Quick Facts

• Open to all majors

• Known as "Australia's most international campus," has the longest running study abroad program in the country.

• Ranked in top 100 of Best Global Universities by US News.

• The Faculty of Engineering is the pre-eminent centre for engineering studies and research in Australia, as well as the largest.

• Recognition as the leading provider of engineering education in the Asia Pacific region underpins UNSW's strong international reputation.

• To receive priority consideration for this program, Spring applications will be reviewed, after June 15th. Fall applications will be reviewed, after February 1st.  Applications will continue to be accepted through the posted application deadline, if space allows.

Location Details

Sydney - Voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world time and time again, Sydney has much to offer. From the famous Sydney Harbour to its distinct neighborhoods, and from fantastic beaches to amazing museums, you will have fun exploring the oldest and largest city in Australia.

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Students attending UNSW on exchange:  Students have two options on this exchange: Option 1) A student will enroll in 24 UNSW units of credit per semester, or 48 UNSW units of credit per academic year.  24 UNSW units of credit= 16 ASU credits. 48 UNSW units of credit= 32 ASU credits. Each UNSW semester will consist of one intensive course for the first month of the semester, followed by three courses starting immediately after the end of the intensive course. These three courses are taken simultaneously. Option 2) A student will only enroll in three simultaneous courses, for a total of 12 ASU credits per term. This is a shortened term and is about three months total.

Most UNSW courses are worth six credit units, which is the equivalent of 4 ASU credits. UNSW will try to enroll students in their preferred courses before arrival, but enrollment is subject to course availability and Faculty approval. Students can change their courses up to the end of the first week of the semester.

Access the UNSW Handbook and the faculty websites to check your course information and to check that your subjects will be offered in the semester you are on exchange. From the handbook, after selecting either under-grad or post-grad, you can search by program or course. You can also click on the name of the course to get the course description. This will also list pre-requisites for the course.

You can check Term availability of courses based on the current academic year on the UNSW timetable lists. The timetable/student handbook lists all course codes and course names. It also lists which term(s) courses are offered. Be certain to cross reference the term you are planning to study abroad (Term One= Spring and Term Three= Fall), with when the courses are offered. Many courses listed on the pre-approved course list are offered either during Term One or Term Three, but not during both terms. Please be certain to check which term the class is offered.

Glossary of Terms:

• Term One = US Spring Semester (Jan - May) (Feb-May for shortened Term)
• Term Three = US Fall Semester (August - Dec) (Sept-Dec for shortened Term)
• Module/Unit/Paper = US class
• Course = US major
• Faculty = US school or college (e.g. Faculty of Engineering is the School of Engineering)

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

Click here to view how credits and grades at UNSW will convert to ASU credits and grades.

Program Housing

In Australia most students attend a university in their own city. Local students attending UNSW either live at home or stay in private shared accommodation near the university. This accommodation is often shared with other students and varies considerably in style, standard and cost.

Some exchange students live on-campus in the self-catered University Terraces (limited places) and fully-catered (meal-plan) Kensington Colleges. Further details, including the fees, application form and deadline will be sent to students after they have been accepted into the exchange program.

Information on different on-campus housing options is available at: https://www.accommodation.unsw.edu.au/

Information about off-campus housing can be found at:  https://studystays.unsw.edu.au/
 

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. 

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Exchange program participants will pay ASU tuition and fees for the term of the Exchange program, according to the individual student's classification and degree level. In addition to ASU tuition and fees, participants are also responsible for paying the following fees:

• $50 Application Fee (non-refundable)
• $400 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)
• Carbon Offset Fee*
• International Travel Service Fee (Including Insurance)*

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

*The actual amount of the International Travel Service Fee charged to each student depends on the program duration and the Carbon Offset Fee will increase annually (in July) by approximately $2.
 

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet, or the Academic Year Cost Sheet, to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• Study Abroad Scholarships for Australia

Photos

Videos

Links to Additional Resources

• University of New South Wales
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.