Australia Study Abroad Program at the University of Sydney
About the University of Sydney
- Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Application deadlines: November 15 for semester 1 (Feb-June)
November 15 for calendar year (Feb-Nov)
Conservatorium of Music students must apply by October 15
for semester 1 and calendar year.
March 15 for semester 2 (July-Nov)
March 15 for academic year (July-June)
- Program advisor: Lindsey Jendraszak
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Program Snapshot
We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the University of Sydney for your semester or year abroad. The university is a great academic institution located in an even greater city. We're sure you're going to love studying there!
There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.
What the University of Sydney has to offer
- One of Australia's most prestigious universities, modeled after Oxford
- Main campus next to the laid-back, trendy Glebe neighborhood with a cafe culture and a New Age attitude
- More than 100 teaching departments organized into 16 faculties
- A magnificent 1857 quadrangle regarded as a national treasure
- The modern Fisher Library, the largest of its kind in Australia
- An active student union with dining services, recreational facilities, medical centers, dental clinic, banks, pharmacies, travel agencies, hairdresser, news agents and food outlets
- More than 200 student societies and clubs to give students a rich and diverse experience
- Great sports facilities, including indoor pool, rock climbing, tennis pavilion, gymnasium and recreation center, plus a ski hut
- A short bus ride from the central business district, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, and about 30 minutes from the closest beach
Housing
- Housing is with international or Australian students in one of five residential colleges or the Sydney University Village
- Residential colleges have mandatory meal plans; students at Sydney University Village purchase or prepare their meals in shared kitchen facilities
Academics
- Over 4,000 courses available in a huge range of disciplines
- Students take three or four courses per semester
- AACSB International accredited business school
We look forward to working with you!
Academics
CoursesWhere can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
- Open the University of Sydney online course catalog.
- Change the drop-down menu that says "Programs" to "Units of Study," which is what individual courses are called in Australia.
- Under "Course Level," check the bubble for "Undergraduate."
- Under "Available To," check the bubble for "International Students."
- Click the link that says "Show Advanced Options."
- Under "Study Mode," check the box that says "On-Campus."
- Under the "Semester Commences," be sure to chose the semester you're studying abroad (semester 1 = U.S. spring, semester 2 = U.S. fall).
- Finally, go back up to the blank search box and enter in key words for the course you're searching for.
What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.
For each course that you list on your preference form, be sure to check the following:
- When determining which courses to take, please bear in mind that the Australian academic system is an intensive, three-year program.
- First-year (1000-level) courses are appropriate for departments in which you have little or no prior experience.
- Second-year (2000-level) courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
- Third-year (3000-level) courses will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. courses.
- Fourth-year (4000-level) courses and higher are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate study abroad student.
- Remember in Australia, U.S. fall semester = semester 2 and U.S. spring semester = semester 1. Be sure to select courses for the correct semester you are studying abroad.
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
Course Restrictions
There are a number of restrictions or additional requirements at the University of Sydney. Please read below for more information:
Accounting
You must submit syllabi for previous accounting courses taken if you plan on taking ACCT1002 (Accounting 1B) or any 2000 or 3000 level accounting course. Failure to produce syllabi with your course preference form means you will not be approved to take the course.
Architecture
You must submit a portfolio with the following information:
- Photographs representative of your previous study
- Resume
- Short piece in a cultural area of academic writing
- Short piece in a technical area of academic writing
You will meet with architecture staff upon arrival at University of Sydney to discuss the courses for which you are best suited. It's easier to take architecture courses if you study abroad during semester 1.
Art Informatics
These courses are not available to study abroad students. The course code for these begins with ARIN.
Art Workshops/Art Studio
These subjects are introductory art units (including ceramics, photography, sculpture) that do not require previous experience. The units are listed under the AWSS or DESA codes. These subjects have limited space due to quotas, and you will have to wait until you arrive to try to enroll in these units. Be prepared to choose other courses.
Computer Science
These courses are available under a number of different faculties. The Faculty of Science and department of computer science will have courses in computer science listed under COMP, SOFT and NETS. Information Systems offers the courses under INFO and ISYS, and the Faculty of Economics and Business offers them in the information systems department as INFS.
