The University of Sydney
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s English
Agreement Scope University-wide exchange, check with your department regarding compatibility with your degree programme
Exchange Places 1 full year place for 2025/26
Overview
About:
Founded in 1850 the University of Sydney is a public research University, the 1st University founded in Australia. It was was founded on the principle of giving everyone the opportunity to realise their potential through education and still holds that belief just as strongly today. Their excellence in research and teaching makes the University of Sydney one of the top universities in Australia and highly ranked among the best universities in the world, with famous alumni include names such as Gough Whitlam and pioneer heart transplant surgeon Victor Chang . Its campus is ranked in the top 10 of the world's most beautiful universities by the Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post.
Contacts at Sydney:
Exchange Officer - Ms Jessica Bui, jessica.bui@sydney.edu.au
Study Abroad, International Services Student Recruitment and Admissions, Level 4, Jane Foss Russell Building, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Highlights:
Currently ranked 2nd in Australia, the University of Sydney is also consistently placed among the top 50 universities in the world. With a reimagined undergraduate curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, world-class teaching and learning and a vibrant campus life, it is a place where students can attain widely recognised and respected qualifications. Outside the classroom, students can make lifelong friends and connections, with more than 200 student-run clubs and societies bringing the campus to life. The University of Sydney community – which covers the world – includes more than 50,000 students, 3400 academic staff, and 320,000 alumni.
Location:
Live and study in one of the most beautiful and in the world! Enjoy Sydney’s bustling city life and beautiful beaches. The campus is located across Sydney’s innercity suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington. The famous Quadrangle might be what springs to mind when you think of Sydney campus.
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
Most units are worth 6 credits, students are expected to take 4 per semester.
Search for courses in the Sydney course catalogue
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
24 Sydney credits = 60 York credits
Teaching Periods:
Students should note that the academic year in Australian universities runs from the end of February to the end of November. York students will join Sydney for Semester 2 and then return for Semester 1 of the following academic year.
Semester 1: February to June
Semester 2: July to November
Access Sydney calendar.
Language:
Classes at Sydney are taught in English.
You may be required to provide evidence of your English language ability if English is not your first language.
Student life
Accommodation:
Students are guaranteed accommodation offered at Urbanest an independent residence, however students are able to apply to colleges on-campus for accommodation or look for off-campus housing. Sydney provide information for you to be able to research the options available
Orientation / Welcome week:
Sydney offers an orientation session on arrival at Sydney as well as offering Mates Abroad to ease the transition into Sydney life. They also offer unique activities such as surf camp, local sports games, city tours and more.
Support Services:
Sydney offers a wide range of support services for students
Visas:
Information is available on from the University of Sydney. Students should research their own immigration status.
Health insurance:
Health insurance is compulsory for most international students who are studying in Australia.
It is a condition of your student visa that you maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies. This cover needs to be arranged before you can apply for your student visa. Sydney’s preferred OSHC provider is Allianz Global Assist and if you indicate that you’d like them to arrange your OSHC then they will arrange the necessary type and length of cover. This is arranged once you have paid for your OSHC cover.
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Student experiences
Kelly, PPE, Year Abroad 2022/23
"My year abroad in Sydney was undoubtedly the best year of my life so far and changed my outlook on life in the most positive way. Having the freedom to explore so many different modules that I would not have been able to study in York, while also navigating a different style of teaching and assessment hugely broadened my academic horizons. Some highlights outside of the classroom include competing at the Australian National Cheerleading Championships on the Gold Coast, road tripping down the Great Ocean Road, exploring all of Sydney’s beautiful beaches, and spending a weekend at Surf Camp Australia. During the year, I saved up money working in a restaurant which meant I was also fortunate enough to go on the most amazing travels around and outside of Australia. I backpacked along the East Coast of Australia with my new friends where we dived on the Great Barrier Reef, slept on a boat in the famous Whitsundays, and spent Christmas Day playing volleyball on K'gari Fraser Island just to name a few highlights. I also spent a month wild camping on the South Island of New Zealand and lived with a family in a small village on Wayasewa Island in Fiji. A year abroad is the best way to experience life in a different country and it’s something that I will always recommend to people. I will forever cherish the friendships I made and the experiences I was so lucky to have. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience!"
