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University of Sydney - Direct Enroll
Sydney, Australia
About the Program
Study abroad at one of Australia's top 5 research institutions. The University of Sydney (USYD) is one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and is the oldest member of the prestigious Group of Eight. While students are able to select courses across a wide range of disciplines, there are featured programs in Psychology, Environmental Studies, and Design Thinking. USYD is committed to diversity, inclusion, and education for all. The international population on campus is made up of students from more than 130 countries around the world. USYD is located in the Darlington area of Sydney, south of the central business district.
Requirements
Overview
Sydney
mid Feb 2026 - late Jun 2026
$23,595
15
Deadlines
11/1/25
12/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
Some courses may have prerequisites.
3.0
Be the equivalent of at least a 2nd semester Sophomore (strongly recommended)
Where You'll Study
CEA CAPA Sydney Center
The CEA CAPA Sydney Center is housed on University of Technology Sydney (UTS)'s campus within the Haymarket neighborhood. The Center comprises 6 classrooms, including 3 large lecture-style classrooms,...
University of Sydney
Ranked in the top 50 in the world and top 5 in Australia in the QS World University Rankings, the University of Sydney (USYD) is one of the country’s leading-research intensive universities, and...
CEA CAPA Sydney Center
The CEA CAPA Sydney Center is housed on University of Technology Sydney (UTS)'s campus within the Haymarket neighborhood. The Center comprises 6 classrooms, including 3 large lecture-style classrooms, large communal space and outdoor patio, contemporary student lounge with Wi-Fi access, student computer and printing facilities, a faculty/meeting space, and administrative offices for CEA CAPA on-site student services, internship, and academic staff.
CEA CAPA courses and programs are rigorous and run in strict adherence to the Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards of Good Practice. The programs are designed to support student’s personal and professional development while exploring and analyzing urban environments abroad, through in-classroom study and out-of-classroom experiences.
CEA CAPA Sydney Center offerings include courses in wide variety of subjects including business, marketing, art, film, history, gender studies, urban studies, and more.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Sydney Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Sydney Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Sydney Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH. Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Sydney Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. To learn more about UNH's service as a School of Record for CEA CAPA, please contact Academics@ceacapa.com.
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Sydney Center carefully evaluate student's work and progress throughout their academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance. The following grading system is in use at the CEA CAPA Sydney Center:
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
| DESCRIPTOR | ALPHA | NUMERIC | GPA | REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (High Distinction) |
A | 93+ | 4.0 | Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner. |
| Excellent (Distinction) |
A- | 90 - 92.99 | 3.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation. |
| Very good (High Credit) |
B+ | 87 - 89.99 | 3.3 | Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives. |
| Good (Credit) |
B | 83 - 86.99 | 3.0 | The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation. |
| Good (Credit) |
B- | 80 - 82.99 | 2.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading. |
| Average (Good Pass) |
C+ | 77 - 79.99 | 2.3 | The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading. |
| Adequate (Pass) |
C | 73 - 76.99 | 2.0 | Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter. |
| Below Average (Borderline Pass) |
C- | 70 - 72.99 | 1.7 | Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter. |
| Inadequate (Borderline Fail) |
D+ | 67 - 69.99 | 1.3 | Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes. |
| Poor (Fail) |
D | 60 - 66.99 | 1.0 | Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study. |
| Poor (Fail) |
F | <60 | 0 | Shows little or no understanding of any of the material. |
Classroom and Information
Amenities
Student Lounge
Study Area
Counseling Services
Travel Books & Resources
Digital Resources from UNH Library
Computer Lab
Student ID
Printing Services
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Career Services
Academic Advising
Cultural Engagement
University of Sydney
Ranked in the top 50 in the world and top 5 in Australia in the QS World University Rankings, the University of Sydney (USYD) is one of the country’s leading-research intensive universities, and oldest member of the prestigious Group of Eight.
Students enjoy state-of-the-art learning environments and academic support services, and incredible local immersion in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. CEA CAPA students have access to more than 2500+ courses across nine faculties, allowing for a highly flexible and personalized academic experience.
USYD campus is located in the vibrant Darlington area of Sydney, south of the central business district. Outside of your studies, enjoy the warm weather and a vibrant coastline, learn about the continents abundant biodiversity of flora and wildlife, and explore world-renewed attractions like the Sydney Opera House.
Credit Transfer Information
USYD utilizes credit points which represent a measure of the student’s workload by subject. Most subjects at USYD are 6 credit points each, which equals 4 credits in the U.S. semester system. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from the University of Sydney upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects local credit point for each course.
Accreditation
University of Sydney is recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia. The university's Business School also holds accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and AMBA (Association for MBA programs).
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by University of Sydney and international faculty and represent a variety of different backgrounds.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Teaching styles in Australia may differ from those in the US, and students need to be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- The maximum class size for lectures vary in size between 20-150 students, while tutorials have an average of 30 students per class, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors.
Amenities
Student Offices
Clubs & Organizations
Student Center
Student Lounge
Study Room
Study Area
Counseling Services
Student Health Services
Student Health Center
University Library
Computer Lab
Student ID
Printing Services
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Career Services
Academic Advising
Tutoring
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Career Office
Dining Facilities
Copy & Mail Center
Bookstore
Chaplaincy
15
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
All students will enroll in 1 CEA CAPA course at the Sydney Center and 3 USYD courses. If you are participating in the Psychology, Environmental Studies, or Design Thinking Program your USYD enrollment will be distributed as following: you will select 1-2 courses from the curated course list for that respective program, and you will select your remaining USYD course(s) from the full University of Sydney course list.