Economics and Business
Students applying for any 2000 or 3000-level units should submit syllabi from previous courses taken along with the course preference form. All 3000-level units (e.g. ACCT 3101, FINC 3101) and above require special approval, which means you should be prepared to wait a few extra weeks for a decision. Please make sure you have met all the prerequisites if you choose a 3000-level unit. About 15 percent of IFSA-Butler students regularly fail economics and business courses because they have chosen a unit that is too much of a stretch for them, given their experience in that discipline. Choose carefully!
Education
All education units of study require special approval, which means you should be prepared to wait a few extra weeks for a decision.
Fine or Visual Arts
If you are a fine or visual arts major, you will probably want to take courses at the Sydney College of the Arts, located at the Rozelle Campus. This campus is a 40-minute bus ride from the main campus where you will be living. The cost of commuting is your responsibility. If you are admitted, you will be allowed to work in a studio in your chosen field while also studying studio theory and techniques. You must include a portfolio with your Unit of Study Enrolment form. The portfolio should include the following:
- The portfolio may be presented in one of the following formats: VHF video, photographic, CD or DVD ROM.
- Should consist of 10 pieces maximum.
- Items should be relevant and representative of your abilities and interest.
- Items do not need to be directly relevant to the area which you would like to study at Sydney.
Health Sciences
These courses have limited space and require students to provide descriptions of previous courses with their Unit of Study Enrolment form. The courses in this faculty are on the Cumberland campus, which is about an hour by public transportation from the main campus. If you are going to take courses at Cumberland, we suggest that you try to take all of your courses on this campus rather than trying to commute between the City and Cumberland campuses. The cost of commuting is your responsibility.
Law
An Australian student can pursue a law degree as an undergraduate. Consequently, it is difficult for most U.S. undergraduates to qualify to take law courses at Sydney. While the courses are technically available, they will require special approval, which means you should be prepared to wait a few extra weeks for a decision. Please check to make sure you meet the prerequisites.
Medicine and Dentistry
Study abroad students may not take courses in either of these two faculties. There are courses available to study abroad students in anatomy and histology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology as long as prerequisites are met and previous course work is included along with the Unit of Study Enrolment form. The above mentioned courses are found in the Faculty of Science.
Music
Students may take courses in music in two different ways at the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The Conservatorium is located about 20 minutes from the main campus by public transport. The cost of commuting is your responsibility.
- Non-performance courses
Coursework in music history, theory and composition is offered under the course code MUSC. Students who are music majors may also take courses under MCGY.
- Performance Courses
Because you will be in the United States at the time of application, you will not be able to participate in a live audition. You will need to submit an audition either via videotape (in PAL format) or DVD, which includes a statement signed by both you and your teacher certifying that it is a true recording. To find out more details on the audition requirements and submission requirements for composition and musicology applicants, see the University of Sydney website.
Additional fees will be charged to your bill once you have officially signed up for courses in instrument, voice, composition or musicology. Students may not study more than one instrument or area of principal study during a semester, and it may not be possible to take one-on-one instruction. The additional fees may be as high as US$500, but we will not know exactly how much this extra fee will be until you have arrived in Sydney and started your courses. This fee will be sent to your billing address approximately two months after your arrival in Sydney.
Nursing
There are numerous restrictions on study abroad students in this faculty. If you wish to take courses in this faculty, you must submit descriptions of all your previously completed work when you return the Unit of Study Enrolment form. These courses take place at the Cumberland campus (one hour from the main campus by public transport). The cost of commuting is your responsibility.
Operations Management and Econometrics
You must submit syllabi for all past courses taken in economics/econometrics if you plan to take ECMT1020 - Business and Economic Statistics B or any 2000 or 3000 level ECMT course. Failure to produce syllabi with your course preference form means you will not be approved to take the course.
Psychology
There are numerous restrictions on study abroad students in this faculty. If you wish to take courses in this faculty, you must submit descriptions of previously completed work when you return the Unit of Study Enrolment form.
Sciences
Students taking science courses (especially those that have a lab component) may be charged a supplemental tuition fee, as IFSA-Butler's tuition fees are based on the arts and social science tuition fee.
Social Work
There are numerous restrictions on study abroad students in this faculty. If you wish to take courses in this faculty, you must submit descriptions of previously completed work when you return the Unit of Study Enrolment form.
