The University
Established in 1850 as Australia's first university, the University of Sydney is one of the world's leading, comprehensive research and teaching institutions, ranked 38th in the world, with 33 subject areas ranked in the QS top 5; ranked 4th in the world, and 1st in Australia, for graduate employability.
The University of Sydney's diverse community of more than 54,000 students and 6,100 academic staff from more than 130 countries, share Australian innovation and research on the international stage. The University has wide-ranging research strengths, from English language and literature, to philosophy, history, and the social sciences, to clinical medicine, quantum mechanics, astrophysics and robotics.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of arts and social sciences subjects in Australia. With more than 20 undergraduate degrees, over 40 postgraduate coursework degrees and a suite of research degrees. The faculty includes the following schools and departments:
- School of Economics
- School of Languages and Cultures
- School of Art, Communication and English
- School of Humanities
- School of Social and Political Sciences
- Sydney School of Education and Social Work
The University is located in the heart of Sydney. You can wander down to the Opera House, take a bus to Bondi Beach, jump on a train to the Blue Mountains, or hop on a flight to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Set around the world's largest natural harbour, Sydney is home to beautiful golden beaches, world-class museums and art galleries, delicious fresh food, and a calendar of exciting events and festivals.
Exchange information
- Undergraduate and graduate exchange within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
- Students are expected to maintain the majority of their enrolment within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, but may be approved to take a course outside FASS (flexibility is needed in this case).
- Restricted programmes: Sydney Law School, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Physiotherapy or Veterinary Science, or any Dentistry programmes.
- Academic Year: February – November (Semester 1: February – June; Semester 2: July – November).
- Minimum course load: 18 points; Maximum course load: 24 credit points per semester.
- At the University of Sydney individual courses/units are called 'Units of Study (UoS)'.
- Course numbering system: 1000 to 3000 – 1st to 3rd year; 4000 4th year and/or honours level.
Relevant links
- Study Abroad and Exchange Guide (PDF)
- Study Abroad and Exchange website
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
- Department of Government and International Relations (GIR)
- School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS)
- Units (courses) search
- Planning your course
- Why choose Sydney?
- Semester dates
- Accommodation information
- Estimated cost of living
- Information on student visas and insurance for students going on exchange
Further information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange, please contact an Exchange Adviser.