Location
  • Australia
    • Wollongong
    • Townsville
    • Sydney
    • Melbourne
    • Gold Coast
    • Cairns
    • Brisbane
    • Adelaide
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Accounting Anthropology Art History Australian Studies Biology Business Chemistry Communications Computer Science Earth Sciences Ecology Economics Engineering English Finance History Humanities Literature Marine Biology Marketing Mathematics Natural Sciences Oceanography Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Sciences Sociology Theology Women's Studies +22
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
10000
Price Details
IFSA doesn't believe in the nickel-and-dime approach to the study abroad experience. All of our programs include events and excursions exclusively for our students throughout their time abroad. We see these extras as a part of the larger academic experience. There are no hidden fees or expenses on an IFSA program. All of our fees, deposits and any supplemental charges such as meal plans are clearly outlined in our program fees.

IFSA has awarded millions of dollars in merit- and need-based scholarships over the past five years. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. We also believe that study abroad should be within the reach of every student, so we offer a wide range of scholarships and financing opportunities for our students.
Oct 30, 2023
Mar 01, 2024
39 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Quality academics meet a spirited, multicultural vibe, with adventure in easy reach.

Awesome rock formations. Mindboggling architecture. Marsupials found only here. Australia is full of surprises. And though the English language simplifies communication for many U.S. students, society here is anything but homogeneous.   

With more than 10 prestigious schools that range from big-university urban to smaller campuses with the great outdoors in easy reach, IFSA excels at helping students find the right fit for their journey Down Under.

Whether you end up in Sydney, Adelaide, or somewhere in between, we’ll pull you into the local culture with activities and excursions that show you the Australia beyond your host campus, from picturesque wineries to discussions with First Nations People.

Video and Photos

Popular Programs

IFSA Griffith student studying

Spend a semester in the Sunshine State. Live and study by the beach at the Gold Coast campus in Surfer's Paradise. Or, if art is your thing, study at Queensland College of Art on the banks of the Brisbane River.

Internships are available—give back to the local community by volunteering 50 hours during the semester in structured activities, projects or research. Internships are unpaid, but earn 4 U.S. semester credit hours.

UNSW campus

Just a stone's throw from the stunning Coogee Beach and the historically beautiful Coogee to Bondi walk, this modern university has an outstanding academic reputation and fantastic facilities. Most students live in residential colleges with vibrant social and inter sports programs, and only 20 minutes by bus to Downtown Sydney.

IFSA Monash University in Melbourne

Change makers and forward thinkers will feel right at home at Monash University in Melbourne. Monash's academic excellence is undisputed, and their interactive classes and programs are cutting edge. The thriving and engaging campus life at Monash offers opportunities to connect with likeminded students and academics, while still being a short train journey away from all of the culture and activities of Melbourne city centre.

IFSA student on University of Melbourne campus

Study at Australia's #1 university in the heart of the world's most livable city. Arts and culture imbues Melbourne's many laneways, markets, arcades and neighborhoods. Melbournians love coffee and food and love to be out and about. This is one of Australia's leading higher education institutions, with top ten world rankings in education, law, linguistics, psychology, accounting and finance, and medicine.

Student snorkeling in Australia

Dig deeper into ecology, photography, or marine biology while surrounded by the spectacular rainforests of the Wet Tropics, the dry savannahs and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. IFSA will help you thrive while at this unique and diverse top-ranked tropical research institution. And just imagine what you'll do on your weekends!

Macquarie University students playing pool

If you want Sydney with a more relaxed vibe, coupled with award winning excellence in engaging international students with critical global issues and skills needed for a global workforce, try Macquarie. You'll still be in easy reach of downtown Sydney, with hundreds of shops, places to eat, a cinema, and even an ice skating rink (unusual for Australia) a 15-minute walk from housing.

Queensland campus in Australia

This program offers you access to over 120 of UQ's student clubs and societies and amazing athletic facilities, all less than three miles from the center of dynamic Brisbane, Australia's third largest city. UQ is a comprehensive research institution with over 40 specialist teaching and research centers, including Australia's largest university marine research station on the Great Barrier Reef.

University of Sydney campus

Australia's first university is located in one of the most exciting areas of Sydney. An enormous, urban campus, University of Sydney is modeled after Oxford and Cambridge in England, and it is perfect for students who love coffee, live music and the arts, bookshops, and libraries. The business school is the only one in Australia to have AACSB accreditation for both Accounting and Finance.

