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The University of New South Wales Sydney (UNSW) is a leading research and teaching university. It is the highest-ranked university in Sydney and New South Wales, and it ranks 3rd overall in Australia and 45th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2017-18).  UNSW has a proud tradition of sustained innovation, focusing on areas critical to our future – from climate change and renewable energies to lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. In the social sciences, UNSW research informs policy and expert commentary in key issues facing society ranging from human rights and constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians to public health and population ageing.

UNSW offers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs. UNSW attracts talented students from across Australia and around the world. 50,000-plus students come from 128 countries, making UNSW one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan universities.

  • Program Terms and Dates

    Program Terms

    Fall, Spring

    Program Dates

    UNSW Academic Calendar

    Scroll down and look under UNSW3+: New Academic Calendar. Students are required to enroll in one of UNSW's Tailored Terms.

  • Courses and Credits

    UNSW Courses (Under "Browse," click on "By Subject Area.")

    UNSW Tailored Terms Courses Booklet

    Students have the option to take courses from a variety of departments.

    • Students must enroll in one of UNSW's Tailored Terms.
    • Students must enroll in a full course load while abroad (equivalent to 15 credit hours per semester). At UNSW, ILR students must enroll in four full-time courses (one 4-week, intensive course and three regular-term courses) during their semester abroad.
    • Students can earn up to 15 ILR elective credits.
    • Courses have to be approved for ILR elective credit.
    • Students will receive credit for academic coursework completed abroad that is equivalent to a Cornell grade of "C."
    • Students cannot take courses as Pass/Fail.
    • All courses and grades will appear on the Cornell transcript in the same format as they are recorded on the original transcript generated by the host institution.
    • Grades are not calculated in the overall GPA.
  • Tuition and Other Costs
    • This exchange program is tuition-neutral (students pay regular tuition to the ILR School).
    • Financial aid would apply; if you are currently receiving financial aid, your package would be adjusted based on your determined level of need and the projected costs of the program.
    • ILR exchange students are responsible for the following expenses: passport, visa, airfare, room and board, transportation, course fees (if applicable), books, and personal expenses.
    • Students can apply for the Grindlinger Award for study in Australia (see application details below) for up to $2500 to help cover travel costs.
  • Eligibility

    ILR undergraduate students interested in expanding their academic knowledge of Australia may apply. In addition, ILR undergraduate students must

    • have junior or senior standing;
    • have all ILR core requirements completed;
    • be in good standing with the ILR School and the University; and
    • have a 3.0 GPA.
  • How to Apply

    *Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

    1. Make an appointment.

    Interested students must meet with Tamara Ingram, Assistant Director ILR International Programs, to discuss plans and eligibility.  To make an appointment, e-mail: tsi4@cornell.edu.

    2. Complete online application.

    You must log in with your NetID and password to access the application.

    Please note that you can only apply the semester prior to your intended semester abroad.

  • Grindlinger Award

    About the Grindlinger Award

    Glenn Grindlinger, ILR’ 96, and Brooke Grindlinger have generously provided funds to establish the Brooke & Glenn Grindlinger International Experience Fund for ILR undergraduate students undertaking academic activity in Australia. The primary objective of this award is to encourage and enable students to pursue study in Australia regardless of their financial circumstances.   The award of up to $2,500 is offered each semester and can be used to cover the costs associated with study in Australia such as housing, medical insurance, books, etc. This award is competitive and may be split between more than one strong applicant.  Funds will be distributed after successful completion of courses, submission of a final report to the donors, and receipt of transcripts.

    Eligible students must be participating in a Cornell approved study opportunity in Australia such as an ILR Exchange Program, an ILR Off-Campus Credit Internship Program, an ILR-Approved Study Abroad program, or a research opportunity approved by the ILR School. 

    Students who previously studied in Australia are not eligible for this award.

    How to Apply 

    Students can only apply for this award once in Australia.  Applicaton instructions will be sent to students participating in eligible programs.

    Part A:  Prepare a maximum 2-page (single spaced) personal statement in which you, at a minimum, address the following points:

    • why you wanted to undertake academic activity in Australia,
    • how the activity has impacted/will impact your ILR education and your future career goals, and
    • how the activity has impacted/will impact your personal growth and intercultural competence.

    Please write your statement as you would an essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

    Part B:  Include your current resume, and provide the names of two ILR faculty references (include name, contact information, and nature of the relationship) in order for your application to be considered.