Sociology
Introductory sociology courses (including SCLG 1001 and SCLG 1002) are not available to study abroad students. If you are a sociology major, you should consider that this department is very small and normally offers three sociology courses and one social policy class per semester.
Veterinary Science
There are numerous restrictions on study abroad students in this faculty. If you wish to take courses in this faculty, you must submit descriptions of previously completed work when you return the Unit of Study Enrolment form.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. At the University of Sydney, a full course load consists of 24 Sydney credits per semester or 48 Sydney credits per year. For information on the credit weight, please consult the information below.
4 USY points = 2.75 U.S. semester credit hours
6 USY points = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
12 USY points = 8 U.S. semester credit hours
Registration
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Sydney course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.
You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
What is the Unit of Study Enrolment form and why do I have to complete it?
The Unit of Study Enrolment form is an important piece in the academic planning process for your semester or year abroad. Completing the Unit of Study Enrolment form gives you the opportunity to inform the University of Sydney of the courses you'd like to take. University staff members then use the form to preregister you in your top selections. If it is not possible for them to put together a complete preregistration schedule for you, then IFSA-Butler will contact you with more information. You ONLY need to complete sections B and C of the Unit of Study Enrolment form and sign it under section E.
The Unit of Study Enrolment form is not a registration form; neither you nor the university is bound by your selections, and you do not officially register for courses until you arrive at the University of Sydney. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind.
What is the University of Sydney signature page and what do I need to complete on it?
The University of Sydney signature page requires your signature. All you need to do is sign it and return it with the other forms.
Exams
What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.
Transcripts
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Sydney. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.
Housing
Housing OptionsWhat are my housing options?The following housing options are available during your semester or year abroad. Residential College applicants, please note: If you are placed in a residential college, you will incur a supplemental charge six to eight weeks after you have arrived; this charge is in addition to your IFSA-Butler housing fee and varies from college to college. Residential college spaces are highly competitive. If you are not offered a place in the residential colleges, you will be placed in self-catered accommodation.
- Residential Colleges
- St. John's (Supplemental charge will range from $1,300-$1,500 per semester for the additional cost of the housing, services and mandatory meals)
This residential college at the University of Sydney consists of impressive neo-gothic buildings that evoke a certain sense of grandeur and achieve a balance of tradition and innovation in the culture of college life.
Although a Catholic residence, St. John's welcomes students of all backgrounds and religious affiliations. St John's has its own special atmosphere, offering accommodation, collegiate life, sports and tutorial opportunities. There is a vibrant social scene, as students often plan and arrange the various social engagements throughout the semester.
College students are diverse with many international students and local students of all ages (undergraduate and postgraduate) living in close proximity in double rooms.
- Mandelbaum House (Supplemental charge will range from $1,300-$1,500 per semester for the additional cost of the housing, services and mandatory meals)
Mandelbaum House is a modern, smaller college where students from both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds are integrated. While all food served is kosher, students are allowed a comfortable environment to practice all aspects of the Jewish faith at Mandelbaum. Up to half the residents are from a variety of other backgrounds and a diverse mix is encouraged. Rooms are all singles with a shared mini-kitchen and lounge at each end of each floor. There is a library, recreation room and dining room where the meals provided are served.
Situated on the edge of the university campus, it is only a short walk to any part of the university.
- Sancta Sophia College (Supplemental charge will range from $1,300-$1,500 per semester for the additional cost of the housing, services and mandatory meals)
Sancta Sophia College is mainly a residential college for women, though some male postgraduate students live there as well. Every student has a single bedroom. Rooms vary in size depending on their location within the residential wings. A bed, desk, chair, lamp, wardrobe and Ethernet connection is provided. Bathrooms, washing and ironing facilities are shared. There are rooms where students gather informally and computer facilities with printing capabilities. All computers are connected to the Internet and the university network.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the many university activities and clubs, and take full advantage of its sports and social events. There is an active intercollegiate life among the neighboring residential colleges revolving around formals, tutorials, drama, music and activities.
- Wesley College (Supplemental charge will range from $1,300-$1,500 per semester for the additional cost of the housing, services and mandatory meals)
Wesley College has a neo-gothic flavor and more than 230 students in residence. Wesley has its own special atmosphere, offering accommodation, collegiate life, sports and tutorial opportunities. There is a vibrant social scene, as students often plan and arrange the various social engagements throughout the semester.
