Meet the Principal

Welcome to the Women's College Website. We are delighted to share with you some details of our lively community of scholars - young women from many different backgrounds studying in all faculties of Sydney University - Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Psychology, Science, Vet Science ... involved in the widest range of sporting, cultural and social activities that you could imagine.

The College is proud of its traditions of academic excellence and leadership for women. Students are encouraged and expected to strive for academic excellence in an environment which nurtures and supports intellectual endeavour.
The College provides learning opportunities of all kinds to enhance the education of its young women. Students are encouraged to explore their ideas and individuality whilst living in a rich, diverse community. They enjoy the challenges of living with other independent, critical thinkers who are their friends and neighbours. They share the expertise of the Alumnae and others who provide leadership and mentoring opportunities across all spectrums of endeavour allowing them to observe different models of achievement.

The Women's College is historically, aesthetically and socially significant as the first university college for women in Australia. It is a non-denominational residential college for full-time students of the University of Sydney. Many of our past students have achieved leadership roles both nationally and internationally. Our current students are encouraged to emulate their behaviour.


The College is constituted under an Act of the NSW Parliament (1902). Its governing body, the Women's College Council, is responsible for overall management. Situated on the University of Sydney campus, the College provides accommodation for 250 undergraduate, and 30 postgraduate women scholars.

Mrs Yvonne Rate AM, Principal
Click here "Introducing Yvonne Rate"