Suggested wording

A will is a very personal statement. We strongly recommend that you consult with your legal adviser before drafting a new will or updating an existing one.

As a starting point, we advise you use the following wording to indicate your intention to make a general bequest to the University.

Should you require specific assistance with endowment language, please call the Bequest Office on +61 2 8627 8492.

General purposes

"I give [insert dollar amount / % of my residuary estate] to The University of Sydney ABN 15 211 513 464 ("University") of the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, for general purposes of the University."

Specific purpose

For scholarships/bursaries

"I give [insert dollar amount / % of my residuary estate] to The University of Sydney ABN 15 211 513 464 ("University") of the University of Sydney, NSW 2006 to establish one or more scholarships/bursaries for [insert general description of area to be supported if required e.g. medicine, Australian history, music.] ("Purpose"). [Each scholarship/bursary is to be called [insert name of scholarship/bursary] in the area for which is awarded.]"

For research

"I give [insert dollar amount / % of my residuary estate] to The University of Sydney ABN 15 211 513 464 ("University") of the University of Sydney, NSW 2006 ("University") for research in the field of [insert general description of area of research e.g. cancer, electrical engineering.] ("Purpose")."

For UK residents

Residents of the United Kingdom may prefer to leave a bequest to the University via the Friends of the University of Sydney UK Trust.

Naming the Friends of the University of Sydney in your will may assist in reducing the duties and taxes payable on your gift, helping to maximise the benefit to research and education at the University.

Suggested wording for UK residents

"I give free of all inheritance tax or other fiscal imposition to the Friends of the University of Sydney (charity registration number 1103965), UK Trust, care of the Administrator and Secretary to the Trustees, Friends of the University of Sydney UK Trust, Britain Australia Society, 59 Buckingham Gate London SW1E 6AJ [insert number] % of my residuary estate / [insert dollar amount] absolutely for its general purposes. I express the wish, without being a condition or direction, that the Friends of the University of Sydney make the fund available for the general purposes of the University of Sydney."

Where a specific dollar amount is specified, your solicitor may include an index link in your will.

You also need to include in your will a clause that allows the treasurer or proper officer of the Friends of the University of Sydney UK Trust to accept the gift.

See also: Giving from Overseas

Further information

If you are interested in including the University of Sydney in your will or would like more information on leaving a bequest please contact:


Bequest Manager
Phone: + 61 2 8627 8492