Study Abroad in Australia
Explore a new culture, learn a new language & broaden your horizons by enrolling in a program to study in Australia with YFU. Discover our programs today.
Study in Australia
The best way to really know Australia, beyond kangaroos, koalas, and "the land down under", is to experience it firsthand. Participating in a YFU exchange to Australia is a dinky-di (genuine) experience that tourists can't replicate.
“Being an exchange student was the most influential experience of my high school years. I was placed in a small town in Tasmania, Australia with a very supportive host family. Now that I have returned to America, I have two families - my natural family and my Australian family. I encourage high school students to exchange to experience a new piece of the world through an optimal interactive learning model.”
- Sara
+ More About Australia
The best way to really know Australia, beyond kangaroos, koalas, and the "Crocodile Hunter," is to see it for yourself! Choosing Australia as your host country will be a "dinky-di" (genuine) adventure!
A lot of the time you spend in Australia will be with your host family. Australians are known for their hospitality and will welcome you with open arms. Your time in Australia will introduce you to a blend of unique cultures from the metropolitans of Melbourne to the indigenous people of the outback. Your fitness may improve during your stay in Australia due to the abundance of light and healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and fish! You may even get to try vegemite, meat pies, lamingtons, or a good ol' fashioned Australian barby! The country has an impressive literacy rate of ninety-nine percent, and the quality of Australia's schooling is rated one of the best in the world by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
In addition to school, there are a variety of activities for you to participate in such as surfing, swimming, fishing, sailing, and tennis. More competitive activities include sports such as rugby, football, and cricket. So come venture down under and experience all that Australia has to offer!
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Australia:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity
+ Application Deadline
Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by August 15 for Winter/Spring departure programs and February 15 for Summer and Fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
Textbooks, uniform fees, special school subject fees, extracurricular activities and excursions, school lunches, school administrative fees, and transportation to school are not included in the tuition and vary depending on where students are placed. Students are also responsible for covering any fees related to obtaining a visa. Host families provide the same care and support as they would for their own child but are not responsible for costs related to entertainment, leisure activities, or other personal expenses/ spending money.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Program
Get to know Australia up close through an immersion program! You'll live with a volunteer host family, attend a local public or private high school and engage in the life of your new community over the course of the year.
School
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools in the year level and class schedule determined by their host school. Most students will not be placed in the final year of high school and attendance recognition is solely at the discretion of the school to which you are enrolled. Exchange students are expected to actively participate in school. While schools can vary, they follow a national curriculum that includes the following subjects: Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies.
Orientations
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
After arrival in Australia, students will attend a virtual arrival orientation. Year students will also be invited to attend a virtual mid-year and re-entry orientation. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Optional Excursions
New Zealand Tour: Held during either the April or September school breaks, students will have the exciting opportunity to visit New Zealand at an additional cost. While exploring the land of "Kiwis", students will take in the extraordinary views, beautiful landscapes, and culture.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Spring Year | Late January | Late November | $19,095 |
| 2025 Fall Year | Early July | Mid April | $19,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Australian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a local volunteer while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2025 Spring Program: Students born February 1, 2008 - February 1, 2010.
- 2025 Fall Program: Students born July 5, 2008 - July 5, 2010.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will not be considered for admission.
Language
English. Although there will not be a language barrier, you will be able to learn the unique Australian lingo!
Host Family Placement
Placements can be in all states and in urban, suburban, small town or rural areas.
+ Semester Programs
Get to know Australia up close through an immersion program! You'll live with a volunteer host family, attend a local public or private high school and engage in the life of your new community over the course of the semester.
School
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools in the year level and class schedule determined by their host school. Most students will not be placed in the final year of high school and attendance recognition is solely at the discretion of the school to which you are enrolled. Exchange students are expected to actively participate in school. While schools can vary, they follow a national curriculum that includes the following subjects: Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
After arrival in Australia, students will attend a virtual arrival orientation. Semester students will also be invited to attend a virtual mid-year and re-entry orientation. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Optional Excursions
New Zealand Tour: Held during either the April or September school breaks, students will have the exciting opportunity to visit New Zealand at an additional cost. While exploring the land of "Kiwis", students will take in the extraordinary views, beautiful landscapes, and culture.
Age Requirement
- 2025 Spring Program: Students born February 1, 2008 - February 1, 2010.
- 2025 Fall Program: Students born July 5, 2008 - July 5, 2010.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will not be considered for admission.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Semester | Early July | Late November | $18,995 |
| 2025 Spring Semester | Late January | Late June | $18,095 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Australian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a local volunteer while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
English. Although there will not be a language barrier, you will be able to learn the unique Australian lingo!
Host Family Placement
Placements can be in all states and in urban, suburban, small town or rural areas.
+ Trimester Programs
As a trimester exchange student to Australia, you will live with a local host family for 3 months and truly be immersed in the culture.
School
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools in the year level and class schedule determined by their host school. Most students will not be placed in the final year of high school and attendance recognition is solely at the discretion of the school to which you are enrolled. Exchange students are expected to actively participate in school. While schools can vary, they follow a national curriculum that includes the following subjects: Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies.
Orientations
All students applying for the trimester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
After arrival in Australia, all students will attend a virtual arrival orientation and re-entry orientation with their local volunteer coordinator. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Age Requirement
- 2025 Spring Program: Students born February 1, 2008 - February 1, 2010.
- 2025 Fall Program: Students born July 5, 2008 - July 5, 2010.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will not be considered for admission. Students cannot be older than 17 at time of arrival.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Trimester | Early July | Late October | $16,995 |
| 2025 Spring Trimester | Late January | Late April | $16,095 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Australian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a local volunteer while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
English. Although there will not be a language barrier, you will be able to learn the unique Australian lingo!
Host Family Placement
Placements can be in all states and in urban, suburban, small town or rural areas.