Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of New South Wales | IES Abroad

Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of New South Wales

The program has been suspended for Spring 2022. Explore our other study abroad programs for spring, as well as details on our health & safety protocols, travel guidelines, refund policy, and more.

Tips for Navigating This Page

As you explore the details of this program across the Overview, Field Trips, Daily Life tabs and more, know that these tabs are reflective of our future programming once COVID regulations allow us to resume. If you’re considering studying abroad in the nearer future, look for term-specific tabs like Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 to see how we’ve adjusted program details to give you that IES Abroad experience you’re looking for, while keeping you safe and healthy.

Why Sydney?

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 (warm summers and mild winters), world-renowned beaches (think: Bondi, Manly, and Coogee), and iconic spots around the city (the Rocks, Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanical Gardens). 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.

What You'll Study

Our study abroad programs in Sydney offers you the opportunity to directly enroll in the prestigious University of New South Wales 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.

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Daily Life

Sydney will also be your classroom. Enjoy the city’s robust music scene with a performance at the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. Visit one of the many museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see some of the country’s great works of art. Soak in the beauty of Sydney’s landscape by walking the coastal path from Coogee to Bondi Beach—or, better yet, climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge. Field trips to iconic destinations like the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, and the Great Barrier Reef round our your study abroad experience.

$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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Academics

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 is why we partnered with the University of New South Wales.

The campus of UNSW is close to Coogee beach with easy access to the city center via public transportation. It offers easy access to the incredible natural beauty of Australia’s varied landscape and a wealth of cultural and social opportunities in Sydney.

University of New South Wales

With about 14,000 international students from 120+ countries enrolled per year, it’s easy to see how the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is historically committed to internationalism. You have access to an impressive range of academic options across many disciplines, as well as internship opportunities. Close to downtown Sydney, UNSW’s proximity to the beach connects you with the famous laid-back Aussie lifestyle.

UNSW has student societies that offer extracurricular delights from music, drama, and chocolate appreciation, to career-building opportunities like entrepreneurship challenges run with fellow students from your major of choice. Also available to study abroad students are sports societies, where you can learn a new sport on a social level or compete for UNSW in local- and Australia-wide competitions.

Location

Located in the leafy eastern suburbs of Sydney UNSW's self-contained campus is nestled between the beaches and the city. Convenienly located beside the Royal Racecourse and Centennial Park, the campus has extensive infrastructure so students feel at home on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, UNSW is an ideal destination if you want access to big-city culture while also being connected to Sydney’s beach lifestyle.

Courses

UNSW is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching universities, with students enrolled in more than 900 academic programs across nine faculties. Its impressive range of strong programs across the disciplines makes it possible for IES Abroad students of almost every academic background to actively pursue a challenging and stimulating experience at UNSW. The UNSW Business School has both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation. Most IES Abroad students take Level Two courses, which may require certain prerequisites. Most courses are worth 6 UOC or 4 IES Abroad credits.

Students entering for the US spring semester complete one course for 4 IES Abroad credits in the month of January before beginning the regular term in February. Then, between February and May, students complete three additional courses at 4 IES Abroad credits each. Students entering for the US fall semester complete one course for 4 IES Abroad credits between August and September before beginning the regular term in September. Then, between September and December, students complete three additional courses at 4 IES Abroad credits each. The calendar works well for students who are hoping to return home for summer internship opportunities or undertaking another international opportunity in addition to your IES Abroad-UNSW semester.

The disciplines listed below are open to IES Abroad students. You can access descriptions for all courses on UNSW's Study Abroad page. Click the "What You Can Study" tab and follow the links to UNSW's Online Handbook. 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.

