The opportunity of a lifetime

From the moon landings to nuclear weapons, US interest in the Indo-Pacific run deep. Join us in 2025 to see first-hand how those policies have shaped our region!

This unique study tour offers students the chance to visit sites of historic interest and modern importance around Australia, Japan, and South Korea as they learn how US influence, policy, actions, and funding have shaped space, science, and technology around the Indo-Pacific region.

About the study tour

During this two-week intensive study tour, students will travel to Japan and South Korea to immerse themselves in a world of experiential learning. Through site visits, guest lectures, and direct engagement with experts, participants will explore the dynamic interaction between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region across critical sectors.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Sydney will have the opportunity to visit iconic institutions, landmarks, and universities, meeting with prominent academics, professionals, and organisations shaping the fields of space exploration, policy, science, and technology.

Program benefits

  • Exclusive guest lectures and access to experts: Gain insights from renowned academics, industry leaders, policymakers and diplomats through guest lectures and interactive events.
  • Educational tours: Exploration of US influence and impact in the Indo-Pacific through tours to sites such as Hiroshima and visits to partners in space exploration in Japan and Korea, with expert guides providing historical context and contemporary insights.
  • Credit towards your degree: Students will receive academic credit upon completion of the study tour, enhancing their degrees with experiential learning and interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Financial assistance: United States Studies Centre Equity and Merit awards are available to support students participating in the program. Applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds and those new to study tour opportunities are encouraged to apply for financial assistance.
  • USYD Scholarships: University of Sydney Scholarships are also available for the program.
  • OSHelp: Available for eligible students.

Eligibility criteria

  • Undergraduate students must have completed at least 48 credit points by the end of Semester 1, 2025.
  • Postgraduate students were exempt from the credit points requirement.
  • Minimum WAM of 65.
  • Strong interest in American politics, culture, and its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Desirable: prior completion of United States Studies Centre / American Studies undergraduate or postgraduate unit.
  • Space in your degree to receive credit.
  • Departmental permission.

Enrolment information

In Semester 2,2025, undergraduate students will enrol in USSC2601: Power, Conflict, and Diplomacy, while postgraduate students will enrol in USSC6910: Special Topics in US Studies. As part of these units, students will undertake the US Space, Science, and Technology Policy in the Indo-Pacific Study Tour under the expert guidance of Lecturer in American Studies and Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Space Governance, Dr Kathryn Robison. This tour will provide a unique opportunity for students to blend academic knowledge with real-world experience.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through the Sydney Global Mobility Database.

Applications open on 18 June 2025 and close on 7 August 2025, but we strongly encourage students to apply early. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, which means you may receive an offer well before the final deadline. Applying early also gives you more time to organise travel, enrolment, funding, and more.

As part of your application, you’ll need to:

  • Confirm you meet eligibility requirements, including a minimum WAM of 65 and at least 48 credit points completed by the end of Semester 1, 2025 (Postgraduate students are exempt from the credit points requirement).
  • Upload your AUD$200 application payment receipt (this forms part of the overall program fee and is only refundable if your application is unsuccessful).
  • Respond to short questions, including a brief statement if you’re applying with a WAM below 65 or fewer than 48 credit points (credit points criteria for UG students only), and a short reflection on why you’re interested in the program.
  • Outline any relevant classes, experiences or research, and what you hope to gain from the tour.

You do not need to enrol in USSC2601 or USSC6910 before applying. Enrolment will only be confirmed once you’ve been accepted into the program.

If you're unsure about meeting prerequisites, you may still be eligible for an enrolment exception. Cross-institutional study is also considered on a case-by-case basis.

Important Note: If your participation is dependent on receiving academic credit, we recommend you wait for final approval before making any financial commitments.

Still have questions?

Contact:

Paulo Olivares

Student Mobility Manager, United States Studies Centre

paulo.olivares@sydney.edu.au