About the program
What are the benefits of participating in the UCLA Study Abroad Program?
If selected as a participant you will:
- Gain invaluable international experience
- Study at UCLA, ranked 18th in the world (Times Higher Education rankings 2024)
- Live on campus and experience the richness of American college life
- Accelerate your study by receiving credit towards your degree
- Spend your winter break enjoying the Californian summer
- Make long-lasting connections and friendships
Who organises the program?
The UCLA Study Abroad Program is an initiative of the United States Studies Centre in partnership with the University of Sydney.
Units of study
Do I get to pick my units of study?
Yes, you must choose two courses worth 4 UCLA units each from hundreds of UCLA course options.
Please note that you do not need to have credit approval to submit an application but you must have elective space in your degree.
The United States Studies Centre will assist successful applicants with the credit approval process, where applicable.
How much credit will I receive towards my degree?
Upon successful completion of two UCLA courses worth 4 UCLA units each, you will receive 6 credit points of electives towards your degree.
Eligibility
I am not a student of the University of Sydney, can I still apply for the program?
No. In 2024, the UCLA Study Abroad Program is only open to University of Sydney undergraduate students.
What are the selection criteria?
See the eligibility section.
I am an international student. Am I still eligible to apply?
Of course! International students are welcome to apply but should be aware of the conditions to acquire a visa to the United States depending on the student's country of citizenship. International students should refer to the US Embassy for further information before applying for the program.
International students from the University of Sydney do not need to re-sit their English test for admission into this program.
International students educated in English or who are residents of a country in which English is one of the primary languages are exempt from meeting the English language requirements.
Application process
How do I apply?
To apply, follow the steps listed in the how to apply section. All applications must be submitted via Terra Dotta, the Sydney Global Mobility database.
When is the deadline for all applications?
The application deadline is 22 April 2024. Applicants are strongly urged to submit applications without delay to avoid disappointment. A non-refundable AU$200 deposit is required at the time of application.
Important dates
Will I miss out on any class time to participate in the program?
Yes. You will miss 'week 1' of semester 2, 2024.
Can I commence the program late or finish the program earlier than the nominated dates?
No, students must commence the program on 24 June 2024 and finish on 2 August 2024. It is your responsibility to make sure you can commit to these dates before submitting your application for the program.
Accommodation
Is accommodation provided for the entire duration of the program?
Yes. Student accommodation will be provided on the UCLA campus. See the accommodation section for details.
Do I have to stay on the UCLA campus?
Yes. All students must stay in the accommodation provided by UCLA. This is a requirement of the course. Students are not permitted to stay with family or friends or to otherwise arrange their own accommodation under any circumstances.
Will I have access to UCLA facilities on campus?
Yes, you will receive a BruinCard, which is your passport to life at UCLA. The BruinCard will not only serve as your official UCLA ID but act as your debit, meal, residential, library, laundry and printing card and give you free access to gym facilities and campus events.
Can I move into the UCLA accommodation earlier than the nominated date?
Accommodation is provided from Sunday 23 June 2024 to Friday 2 August 2024 (i.e. you are expected to checkout by 5pm on 2 August). Arrival prior to the scheduled first day of the housing contract is limited, and there is no guarantee that space will be available. Students who must arrive early should contact the Front Desk of their accommodation to discuss the possibility of an early arrival arrangement.
Fees and scholarships
What is the closing date for the payment of fees?
Full fee payment is due by close of business on 13 May 2024. Please note: to secure a place in the program, applicants must submit a non-refundable payment of AU$200 at the time of application and a further AU$800 to accept their offer (the combined AU$1,000 will be part-payment of the total fees).
What do the fees cover?
The program's fixed fees cover the costs for two units of study, health insurance, travel insurance, administrative fees, Bruincard, pre-departure seminars and some cultural activities in Los Angeles. The cost for accommodation and meals varies depending on the individual package selected. Students are also liable for additional costs including: visa processing and lodgement; return airfares and transfers; food and entertainment; and any other associated costs.
How do I pay my program fees?
Students must submit their payment via the University of Sydney’s online payment gateway. Students will be provided with the relevant link.
Can I use HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP to defer payment of the unit of study fees?
No. All fees must be paid upfront by the relevant date and cannot be deferred.
Can I cancel my application?
Yes, you can. Please refer to the refund policy for further details.
How do I cancel my application?
Applications to withdraw from the UCLA Study Abroad Program must be submitted in writing and lodged with the United States Studies Centre. Please refer to the refund policy for further details.
Will I receive a refund of all of my tuition fees?
Please refer to the refund policy for further details.
Will any scholarships be offered?
Please check the financial assistance page for further details.
Who arranges the flights?
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Los Angeles. Participants should arrive on Sunday 23 June 2024 to commence the program on Monday 24 June 2024.
Students are advised not to make travel bookings until they have received official notification from the United States Studies Centre that they have been accepted into the program.
Students are strongly advised not to make any international travel plans prior to the program start date until they receive their passport back with the US F-1 visa in it. If for any reason you have not received your visa before your early travel dates, you will be responsible for any fees for changing your flights. Remember that the US Consulate retains your passports to process your visa.
Australian citizens are advised to register their travel and contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) prior to leaving Australia.
Travel advice for the United States is also available on the DFAT website.
All participants of the program must register at the Sydney Global Mobility Travel Register
How will student media be handled during the UCLA Study Abroad Program?
Students consent that photographs or film recordings taken in connection with the UCLA Study Abroad Program may be used for marketing purposes by the United States Studies Centre, the University of Sydney, or the University of California Los Angeles.
Students who have concerns about this should discuss it with the Student Mobility Manager at the United States Studies Centre.
