Western Sydney University

Australia is a vast and diverse country located in the southern hemisphere, occupying an entire continent. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef, vast deserts like the Outback, and lush rainforests. Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer a vibrant urban lifestyle. Australians are known for their laid-back and friendly demeanor, and the country boasts a rich indigenous history and cultural heritage. It is also home to unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, dingos, wombats, wallabies, and various species found nowhere else in the world.

Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size of the continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of the time, with the southern states experiencing cooler winters. Australia is also one of the driest continents on earth with an average annual rainfall of less than 600 millimetres. Like all countries in the southern hemisphere, Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.

Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia, situated on the southeastern coast. It is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, which are major tourist attractions. The city offers a vibrant mix of modern architecture, beautiful beaches like Bondi and Manly, and lush parks like the Royal Botanic Garden. Sydney is known for its diverse cultural scene, excellent dining options, and a bustling nightlife. There is a significant concentration of foreign banks and multinational corporations in Sydney and the city is promoted as one of Asia Pacific's leading financial hubs. Sydney is also home to the oldest library in Australia, State Library of New South Wales, opened in 1826

Western Sydney University, formerly the University of Western Sydney, is an Australian multi-campus university in the Greater Western region of Sydney. It is a provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and higher research degrees with 14 campuses in Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith, and more. The university in its current form was founded in 1989 under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988, which created a federated network university with an amalgamation between the Nepean College of Advanced Education and the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. The Macarthur Institute of Higher Education was incorporated in the university in 1989, and in 2001 the University of Western Sydney was restructured as a single multi-campus university rather than as a federation. In 2015, the university underwent a rebranding which resulted in a change in name from the University of Western Sydney to Western Sydney University.

WSU offers a wide range of courses in a variety of programs. To view courses click here and select "Subject Search." Ensure all the classes you choose take place at the same campus. Most exchange students study at the Parramatta campus.

Schools at WSU include:

• Business
• Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences
• Education
• Engineering, Design and Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities and Communication Arts
• Law
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Psychology
• Science
• Social Sciences

Courses taken at WSU are typically equivalent to one 3 credit U of L course. 10 WSU credits = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

It is MANDATORY to obtain a student visa from the Department of Home Affairs before arriving in Australia. The application requires your Confirmation of Enrolment issued by WSU once you are accepted and have paid all fees.

For requirements and step-by-step application instructions, visit the Australian immigration website.

You must have sufficient funds to cover all education and living expenses for the duration of your studies. Refer to the “Student visa living costs and evidence of funds” section on the DIPB website.

For more information about this visa, contact the Australian Consulate in Vancouver.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Australia, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Campus Residences

• Cost: 261-343 AUD/week (2023) including utilities and internet
• As most classes occur at the Parramatta campus, students generally stay at the WSU Village Parramatta
• Single furnished rooms in 2-8 bedroom apartments
• Kitchen, bathroom(s), dining room, and living room are shared with roommates
• The residence hosts cooking classes, DIY workshops, cultural food nights, village dinners, and more throughout the year

Private Housing

• Students who do not wish to stay in residence may arrange for their own off-campus accommodation. However, this may be more costly than living in residence.

Arrival Information

WSU offers a complimentary airport pick-up service for students arriving at the Kingsford Smith International Airport. The service will take you from the airport to WSU. Requests for the service must be submitted five days before arrival. For more information about the service click here.

In Sydney

Public transit is the easiest and cheapest way to travel Sydney. The nearest bus stop is approximately two minutes walking distance from the Village Parramatta residence. There is also a free shuttle between the university and the nearest train station.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

OSHC is compulsory medical cover for student visa holders and their dependents and covers much of the cost of medical and hospital care while in Australia. OSHC by Bupa is the preferred provider for Western Sydney University. Cost varies based on duration of stay and personal characteristics, but is about AUD 300/semester (2023).

For more information and to get a quote click here.