UTS campus in Sydney

This young, tech-infused, design-savvy institution, located in the hub of Sydney's start up community, is a comprehensive university with a great reputation for excellence in STEM subjects and Communications. Here you will enjoy a truly international experience in a hands-on, career-focused atmosphere.

Wollongong campus in Australia

Wollongong, where the mountains meet the sea. One of the closest campuses to the beach, UW offers some of the best opportunities meet Australians, as most students at other campuses tend to commute. An hour and a half train ride from downtown Sydney, Wollongong is a large, yet affordable city.

Scholarships

IFSA Logo

IFSA Scholarships and Financial Aid

IFSA is deeply committed to making study abroad accessible to as many students as possible. We believe that cost should never be a barrier: that’s why we offer financial support to a larger proportion of our students than any other organization.

Financial assistance is available for IFSA January term, semester, year, and summer programs. Scholarships include the IFSA First-Generation Scholarship and IFSA Diversity Scholarship, as well as program-specific scholarships in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. We also offer $2,000 IFSA State School Grants and IFSA Minority Serving Institution Grants to all qualified applicants.

Once you’ve started your IFSA program application, you’ll gain access to IFSA’s scholarship application.

Value
$500 - $2,500

Program Reviews

4.79 Rating
based on 24 reviews
  • 5 rating 83.33%
  • 4 rating 12.5%
  • 3 rating 4.17%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 4.55
  • Fun 4.65
  • Housing 4.35
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 24 reviews
Default avatar
Caleb
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IFSA-Butler USYD - highly recommend!

I can't recommend IFSA-Butler enough. My experience in Australia was amazing, and I give a lot of credit to Michelle, our program coordinator, for helping us get situated and introducing us to Sydney. Michelle did an amazing job planning fun events–not just during orientation, but also throughout the semester as well. We saw a movie in the Sydney Opera house, did a lunch harbor cruise, spent a weekend in the Blue Mountains, and more. Michelle and her colleague Nikki were super responsive, always willing to help, and were constantly on the lookout for more opportunities for us to explore Sydney! 10/10 for IFSA-Butler!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef! My body was NOT a fan of breathing underwater at first, but with a few deep breaths, I was able to adjust and ended up LOVING my experience at the GBR.
Pros
  • IFSA-planned events
  • Instant community of friends
  • Housing close to USYD
1 person found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Australian Dream

I could not be more grateful and lucky for the time IFSA gave me abroad. IFSA did an incredible job of helping me prepare during my application process and before I left the United States. The staff and website were helpful in making sure all of my application pieces were in on time and that I did and had everything I needed before entering a different country. Once I was in Australia my advisor Tamera became my go to. She was attentive, helpful and caring. She was always there to talk if there was an issue or just for a casual conversation.
IFSA did a great job of getting our program to bond. Right off the bat we were thrown into orientation, while exhausted of jet lag, it ended up being an amazing few days. Immediately, we got the Aussie experience, touring Sydney, seeing native animals and walking on gorgeous beaches. In this time I did everything with my IFSA Brisbane group and got to know them quickly. Throughout the semester IFSA and Tamera did an amazing job of organizing events, we did day trips, a weekend getaway and dinners. It was a great way to consistently see everyone and keep that special bond.
Another aspect of abroad that made my experience incredible experience living in the International House (IH). We had the option of IH or in an apartment. A few people I talked to during my application process spoke so highly of IH, so I went for it. IH was one of the best parts of my time abroad. It gave me a community with friendships, cultural growth, a support system and a new place to call home. Now when I look back on abroad, my greatest memories aren’t seeing world wonders, they are sitting in the IH dining hall, dancing at the IH ball or doing homework court yard.
Lastly, Australia, it is an amazing country. The people are welcoming and fun and I felt safe at all times. The landscape in incredible and the animals fascinating-- there is no lack of things to do or places to explore. I would love to go back some day and would encourage anyone who has the chance to spend some time down under they must.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would change my hesitation in the beginning to explore on my own. Over time I learned to embrace time and not other influence my experience.
115 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
May
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IFSA: Study Abroad in Wollongong, Australia

Traveling to Australia was a dream of mine that IFSA made possible. It was quite intimidating to travel across the world by myself, but having the support of IFSA kept me on track and made me feel safe and secure. IFSA not only helped me make new friends, but also helped me transition into Australian life. If you are thinking about going abroad, you should! IFSA allowed me to make some of the best memories of my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity they provided. IFSA also planned so many fun activities for us such as seeing a show in the Sydney Opera House, seeing the beautiful Figure 8 Pools, hiking the Blue Mountains, going to a zoo where we had the opportunity to pet wildlife, and so many more exciting adventures. I loved this program so much!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
When I was abroad, I was able to try new, exciting things and really go outside my comfort zone. I was able to skydive, bungee jump, go in a hot air balloon, scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, learn to surf, and my personal favorite, pet a koala. These are some of my favorite memories, and I highly encourage anyone interested in traveling to Australia to do it!!
123 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Brisbane, Australia with IFSA

