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SFS Rainforest Studies

Zoomed in view of a tree trunk. Vibrant leaves are spitting out in all directions.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Australia, Yungaburra

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the SFS Rainforest Studies programs are approved UW affiliate programs. The program options are: Semester: Rainforest to Reef, Summer Session I: Marsupials of Australia, and Summer Session II: Farming for the Future - Australia and Bali.

SFS programs in Australia primarily take place in the country’s ancient rainforests, with potential excursions to the edge of the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and land use change. Research at the SFS Australia Center focuses on the environmental threats that have caused rainforest fragmentation, species loss, and reef die-off, and SFS works with the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous people and Tablelands communities on restoration and management projects to help Australia thrive in a time of ecological uncertainty.

The SFS Center is located in the heart of the traditional land of the Yidinjji people in a protected World Heritage forest. You will live in shared cabins nestled within the rainforest. Giant strangler figs, abundant vines and epiphytes, large pythons, colorful parrots, giant cassowaries, bandicoots and tree kangaroos fill the Wet Tropics' forests with color, sound, and complexity.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SFS on these programs. You can access the programs' main information page through the SFS website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.8 cumulative GPA for semester programs; 2.6 cumulative GPA for summer programs

  • Previous college-level ecology, biology, earth science, or environmental studies course required for semester programs.

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Biological Science, Physical Science, Environmental Studies

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Fall: Mid-Sept - Mid-Dec
Spring: Early Feb - Mid-May
Summer 1: Early June - Early July
Summer 2: Early July - Early Aug

*See SFS' website for exact dates

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Session I: Rainforests of Australia] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session II: Marsupials of Australia] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session I & II: June - August] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session I: Rainforests of Australia] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session II: Marsupials of Australia] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Sessions I & II: June - August] 2/19/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the programs, visit the SFS program pages:

Semester Program: Rainforest to Reef

Summer Session 1: Rainforests of Australia

Summer Session 2: Marsupials of Australia

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes: 

  • Rainforest ecology and conservation
  • Climate change
  • Habitat restoration ecology
  • Threatened species conservation
  • Aboriginal ecotourism
  • Development and resettlement in the rainforest
  • Rainforest fragmentation and recovery
  • Forest ecotones
  • Animal behavior

View SFS' list of recent directed research projects per program site.

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Affiliate Institution(s)

School for Field Studies

Program Web Pages

SFS Australia Programs

Foreign Courses

SFS Australia Semester Program SFS Australia Summer 2 Program SFS Australia Summer 1 Program

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents