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sydney harbor full of boats at sunset
Sydney, Australia

Arts + Sciences (University of Sydney)

New for Spring 2025!

Study Program

Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

$23,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.7 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.7 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

$24,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.7 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.7 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Arts + Sciences program in Sydney 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

Explore 100+ Beautiful Parks and Reserves

scattered throughout the city

\

Enjoy Access to 20 Major Art Galleries and Museums

showcasing both local and international works

Sydney Boasts a Diverse Culinary Scene

with 6,000+ restaurants offering cuisines from around the globe

Experience
  • Sydney

Your Destination

Sydney is Australia’s dynamic global city, celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, thriving arts scene, and world-class education and research. The city blends natural beauty with urban innovation – offering everything from iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to cutting-edge museums, creative industries, and coastal parks. Whether you're studying the arts or sciences, Sydney provides top-tier academics and a vibrant lifestyle. With its buzzing food scene, outdoor adventures, and laid-back charm, Sydney is the perfect place to study abroad.

Sydney

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.
  • 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.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
sydney students posing with a koala

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:

  • Enjoy a day at the famous Manly beach and join a guided historical Q-station (Quarantine Station) tour
  • Hike the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the spectacular landscape  
  • Learn about Sydney's beach lifestyle while enjoying an Aussie BBQ (Barbie)

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

koala
From CIEE

Which Aussie Animal Are You Based on Your Study Habits?

By CIEE Sydney at CIEE

Which Aussie Animal Are You Based on Your Study Habits? Studying abroad is full of adventure, but let’s be honest—we all approach uni life a little differently. Some of us... keep reading

Sappho Books
From CIEE

Sydney’s Best Independent Bookstores

By CIEE Sydney at CIEE

🛋️ Sydney’s Independent Bookstores 📖 Intro Tucked between the beaches, laneways, and buzzing cafés of Sydney are some absolute gems for book lovers—independent bookstores that have captured the hearts of... keep reading

scuba diving australia study abroad ciee
From CIEE

Settling in Abroad in Sydney, Australia

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Hannah Keefe Hi, my name is Hannah Keefe and I studied at CIEE Sydney for my first block. I have loved this program and the ability to stay in... keep reading

Housing

Housing & Meals

Housing

Students will reside in student accommodation located just a short walk from the University of Sydney campus. Situated in the vibrant Camperdown and Newtown neighborhoods, this housing offers comfortable living quarters, communal study areas, recreational spaces, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. The student housing provides easy access to both the campus and CIEE Sydney, a 20-minute bus ride away. This environment supports academic success, personal growth, and cultural exchange. 

Standard Housing: Includes a room in a residence hall with a king- or queen-sized single bed, a fridge cabinet, TV, Ethernet port, study desk, wardrobe, fan, and heater. Students must bring their own kitchen items, bedding, and personal items. Common areas feature Wi-Fi, elevators, a computer lab, daily cleaning, kitchenettes on each floor, laundry facilities, and 24-hour university security. 

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

Residence Halls: 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. 

sydney housing univeristy of syndey single room

Residence Hall

Single room

sydney housing univeristy of syndey common area

Residence Hall

Common area

sydney housing university of sydney outdoor patio

Residence Hall

Outdoor patio

sydney students out to lunch after a group activity

Meals

Students out to lunch after a group activity

Academics

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.

GPA

2.7

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes

Additional Requirements

Please 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 Arts and Sciences at University of Sydney students take 3-4 courses for a total of 12-16 semester credits, choosing from: 

  • A CIEE course (optional)
  • Host Institution courses taught in English at The University of Sydney
    • Participants can either take all their classes at the University of Sydney or combine three classes at the host institution with one additional course offered at CIEE. There is a commute of about 20 minutes between CIEE Sydney and The University of Sydney campus.
  • Online Course Options: substitute up to one ASU online course

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 quarter credits. 

Course Credit

  • University of Sydney Courses: typically 4 U.S. semester credits/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
  • CIEE Courses: 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

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.  

The CIEE course, augmented by Canvas Learning Management System, 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. 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

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 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. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. 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 the 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

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

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Students can opt to take courses across a wide range of academic fields, including:  

  • Architecture, design, and planning
  • Arts and social sciences
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Education and social work
  • Engineering and computer science
  • Law
  • Medicine and health
  • Music
  • Science

Host Institution: The University of Sydney offers around 2,500 courses per semester. Explore the full list of courses in the Course Handbook Online.  

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 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 BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer 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 Fall 2025 19 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $23,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2026 19 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $24,950
Program Fall 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*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 $16,456 **
Housing $7,000 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $23,950

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 and MSI 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 $1,688 †
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $800 †††
Books & Supplies $40
Visa Fees $1,120
Personal expenses $310 ††††
Other $450 †††††
Total Costs $6,108

*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

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

††††$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.

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

Estimated Costs

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

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 $16,456 **
Housing $8,000 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $24,950

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 and MSI 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 $1,853 †
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $650 †††
Books & Supplies $40
Visa Fees $1,120
Personal expenses $320 ††††
Other $450 †††††
Total Costs $6,133

*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

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

††††$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.

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

Estimated Costs

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

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

Thais Oso

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

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

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

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...

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!

Apply Now

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.

Contact Us

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