Areas of Interest	Disciplines
Arts & Social Sciences	• African Studies • Americas Studies • Arts • Asian Studies • Australian Studies • Chinese Studies • Communication & Journalism • Creative Writing • Criminology • Dance • Development Studies • English & Literature • Environmental Humanities • European Studies • Film Studies • French Studies • Greek Studies • Hispanic Studies • History • Indonesian Studies • International Relations • International Studies • Italian Studies • Japanese Studies • Korean Studies • Linguistics • Media Culture & Technology • Media Production • Music • Philosophy • Politics • Public Relations & Advertising • Screen & Sound • Social Research & Policy • Sociology & Anthropology • Theatre & Performance Studies • Women & Gender Studies
Commerce & Economics*	• Accounting • Actuarial Sciences • Banking & Finance • Business Law & Taxation • Economics • Information Systems • Management • Marketing • Tourism & Hospitality
Engineering	• Aerospace • Bioinformatics • Biomedical • Chemical • Civil • Computer Science • Electrical • Environmental • Industrial Chemistry • Manufacturing • Manufacturing Management • Mechatronics • Mining • Naval Architecture • Petroleum • Photonic • Photovoltaics & Solar Energy • Renewable Energy • Science • Software Surveying & Spatial Information Systems • Telecommunications
Fine Arts	• Applied Arts • Art Education • Art History & Theory Design • Digital Media • Fine Arts
Law	• Elective courses only (restricted to students currently pursuing a Law-related degree)
Medical Sciences	• Anatomy • Medicine • Microbiology
Science	• Aviation • Biological Science • Biotechnology • Chemistry • Food Science & Technology • Genetics • Geology • Geography • Geoscience • Marine Science • Materials Science • Mathematics • Nanotechnology • Physics • Psychology • Safety Science

*EQUIS- and AACSB-accredited

Courses

Advising & Support

Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner universities, we’re here for you whenever you need us.

Advising

Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.

But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Sydney, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.

Support

The support services we offer IES Abroad direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff will be there for you.

On-Site Staff

Whether you have questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety, our Sydney-based IES Abroad staff is available to fully support you. Because of our close relationship with the universities in Sydney, IES Abroad is also able to offer you unique academic, social, and cultural opportunities. Our staff in Sydney will accompany you throughout orientation, as well as at the IES Abroad field trips and cultural events.

Internships

Interning while you study in Sydney gives you rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:

Gain a better understanding of the real-life everyday culture of your host country.
Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school.
Improve your confidence

The University of New South Wales offers academic internship placements to study abroad students majoring in Business or Media. Only students who are majoring in these fields and have already completed a number of relevant courses are considered for placement.
You earn 6 UOC (4 IES Abroad credits) for serving in a workplace for a few days each week. An internship also includes additional academic contact hours with your supervisor, and assessment is based on workplace performance, a journal, a final research project, and an exit report.

Personalized Placements
While UNSW does not seek placements for these internship programs, the Sydney Center has an extensive network that can help you to find a placement of your choice.

Field Trips & Events

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. Here are a few possible destinations:

Featherdale Wildlife & Blue Mountains

1 Day

Hike in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Royal National Park

1 Day

Explore the second-oldest national park in the world, full of fascinating plants, birds, and animals.

Daily Life

Part of making you feel at home in Sydney is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to exciting destinations—we’re all about our student services.

Orientation

IES Abroad Orientation

Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Sydney staff, your fellow students, and the city of Sydney.

Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.

Past highlights have included a boat cruise in Sydney Harbour. This is followed by a day-long hiking trip to the Blue Mountains, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are well-known for their canyons, rock formations, and rainforests, and for being home to Aboriginal communities.

University Orientation

In addition to the IES Abroad orientation, you take part in the UNSW international student orientation. This program provides official academic orientation that further introduces you to the facilities at UNSW. You finalize your enrollments and also have the opportunity to discuss course offerings one-on-one with a university advisor.

Housing

We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Sydney, it will feel like home.

As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.

Apartment Housing

University Terraces - the University Terraces are located on High Street, on the main campus, about a five-minute walk to the main courtyard and a two-minute walk to the sports center. Each apartment includes a kitchenette, shared bathroom, and a living area. All apartments are fully furnished, and you can cook in your apartment or go to a variety of restaurants and markets in the surrounding area. The Terraces were opened in 2013, and other amenities include recreation and group study rooms on each floor, an outdoor barbecue area, and coin-operated laundry. Space is very limited, and, if given space in the Terraces, you will likely have a single bedroom in a two-bedroom apartment with another student as your roommate. Apartments are typically mixed-gender unless otherwise requested. No meals are included.

University of New South Wales Village (UNSWV) – like the University Terraces, the University of New South Wales Village (UNSWV) is located on High Street, on the main campus, about a five-minute walk to the main courtyard and a two-minute walk to the sports center. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a living and dining area. All apartments are fully furnished, and you can cook in your apartment or go to a variety of restaurants and markets in the surrounding area. Other amenities include a café, TV room, game room, group and private study spaces, a theater, and card-operated laundry. Space is limited, and, if given a space in UNSWV, you will likely have a single room in a five- or six- bedroom apartment shared with international and Australian students. Apartments are typically mixed-gender, unless otherwise requested. No meals are included.

Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events

Redefine the way you live and learn in Sydney through our cultural events, such as:

Taking surfing lessons
Enjoying a dinner cruise in Darling Harbour
Taking a day trip to the Royal National Park
Watch a show at the Sydney Opera House
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Celebrating the semester with a farewell dinner in downtown Sydney

University Clubs & Events

While you’re in Sydney, be sure to join a social or sports club-they're a great way to meet local students. The University of New South Wales encourages active student involvement in university life through the Student Guild, the Student Union, the Sports Association, and independent academic faculties. With more than 250 university clubs and societies covering cultural, social, and sporting activities, you are sure to find a community at UNSW. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many clubs and organizations as a way to meet Australian students.

Sports and extracurricular clubs are run through ARC UNSW Student Life. For a list of sporting options head to: https://www.arc.unsw.edu.au/clubs and for everything else: https://www.arc.unsw.edu.au

Get to Know Your New City

Visit Barangaroo

Enjoy a meal by the waterfront in this unique inner-city suburb.

Try Sydney Desserts

From lamingtons to Tim Tam slams, there's bound to be a dessert you'll love.

Stroll the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Capture magnificant views of the Opera House and Circular Quay.

Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Prepare for stunning views, beaches, parks, and cliffs on this 6 km (3.37 miles) coastal walk in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Watch a Show at the Opera House

Treat yourself to one of many spectacular performances at Sydney's most iconic venue.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.

Term: Spring 2022
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Spring 2022 Suspended for Spring 2022	$14,892	$5,233	$475	$20,600

Term: Fall 2021
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Fall 2021 Academic Year	$14,591 $26,250	$5,130 $10,260	$475 $950	$20,196 $37,460
Fall 2021 Suspended for Fall 2021 Academic Year	$14,591 $26,250	$5,130 $10,260	$475 $950	$20,196 $37,460

Scholarships & Aid

Featured Scholarships

Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship

Up to $3,000; awarded to 2 students each year

This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.

Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship

Up to $1,875; awarded to 4-6 students each year

This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.

Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.

Adelyn Dougherty Leander Need-Based Urban Issues Scholarship

Up to $3,000; awarded to 4-6 students each year

Open to students who have an interest in urban studies (a major in urban studies is not required).

Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers

Up to $10,000; awarded to 6 students each year

The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

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Our Center

While in Sydney, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our Center Director in Sydney is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Sydney experience!

Our Staff

Kate Smart

Center Director

Kate Smart has been the Director of the Sydney programs since 2016. Kate has over 20 years of experience in International Education, including senior Study Abroad roles at Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, and University of New South Wales.

Kate has lived and worked in the United States and studied abroad in Thailand and Jamaica. She has a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Technology, Sydney, and a Master of Education in International Education from Monash University, and post-graduate qualifications in Psychology. Kate loves sharing her knowledge of the city (and the rest of Australia) with new students, from her favorite beaches to swim at to the best place to grab a great flat white.

IES Abroad Sydney Staff

Sian Viney
Internship and Student Services Coordinator

Health & Safety

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 what time zone you’re in.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

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student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

How We Support You

We plan for "what if" 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.

Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:

International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
And more!

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