Sydney

Study Abroad in Sydney

College Study Abroad

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Study Abroad in Sydney Australia

Explore Sydney, Australia 

When you study abroad in Sydney, you'll be in a multicultural Australian city that welcomes students from around the globe with open arms. Once a British penal colony, today the largest city in the land down under hosts some 35,000 international students who enjoy Sydney’s sunny skies, outdoor lifestyle, national parks, arts, culture, and more.

While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Sydney, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.

You’ll be in one of the most livable cities in the world with magnificent beaches, social inclusion, and diverse industry. If you want to study abroad in Australia’s safest city and experience Sydney life, check out CIEE’s study abroad programs in Sydney.

EXPLORE SYDNEY PROGRAMS

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Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Sydney

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. Past study tours and cultural experiences in Sydney have included:

  • Go on an overnight excursion to Canberra for a historical overview of Australia’s past
  • Kayak with fellow students through Sydney Harbor
  • Visit the Sydney Opera House for a performance
  • Explore national parks like Darling Harbour National Park and Tomaree National Park
  • Enjoy a traditional and unforgettable Australian BBQ
  • Hike the Blue Mountains with experienced guides

If you’re looking to learn fun facts about Sydney and join in on unique experiences with your fellow classmates, CIEE’s tours and excursions allow you to do just that! From abundant sea and wildlife to diverse cultures and history, Sydney offers something for every student.

About the Center

Situated in a bustling urban area, CIEE Sydney boasts three classrooms, a student lounge, an academic advising office, a student life office, and complimentary WiFi and printer access. Just outside the Center, students will find they're near cafés, restaurants, and shops, providing them with a dynamic environment to learn and explore.

Beyond the Center, students will discover CIEE Sydney's location is one of its most defining features, with its easy access to the city's most iconic landmarks and cultural attractions. By utilizing Sydney's excellent public transportation options, students can easily navigate to stunning beaches, the renowned Sydney Opera House, countless museums, and much more.

sydney study abroad front desk center

Where Students Study

CIEE Sydney
CIEE Sydney is part of the CIEE Open Campus Block Network and is perfect for exploring every inch of this seaside city.

Internships & Volunteering

Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. Students interested in interning in Sydney may be placed at a company ranging from innovative start-ups in business to global organizations and NGOs.

Students looking to volunteer in Sydney may be able to work on projects to support the needs of stray dogs and cats, peer-to-peer tutor at the Indigenous Education Center, or help young learners with basic computing skills.

sydney student swimming with sea turtle

New Programs Coming Soon!

  • Sydney Arts + Sciences (Sydney University of Technology) –Coming Fall 2025
  • Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
  • Intern + Study Abroad – Coming Summer 2025

Study Abroad Programs in Sydney

Sydney
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Gain work experience and take in the urban beat of the Southern Hemisphere’s hub of business and industry.

Features
  • Big City
Sydney
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Study Program

Trade your winter season back home for an unforgettable adventure in Sydney during Australia's summer

Features
  • Big City
Sydney
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Study Program

Take in the urban beat of the Southern Hemisphere’s hub of business and industry during study abroad this summer

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Volunteering
Sy
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!

Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Sydney, then study in two other countries in one term

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Volunteering
Sydney
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Learn about business ethics, corporate structure, fiscal policies while completing a part-time internship in Sydney, Australia’s international hub and capital of innovation

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Volunteering
sydney coogee beach
  • Sydney, Australia
New for Fall '25
  • Study Program

Study in the heart of dynamic Sydney at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a leading institution known for its innovative teaching methods, strong industry connections, and cutting-edge research in STEM fields.

Features
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
sydney harbor full of boats at sunset
  • Sydney, Australia
New for Spring '25
  • Study Program

Take your studies to the heart of dynamic Sydney at Australia’s oldest university: The University of Sydney!

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
Sydney
  • Sydney, Australia
AACSB and EQUIS ✓
  • Study Program

Choose from hundreds of courses offered in English at University of New South Wales’ suburban Sydney campus.

Features
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Volunteering
aerial view of bondi beach in sydney
  • Sydney, Australia
New for Spring '25
  • Study Program

Experience the ultimate freedom to shape your academic journey with this exceptional Semester in Sydney study abroad program!

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
sydney aerial view
  • Sydney, Australia
New for Spring '25
  • Study Program

Our trimester program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney is designed for students seeking a shorter but equally enriching study abroad experience.

Features
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
Pocket Guide to Sydney

Currency 
Australian Dollars (AUD)

Spoken Languages IN Sydney 
English

Available Transportation 
Train, light rail, bus, ferry

Famous Local 
Chris Hemsworth – Australian actor known for Thor

Climate 
Sunny, warm summers with rainy, cool winters with an average temperature of 67°F

Places to Explore 
Sydney Opera House – iconic performing arts venue

Airport 
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)

Social Norms 
"G’Day!" is a common informal slang term to greet others

What to Pack 
Comfy shoes, jeans, jacket, sandals

Frequently Asked Questions

Besides Australia’s wonderful year-round weather, Sydney is a great place to study abroad for students looking for a multicultural city with convenient transportation and quality courses. Whether you want to study environmental health, complete an internship, or just experience life in Sydney, this city offers something for everyone.

Read more: Why Study Abroad in Sydney: Top 5 Reasons

Life in Sydney, Australia is generally regarded as safe, lively, and beautiful. Sydney exposes students to diverse cultures, world-famous attractions, an outdoor lifestyle, spectacular beaches, and so much more.

Sydney is the safest city in Australia and one of the safest in the world. As with any study abroad program in a new city, we encourage students to travel in groups, keep their personal belongings safe, and use their best judgment when traveling.

In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Sydney.
For more detailed information on diversity in Sydney, visit our Diversity in Sydney page.

With CIEE, you can take your studies to Australia in two amazing cities: Sydney or Melbourne. Each location has so much to offer. Consider the kind of experience you could have in each place to determine which location is the right fit for you.

  • Sydney: Known for its iconic harbor and beaches, Sydney boasts a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere and a strong emphasis on business and finance, making it ideal for students interested in these fields.
  • Melbourne: Renowned as Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne offers a more laid-back yet intellectually stimulating environment, with a focus on arts, humanities, and research.

While Sydney dazzles with its natural beauty and bustling urban life, Melbourne captivates with its diverse cultural offerings, including its renowned food, music, and arts scenes. Ultimately, the choice between Melbourne vs Sydney study abroad depends on your academic interests, lifestyle preferences, and desired cultural experiences.

Read more: Sydney vs. Melbourne Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?

The cost of studying abroad in Sydney varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Sydney study abroad program page.

For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.  

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?

Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Sydney with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!

Search our internship opportunities to get started!

If you're wondering what to do when studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, you've come to the right place. We recommend any of the following top activities to do in Sydney:

  • Visit the Sydney Opera House
  • Drive or bike across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Visit the Taronga Zoo
  • Relax on Bondi Beach
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
  • Shop at Queen Victoria Building
  • & more!

This list of the top activities to do in Sydney just scratches the surface. For more information on studying abroad in Australia, check out our Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Australia

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

sydney students abroad koala stuffed animals

Apply in 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Sydney. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Sydney to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
sydney australia student in harbor boats

Study Abroad Scholarships

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

Talk to a Student Who's Lived it...

Ask an Ambassador

Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Sydney, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences. 

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