team of experienced academics who are committed to ensuring you graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed in and beyond your degree.
A world-class university
Our rankings, research, facilities, partnerships and alumni network are all part of our world-class international reputation.
We are ranked:
- top 2% of universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- 10th in the world for peace, justice and strong institutions, for our research on peace and justice, participation as advisers for government and policies on academic freedom. (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021)
- 56th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
- 51st (out of more than 300 universities) in the Times Higher Education Asia–Pacific University Rankings 2019.
These rankings are the only international assessment of universities across their core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
Our alumni network of more than 240,000 includes 30,000 professionals living and working around the world, while employers of our alumni include the London Ambulance Service, Indonesia's Ministry of Finance, Facebook and NASA.
Safe & supportive community
We are a welcoming and inclusive university in one of Australia's highest-ranked student cities. Australia is also ranked the safest country in the world for women, according to the 2019 Global Wealth Migration Review.
At VU, we celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities for all students to take part in community and social activities. We have a vibrant social calendar, programs to promote student leadership, and activities to support community engagement.