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Learning Abroad Center
Sydney Opera house and harbor

University Study in Australia: University of Sydney

Asia & Oceania
LAC Program

As one of Australia's leading research universities, you'll find that whether you are studying in the arts and humanities or natural sciences, your professors are world-renowned academics. Modern laboratories, a brand new economics and business building, and internship opportunities are just a few of the highlights.

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Scholarship

I-UROP Scholarship

University of Minnesota students participating in a research project on this program may be eligible for the International Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (I-UROP) Scholarship

Program Details

Location
Location
Sydney, Australia
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Calendar Year
Spring Semester
Summer Session
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
3.0

Photos

A bridge arches across a harbor toward skyscrapers in Sydney, Australia
A large, traditional brick building on the campus of the University of Sydney, Australia
Students pose on a boat docked in Australia
A group of friends poses in front of an illuminated bridge at night in Sydney, Australia

About

Australia's varied landscape, cultural diversity, and rich history offer something for everyone. If you are looking for beach or desert, bustling cities or quaint towns, Australia has it. Sydney is a fast-paced cosmopolitan city set around one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Close to countless stunning beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach, Sydney is bursting with exciting attractions and opportunities.

University of Sydney is Australia's oldest and most prestigious university, consistently ranking among the top 100 universities in the world. While it teaches all subjects, the University of Sydney has particular strengths in health and life sciences (including pre-med), humanities, and engineering.

Program Model

University Study

Housing & Meals

Housing options include off-campus apartments, on-campus dorms, and Residential Colleges. Housing is guaranteed for students who apply by the deadline, though you may not necessarily get your top choice.

Excursions

The International Student Centre staff organize excursions during orientation week.

Learning Outcomes

  • Augment cross-cultural understanding through interaction with Australian and international students and community members
  • Experience Australian and international perspectives on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at the Australian host university
  • Enhance intentionality through independent, though supported, living and learning opportunities. 

Faculty & Staff

The University of Sydney has staff available to provide orientation, on-site support, and advising to help you adjust to a new educational system and integrate into campus life.

Program Structure

Program Level
Lower- and upper-division classes available.
Courseload

Full-time enrollment on this program is 13–17 UofM credits.

Coursework

Classes

Handbook

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale

You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies page for more information.

Units of Study Guidebook

Other academic information—as well as program dates, housing options, and special classes—can be found at Sydney's main study abroad page.

Summer Session

The University of Sydney offers two summer tracks: Term A, which runs late May to early July, and Term B, which runs early July to early August. Participate in one or both terms, taking 1 or 2 classes (4 or 8 UofM credits) per term. Credit-bearing internship placements in all fields available both terms. See a class list and other details here.

Research & Internship

Semester students can participate in a credit-bearing research project or internship placement, matched with local faculty who are experts in their fields and professional organizations around Sydney.  Interested students should contact the Learning Abroad Center as soon as possible to ensure a well-matched placement.  Research placements at Sydney are eligible for the UofM I-UROP research scholarship.  

Finding Course Information

Learn about country-specific academic terminology and how to find host university course information

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return.  Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.

Syllabus for Global Identity (PDF)

Summer Courses

Internship

ARTS 2600
  • TBD
4
Credits

This is a four-credit, six-week internship with one of several organizations in Sydney. Previous placements include engineering, business, and design, although other fields are available. Must be taken in conjunction with another class; cannot be taken as a stand-alone class.

Australian Theatre, Film and Learning

EDUF 3034
  • TBD
4
Credits

Study Australian identity through an exploration of Australian film, theatre and television; traditional formats as well as new digital content and delivery platforms.

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities

Learning in Outdoor Education

EDUH 4052
  • TBD
4
Credits

Focused on the theory and practice of experiential education, lectures and experiences focus on two major field trips throughout the summer term. Field trips include a day-long hiking visit to Royal National Park, and a weekend visit to the Blue Mountains.