College students are diverse with many international students and local students of all ages (undergraduate and postgraduate) living in close proximity in double and triple rooms.
- Self-catered Student Apartments
- Sydney University Village
A five-minute walk from the University of Sydney, Sydney University Village (SUV) offers a student community life with landscaped open spaces and all of the facilities a student could want. There is no meal plan at SUV.
Completed in 2003, the village has two types of accommodation. If you select SUV as one of your choices, you have an equal chance of being placed in either accommodation, so please make sure you are prepared for either option. You cannot select a preference for SUV.
Studio apartments: These single-room studios are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, queen-sized bed, microwave, electric kettle, mini-refrigerator, phone line and data port. There is no meal plan. This option offers students the option of socializing in the vibrant community in the village, as well as the opportunity to retreat into his/her own private space.
Five-bedroom apartments: Student may share an apartment with other international and/or local students. Each student will have his/ her own bedroom, phone connection and dataport. Five students share the two bathrooms, as well as the living, dining and large kitchen facilities in the fully furnished apartment. There is no meal plan.
Meals
Students placed in residential colleges will have a mandatory meal plan that incurs a supplemental fee. Students placed in self-catered apartments will be responsible for purchasing and preparing their own meals. See the Housing Options tab for more information.
Housing FAQs
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for any commuting costs you may incur. Australian university housing requires students to move out during breaks between semesters. If you are studying abroad for a year and wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during these breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Australia for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.
Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location Info
Living and Studying Abroad in Sydney, Australia
About Sydney
Population: 4.5 million
Location: State of New South Wales, in southeast Australia
City features
- Known as the "World's Friendliest City"
- Renowned for its multicultural flavor
- At its heart is a spectacular harbor, home to the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Distinct neighborhoods with a huge range of lifestyles and cultures, linked by excellent public transportation
- Darling Harbour is a glittering entertainment district and a hub of endless fun
- Nearby are the historic Rocks, Sydney' oldest preserved colonial district transformed into a vibrant area of pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops
Do more!
- Enjoy surfing, swimming and sunning at the beaches on the east coast of the city
- Visit the Blue Mountains in the west
- Sample wines in the Hunter Valley to the north of Sydney, where some of Australia's best wines are made
Links
City of Sydney
Travel South: A Visitor's Guide to South Coast New South Wales
City Search Sydney
Lonely Planet Sydney
Sydney Morning Herald
Dates & Fees
Program DatesUniversity of Sydney dates for semester 1 2012 coming soon!Click here to view our full Australia program calendars.
Personal Cost Estimates
Personal cost estimates for semester 1 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of Australia personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator
Forms
To apply to the University of Sydney program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the University of Sydney program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Sydney for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to the University of Sydney program, you can check the status of your application using the student portal.
Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Australia:
 Senior Program Advisor Lindsey Jendraszak assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Lindsey can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, extn. 3638. Lindsey has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past four years. After studying abroad herself several times as an undergraduate, Lindsey earned a masters degree in student affairs and came to work for IFSA-Butler. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.
 Student Accounts Coordinator Becki Niccum assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Becki can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-3077.
 Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our student services coordinator Joanna Subotic. Click here to read more about Joanna.
 Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.
Photos
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Internships
The University of Sydney offers a highly competitive internship program. Interns must have a strong academic background and achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective interns must also successfully complete an interview process upon arrival in Sydney. Interns will spend at least 15 days working on a specialized project with one of the University of Sydney's host organizations. Students will be awarded a letter grade for participating in the internship program, which will appear on their Butler University transcript. The internship is worth 4 US credit hours. In general, students selected for the program will enroll in three traditional classes plus the internship, for a total of 16 US credit hours per semester.
Internships are available in the following areas:
- Accounting
- Banking and finance
- Marketing
- Special events and public relations
- Communications and media
- Operations
- Human resource management
- Information technology
- Not for profits
- Government and policy
- Medical research
- Biotechnology
- Engineering
- Environmental science
- Marine biology
- Architecture
- Sports management
- Graphic design
- Visual arts
- Film and television production
- Research placements (within University of Sydney's faculties/departments)
If you are interested in applying for an internship, please contact your program advisor at the time of application.
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University of Sydney
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