University of Notre Dame Australia in Sydney

Sydney is one of the best-known Australia cities.  Over half of the population of NSW calls Sydney their home.  It has Australia’s largest central business district (CBD) and is home to two famous icons — the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.  Sydney is a highly multicultural city with half of its residents being born overseas and boasts all the excitement and convenience of a global modern city.  With its numerous festivals, vibrant performing arts scene and iconic good weather, the city makes for an ideal study abroad destination.

In order to have an idea of what classes are available at the University of Notre Dame, you should visit the UNDA Sydney course offerings web page, as well as the UNDA Sydney course description web page. Please see here for classes offered during 2016.

When looking for courses, be sure that you are looking at courses for undergraduate students only and that you are looking at classes in the correct term of study.  Since UNDA is in the southern hemisphere, the terms are reversed.  The fall semester at SHU is listed as Semester 2 at UNDA and the spring semester at SHU is listed as Semester 1 at UNDA. You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to the University of Notre Dame and Sacred Heart University. That means you will take 12-15 SHU credits (4-5 courses) while at UNDA.

Course Credit
SHU approved courses taken at UNDA will count towards your general graduation total.  Courses will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail). 

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation.  During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed.  The pre-departure orientation will be conducted at the end of April for the fall term abroad and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad. 

Upon arrival at UNDA, you will attend a mandatory orientation week.  This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the UNDA Student Life Office.  The information at these sessions includes:

• Introduction to key staff from the Study Abroad Office and the Student Life Office;
• Enables you to network with other International, Study Abroad and Domestic students;
• Highlights student services and facilities;
• Discusses University life;
• Showcases Student Associations and Clubs;
• Provides information on Student Visa requirements;
• Provides information on Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC);
• IT and Library Orientation;
• Provides information regarding religious facilities and on/off-campus support.

Housing is NOT included as part of your study abroad program fees. 

The UNDA Sydney campus offers an accommodation information service to students looking for off-campus accommodation.  You can obtain information about accommodation options and lease arrangements from the UNDA Student Life Office; however, no accommodation is pre-arranged or personally provided for individual students by UNDA. There are several accommodations options for you to choose between:

Renting a House or Apartment

Local real estate agencies and private owners advise UNDA when houses and apartments become available for rent in the Sydney city district.  Rental properties can be furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished.  When considering renting a property, you should be aware that landlords require rent to be paid in advance and also require the payment of a security bond equal to one month’s rent. For information regarding the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 please refer to the NSW Department of Fair Trading website 

Renting a Room

In Sydney, there are limited opportunities to rent an individual room in a house or apartment.  This style of accommodation usually involves access to a private bedroom and study area, while the bathroom, kitchen, and living areas are shared between tenants.  Expenses such as power, gas, telephone and excess water are normally paid in addition to rent. 

For further information regarding accommodation options and a list of accommodation providers please see here. To contact the Prospective Students Office for queries regarding accommodation options, please email sydney@nd.edu.au or call (02) 8204 4404.  All international enquires should be directed to the International Students Office at sydneyinternational@nd.edu.au.

Meals are NOT included as part of your study abroad program fees. Accommodations are equipped with kitchen facilities so you can prepare meals at ease. Local grocery stores are within walking distance to each facility and can also be reached by public transportation.

July to November (fall semester) or February to June (spring semester)

Fall 2018:
Arrival: July 23rd
Departure: November 24th