Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Arts + Sciences (University of New South Wales)

AACSB and EQUIS ✓

Study Program

Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

16-19 semester hours

24-28.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

14 - 18 semester hours

21 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

16-19 semester hours

24-28.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Study at one of Sydney's top-ranked universities, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), and immerse yourself in Australia's bustling university life. UNSW is known for its academic excellence and offers students a vibrant community with various activities and student clubs. From arts and humanities to social and historical sciences, you'll find challenging coursework across academic disciplines to advance your degree.

In addition to studying at one of the most prestigious universities in Australia, you will have the opportunity to enjoy everything Sydney offers. With hundreds of beaches and national parks nearby, Sydney offers the perfect blend of city life, beach vibes, and natural beauty. There is always something exciting and interesting to do, learn, and experience.

All courses will be complemented with activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance your classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

Live in one of the best cosmopolitan cities in the world

enjoying everything a big city has to offer and learn about the Australian way of life

Immerse yourself in nature

choosing from endless options of beaches, national parks and natural attractions

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Explore our art and culture

getting involved in Sydney's bustling art scene with live music, markets, food, art and much more

100+

Beaches and national parks to choose from 

80%

of our plants and animals are unique to our Island(s) and are found nowhere else in the world  

5 M

Population of Sydney 

Experience
  • students by ocean sydney australia spring
  • aerial view sydney australia beach
  • Sydney

Your Destination

Australia is the sixth biggest country in the world and Sydney is its business hub and the country's launching point for exchanging goods, services, and ideas with its Asian neighbors. Sydney is one of the Southern Hemisphere's leading centers for startups, trade, finance, tech, and media production. With a population of around five million, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in globally because of its social inclusion, diversity, tolerance, and healthy lifestyle.  

Sydney is an incredibly diverse city, and home to people from all over the world. Nearly half of its residents speak a language other than English at home and 36% were born overseas. The first inhabitants, the Aboriginals, are the world's oldest civilization, and this heritage has helped shape modern Australia. This one-of-a-kind mix of people and cultures led to a shared spirit and attitude that is the Australian way of life. Aussies are known for laid-back "no-worries" attitudes, being open-hearted and open-minded, and believing that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities, what they call locally as having a "fair go".  

Sydney is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world; more than 80% of Australia's plants and animals are unique to our Islands and are found nowhere else in the world. There is also a bubbling art scene, the city government supports young and fun artistic pursuits, including Sydney's Art and About, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Movie Festival, regular food, art, crafts, and music events, and the list goes on!   

The CIEE Sydney Center is strategically located in the heart of Sydney's Downtown (CBD) and minutes away from Central Station, with local, intercity, and interstate transport at your doorstep.  

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Sydney.

Sydney

Excursions & Activities

We will offer a variety of activities and day trips to allow you to immerse yourself in Australia's culture and historical heritage.   

  • Hike the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the spectacular landscape.  
  • Learn about the world's oldest civilization during one of our Aboriginal cultural tours.   
  • Enjoy a day at the famous Manly beach and join a guided historical Q-station (Quarantine Station) tour in Sydney Harbour National Park and learn about the first Australian visitors' quarantine history and experience.  
  • Visit Australia's capital - Canberra. Learn about Australia's parliamentary government while seeing world-class attractions and amazing architecture.  
  • Go on a hike at one of Sydney's National Parks - Previous visits included: Wolli Creek Park, La Perouse Park, and Sydney Harbour National Park.  
  • Visit one of our many museums. Previous visits included: Australian Museum, Art Gallery of NSW, and Contemporary Art Museum.    
  • Learn about Sydney's beach lifestyle while enjoying an Aussie BBQ (Barbie). Previous visits included: Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Shelly Beach.  
  • Meet our local animals, including kangaroos and koalas, during one of our zoo visits. Previous visits included: Taronga Zoo, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and Sydney Zoo.  
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Academic Projects

Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their course selection: 

  • Internships: Internships are available as part of the study program in various startups, businesses and NGOs in private and public organizations. 
  • Research: Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent and local fieldwork.  
  • Service-Learning: Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need. 
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Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteer opportunities are divided into two areas: Social Impact and Environmental Impact. 