Studying abroad in Brisbane, Australia was the highlight of my college experience. I went as a junior and although I was halfway around the world, I never felt alone. IFSA staff and advisors provided my with the guidance and comfort I need to succeed. I was able to see beaches, see sanctuaries, fly overseas, skydive, make friends both in my IFSA program and in Australia, and I accredit that all to IFSA! Australia was the perfect place for me. Relaxed, surfing environment surrounded by nature. I was able to just put my headphones in and soak up the sun. I don't know if anything will every top Brisbane, Australia and I am so glad I decided to go.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If IFSA has a set activity, do it!! It's usually free or cheap and they're always so amazing. On one of our trips, we traveled to Moreton Island and all activities were sorted out for us! All we had to do was have fun.
125 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
andi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Melbourne

I studied abroad through IFSA at the university of Melbourne in the fall of 2018. It was such an amazing experience, it's hard to put into words! After a long flight, I was immediately greeted by IFSA staff and we had program orientation in Sydney for three days. The place we stayed at overlooked the Sydney harbor, and on our last day we had a wonderful dinner cruise on a boat. Then I flew to Melbourne with 10 or so other students studying at the University of Melbourne with me, who became some of my closest friends during the semester. The community I became a part of at my college, International House, was so inviting. It always had fun events and activities to take part in, including a theater production! Throughout the semester my IFSA program leader, Lindsey, was super supportive and helped us all adjust to our classes and new environment. Before I knew it, the semester was over but I had met so many new friends and made amazing memories exploring Melbourne and other parts Australia.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried kangaroo sausage. It's not as sad as it sounds, because kangaroo are overpopulated in Australia just like deer are overpopulated in the states. It tasted okay, and it's sold in a lot of supermarkets as sausage or hamburgers.
119 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sadie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Adelaide Review

My experience at the University of Adelaide through IFSA afforded me an opportunity to integrate into a foreign culture and education system, learn to live and thrive in an inner city setting, and forge strong relationships with individuals from another country and background. The IFSA coordinator living in Adelaide and teaching our Community and Culture class was an excellent mentor, and facilitated our integration into this Australian community effectively and effortlessly. Adelaide is a beautiful and charming city, spilling over with diversity and multicultural influence among its winding rivers and bustling streets. IFSA's program simultaneously enlightened me to the history and culture of both my city and the broader scope of Australia, as well as taught important skills towards independence and exploration of all Adelaide had to offer beyond the classroom.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
During my time in the workforce while studying in Adelaide, I was given the opportunity to try crocodile and kangaroo. I had never tried either of these dishes before in any setting, and I was surprised to find I truly enjoyed them!
117 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sammy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great semester in Melb!

Melbourne was an incredible city, packed with things to do and people to meet. I lived in the center of the city, with the campus being about a 20 minute walk away. The tram system was great--super fast and easy, making transportation quite affordable and useful. I reccommend taking a day trip to Phillip Island, a short hour and a half public bus ride or rental car away. Here you can get the true Aussie experience--pet a kangaroo and see koala, as well as watch the famous penguin parade. I joined some clubs, including the University of Melbourne Wake-boarding Club and Mountaineering Club, where I go to go camping, hiking, skiing, kayaking, you name it. Through these clubs and through my classes I met so many new people from all over the world! Melbourne was an incredible city to live in (voted most livable city for numerous years in a row!) and I loved my experience there!

119 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gabrielle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester in AUS!

I had an amazing time abroad in Sydney and was set up perfectly by IFSA-Butler. They gave me all of the materials to be successful and were very helpful anytime I needed anything. The staff was extremely fun and took us on several adventures to show us around. My accommodations were better than anything I could've hoped for and we were extremely safe. The academics were enjoyable at the University of Sydney and overall I felt very supported throughout my time there. Thanks to IFSA-Butler for truly my most memorable semester!

What would you improve about this program?
N/A it is run extremely well!
112 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Yes, there are dorms. I believe you are given two choices through IFSA-Butler, either Ursula Hall (includes meal plan) and Burton and Garren Hall (no meal plan, cook for yourself). I was in B&G and loved and would recommend it.