Introduction
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to study for the Fall and/or Spring semesters in Sydney, Australia. On-site, the program is coordinated by the University of Sydney.
Periods of study:
- Spring (Semester 1): mid-February through late June
- Fall (Semester 2): July through late November
Students may choose from a wide variety of courses offered at the University of Sydney.
Host Institution
The University of Sydney (USYD) was founded in 1850 as a public institution of higher education, becoming Australia’s first university. It is now considered one of the top universities in Australia, ranking number one in areas such as arts and humanities, medicine, or nursing. It is also regularly ranked in the world’s top 50 universities. There are multiple campuses and research locations based all over Australia, with the Camperdown and Darlington campus being the largest, housing many of the faculties and school.
USYD has countless opportunities to be immersed in the student life with more than 200 student clubs and societies, 43 sports clubs, and multiple fitness centers and cafes right on campus. The University of Sydney Union (USU) is a student-lead non-profit organization that organizes clubs, societies, events and programs throughout the year and is a large part of the USYD student experience. For students interested in media, USYD has the Honi Soit, a weekly student publication; Pulp, an online publication; and SURG, a student radio station. There is also lots of help available through USYD’s student support services, such as welcome and arrival sessions for incoming students, peer advisors, health and wellbeing centers, disability services, and a network for diversity and inclusion.
There is also an extracurricular Sustainability Program that students can take alongside their semester coursework. Students can earn credits by attending guest lectures, sustainability-focused social events and completing challenges. The university has made a commitment to focus on achieving sustainability goals
CURRICULUM
Curriculum
The UHM Semester in Sydney program provides students an opportunity to fulfill UHM major, minor, elective, focus, foundations, diversification and foreign language requirements for graduation. Students on the program must be enrolled full-time and may earn up to 12 credits.
The Fall semester runs from mid-July until late November, and the Spring semester runs from February until mid-June.
The UHM Study Abroad Center appoints a designated UHM Resident Director when appropriate. The Resident Director teaches two classes, oversees students’ academic progress and mentors all participants. All students are required to take one of the two UHM Resident Director’s classes. The subjects vary each semester according to the expertise of the UHM professor.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Students can earn UHM credits for a wide range of courses, including architecture, biology, business and entrepreneurship, chemistry, computer science, engineering, foreign language, media and communication, nutrition, public health, and sustainability.
University of Sydney Study Abroad Units – PDF organizes units by theme or by faculty and links to course lists.
UHM Course Equivalents TBD – Course offerings are subject to availability and may change without prior notice. As Sydney is a new program we are getting more and more course equivalencies all the time. The current list of approved UHM equivalencies can be seen here. For courses without equivalencies please email, uhmsac@hawaii.edu or your study abroad advisor, the USyd course and what UHM department or course you’re hoping to receive credit for.
*Business students: Please consult with the business school “Partner Schools” page for approved, unexpired equivalencies.
Internship: USYD runs an internship class where students complete a 120 hour (minimum) internship project with a partner company and a series of professional development workshops for credit. Topics cover Australian business culture, management styles, cross cultural business communication, teamwork and reflective learning.
Industry and Community Project Units (ICPUs): The ICPUs provide students an opportunity to work on authentic problems and issues set out by industry, community and government organizations. Students will collaborate with a major industry partner, an academic lead, and a group of other students to research, analyze and present solutions to real world problems.
FACULTY RESIDENT DIRECTOR
All students are required to take one of the two UHM Resident Director’s classes.
- GEO322 or SUST 322: Globalization and Environment (WI pending)
- GEO 422 or SUST 423: Agriculture, Food and Society (WI)
Fall 2025: TBD
Courses taken at University of Sydney will appear on UHM transcripts as UHM credits.
Last updated Sep. 2024
LOCATION
Location
Set around the world’s largest natural harbor, Sydney is the capital city of the state of New South Wales and Australia’s largest city, with a population of over five million people. With its magnificent harbor and strategic position in the southeastern coast, Sydney is one of the most important ports in the South Pacific. Due to its history as a port city, it’s also home to a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community and often rated as one of the most safest and livable cities to live. Sydney has a humid subtropical climate, going from mild and cool winters to warm and hot summers, which allows the citizens to make full use of the opportunities for sailing, swimming, and surfing.
