Semester in Sydney
New for Spring 2025!
Unique Experiences
Immerse yourself in Sydney's vibrant culture
with hands-on opportunities like Indigenous art workshops, harbor cruises, and guided walking tours through historic neighborhoods
Discover Sydney's dynamic urban scene
with access to world-class museums, bustling markets, and live 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
100+
BEACHES ALONG SYDNEY’S COASTLINE
50+
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
200+
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Your Destination
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and Sydney is its business hub and the country's launching point for exchanging goods, services, and ideas with its Asian neighbors. Sydney is one of the Southern Hemisphere's leading centers for startups, trade, finance, tech, and media production. With a population of around five million, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in globally because of its social inclusion, diversity, tolerance, and healthy lifestyle.
Sydney is an incredibly diverse city, and home to people from all over the world. Nearly half of its residents speak a language other than English at home and 36% were born overseas. The first inhabitants, the Aboriginals, are the world's oldest civilization, and this heritage has helped shape modern Australia. This one-of-a-kind mix of people and cultures led to a shared spirit and attitude that is the Australian way of life. Aussies are known for laid-back "no-worries" attitudes, being open-hearted and open-minded, and believing that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities, what they call locally as having a "fair go.”
Sydney is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world; more than 80% of Australia's plants and animals are unique to our Islands and are found nowhere else in the world. There is also a bubbling art scene, the city government supports young and fun artistic pursuits, including Sydney's Art and About, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Movie Festival, regular food, art, crafts, and music events, and the list goes on!
The CIEE Sydney Center is strategically located in the heart of Sydney's Downtown (CBD) and minutes away from Central Station, with local, intercity, and interstate transport in close proximity.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Sydney.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Hiking the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the spectacular landscape
- Learning about the world's oldest civilization during one of our Aboriginal cultural tours
- Enjoying a day at the famous Manly beach and join a guided historical Q-station (Quarantine Station) tour in Sydney Harbour National Park and learning about the first Australian visitors' quarantine history and experience
- Going on a hike at one of Sydney's National Parks; previous visits included Wolli Creek Park, La Perouse Park, and Sydney Harbour National Park
- Visiting one of our many museums; previous visits included Australian Museum, Art Gallery of NSW, and Contemporary Art Museum
- Learning about Sydney's beach lifestyle while enjoying an Aussie BBQ (Barbie); previous visits included Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Shelly Beach
- Meeting our local animals, including kangaroos and koalas, during one of our zoo visits; previous visits included Taronga Zoo, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, and Sydney Zoo
Academic Projects
For-credit Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Sydney Academic Director and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Australia. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to Australia, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.
A for-credit part-time internship allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
Program Blogs
Sounds of the Land Down Under: A Journey Through Australian Music
Australia's music scene is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself, spanning genres from rock and pop to indigenous music and electronic dance. From iconic bands and legendary artists... keep reading
Exploring Sydney's Vibrant Markets: A Feast for the Senses
Sydney's markets are bustling hubs of activity, offering a sensory delight of sights, sounds, and smells that capture the essence of the city's diverse culture and creativity. From fresh produce... keep reading
CIEE Sydney Staff Food Recommendations
Are you tired of settling for mediocre meals and uninspiring snacks during your breaks between classes? Fear not! The CIEE Team has scouted the area surrounding the office and Abbey... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
Students will reside at a student accommodation facility just a short stroll from the University of Sydney campus and a 30-minute bus ride from CIEE Sydney. Situated in the vibrant neighborhoods of Camperdown and Newtown, the student housing offers comfortable living quarters, communal study areas, recreational spaces, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. With its convenient location, students can enjoy the bustling campus atmosphere while being only a 30-minute bus ride away from the CIEE Sydney campus, ensuring seamless access to academic studies and extracurricular activities. The student housing serves as a welcoming and supportive home base for students, fostering academic success, personal growth, and cultural exchange throughout their time in Sydney.
Standard Housing: Includes a room at a student accommodation facility with a king or queen size single bed and mattress, over fridge cabinet, TV, Ethernet port, study desk, chair, lamp, wardrobe, mini fridge, fan, and electric heater. Students need to bring their own kitchen items, pillows, bed linen, personal electric items, and telephone. Common areas feature Wi-Fi, lifts, a computer lab, after-hours assistance by an evening duty manager, Residential Life Hire Items at reception, daily cleaning of shared spaces, kitchenettes on each floor, common laundries, a fully equipped common kitchen, and 24-hour university security.
Meals
Students 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.
Academics
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. Whether exploring historic architecture or engaging in groundbreaking research, students at the University of Sydney experience an academic journey like no other, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
CIEE students can choose to enroll in 4-5 courses across a diverse range of fields. Students take a minimum of two CIEE courses. They can take all CIEE courses or can combine with University of Sydney courses.
CIEE Sydney is in the suburb of Ultimo, right in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District and minutes away from cafes and shops in the iconic Darling Harbour. There is a commute of about 20 minutes between CIEE and The University of Sydney campus.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
University of Sydney
- 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
The University of Sydney offers around 2500 courses per semester. Explore the full list of courses in the Course Handbook Online.
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Spring 2025 18 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $21,950 |
*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 = $14,456**
Housing = $7,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $21,950Estimated 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 = $470
Personal expenses = $285†††
Total Costs = $4,983Financial 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.
*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
†††$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
Center Director
Thais has over 18 years of education industry experience which include running an American study abroad program in Sydney and working in the exchange programs at one of Australia’s top universities.
Dr. Lesley Turnbull
Academic Director
Dr. Turnbull is the Academic Director of CIEE Sydney and is responsible for all aspects of academics.
Crystal Reay
Student Life Coordinator
You might also like
- Sydney, Australia
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Gain work experience and take in the urban beat of the Southern Hemisphere’s hub of business and industry
- Big City
- Life by the Sea
- Sydney, Australia
- Study Program
Trade your winter season back home for an unforgettable adventure in Sydney during Australia's summer
- Big City
- Life by the Sea
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Spend your summer enriching your global outlook and gaining real-world professional skills through an internship in Melbourne, the cultural heart of Australia.
- Big City
- Life by the Sea