Study Abroad in Sydney: The Pros and Cons (Compared to Other Cities)

What You Actually Need to Know Before Choosing Your Destination

If you're deciding where to study abroad, you’ve probably heard the usual contenders: Florence. London. Barcelona. Maybe even Tokyo or Cape Town.

And then there’s Sydney. Sunny, beachy, and somehow both chill and cosmopolitan. But how does it really compare to the typical study abroad cities?

Here’s the real talk, the insider scoop on what Sydney offers, what it doesn’t, and why it just might be the perfect or not-so-perfect fit for you.

PROS: Why Study Abroad in Sydney Is So Amazing

1. You get the best of both worlds: beach and city

Sydney isn’t just pretty, it’s dynamic. You can go from a lecture in the city center to watching the sunset at the Beach in under 30 minutes.

• Compare that to Paris or Prague, where you’ll be scrolling beach pics while stuck in the metro.

2. No language barrier, but still a culture shift

Yes, they speak English. But no, it’s not the same. Aussie slang, humor, food, and pace of life all feel different, just enough to push you out of your comfort zone without making daily life a struggle.

• Compare that to Italy or Japan, where ordering coffee can feel like a full language exam.

3. It’s relatively safe and clean

You’ll notice this right away. Public transport is clean. People are friendly (even the bus drivers). It’s a comfort that makes all the difference when you're far from home.

• Compare that to places with higher petty crime rates (pickpocketing is practically a sport in Barcelona and Rome).

4. You’re allowed to work while abroad

On a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks. Think weekend barista job or tutoring gig, and those dollars come in handy.

• Most European study abroad programs don’t allow you to work at all.

5. Aussie uni culture is flexible, but not lazy

Classes are less hand-holding, more independent. You’ll have fewer assignments but more weight on each one. Also, lectures aren’t always mandatory (but finals are no joke).

• Compared to U.S. or U.K. schools with constant deadlines and weekly quizzes, it feels like a breath of fresh air.

6. Easy access to once-in-a-lifetime travel

Weekend trip to the Great Barrier Reef? Done. Spring break in New Zealand or Bali? Also done. Plus, exploring Australia itself (Tasmania, Melbourne, Byron Bay) is so underrated.

• Europe has lots of weekend options, but everyone goes to the same five cities. Sydney’s adventures feel more unique and Instagrammable in a different way.

CONS — Let’s Be Honest

1. It’s far. Like, really far.

From the U.S., flights can be 14–24 hours and cost $1,000+. You won’t be popping home for a long weekend. You’ll be fully committed.

• Compare that to Europe, where a flight from NYC to London is 6 hours and $500.

2. The time zone sucks for keeping in touch

When it’s 8 PM in Sydney, it’s 6 AM on the East Coast. FaceTiming your mom or your S.O. back home takes strategic planning (and maybe a nap).

• Compare that to European cities, which are only a few hours ahead of the U.S.

3. It’s one of the more expensive cities

Expect to pay:

• $20+ for brunch

• $15–18 for a cocktail

• $30 on a night out

But there are ways to save: student discounts, $10 lunch specials, happy hours, and campus meals if you’re lucky. Plus, the exchange rate makes it feel like a discount already.

• Compared to Eastern Europe or South America? Your dollar won’t go nearly as far in Sydney.

4. You might end up around a lot of Americans

Sydney is popular for U.S. study abroad students, which can be comforting, or it can be cliquey. You may need to make extra effort to meet locals or international students.

• Compare that to smaller cities (like Granada or Chiang Mai), where you’re one of just a handful of foreigners.

5. Uni culture isn’t super social

There’s no Greek life. Clubs exist, but they’re not a major part of the student experience. Most people commute. If you’re used to a hyper-social U.S. campus vibe, you’ll need to seek out community more actively.

• The good news? People are friendly and laid-back once you start chatting.

Final Verdict: Is Sydney the One?

If you want:

• Sunshine, beaches, and nature

• A safe, clean, English-speaking city

• The chance to work and travel

• A new culture that’s not too overwhelming

Then Sydney might be your dream abroad city.

If you’re hoping for:

• Weekly trips to new countries

• Language immersion

• Cheaper cost of living

• Ancient castles, snow, or moody weather

…then a European or Latin American city might be a better fit.

But if you’re craving independence, sunshine, beach-to-class transitions, and a study abroad experience that stands out from the crowd, Sydney is waiting.

Ready to start planning your semester in Sydney? We’ve got PDF guides to housing, transport, budgeting, food culture, nightlife, and more, written by real students who’ve lived it! Click here to see more