On this page

• Eligibility and applying
• Key dates
• Placement and study requirements
• Financial information and program fees
• Travel arrangements

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply you need to be enrolled in one of the following Business School degrees:

• Bachelor of Commerce (including combined degrees)
• Master of Commerce
• Master of Commerce (Extension)
• Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Professional Accounting and Business Performance.

You'll also need to:

• maintain a WAM of 60 (or above)
• have completed a minimum of 24 credit points of business units by the end of Semester 1 2024
• have six credit points of available space in your degree.

How you'll be assessed

Enrolment into the USA IPP is competitive. Students will be assessed against selection criteria based on:

• business acumen
• teamwork
• leadership
• business communication
• critical thinking. 

These will be assessed through a written application and online assessment task. These activities are designed to mirror a graduate recruitment process. 

Additional requirements

If you're selected into the program, you may also be asked to participate in placement interviews and activities with our third-party provider and host organisations. 

Unit of study

If you’re successful in the application process and offered a placement, you’ll be enrolled in the USA Industry Placement Program unit of study - BWIL2215 for undergraduate students or BWIL6215 for postgraduate students. 

To satisfy the requirements for this unit, you’ll need to complete:

• your work placement in the USA
• preparatory coursework in reflective and professional practice
• additional coursework focused on developing reflection skills, critical thinking and research methods, report writing and other professional writing skills.

Assessment tasks will focus on facilitating learning by reflecting on the placement and study abroad experience.

Your final grade will be recorded as Satisfied requirements (SR) or Failed requirements (FR) on your transcript. Individual assessments will also receive an SR or FR rather than a grade or mark. There is no impact on your Weighted Average Mark (WAM) as units that are assessed only as pass/fail are excluded from WAM calculations. 

Work placement

You’ll work five days per week, with specific hours being determined by the host organisation before you commence your placement. Our third party provider will provide you with a work statement outlining the main tasks and objectives of your placement. This may be reviewed periodically due to the changing work environment. Our third party provider together with the Business School will assist if you have any concerns during your placement. 

You’re expected to represent the University and host organisation in a positive manner. Inappropriate behaviour or misrepresentation of the University's name and resources, either professionally or otherwise, may result in immediate termination from the program.

During your placement, you’re not permitted to seek additional placements or work arrangements.

Placements are limited, competitive and cannot be guaranteed. They are arranged on a best-fit basis, where the needs of the organisation and the student are matched. This may be based on your major/specialisation, the placement outline and the organisational culture.

You’ll have access to support from a leading academic from the Business School while undertaking your placement.

Business School scholarships

The University of Sydney Business School offers a limited number of scholarships to eligible students who successfully enrol in this program. Scholarships are available under two categories: Merit & Leadership and Equity & Merit. The number and value of each scholarship will be determined by the Business School.

You’ll need to apply at the same time as you apply for the program by completing the relevant section on the application form and providing supporting information. Late submissions will not be considered.

Priority will be given to students participating in their first work-integrated learning unit of study. If you have previously received a scholarship or funding (including a Business School scholarship, NCP, Endeavour, Vice-Chancellor's Global Mobility Scholarship or Award) for any Business School work-integrated learning unit of study, you will only be awarded a second scholarship or funding in exceptional circumstances.

Passport and visa

You’ll need a current passport with six months validity after your date of return and a visa.

Assistance obtaining the appropriate visa will be provided by The Intern Group when your placement is confirmed however you are responsible for obtaining your visa before you depart. We strongly advise that you don’t travel overseas until you receive your visa. Unforeseen delays in the visa application process may mean you are not permitted to enter the USA to undertake their placement.

Travel insurance

You’ll be covered by the University of Sydney travel insurance for the duration of the program.

You won’t be covered for periods of extended personal travel taken before, during or after the approved University travel activity.

Flights and transfers

You’ll need to organise your own travel to and from the USA, ensuring you arrive in New York by Saturday, 11 January 2025 to attend the mandatory orientation and briefing session.

We strongly advise that you do not confirm or pay for your flights until you’ve been officially accepted into the program and your placement has been confirmed. We also encourage you to consider booking fully flexible airfares.

Accommodation

Due to the high cost of accommodation in New York, risk policy and management requirements, the University will arrange twin-share accommodation for students. You’re required to stay in this accommodation for the duration of the six-week program, and must remain in New York. In order to meet the program’s risk protocols, you won’t be able to stay with family or friends or arrange your own accommodation during your placement.

If you’re concerned about twin-share accommodation, you can contact the unit of study coordinator to discuss an alternative arrangement. Additional costs apply to alternative accommodation arrangements.

Your accommodation will be available from Saturday, 11 January to Friday, 21 February 2025. You must check out of the accommodation on Saturday, 22 February 2025. 

Rooms will be allocated by the unit of study coordinator. 

If you need accommodation before or after these dates, you’ll need to arrange this yourself at your own expense.