The bustling city of Sydney awaits you! Study alongside Australian students in an exciting student-centered learning environment at the University of Sydney. This program allows you to directly enroll in university courses in a variety of fields while exploring Australian culture.
The University of Sydney offers the highest quality teaching, learning and research facilities. With hundreds of clubs and societies, cafes, bands, theater productions, sports, sporting complexes, and Australia's oldest student newspaper, you will be a part of one of Australia's most vibrant and active student communities.
Qualified students also have the opportunity to apply for an internship for academic credit. This process can be competitive, but if selected for the internship program you will combine an internationally recognized education with real-life professional experience!
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is Australia's largest city with over four million residents. Situated on one of the most beautiful and natural harbors in the world, with the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House, the city offers a unique urban experience to international students.
Founded in 1788, Sydney is the birthplace of modern Australia and remains a center for arts, culture, commerce and education. It has fantastic beaches, a vibrant downtown and many fascinating ethnic suburban enclaves.
As Australia's first immigrant city, Sydney has been receiving people from around the world since its birth. This, combined with the art and legacy of indigenous Aboriginal culture, makes Sydney a diverse and vibrant cultural center. With its proximity to Asia and diverse population, Sydney has also grown into a bustling center of international business. The 2000 Olympics brought the world's attention to this magnificent city, and it continues to grow and gain international prominence.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Sydney, but will be given arrival dates and guidelines.
Visa
A student visa is required. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. You will apply for your own visa. IAP will provide you with visa information.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Upon arrival in Sydney, you will attend an Orientation Program presented by the International Student Support Unit. It provides valuable information about the services and resources of the University. It also gives you the opportunity to meet staff, other students and enjoy social activities.
Housing
While there is a vibrant on-campus student lifestyle, the University of Sydney is a commuter campus. Most students, including exchange students, live off-campus in shared housing or private apartments. UW students participating in this program are responsible for arranging their own housing, however, the Sydney Accommodation Service team is available to help with this process. They can provide information about on-campus and university owned accommodation as well as help students search for off-campus accommodation. For more information, visit the
Accommodation Service website.
Space on campus is limited and in high demand. The application process can be competitive, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible. There is no centralized application process for all on-campus accommodation, but you may apply for more than one on-campus housing unit. You must apply to each separately.
The Accommodation Service manages an Accommodation Database, which lists off-campus accommodation options for students. It includes: shared accommodation, full board (or homestay), rental properties, temporary accommodation, and accommodation in exchange for work.
Regardless of the housing option you select, past participants have recommended securing housing prior to your arrival in Sydney. If you are interested in living with other American students, you may want to considering housing through
The Education Abroad Network, TEAN. You may contact TEAN directly if you are interested; be sure to reference the housing-only option.
Excursions and Activities
With hundreds of clubs and societies, cafes, bars, bands, theatre productions, sports, three sporting complexes, and Australia's oldest student newspaper, Honi Soit, you will be a part of Australia's most vibrant and active student community!
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
The Australian government also requires all students have Overseas Health Cover (OSHC).
On-Site Support
International Student Support Unit (ISSU)
Handbooks
Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
USyd Exchange Guide 2012-13 (Calendar Year - 2012-13)
USyd 2013 Study Abroad Brochure (Calendar Year - 2012-13)
USyd Exchange Program Guide 2012-13 (Spring - 2012-13)
2013 Study Abroad Brochure (Spring - 2012-13)
2013 Study Abroad Brochure (Fall - 2013-14)
2013 Study Abroad Brochure (Year - 2013-14)
The University of Sydney attracts some of the best students in Australia. As an international student, you may choose from over 4000 different units of study (classes) from a diverse range of faculties and schools. Many units of study focus on Australian topics or offer field trips to locations throughout New South Wales and surrounding states. Subject to a few restrictions, you can choose to study almost any course at the University of Sydney provided you have the necessary prerequisite knowledge.
Similar to Madison, the University of Sydney teaching system is made up of large-group lectures combined with seminar and tutorial groups. In seminars or tutorials, teaching staff meet with small groups of students to discuss selected readings and questions. Tutorial groups usually contain between 8-15 students. In addition, most units of study (also known as subjects) have large-group lectures in which staff provide essential, big picture information and the framework for tutorial discussion. You need to attend all lectures and tutorials for each unit of study. Some units of study have specific attendance requirements.
You will find that Australian students are self-directed in their study skills and submit a considerable amount of written work in assignments and seminar/tutorial papers. Students often receive lengthy reading lists and are expected to spend a lot of time outside of lectures studying, preparing assignments and essays or contributing to group projects. Science units often require lengthy laboratory sessions and, routinely, field trips and excursions.
Eligible students may apply for the internship program at the University of Sydney. Interns work on a specialized project with one of the University's host organizations. The program includes professional development workshops, reflective journals, and a final project report. If you are placed in an internship you will receive academic credit for your experience. In addition to the internship placement, you will also be enrolled in 3 other classes. This competitive program will truly give you an edge!
Affiliate Institution(s)
University of Sydney homepage
Program Web Page(s)
Study Abroad and Exchange homepage
Foreign Courses
Available Courses at the University of Sydney
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
Sort by Foreign Course Titles
Sort by UW-Madison Course Titles
Group by host institution and Sort by Foreign Course Titles
Group by host institution and Sort by UW-Madison Course Titles
