Quality academics meet a spirited, multicultural vibe, with adventure in easy reach.
Awesome rock formations. Mindboggling architecture. Marsupials. 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.
Why study abroad in Australia?
Education style. Australia’s university system is known for its large campuses and unique academic format. Students typically attend large lectures paired with small, discussion-based tutorials that foster deeper engagement. Compared to U.S. schools, there’s more academic independence and a focus on practical learning.
Cultural orientation. Australia is an incredibly diverse and inclusive society with strong influences from Aboriginal heritage, British traditions, and Asian-Pacific cultures. Students often find the culture laid-back, welcoming, and curious about international perspectives.
Student lifestyle. From sandy beaches to vibrant café culture, Australian student life is rich with activity. Public transport is reliable, food is fresh and diverse, and the climate varies by region, but generally offers lots of sun. Many cities are known for safety and a high quality of life.
Australian cities study abroad students live in:
Adelaide is a coastal city known for its relaxed pace, parklands, arts festivals, food markets, nearby beaches, and welcoming student atmosphere.
Brisbane is a warm, riverside city known for its sunny climate, outdoor lifestyle, arts precincts, public gardens, nearby nature escapes, and friendly student atmosphere.
Cairns is a tropical city in northern Queensland, known for access to the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, and outdoor adventure.
Gold Coast is a sunny coastal city known for its beaches, surf culture, theme parks, nature reserves, and active outdoor lifestyle.
Melbourne is a dynamic city shaped by arts, music, coffee culture, and multicultural neighborhoods, with laneways, markets, gardens, and a strong student community giving it a creative urban feel.
Sydney is a global coastal city where harbor landmarks, ocean beaches, diverse neighborhoods, museums, parks, and an energetic pace create a vivid introduction to Australian city life.
Townsville is a smaller coastal city with access to the Great Barrier Reef and strong environmental research opportunities.
Wollongong is a coastal city south of Sydney, known for beaches, escarpment views, and a relaxed student-friendly atmosphere.
Destinations near Australia popular among study abroad students to visit:
New Zealand is a popular destination known for dramatic landscapes, Māori cultural heritage, lakes, mountains, coastal towns, and outdoor adventure. Its proximity to Australia makes it a common choice for students interested in exploring more of the South Pacific.
Fiji is an island destination in the South Pacific known for crystal clear blue water, coral reefs, and beaches, and a warm, welcoming culture. It offers students a different kind of regional travel experience centered around island life and the marine environment.
Australia study abroad highlights
Language spoken
English
Capital
Canberra
Common housing types
Dormitory, shared flats, single room
Known for
Laid-back, outdoorsy culture, Sydney Opera House, Ayers Rock, wildlife, and biodiversity
University Info
Large universities, strong commitment to research, and hands-on field studies
Time zone
AEST (UTC +10)
Currency
Australian Dollars (AUD)
Fun facts
Australia has 10,000+ beaches; More than 230 designs were submitted for the Sydney Opera House. (Denmark’s Jørn Utzon won).
IFSA programs in Australia
Discover immersive academic opportunities all while exploring the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
IFSA offers many grants and scholarships, including location-based funding with specific Australian universities. View Scholarships
What excursions and activities are typically offered?
The Rocks Walking Tour – Sydney
Sydney Opera House Show – Sydney
Great Ocean Road Surfing Weekend Trip
Blue Mountains Visit
Gerroa Surf Day Trip
*Excursions offered vary by term, year, and location.
What sports are popular in Australia?
Australian rules football (AFL). Also called Aussie Rules or footy, it’s the #1 sport in Australia. A fast-paced, contact game full of tackling, kicking, and high-flying action.
Cricket. Australia’s favorite summer sport. A strategic bat-and-ball game that can last a few hours or a few days, depending on the format.
Rugby. A hard-hitting, high-impact game where players run, tackle, and pass backward to cross the try line and score.
“Swimming with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia—home of the world’s most sustainable whale shark tourism—changed the way that I think about ocean life, especially sharks.”
“Sunrise mountain hikes, rainforest excursions with IFSA and long runs at the beach were now a part of my new everyday reality. Looking back at those experiences, I can’t help but smile at the transformation I underwent in those few months. I basically discovered a world beyond my own, a world brimming with diverse cultures, flavors, and perspectives.”
