The Sydney STEM Program offers upper-division students of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the opportunity to pursue courses in their designated fields of study through direct enrollment at the University of Sydney. Sydney STEM students will also benefit from the excellence of the Boston University Sydney Center’s staff, facilities, and activities. Considered one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in Australia, the University of Sydney is conveniently located within walking distance of the BU Sydney Center in the Chippendale district, a vibrant neighborhood of university activity, cafes, contemporary galleries, the Central Park Mall, converted warehouses, and cutting-edge innovation.
BU Abroad: A Sydney Perspective
BU Abroad: A Sydney Perspective
Requirements & Considerations
Curriculum
The Sydney STEM Program, offered during the fall semester, offers upper-division science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students the opportunity to take courses through direct enrollment at the
University of Sydney.
Students enrolled in this program take one required course at the BU Sydney Center and three elective courses at the University of Sydney.
Required Course
All students are required to take the following course:
Required Course
- CAS AN 368 Australian Culture & Society (4 credits)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Historical Consciousness
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Research and Information Literacy
- Major focus on Australia’s global and national development as a multicultural nation with European roots, traditional western alliances and an imagined future in the Asia-Pacific region. The themes of continuity and change in relation to the Aboriginal population are explored in some detail.
- Syllabus
Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin. We recommend that students do not overload (take more than the required 16 credits).
Elective Courses
Students enroll in three elective courses through direct enrollment at the University of Sydney
The following is a sample listing of University of Sydney STEM topics available:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
For more information about available courses, view the University of Sydney Course Lists.
Housing & Student Services
Program Residence
- Students live in either the BU Center or another nearby student residence based on space availability.
- Students live in single or double, furnished rooms, in a shared suite or apartment.
- There is a shared kitchen and dining area. There is a mall a short walk away where students can purchase kitchen supplies, home goods, and groceries.
- Board is not included/no stipend.
- No dining hall availability.
- All students have access to the BU Sydney Academic Center which includes 24 hr. security, a roof deck for students to hang out, a fully-stocked library with computers and classrooms.
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: mid-July to early December
- Spring Semester: early January to late June
Application Timeline
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline March 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications Deadline October 1
*Applications for the Spring 2025 semester will open on June 12
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Please note: Non-U.S. citizens must contact BU Study Abroad prior to submitting an application.
Cost & Financial Considerations
