From its beginnings in 1850, the University of Sydney was created as an institution to suit the needs of New South Wales, not simply reflect England's ancient universities. A founding principle was that academic merit alone regardless of religious beliefs or social upbringing would be the test for admission. University of Sydney is unique among Australia's leading universities in the breadth of disciplines they offer, providing wide opportunities for personal development and cross-disciplinary study that delivers unique insights and breakthroughs. Close to the heart of Australia's largest and most international city, the central campus has been transformed by the recent completion of state-of-the-art teaching, research and student support facilities.