Embark on a life-changing journey with YFU’s study abroad in Australia program.
Experience the vibrant culture, top-notch education, and breathtaking landscapes of Australia.
Choose Your 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.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Spring Year | Early February | Late November | $19,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year | Early July | Late April | $19,995 |
- 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 the program
- Comprehensive insurance
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools at the year level and class schedule as 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 in 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
English. Although there will not be a language barrier, you will be able to learn the unique Australian lingo!
Placements can be in all states and in urban, suburban, small-town, or rural areas.
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.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Semester | Early July | Late November | $18,995 |
| 2025 Spring Semester | Late January | Late June | $18,095 |
- 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 the program
- Comprehensive insurance
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools at the year level and class schedule as 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 in 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
English. Although there will not be a language barrier, you will be able to learn the unique Australian lingo!
Placements can be in all states and in urban, suburban, small-town, or rural areas.
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.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Trimester | Early July | Late October | $16,995 |
| 2025 Spring Trimester | Late January | Late April | $16,095 |
- 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 the program
- Comprehensive insurance
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools at the year level and class schedule as 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 in 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.
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.
- 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 the time of arrival.
English. Although there will not be a language barrier, you will be able to learn the unique Australian lingo!
Placements can be in all states and in urban, suburban, small-town, or rural areas.
Study Abroad Participants
What to Expect
The best way to know Australia, beyond kangaroos, koalas, and the “Crocodile Hunter,” is to see it yourself! Choosing Australia as your host country will be a “dinky-di” (genuine) adventure!
Most of your time 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 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, you may participate in activities like 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!
Discover the benefits of studying abroad in Australia—a nation celebrated not just for its iconic wildlife but for its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Here’s what makes studying in Australia so rewarding:
- Top-Quality Education: Rated among the best in the world by the OECD.
- Cultural Diversity: From the metropolitans of Melbourne to the indigenous people of the outback.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Enjoy fresh, healthy foods and a variety of sports and outdoor activities.
- Global Perspective: Gain a broader understanding of global issues and diverse cultures.
For more details, visit the Australia section on the USA Embassy website.
At YFU USA, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best study abroad programs in Australia, tailored to ensure an enriching and seamless educational journey.
- Comprehensive Support: From pre-departure to post-arrival, we’ve got you covered.
- Flexible Options: Choose from trimester, semester, or year-long programs.
- Academic Excellence: Enroll in high-quality Australian schools.
Check out more programs on our Countries page.
Embarking on a study abroad journey in Australia is an exciting opportunity, and YFU USA makes the process straightforward and supportive. Follow these essential steps to start your educational adventure.
- Choose Your Program: Decide on a trimester, semester, or year-long stay.
- Apply Online: Complete your application on the YFU Application Portal.
- Prepare for Departure: Attend orientations and get ready for your adventure.
For common questions, visit our FAQ page.
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, need-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students 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:
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.
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 school transportation 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 children but are not responsible for costs relating to entertainment, leisure activities, or other personal expenses/ spending money.
Your Australian Adventure Awaits
Ready to make the leap? Studying abroad in Australia with YFU is more than an academic experience; it’s a journey of personal and cultural discovery. Embrace the adventure and start your application today!
Have questions or want to learn more about YFU Study Abroad Programs?
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