Sport and Learning in Australian Culture

EDUH 4058
  • TBD
4
Credits

Through lectures and attendance at various sporting events in Sydney, this class provides a socially critical perspective on the place, meaning and practice of sports in Australian culture. Includes attendance to rugby matches, Australian Rules football games, netball, lawn bowling, greyhound racing, and beach sports.

Bioethics

HPSC 1000
  • TBD
4
Credits

Discuss the major issues in the ethics of biology and medicine, from gene modification to Dolly the sheep.

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Civic Life and Ethics

Australia: Conflict and Transformation

HSTY 1089
  • TBD
4
Credits

Examines Australia's beginnings of the violence of a convict society, frontier conflict, and early battles for self-government, through its political and cultural transformation after 1945 into today's post-industrial, post-colonial society.

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Historical Perspectives

Introduction to Indigenous Cultures

INDG 1001
  • TBD
4
Credits

An in-depth study of traditional and contemporary forms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expression.

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences
  • Writing Intensive

Sociology of Terror

SCLG 2623
  • TBD
4
Credits

Examines the relationship between terrorism and globalisation, including exploration of the themes of massacre, ethnic cleansing and terrorism in the context of social uncertainty and crises in nation states.

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • Social Sciences
  • Writing Intensive

US Politics: Elections, President and Laws

USSC 1602
  • TBD
4
Credits

Introduces students to American politics, taught from an Australian point of view. Focuses on some of the principal politicans who have shaped American politics, and examines the roles of race, welfare, taxation, and criminal justice to see what can be learned (both good and bad) from American approaches.

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Race, Power, & Justice in the US
  • Social Sciences

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

Term Abroad Date/Time Location
TBD TBD TBD

Calendar Year 2023

Application Open Date:  May 1, 2022
Application Deadline:  November 1, 2022

Schedule Date
Program Start Early February
Program End Late November

Spring 2023

Application Open Date:  May 1, 2022
Application Deadline:  November 1, 2022

Schedule Date
Program Start Early February
Program End Late June

Academic Year 2022-23

Application Open Date:  December 1, 2021
Application Deadline:  April 15, 2022

Schedule Date
Program Start Early July
Program End Late November

Fall 2022

Application Open Date:  December 1, 2021
Application Deadline:  April 15, 2022

Schedule Date
Program Start Early July
Program End Late November

Summer Terms A & B 2022

Program unavailable due to COVID-19

Schedule Date
Program Start Late May
Program End Early August

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

The Australian government also requires all students to carry the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The policy costs approximately US$300 per semester. Details and instructions will be sent to students upon admission.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Academic Year 2022–23

University Study in Australia: U of Sydney

Academic Yr Fall 2022/Spring 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $19,015
International health insurance $660
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to onsite managing organization $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $20,075
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $20,075

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsVisa (410), OSHC-Australian National Insurance (650), Student Services Fees (160) $1,220
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $4,370
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $700
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing (15,300), Meals (7650) $22,950
Essential daily living expenses $5,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $28,650

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $53,095
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $5,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2022

University Study in Australia: U of Sydney

Fall Semester 2022

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $9,945
International health insurance $275
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to onsite managing organization $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $10,620
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $10,620

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsVisa (410), OSHC-Australian National Insurance (250), Student Services Fees (80) $740
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,890
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $350
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing (6000), Meals (3000) $9,000
Essential daily living expenses $2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $11,350

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $25,860
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $2,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring 2021

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster are required by the host country and/or on-site partners and facilities for most study abroad programs. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses immediately.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

Submit to the Learning Abroad Center:

  • University of Sydney personal essay

In addition to completing the Learning Abroad Center's Online application checklist, you must also submit an application and supporting materials directly to the University of Sydney. Once your application has been reviewed and endorsed by the Learning Abroad Center, instructions for how to follow up with Sydney will be sent to you. 

Next Steps

  1. Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
  2. Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
  3. You will have applications with both the Learning Abroad Center and the University of Sydney—make sure to follow instructions for both applications when they're sent to you. 
  4. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.

Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center. Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Nathan Jacobson or call at 612.626.4523

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.