Sydney, Australia

Semester in Sydney

Study Program

Select a Term...

Dates

Jul 24 - Nov 30, 2025

19 weeks

Costs

$21,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.7 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Dates

Jul 24, 2025 - Jun 21, 2026

48 weeks

Costs

$42,800 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

Feb 12 - Jun 21, 2026

18 weeks

Costs

$21,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

Jul 23 - Nov 29, 2026

19 weeks

Costs

$21,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 17 semester hours

18 - 25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

April 1, 2026

Apply Now

Request Information

Your Semester in Sydney program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Australian culture. Live and learn in Sydney!

Unique Experiences

Immerse Yourself in Sydney's Vibrant Culture

with hands-on experiences like Indigenous art workshops, harbor cruises, and guided walking tours

Discover Sydney's Dynamic Urban Scene

with access to world-class museums, bustling markets, and performances at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House

Experience the Natural Beauty of Sydney

with excursions to stunning coastal cliffs, wildlife sanctuaries, and surfing lessons on famous beaches like Bondi and Manly

Your Destination

Sydney is Australia's cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of cultures, iconic architectural landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Sydney is the perfect place to study abroad.

Program Highlights

Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Sydney will open doors for you to explore Australia's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Learn about Sydney's beach lifestyle while enjoying an Aussie BBQ at locations like Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Shelly Beach
Hike the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the spectacular landscape
Visit Australia's capital Canberra, where you'll learn about parliamentary government while seeing world-class attractions and amazing architecture

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Program Blogs

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: SYDNEY

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN SYDNEY While in Sydney, a stop at Black Star Pastry for a slice of their signature Strawberry Watermelon Cake is practically mandatory. The bakery opened... keep reading

From CIEE

Scared to Go, Sad to Leave: My Life-Changing Semester in Sydney

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Jordan Schwartz Choosing Sydney, Australia with CIEE Study Abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I cannot even begin to describe how incredible this experience... keep reading

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: SYDNEY

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN SYDNEY While in Sydney, a stop at Black Star Pastry for a slice of their signature Strawberry Watermelon Cake is practically mandatory. The bakery opened... keep reading

Housing & Meals

Housing

Our housing ensures students are always well-connected to the best of the city. Set in a  welcoming neighborhoods, students will enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment. Everything they need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and easily accessible public transport options.   

Standard Housing: Includes homestays or twin rooms inside shared apartments/residence halls/studio apartments. 

Homestays provide students with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Sydney's diverse culture. Sydney is a multicultural city, and students will stay with families from various nationalities, including Australians. These homes are located within a 45-minute to 1-hour public transport commute from CIEE. The homestay experience includes breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday. Students will have the freedom to come and go as they please while spending quality time with their host families, gaining firsthand insight into everyday life in Sydney.
Double occupancy rooms in shared apartments/residence halls/studio apartments that feature a fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite. Students must bring their own bed sheets and towels, pillows and duvets are provided. All apartments are located within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Center.

Select Housing (limited availability): Includes single rooms in shared apartments/residence halls/studios within a 45-minute commute of CIEE. The single rooms will mostly be in the same apartments as the twin rooms. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite.  Students must bring their own bed sheets and towels; pillows and duvets are provided.   

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.

Meals

Homestays: Host families provide two meals per day. 
Shared Apartments/Residence Halls/Studio Apartments: You will have shared kitchen facilities to prepare meals or purchase food and drinks at local grocers. Sydney has a vibrant food scene with fresh local fruits, vegetables, and meats readily available. You’ll find Australian food is influenced from all corners of the globe, whether it’s a walk down Spice Alley, fish and chips on the beach, or a traditional Australian pub food there is something for everyone’s tastes.

Housing

Single room

Housing

Common area

Meals

Students trying Aboriginal food

Academics

CIEE Sydney: Study in a bustling urban area with easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural attractions. CIEE Sydney boasts five classrooms, a study, a library, and a cozy lounge with kitchen amenities.

University of Sydney: Established in 1850, the University of Sydney stands as Australia’s oldest university and is known for academic excellence and research. As a proud member of the Group of Eight, akin to the Ivy League in the USA, its history is matched by its modern, vibrant campus in downtown Sydney's Camperdown neighborhood. Here, students benefit from a seamless integration of esteemed faculty, cutting-edge research, and a diverse array of programs across nine faculties, offering opportunities for growth and innovation in every field of study.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

Eligibility

On-Program Requirements

Academic Culture

The academic environment at the University of Sydney emphasizes active engagement, collaboration, and the integration of diverse perspectives. Lectures are typically led by knowledgeable instructors who foster discussions and encourage active participation from students.

CIEE courses, augmented by Canvas Learning Management System, are 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. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.

To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Sydney when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends.

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

The academic environment at CIEE Sydney offers a focused and immersive experience for students, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on learning opportunities to deepen understanding of both academic subjects and the local culture.

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time in Sydney. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions.

University of Sydney classes are scheduled throughout the week, Monday to Friday, offering flexibility to accommodate students' various commitments. Attendance is emphasized, with students expected to attend a significant portion of face-to-face sessions.

