A policewoman has suffered a fractured arm during a violent confrontation with protesters near the University of Sydney on Monday afternoon, the New South Wales Police said.

The female police officer was part of police contingent monitoring a peaceful protest march along City Road at Darlington in Sydney on Monday.

Hundreds of students and staff from the university joined the protest against job and budget cuts, according to the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reports.

Police said the situation turned violent when part of the group tried to force their way inside the university's Darlington Center on City Road at 2:15 p.m. local time on Monday.

Three protesters were arrested in the fight but released later without charge, police said.

The police officer, who was injured during the protest, has been taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for treatment.