University of Wisconsin–Madison
Back to Top

University of Sydney

Sunset over the Sydney skyline, highlighting the urban architecture.

Exchange Track: 
Applications for the exchange track are currently closed due to an imbalance in student participation between UW–Madison and USYD. We will reopen applications once spaces become available. Students must apply to the direct enroll track.

Australia, Sydney

Important Note:  This program has two tracks: Exchange or Direct Enroll.  

Both exchange and direct enroll students will take courses alongside degree-seeking students, have access to student housing, and participate in all aspects of student life.

WI Resident/MN Reciprocity students should apply for the Exchange track.

Non-Residents should apply for the Direct Enroll track.

Limited Capacity Program: The Exchange track can only accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of criteria. 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. If you are a WI/MN student but are not accepted to the exchange, you may apply for the direct enroll track.  Be sure to review the program cost for each track.


The Direct Enroll track does not have limited capacity.


CRICOS Number:  00026A

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.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • For the exchange track, priority will be given to Wisconsin Residents and Minnesota Reciprocity students
  • 3.2 GPA required for optional internship

  • 2.85 cumulative GPA
  • 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

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Arts, Agriculture, Biological & Physical Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Human Ecology, Humanities, Music, Pharmacy, Social Science, Social Work

Journalism majors:  classes in the Department of Media & Communication have limited space, and are not always open to study abroad students

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early July - Late June
Fall: Early July - Late November
Spring: Late February - Late June
Spring Friendly:  Early Jan - Late May/Early June

Calendar Year: Late February - Late November (please contact us if you're interested in this duration)

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: 3 courses] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: 4 courses] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: 6 Courses] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: 8 Courses] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: Spring Friendly (Jan-late May)] 9/4/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: 3 courses (Feb-June)] 10/2/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll: 4 courses (Feb-June)] 10/2/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Exchange (Suspended)] 10/2/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

When you study abroad at the University of Sydney (USYD) you may choose from several thousand different units of study (classes) from a diverse range of faculties and schools.  Subject to a few restrictions, you can choose to study almost any unit of study at USYD provided you have the necessary prerequisite knowledge.

It's important to keep in mine that USYD's academic calendar is different from UW-Madison's:

• UW Fall semester = USYD Semester 2 (early July to late November)
• UW Spring semester = USYD Semester 1 (late February to late June)

Use USYD's unit of study tools to search for classes using a Master List, Thematic List, or Faculty/Department list.  Units of study from 1000-level to 4000-level are considered Undergraduate while those at 5000-level and above are considered Postgraduate (postgrad classes are not open to UW students).  Students must enroll in 3-4 classes a semester while studying abroad at USYD. 

Spring Friendly
The Spring Friendly program runs from early January to late May/early June and allows students to take exams early and return home in time for summer.  Spring Friendly students are required to enroll in 4 courses total; students must choose 1 intensive unit of study from USYD's Summer Session (January/February) and 3 units from Semester 1 (February - late May/early June).  At the end of the final teaching week, students will take exams early to return home to join summer activities such as internships, work, summer classes, etc.  Learn more about the Spring Friendly program.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  While the Spring Friendly program has a variety of class options, it's much more restricted when compared to the normal semester class offerings.  This program is typically only a good fit for Business or Humanities students; even for those students a great deal of academic flexibility is required. Be sure to review the Spring Friendly program course list before considering this program.

Academic Internship
Eligible students may apply for the academic internship program at the University of Sydney.  This internship can be competitive; placements are not guaranteed.  Priority is given to students on the Direct Enroll track; only a handful of placements are available for students on the Exchange track.  The internship class is a graded unit of study; UW students will receive credit and a grade for the internship.

The internship is open to students from any academic background.  Students should be willing to consider a range of placement types.  Placements in some STEM disciplines like Engineering are much more likely to be within the research stream rather than the industry stream given how many STEM industries operate in Sydney.

Interns work on a specialized project with one of the University's host organizations.  The program includes professional development workshops, reflective journals, and a final project report.  If you are placed in an internship you will receive academic credit for your experience (placements are unpaid).  In addition to the internship placement, you will also be enrolled in 3 other classes.  You will be required to confirm your participation on this program prior to receiving your specific internship placement. The timeline for receiving your internship placement varies and some students on your program may hear earlier than others. It is likely that you won't be informed of your placement until after you've arrived in country or right before departure.  As with all study abroad experiences, flexibility and open-mindedness are key.

SOHE Students:  If you participate in the internship program you should connect with your academic advisor once your credits from abroad transfer.  Your advisor will make the appropriate substitution for your required major internship.

Affiliate Institution(s)

University of Sydney homepage

Program Web Pages

Study Abroad and Exchange homepage

Foreign Courses

Semester or Year: Unit of Study Tools for Study Abroad & Exchange Students Spring Friendly: Units of Study

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