Ranked consistently within the top three universities in Australia, the University of Sydney is one of the country’s leading research-intensive universities and the oldest member of the prestigious Group of Eight.

What is unique about this program?

Every year hundreds of students from around the world are welcomed to the University of Sydney through the Sydney Abroad program. Some choose USYD for their academic reputation and wide range of courses, while others wish to experience their vibrant student life. Learn more to find out why USYD is Australia’s favorite option.

The University of Sydney is a Cornell Global Hub partner university. Global Hubs are Cornell's collaborative centers of engagement around the world. Hubs will give students exciting opportunities for semester-long and short-term study abroad, field experience, participation in faculty-led research, curricular pathways through majors, internships, and more.

• Unique Academic Calendar - In Australia, the academic year starts in the opposite semester compared to the U.S.  "Semester 1" in Australia is our spring semester, and it runs from early-February to late-June.  "Semester 2" equates to our fall semester, and runs from late-July to to late-November. 
• Spoilt for Choice - over 3000 units of study available across 16 Faculties
  • Browse subjects and available units of study HERE!
• MATES Abroad & Social Calendar - opt-in mentor program for students to meet Australian students, ease their transition into Sydney life, foster an international culture, and share exciting adventures in Australia together
• Internship Placement - credit-bearing industry or research placement run internally by the Sydney Abroad team to facilitate best-fit matching between student and host
• Sydney Sustainability Program - A co-curricular program that can be taken alongside the study abroad program, where students can undertake exclusive activities and a speaker series structured around five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Guaranteed Accommodation - modern, clean and well-equipped accommodation at Urbanest with a mixed international/domestic student population all within a 5 minute walk to campus
• Campus Culture – ranked first in the Best Student Experience in Australia boasting more than 200 student clubs and societies, 43 sports clubs, 12 cafes and 8 bars on campus, 4 live performance spaces and 2 fitness centers

What is unique about Sydney?

Apart from the sunshine, food culture and relaxed lifestyle that everybody enjoys, Sydney has been rated as one of the top student cities in the world.  Australian cities have excellent job prospects and a multicultural community of students. By studying in Sydney, you have an exciting chance to enjoy creative freedom and a very high quality of life.

The Sydney campus offers welcoming social scenes, with clubs, societies, entertainment venues and sporting facilities all ready to indulge your hobbies and interests. We also offer many orientation events to help you settle in and make new friends

How can I get more information about USYD?

• Browse through course options and information
• Browse their detailed program information webpage
• Watch "This is the University of Sydney" (video)
• Connect with USYD on Facebook and Instagram
• Reach out to the University of Sydney's Study Abroad office at sydney.abroad@sydney.edu.au any time for assistance with your questions or concerns

Academic Calendar

• Academic year: late-July - mid-June
• Fall semester: late-July - late-November
• Spring semester: mid-February - mid-June

For specific dates, refer to the University of Sydney's Academic Calendar

Things to Consider Before Applying

• Review the information on the Education Abroad Office’s Get Started page for important considerations on academics and finances, and a guide to next steps.
• Still have questions?  Visit the Get Advice page and learn how to connect with an Education Abroad Advisors.
• Want to keep up to date with Cornellians Abroad? Follow Education Abroad on social media, @cornelliansabroad

How do I apply?

Applying to study on an exchange program is a two-step process. The Cornell approval process must be completed first, before your Education Abroad advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit your nomination to the exchange partner.  

1. For Cornell approval and nomination, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by your college and the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page, or earlier, if the program fills.
2. Once nominated by Cornell, USYD will email you an invitation to apply with application instructions.  At that point, you must complete the external application required for exchange students by USYD's deadline.  Nominated exchange students are typically admitted by partners, but you must complete the application process for them to review your application and offer you a place.