Australian universities typically require students to take responsibility for learning and encourage self-motivation and self-discipline. Daily assignments and readings are common, disseminated through online platforms or email, allowing students to engage with course material beyond the classroom with the expectation that they will contribute actively to discussions during class. Students are expected to work much more independently than in the U.S., thus more time may be required for studying than students are accustomed to at their home campuses.

To enhance learning experiences, many courses at both CIEE and the University of Sydney incorporate practical applications such as local field trips and guest speakers. These opportunities not only deepen students' understanding of the subject matter but also provide insights into the local culture and context.

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are typically for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. Instruction for both CIEE and Host Institution courses is supported and augmented online by the learning management system, Canvas.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

Assessment at University of Sydney is typically based on essays, project reports, a midterm, tutorial/seminar participation and performance, and practical and final exams. CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on 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.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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

Course Information

Fall 2025 CIEE Courses

Spring 2026 CIEE Courses

Fall 2026 CIEE Courses

Host Institution Courses

Arizona State University Courses

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 & 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

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

Learn more about scholarships

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 Fall 2025 19 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date July 24, 2025	End Date November 30, 2025	Fees & Housing $21,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 48 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date July 24, 2025	End Date June 21, 2026	Fees & Housing $42,800
Program Spring 2026 18 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date February 12, 2026	End Date June 21, 2026	Fees & Housing $21,950
Program Fall 2026 19 weeks	April 1, 2026	Start Date July 23, 2026	End Date November 29, 2026	Fees & Housing $21,950

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	$14,456 ^**
Housing	$7,000 ^***
Insurance	$194
Total Fees	$21,950

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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	$758 ^†
International Airfare	$1,700 ^††
Local Transportation	$800 ^†††
Books & Supplies	$40
Visa Fees	$470
Personal expenses	$310 ^††††
Total Costs	$4,078

^*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 students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day during the week. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $375 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

^†††Transport costs are $50AUD per week.

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

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$27,306 ^**
Housing	$15,000 ^***
Insurance	$194
Total Fees	$42,800

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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	$758 ^†
International Airfare	$1,700 ^††
Local Transportation	$800 ^†††
Books & Supplies	$40
Visa Fees	$470
Personal expenses	$310 ^††††
Total Costs	$4,078

^*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.

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

^†††Transport costs are $50AUD per week.

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

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$13,456 ^**
Housing	$8,000 ^***
Insurance	$194
Total Fees	$21,950

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

$3,800

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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	$832 ^†
International Airfare	$1,700 ^††
Local Transportation	$650 ^†††
Books & Supplies	$40
Visa Fees	$1,280 ^††††
Personal expenses	$320 ^{†††††}
Total Costs	$4,822

^*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 students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day during the week. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $390 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

^†††Transport costs are $50AUD per week.

^††††$1,280 for students who enroll in at least three courses at a partner institution. $429 for students who enroll in two courses or fewer at a partner institution.

^{†††††}$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$13,456 ^**
Housing	$8,000 ^***
Insurance	$194
Total Fees	$21,950

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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	$832 ^†
International Airfare	$1,700 ^††
Local Transportation	$650 ^†††
Books & Supplies	$40
Visa Fees	$1,300 ^††††
Personal expenses	$320 ^{†††††}
Total Costs	$4,842

^*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.

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

^†††Transport costs are $50AUD per week.

^††††$1,300 for students who enroll in at least three courses at a partner institution. $429 for students who enroll in two courses or fewer at a partner institution.

^{†††††}$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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

Our Staff

Thais Oso

Regional Director of Operations for South Pacific Rim, Interim Center Director, CIEE Sydney + CIEE Auckland

Thais started her career as a psychologist working in the Brazilian favelas. She travelled to Australia 19 years ago as a Study Abroad student and fell in love with the...

Jane Hanley

Academic Director

Dr. Jane Hanley has a PhD in International Studies from Macquarie University, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Latin American Literature from University of New South Wales, and a Bachelor of...

Crystal Reay

Program Manager

Crystal is a born and raised Sydney Sider with a Bachelor of Theology and a background that blends over 15 years in Arts, Library Information, and Museum Services. After completing...

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Contact Us

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

Semester in Sydney

Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Unique Experiences

Immerse Yourself in Sydney's Vibrant Culture

Discover Sydney's Dynamic Urban Scene

Experience the Natural Beauty of Sydney

Your Destination

Program Highlights

Excursions & Activities

Program Blogs

Housing & Meals

Housing

Meals

Academics

GPA

Language Requirements

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Requirements

Program Credit

Course Credit

Academic Culture

Class Format

Grading

Language of Instruction

Course Information

Academic Projects

Social Sciences

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Communication, Journalism, and Media

History, Philosophy, Religion

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Psychology

Academic Projects

Social Sciences

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Communication, Journalism, and Media

History, Philosophy, Religion

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Psychology

Academic Projects

Social Sciences

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Communication, Journalism, and Media

History, Philosophy, Religion

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Psychology

Scholarships & Grants

Dates & Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fees

Financial Aid

Estimated Costs