Bethany, Natural Sciences, Year Abroad 2019/20
" My time abroad in Sydney was incredible, both for the fun I had and for just how difficult it could be. When you are alone and over ten thousand miles from home, it brings into perspective just how resilient you can be - there's no easy option of going home. Overall, I've become a lot more confident and self-sufficient, knowing at the end of the day decisions and reactions are mine alone. If I had stayed in York, I wouldn't have learnt phrases in Danish or how to step outside my comfort zone. I wouldn't have studied liberal arts subjects or learnt how to cope without my regular support network. Nor would I be so looking forward to returning to York, and to my degree with fresh passion for the subject. You become much more aware of your voice in some respects, when you're abroad - I would say I'm more willing to speak and learn about world issues now. "
Harriet, Politics, Year Abroad 2019/20
"I genuinely feel that my year abroad has completely changed my outlook on life as well as my ambitions. USYD pushed me further than I could ever imagine. Studying in their specialised department of Political Economy has allowed me to explore deeper into subjects introduced to me at York. I was truly enthused and inspired by studying such modules as the Political Economy of the Environment and the Social Foundations of Global Capitalism, so much so that I am considering pursuing a Masters in Political Economy. I feel more prepared than ever going into my final year at York after studying at USYD. To help fund my living I was also working in a prime fine dining restaurant directly opposite the Opera House and underneath Harbour bridge - an astonishingly surreal experience! Here I furthered my hospitality experienced, greatly increased my knowledge on food and wine, served celebrities and made true friends for life. I feel like I have become a whole new person since going to study in Australia. My ambitions for my career have expanded more than I could ever believe, I have been enthused with ambition for innovation and change, perhaps delving into a 'start-up' after graduation. I believe I can do more than just go into a grad job and cruise along in the same career for the rest of my life. I feel like if i can move to the other side of the planet all on my own and make not only make a life for myself, but the best quality of life I had ever experienced, I can really do anything I want to do, make that leap and not settle for less. "
Charlotte, Politics, Year Abroad 2019/20
"At Sydney I was able to take a broader range of modules and learn about particular topics in more depth than I would have been able to in York. I was able to challenge myself academically (both in terms of content and learning/assessment styles) and I definitely have come away with a broader and more refined academic toolkit. On a personal level, I definitely went out of my comfort zone and gained confidence during my year abroad. Many rewarding experiences I did have were all because I pushed myself to go to local events and make friends, or go travelling by myself etc. Also, having to deal with problems that came up (such as toxic flatmates or COVID-19(!)) definitely improved my problem solving abilities and made me more confident in my own independence and capabilities. "
Top Tips for Studying in Australia
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad in Australia - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Definitely set up an Australian bank account - I used CommBank. If you get a job, make sure to claim back your tax before you leave Australia and while you still have an Australian phone number, otherwise you'll have huge difficulties like I did!
I set up and Australian bank account, which my college helped me do.
I set up a bank account before I left for Australia with a bank called ANZ. I transferred my spending money in one lump sum before I left, which was both useful (no repeat international transfer fees) but also difficult as I hadn't realised how expensive Sydney would be. I also ordered a debit card online which I picked up a week or so after arriving (I made sure to bring enough cash with me to last until I could access my account).
I got a Monzo account before I left, as they don't charge you for using your card abroad! So I used that until I got an Australian bank account set up - it was surprisingly easy to do that - I went to ANZ (you just need your passport, address and an Australian phone number to set up an account), and then transferred money from Monzo to my Australian ANZ account
I got a Monzo card before I left - a god send! No fees or exchange rates, just tap your card and GBP will be transferred into the local currency with no hidden fees. Then when I found my feet I set up a bank account with Commonwealth so that i could pay for my phone bill and get paid from my job.
Staying Connected:
I bought a pay monthly Australian sim, then changed my UK package to the cheapest possible one I could find just so I could keep my UK number active for when I came home.
I bought an overseas package with my UK mobile provider.
As a year long exchange student, it worked out cheaper to buy a new SIM. I did get a new phone in Australia (I bought one there in case there were any issues with unlocking the phone), but I took advantage of a good deal by JB Hifi (entertainer/goods shop) and Telstra to buy it. Mobile plans are pretty expensive in Australia if you want to get a decent amount of data - I'm pretty sure texts and such to other Aussie numbers are always free though. But a number of semester students chose not to buy a phone/SIM.
