Our study abroad programs in Sydney offers you the opportunity to directly enroll in the prestigious University of Sydney with access to a vast array of course offerings across hundreds of disciplines. You can also enroll in an internship, which includes time spent working at your placement in addition to an academic seminar that helps you contextualize what you're learning.
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Take advantage of your chance to live and learn in one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world—Sydney! Enjoy Sydney’s comfortable climate, world-renowned beaches, and iconic spots around the city. We want you to feel at home in Sydney, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.
My final reflections on studying abroad in Sydney after returning back home.
Choose a single room, either within a five-bedroom apartment (with full kitchen facilities) or a studio apartment with an en-suite bathroom and your own refrigerator. Studios are all grouped together in the same hallway and share a large commercial kitchen in the basement of the building.
Here, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet other students. The apartments and studios are contained within the grounds of “The Village”—a tight-knit student community, housing primarily international students. Please note that five-bedroom apartments are typically mixed gender. Meals are not included, and an extra fee applies for the studio apartments.
The apartments are well-connected to Sydney’s safe, clean, and frequent public transport network, and only a short walk to University facilities. This option provides you the opportunity to live right by the vibrant and youthful Newtown district, known for its bustling restaurant and café culture, shopping, and nightlife.
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That's why we partnered with the University of Sydney.
The University of Sydney’s campus is on the edge of Sydney’s main business district, with the hustle and bustle of daily city life at its doorstep. It offers easy access to the incredible natural beauty of Australia’s varied landscape and a wealth of cultural and social opportunities in Sydney.
By directly enrolling in the University of Sydney, you have the opportunity to study at a university that is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest university and one of the original members of the prestigious Sandstones (similar to the United States’ Ivy League). The energetic, diverse campus enrolls more than 50,000 students including 12,500 international students. As a large and well-established research institution, the University offers challenging coursework throughout the curriculum, and is internationally recognized for its research in Australian Studies through the Koori Centre and the AACSB- and EQUIS-accredited faculty of Business and Economics.
If you’re a music student or have a passion for music, the program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music is particularly impressive. Located close to the Sydney Opera House in a world-class music-focused facility, the conservatorium provides maestro-individualized teaching (requires audition to qualify) and music coursework for students that want to take classes with others in an accessible manner. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from talented music professors from around the world.
The University of Sydney has long been internationally recognized for its academic excellence. You have access to the University’s top-ranked teaching staff and world-class facilities, including a 5.2 million-volume library. With diverse academic offerings, students can find major credit in addition to elective credit in a diverse range of coursework. In addition, world-class internship opportunities are also available.
The University issues Units of Credit (UOC) for courses completed. You must carry a minimum of 24 UOC per semester, which is equivalent to 16 IES Abroad credits. Most courses are worth 6 UOC or 4 IES Abroad credits.
A wide range of disciplines are available to IES Abroad students in the following areas of interest. You can access descriptions for all courses at the University of Sydney on the university's Courses page. Keep in mind that “courses” may refer to a course of study (ie. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), and “units of study” may refer to specific classes.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, a multimillion-dollar music facility located near the Sydney Opera House. The impressive conservatorium campus is home to two recital halls, 53 teaching studios, 63 practice rooms, choral and instrument rehearsal rooms, more than 140 pianos, and a library offering more than 300,000 materials. Classes are available to both music and non-music majors.
Classes at the Conservatorium focus on the history and analysis of music, ensemble studies, chamber music, arts music, and music technology. To apply for admission to an undergraduate course, you must apply for an audition or interview where you present the prescribed conservatorium program. All application materials should be submitted to IES Abroad. For more information about the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, visit their website.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Sydney, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Take a mid-semester trip to Kakadu and the Top End, to see one of the world's best kept national parks.
Hike in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Explore the second-oldest national park in the world, full of fascinating plants, birds, and animals.
Did you know that you can intern as part of your study abroad experience in Sydney? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center staff are highly trained local professionals provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Sydney staff are located in Chatswood, a business and residential neighborhood in the Lower North Shore of Sydney. IES Abroad Sydney staff are readily available to connect with you on your academic, housing, and life experiences.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Berlin, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a unique blend of the old and new. Here I chat about the 48-Hours I spent in Germany.
A few things I feel like I will take home with me from this awesome semester.
If there’s one class I recommend you take while studying abroad in Vienna, it’s this one. AH 221 is the perfect way to learn more about Austrian culture...
