Arms of the University of Sydney

The present Arms of the University were granted by the College of Heralds, London, on 14 May 1857, having been adopted by Senate on 13 December 1857.

The Arms are described as: Argent on a Cross Azure an 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'...

The "lion or" on a "chief gules" is part of the cognisance of England and is borne by the University of Cambridge; the "open book" is borne by Oxford.

The "Southern Cross" symbolises the translation of the same national and academic tradition to Australia, as implied by the motto "Our spirit the same under another sky" or "Though the stars are changed, our spirit is the same" or "The constellation is changed, the disposition remains the same." Under the Southern Cross, University traditions are identical with those of the (older) universities of the northern hemisphere. The motto was devised by F L S Merewether, Second Vice-Provost of the University.

PLEASE NOTE: The Arms of the University must not be reproduced without permission. Requests to use the Arms should be directed to The Registrar, A14, University of Sydney 2006.