University of Wollongong
- Spend a semester at the University of Wollongong, just 1 hour, 50 miles south of Sydney
- Wide range of classes available
- Homestay option available
- Petermann Scholarship available. See Further Reading below for more information.
The University was founded in 1951 and today has an enrollment of 25,000 students. The international population includes students from more than 70 countries. The University Union provides a community center for the University, catering to the social, cultural and recreational activities and interests of students. Sports are encouraged, and 24 social sporting clubs are available, from rugby to rock climbing.
Learn more about the University of Wollongong.
Wollongong is Australia's ninth largest city and lies 1 hour, 50 miles south of Sydney. The city of Wollongong is a vibrant, bustling, multicultural city in the Illawarra region with a population of around 292,500. It is known as the gateway to Australia's Leisure Coast, where long, sandy beaches, rain forests and expanses of national park land offer all that outdoor enthusiasts desire. Stunning beaches in and around Wollongong are famous for their clean sand, aquamarine ocean and stunning natural rock settings. There are 19 patrolled beaches and 15 coastal nature walks in the Wollongong region. Students can also take in breathtaking views from the various Wollongong lookout points at Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve, Mount Keira Lookout and Mt. Kembla.
Program Dates:
- Fall semester: mid-July to mid-November
- Spring semester: mid-February to late June
See date section above for specific dates for each academic term.
Academic Information: Courses:
Students typically earn 12 KU credit hours during one semester abroad.
Students are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses at the University of Wollongong and to determine if these courses will meet their academic requirements at KU.
University of Wollongong Course Timetable
University of Wollongong Course Catalog
Keep in Mind:
Autumn courses are offered during KU’s Spring Semester.
Spring courses are offered during KU’s Fall semester.
KU Course Equivalency Database
The KU Course Equivalency Database is a list of:
- Courses that are currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency)
- Courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalency)
Credit Approval Process
The Credit Approval Process is the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad.
All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit, and their application toward graduation.
University has on- and off-campus accommodation (residence halls and apartments). Homestay accommodations with a local family are also available. More details on different acconodation options are aviailable at the University of Wollongong Accommodation Services website. You can also consult their University of Wollongong Accommodation Guide (.pdf).
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Applicants must be at least a second semester sophomore by the beginning of the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.7.
Joe Petermann Study Abroad Australia Memorial Scholarship
Fund created for an out-of-state, male student in his 3rd or 4th year of study at KU. The student must have expressed interest in other cultures and who will be studying abroad for a full semester in Australia. Awards up to $1,700. Interested students should complete the Study Abroad & Global Engagement Merit and Financial Need General Scholarship application to be considered for this scholarship.
Other Resources
University of Wollongong Promotional Brochure (.pdf)
UOW Study Abroad Office
UOW On-Campus Accommodations
UOW Course Timetable
UOW On-line Academic Handbook
Australia Tourism Website