Because I was on a Vodafone Global Traveller plan I was able to use my phone in Australia at no extra cost which was very helpful, but because you need an Australian number to set up various things (such as a bank account) I bought a basic pay-as-you-go Australian SIM for that purpose, and just put $20 on it which lasted the whole year. Most people I know got more comprehensive SIM packages for good prices, and they are really easy to set up. At the University of Sydney you can find Vodafone, the Commonwealth Bank, health services and basically anything you need which is great! And of course you can find more options and alternatives at shopping centres etc.
I was with the network '3' before I left the UK. They have a 'go roam' feature where you can use your phone abroad for 3 months at no extra cost. I used this until I got a SIM with 'Optus' who do great SIM deals. Always best to go with an unlocked phone. Over Christmas I earned enough tips at work to buy a brand new unlocked phone that I have now brought back to the UK and simply put in a UK SIM - easy!
Food:
Coles or Aldi in Broadway Shopping Centre are the best places to shop! The food on campus is extremely expensive so try to avoid if you want to save money. There's so many amazing restaurants of all different cuisines to try, especially around Newtown - some favourites of mine were Hanoi on King which did the most amazing pho, and Newtown Pork Roll which have the best banh mi. (Sydney)
I stayed at a residential college so meals were catered for and included. However I was able to buy random bits of food from supermarkets such as IGA, Coles and Woolworths. The university had lots of cafes and food places on campus. (UWA)
Most exchange students would go to the local shopping centre, Broadway, for our general food shop - shops like Coles or Aldi. But there are loads of places for takeaway or to have a meal in if you're willing to explore a bit. (Sydney)
I went grocery shopping at either Coles or Woolworths, both of which are your classic supermarkets. Despite the huge meat culture in Australia, I went 100% vegetarian when I got to Australia and by the time I left was on a vegan diet. It is definitely possible to be veggie/vegan in Australia, I would hugely recommend going to Newtown (10 minutes walk from the university) - it has the best vegan food and I miss it a lot! And of course, places like Bondi have great options too. (Sydney)
Aldi is your cheapest option - there's a large one in Broadway shopping centre right by USYD campus! Woolworths is a great blast from the past too but its not like our woolies, its a supermarket. (Sydney)
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
It really wasn't that bad! Global Programmes at York are so helpful and the University of Sydney is very used to dealing with study abroad students so they have all sorts of helpful structures in place to assist you!
Keeping it all in a folder in a safe place and writing down deadlines.
I didn't have too much paper work to deal with fortunately, but the main way I dealt with it was by setting a lot of reminders on my phone, and I would chat to friends if I needed help.
What I wished I'd known...:
Get a job! Your savings will run out much faster than you think due to the high cost of living, but jobs pay so much out there (I was getting equivalent of £15 an hour as a waitress). It makes travelling much more accessible too when you have an income.
Travel as much as you can and don't keep putting things off. Australia is so far away you probably won't be in that area of the world again soon and your time will go so fast! I got to the last month of my year and still had so many places I wanted to go, but unfortunately never got round to them before I left.
I wish I'd known how fast my time would go. There are a lot of experiences I wish I could have had, but never got the chance to because I kept putting them off (and then lost an entire semester). And that I shouldn't have been so stubborn in some of my plans, because that meant I missed out on some experiences with friends and the opportunities for deeper friendships.
Don't miss the deadline for on-campus accommodation like I did! I ended up having to spend 6-months in Urbanest (off-campus student accommodation). It is ridiculously overpriced and not that friendly. Also, all the friends I was making from other British/European universities, as well as the local Australians, were based on campus and I felt I was missing out a little. That being said, I did make friends in Urbanest - two of whom I now would consider best friends so it worked out fine!
Your life does not exist solely within the university, the best friends I made were with locals and people I worked with! Its more than just studying abroad - you're living abroad too so make a whole life for yourself!
Useful links
Contact Global Opportunities
Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @GoGlobalUOY
Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors
Videos and resources from Sydney
sydney-abroad-units.pdf