  • Social Impact - You can join the team at BREED Australia. This local non-for-profit organization supports young people in the underprivileged communities in Sydney to build their emotional intelligence and resilience, helping them break the barriers of generational poverty. At BREED, you can also choose to work with their incubator program for local businesses, helping the local community grow and thrive by empowering entrepreneurs to succeed. 
  • Environmental Impact - The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment offers various volunteer opportunities based on your area of interest. We can help you select and apply for the one that best suits your passion and purpose.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Australia

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Known as the Land Down Under, studying abroad in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the country’s stunning coastline and its indigenous history to its modern, multicultural vibe, Australia has... keep reading

From CIEE

Exploring Sydney's Vibrant Markets: A Feast for the Senses

By CIEE Sydney at CIEE

Sydney's markets are bustling hubs of activity, offering a sensory delight of sights, sounds, and smells that capture the essence of the city's diverse culture and creativity. From fresh produce... keep reading

From CIEE

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

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

You’ve decided to study abroad in Australia. Exciting! This incredible country is the perfect place to take your studies. With its rich biodiversity, fascinating history, 200,000+ diverse species, and unique... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), established in 1949, is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching universities. Its main campus is located in the Kensington suburb of Sydney, which places it between world famous beaches and the multicultural bustling international city center. The university is comprised of nine faculties through which it offers bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees across a diverse range of study fields. UNSW prides itself on combining world leading academics with modern facilities, quality education standards and a diverse community. 

CIEE students enroll in UNSW undergraduate courses offered during its tailored term: one course over the first four weeks, followed by three courses over the next 13 weeks. Students also have the opportunity to add the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership elective course.

CIEE Sydney is located in the suburb of Ultimo, right in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District and minutes away from cafes and shops in the iconic Darling Harbour.  

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.7

Additional Requirements

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students will enroll in the UNSW Tailored Term, which requires exactly four total UNSW courses (6 units of credit/4 U.S. credits each), for 16 U.S. semester credits.  Students can opt to add on the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership course for an additional 3 U.S. credits. 

Online Course Options: substitute up to one ASU online course

Program Credit

Total credit: 16-19 U.S. semester/24–28.5 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • UNSW courses: 4 U.S. semester credits; notional hours vary 
  • CIEE course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Australian universities typically require students to take responsibility for learning and encourage self-motivation and self-discipline. Contact hours may seem low, but students are expected to do significant directed reading on their own. UNSW expects that a student will dedicate 25 hours of self-directed learning across the term for each UNSW unit of credit they take (each UNSW course is 6 units of credit). The CIEE course is designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation.

Class Format

Students are eligible to enroll in any UNSW course for which they are qualified, except for courses held at the UNSW Canberra campus, and some medicine and MBA courses. A typical course consists of two hours of lectures and one to two hours of tutorials per week, with additional lab work in the sciences. Many science classes also involve fieldwork. Students also have the option of adding a CIEE elective course, where instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

Assessment at UNSW is typically based on essays, project reports, a midterm, tutorial/seminar participation and performance, and practical and final exams. UNSW uses a five-point grading system: High Distinction (HD); Distinction (DN); Credit (CR); Pass (PS); and Fail (FL) which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents. The CIEE course is graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. The U.S. grading scale of A – F is used.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

The UNSW Tailored Term is designed as follows: students take one intensive university course over the first four weeks, followed by three university courses over the next 13 weeks. Students also have the option to take the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership elective course during this time, but it cannot substitute a UNSW course.

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Students can apply to all academic fields at UNSW Sydney excluding the AGSM Masters of Business Administration, the UNSW Canberra courses, and certain courses in the Faculty of Medicine as advised by UNSW Sydney.

The UNSW options available to CIEE students are across the following fields:

  • Art and Design
  • Arts and Social Sciences
  • Built Environment 
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Law 
  • Medicine* 

Explore the full list of courses in the UNSW Handbook online. You can browse the suggested academic pathways to assist your selection.

*study abroad students cannot enroll in clinical medicine courses

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses >

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2025 19 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $22,450
Program Fall 2025 18 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $22,450
Program Fall 2024 17 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,850

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,956**

Housing = $7,000***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $22,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,781

International Airfare = $1,700††

Local Transportation = $800

Books & Supplies = $10

Visa Fees = $1,120

Personal expenses = $330†††

Other = $450††††

Total Costs = $6,191

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $1,500

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††OSHC - Extra Health Insurance for Student Visa

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,956**

Housing = $7,000***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $22,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,688

International Airfare = $1,700††

Local Transportation = $800

Books & Supplies = $10

Visa Fees = $1,120

Personal expenses = $285†††

Other = $450††††

Total Costs = $6,053

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††OSHC - Extra Health Insurance for Student Visa

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,856**

Housing = $5,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,688

International Airfare = $1,700††

Local Transportation = $800

Books & Supplies = $10

Visa Fees = $1,120

Personal expenses = $285†††

Other = $261††††

Total Costs = $5,864

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††OSHC - Extra Health Insurance for Student Visa

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Thais Oso

Regional Director of Operations South Pacific Rim

Thais is currently serving as the Center Director in Sydney and the Interim Center Director of Auckland and Melbourne

Dr. Lesley Turnbull

Academic Director

Dr. Turnbull holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Cornell University and has overseen a diverse array of academic programs in CIEE’s Pacific Rim region.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info