University of Sydney

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Australia > Educational heraldry

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Country: Australia
Campus/location : Sydney

Official blazon

Argent on a Cross Azure and open book proper, clasps Gold, between four Stars of eight points Or, on a chief Gules a Lion passant Guardant also Or, together with this motto "Sidere mens eadem mutato

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on May 14, 1857.

The lion in the top third of the shield ("the chief" in heraldic terms) symbolised England and Cambridge simultaneously.

The open book in the centre of the cross was said to be taken from the arms of Oxford, although it is used extensively in academic arms.

The blue cross with stars had been used for some time as an unofficial symbol for New South Wales, although there were usually five stars, one in the centre and one on each arm, and these stars were either five- or six-pointed.

The motto, "Sidere Mens Eadem Mutato" as devised by Merewether was left unchanged.