Gold Coast, Australia
Bond University Partnership
Program Overview
A SMALL UNIVERSITY WITH BIG AMBITIONS—AND LOADS OF SUNSHINE
Intentionally smaller than most Australian universities, Bond’s community of 5,000 students makes it easy to join in and take advantage of opportunities for individualized learning at a school devoted to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Established in 1989 as the nation’s first private, not-for profit university, Bond created a new, state-of-the art campus in Queensland in the Gold Coast suburb, Robina. Standout features include an 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, industry-focused academic programs, and instruction from industry leaders. Bond also follows a U.S. calendar and class structure, making the transition easy for U.S. students. Bond is popular for business, law, architecture, sport management, and communication studies.
As a “Bondy,” you’ll enjoy surf, sports, and sunshine, as well as opportunities to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—all at a university that has dominated the number-one ranking for student experience in Australia for 16 years (The Good Universities Guide, 2006-2022).
Details at a Glance
Application deadline
Minimum GPA
2.50
Credit load
12–16
Housing
Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option
Instruction language
English
Language prerequisites
None
Visa required?
Yes. Learn More.
Academics
To explore Bond University classes, open the Bond University online class catalog. Bond University business studies are AACSB accredited.
Credit Conversion
At Bond University a full-term class load consists of 40 Bond credits per term. Students typically enroll in four subjects for a total of 16 U.S. semester credit hours. 10 Bond credit points = 4 U.S. semester credit hours.
Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.
Australian Government | Department of Education | CRICOS: 00017B
Australian Government | Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency | TEQSA: PRV12072
Study abroad students have access to subjects except medicine. Restricted subjects in medicine include the course code of MED or BMED and are only available to full-degree students who are enrolled in the Bond Bachelor of Medical Studies program.
Bond University partners with Volunteering Gold Coast to offer a range of non-credit bearing community-based volunteering opportunities. Individual volunteering may include working with aged care residents by providing compassing, companionship, and friendship, or working to ensure Australia’s most iconic beaches are accessible for everyone. To learn more, visit the Bond University Volunteering webpage.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
- You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
Recommendation Letter
Not required.
TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.
Excursions
Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.
Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As result, we cannot guarantee activities and excursions.
Activities
- Indigenous Australians Dance Performance: Watch Bangarra, a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary dancers, tell powerful stories through movement, dynamic design, poetry, and music.
- Bike Tour: Scheduled early in the semester, a bike tour is the perfect way to get orientated to the Gold Coast, get your bearings, and explore your new city.
- NACE Competencies Workshop: Mastering the eight U.S. National Association of Colleges and Employers competencies is essential preparation for college graduates. This IFSA staff workshop helps you make meaningful links between your study abroad experience and career readiness.
- Farewell Dinner: Savor the memories and experiences of your time in Australia during a final delicious dining experience with your IFSA family.
Excursions
- Lamington National Park Weekend: Explore Queensland’s biodiversity in all its richness with a weekend adventure including a rainforest walking tour and visits to Mount Tamborine and Binna Burra.
- Stradbroke Island First Nations Tour: Stradbroke Island, home to the Quandamooka People, is known for some of the most stunning scenery found anywhere in Australia. Immerse yourself in a world of ancient dreamtime stories and real-life experiences during the tour, including seeing many native animals in the wild.
- Lone Pine Sanctuary Visit: Lone Pine is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary and collaborates with universities, government, and students on hundreds of wildlife research projects. During the three-hour visit, see more than 130 koalas, hand feed kangaroos and emus, experience a sheep dog show, spy on a shy platypus swimming, and watch the birds of prey.
- Witches Falls Getaway: One of the oldest national parks in Australia, Tamborine Mountain features the scenic Witches Falls and hosts 85 percent of all animal species found in the Gold Coast area. Australia is known for being one of the world’s largest exporters of wine and produces wine in every state. At the Witches Falls Winery, learn about the wine making process, climate challenges, distribution, and taste!
Housing and Meals
Housing
Apartment/Flat, Single Room OptionMeals
Self-CateringDetails
Students live off campus, steps from prime beachfront, sharing apartments in privately managed complexes that are typically home to a mix of students, travelers, and retirees. Surf isn’t all that’s nearby. Find shopping, markets, restaurants, cafes, and more in walking distance. Light rail makes for an easy 30-commute to campus.
For an additional fee, students can apply for single bedroom.
Sample housing
Explore Mantra Broadbeach on the Park to see what your Gold Coast home might be like:
- Location: Broadbeach. Walk to bus and light rail in five minutes. From there, it’s a 25-minute bus ride to campus in Robina; 20 minute light rail ride to Surfers Paradise.
- Living space: Furnished apartments for four students include two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, and balcony. (Option to request a single bedroom for an additional fee.) Towels and bed linens provided.
- Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare their own meals or eat out, and often say cooking together is a fun, social part of the day. Groceries and cafes are nearby.
- Other details: Wi-Fi included. Apartments have air conditioning plus washer/dryer. Complex includes outdoor pool, heated spa, gym, sauna, and outdoor barbecue and garden areas. 24-hour reception and security.
- Nearby: Beaches. Beachfront markets. Oasis Shopping Center. Pacific Fair shopping mall. Surfers Paradise.
Dates and Fees
Get Started
Emma Lynch
Student Engagement Manager