USYD utilizes credit points which represent a measure of the student’s workload by subject. Most subjects at USYD are 6 credit points each, which equals 4 credits in the U.S. semester system. The CEA CAPA course is 3 credits/45 contact hours. You may earn 15 credits.
Due to differences in the Australian higher education system, there is no standard for the number of days a week a course may meet. Class meeting times vary across departments and subject areas.
The academic structure below lists a small sample of subject areas available. You will have access to introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in a wide range of courses in the fields of engineering, social sciences, business, the sciences, and much more. See below for information how to access the University of Sydney catalog for a full list of courses.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses. CEA CAPA has secured a select number of spots for courses in the Psychology, Environmental Science, and Design Thinking programs, and you will be enrolled into those courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Please note that you will receive two transcripts in connection with this program: The CEA CAPA course will be transcripted by University of New Haven, while the rest of your courses will be transcripted by University of Sydney.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engaging Australia * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engaging Australia * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design for Social Impact | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Design Process and Methods | 100 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Design Thinking | 200 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Programming | 100 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Visual Design | 200 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Australian Urbanism | 100 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture & Design Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian & Indigenous Studies Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film & Cinema Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Science Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media Studies Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroscience Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Studies Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance & Theater Arts Courses | 300 | En | 0 | 4 |
- Agriculture
- American Studies
- Architecture & Design
- Asian Studies
- Australian Studies
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business
- Chemistry
- Computer Science &IT
- Contemporary Arts Electives
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- English and Literature
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Environmental Science
- Exercise Science
- Film & Cinema
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Studies
- Languages
- Law School
- Marketing
- Media & Communication
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Performance/Theatre Studies
- Political Science
- Pre-Med/Medical Science
- Pre-Vet/Animal Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Sport and Culture
- Video Game Design
- Work & Organizational Studies
Navigating the University of Sydney Website for Courses
Click here to access USYD’s handbook to access a full list of courses, organized by thematic areas and by faculty/department. From there, click on corresponding links to navigate to important information and comprehensive details about course content and structure, syllabi, and credit-point requirements.
Couple of notes to keep in mind:
- In Australia, the fall semester (semester 1) occurs in the first half of the year (February to June). Spring semester (semester 2) occurs in the second half of the year (July to November).
- Courses, referred to as ‘Units of study’, are available at 1000-level through 4000-level:
- 1000- level is equivalent to the 1st year of an undergraduate degree (similar to 100 level, introductory level)
- 2000- level is equivalent to the 2nd year of an undergraduate degree (similar to 200 level, prior knowledge is required)
- 3000- level is equivalent to the 3rd year of an undergraduate degree (similar to 300 level, advanced level)
- 4000- level is equivalent to the 4th year of an undergraduate degree (similar to 400 level, advanced level)
- Some courses may have pre-requisites requiring students to have already completed specific courses or equivalents at a lower level. As a study abroad student, you are not expected to have taken the specific pre-requisite requirement, but you must have studied a relevant or similar course/module in your home country/institution. You should take previous academic experience into account when making course choices.
- Some courses may have co-requisites, which means that the course and the co-requisite must be taken at the same time. If no pre-requisites or co-requisites are specified, then courses should be open to all students.
- Hands-on art studio courses in the CAEL and CAST departments may have strict enrollment limits and priority will be given to students whose study is closely related to fine arts or contemporary arts degrees at their home institution.
- Law units (LAWS) are restricted to students who are studying an accredited Law degree (LLB, LLM, JD, etc.). Students intending to go to law school in the future may find courses/units of study of interest in this thematic list
- Students are strongly encouraged to list 8-10 courses/units of study on their initial list of requests and have those pre-approved with the home institution as well.
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Apartments are a perfect fit for students who want to experience Sydney like a local. Apartments are conveniently located in central Sydney, close to mass transportation stations with many shops, restaurants and cafes in near vicinity. In addition to shared bedrooms, you’ll have a kitchen in which to hone your cooking abilities, and lounge/dining area for relaxing or studying.
Typical Commute
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1- 2 students per bedroom
- 6-8 students per Apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared bathroom
- Bed linens and towel
- Internet access
- Laundry facilities pay as you go washer and dryer
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester (private room): TBC
- Shared room: No additional fee
Aparthotel
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Live in an apartment hotel located within convenient access to public transportation, approximately 40 minutes by bus or train commute from the Sydney Centre. Option is slightly further from the Centre, but a shorter commute by public transport. The option included cleaning service, free laundry facilities, sauna, gym and pool. You will share your room with a peer, apartments could house between 2-6 students with the majority housing 4 students. No meal plan is included however a kitchen is provided. Towels and linen are included.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Sydney Center: 40 minutes by public transport
- No more than one hour commute by public transportation to internship sites
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1-2 students per bedroom
- 2-6 students per Apartment (most housing 4)
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared bathroom
- Bed linens and towel
- Internet access
- Free Laundry facilities
- Gym
- Pool
- Sauna
- Weekly cleaning service including linen change
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester (private room): TBC
- Shared room: No additional fee
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Sydney. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Transportation Pass
- Cultural Engagement
- Excursions
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.