HOUSING
Housing
Students live on campus in the Queen Mary Building in Camperdown, within a 15-minute walk to campus. Housing includes amenities such as a single bed (bed linens not included), a study desk with chair, a wardrobe, refrigerator, and access to the university WiFi. The facilities come with communal kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry, as well as common areas for residents to socialize.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions & Extra-Curricular Activities
The USYD campus sits in a very accessible location, only 15 minutes away from the Sydney Airport and a ten-minute drive away from Sydney City, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Fantastic locations are right within reach–by ferry to points along and near the Parramatta River, train to the Blue Mountains, bus to Bondi Beach, or by air to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is home to beautiful golden beaches, world-class museums and art galleries, delicious fresh food, and exciting events and festivals.
Photos
Please view our Photo Albums by clicking here.
FINANCES
Program Cost
| Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
| $18,257 | $18,976 |
Please see the budget sheet for more information.
Cost includes University of Sydney tuition, on-campus housing, health insurance, meals, UHM Study Abroad and student visa fees. Textbooks, ground transportation, internet connection, groceries, laundry, and excursions are also included.
Roundtrip airfare between Honolulu and Sydney is not included; students have the option of taking the flight arranged by Third Eye Travel or making their own travel arrangements.
FINANCIAL AID
FOR UHM STUDENTS ONLY: In order to receive financial aid, please ensure that either: a) you are receiving financial aid during the current semester, or b) that you complete the Financial Aid application during the current semester. www.hawaii.edu/fas
NON-UHM STUDENTS (those attending other colleges and universities during the regular school year) must apply for financial aid at their home institutions.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The University of Sydney offers multiple scholarships to incoming study abroad students, including UH students. Their Equity Scholarship will offer full accommodation waivers towards students from an underrepresented demographic in study abroad (First in family, LGBTQ+, First Nations, Women in STEM, and student athletes). A similar scholarship from their partnership with Fund For Education Abroad will also go to students from underrepresented demographics in study abroad. Finally, they offer a Social Media Ambassador Scholarship of AUD1500 for students from underrepresented groups.
See the Money Matters page for a list of possible scholarships.
STUDENT VISA
Students participating in the UHM Semester in Sydney program must obtain a student visa prior to arriving in Australia.
University of Sydney Fund For Education Abroad Scholarship.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission Requirements
Students are eligible to study abroad as early as the second semester of their Freshman year or later.
This program is designed for sophomore, junior, or senior level undergraduate students. The minimum requirements are a 3.0 GPA, strong English writing skills, absolute fluency in English, and successful completion of course prerequisites. However, students with a lower GPA may be considered in exceptional cases. A list of courses and requirements are available at the Study Abroad Center. Non-native English-speaking students must have taken the TOEFL exam within the last two years and earned a composite score of 600+ or have passed the UHM ELI placement exam.
Admission to the program is selective. All applicants for the program will be judged on their academic performance, reasons for wishing to attend the program, flexibility, and sensitivity to other cultures, and ability to adjust to a new cultural setting.
Immediately upon acceptance to the program, students are required to pay an initial payment that is non-refundable of $500.00 to ensure a place in the program. This initial payment will be applied toward the cost of the program.
Please note that UHM students accepted into the program are required to attend three mandatory pre-departure class sessions totaling 12 hours. Failure to attend will result in students being withdrawn from the program.
Application
A completed Study Abroad Center application and three academic references must be received by the Study Abroad Center to receive consideration.
Students from outside the UH System must also submit official transcripts from every college attended.
The Study Abroad Center is closed on weekends, and Federal and State holidays.
PROGRAM DATES
- Spring 2025 (Semester 1):
- Feb. 6 – Jun. 22
- Fall 2025 (Semester 2):
- Jul. 28 – Nov. 29 (tentative)
DEADLINES
- Fall 2025: Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025, 4:00pm HST
- Spring 2026: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, 4:00pm HST
DETAILS
Majors: Open to all majors
Most suitable for: Architecture, Biology, Business (ACC, BUS, FIN, ITM, MGT, MKT), Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Psychology, Sustainability, Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (KRS)
INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
- TBD
ADVISING
Schedule an Appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor on STAR Balance.