From sunrise over the harbour to laughter under festival lights, every day at our Sydney summer school blends learning with adventure.

Mornings bring university-style study and inspiring discussions on campus, while afternoons open to Sydney’s sunlit coastlines and cultural landmarks.

Evenings are for connection, from barbecues by the bay to guest speakers who share stories that spark ambition.

It’s a rhythm that mirrors life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, where every moment encourages curiosity, creativity, and friendship.

Here’s what a typical day at our summer school in Sydney looks like.

Morning: Academic Sessions and University Insights

Mornings at our Sydney summer school begin with the energy of university life. 

From 8:00 a.m., you wake up in secure, modern accommodation at St Paul’s College at the University of Sydney, surrounded by sandstone courtyards and leafy college gardens. Over breakfast, you catch up with friends from around the world, sharing excitement for the day ahead.

From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., you dive into your first academic session on campus, guided by tutors from leading Australian and international universities. Small class sizes make learning interactive and personal, allowing you to ask questions and share ideas with confidence.

If you’re part of Academic Insights, your morning focuses on university-level teaching in small groups. You might explore Medicine, Law, Creative Writing, Psychology, or Engineering, each taught through engaging discussions and practical activities. 

As one participant wrote, “The St Paul’s College campus has become our bubble… our tutors showed infinite patience to our questions.”

Ana Maria also wrote, “what you are passionate about is encapsulated in the wonderful conversations, workshops, and projects that go on in the classroom.”

If you’re joining Career Insights, your morning follows a similar rhythm but with a practical twist. 

You work on project-based sessions, exploring real-world briefs and collaborating in small teams to test ideas. These sessions help you connect theory with industry practice and build confidence in problem-solving and communication. On other days, you’ll be out and about visiting real local businesses.

By mid-morning, you’ll feel inspired by both your tutors and your surroundings, ready to keep learning and exploring throughout the day.

Midday: Workshops, Projects, and Local Experiences

By late morning, it’s time to pause and recharge. If you’re part of Academic Insights, lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., giving you the chance to relax and connect after a focused morning of study. 

You’ll enjoy lunch with your peers in the dining hall, a lively mix of conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

If you’re in Career Insights, lunch begins a little earlier, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.. 

If you’re aged 13–15, lunch is provided on campus. Older participants aged 16–18 can head out to explore Sydney’s nearby cafés and restaurants around Newtown or Glebe, trying local favourites while chatting about the morning’s projects.

After lunch, the pace picks up again. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., if you’re taking part in Academic Insights, you return to campus classrooms for your afternoon academic session, diving deeper into your subject or developing your personal project.

You might analyse case studies, refine your writing, or collaborate on group discussions led by your tutor.

If you’re in Career Insights, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. is dedicated to career skills workshops, industry visits, or presentations. You might visit a local organisation, hear from a guest speaker, or polish a group presentation that brings your ideas to life. 

These sessions bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world, showing how your studies connect to real careers.

Business Management

In-person

Hone advanced business skills in Sydney, a gateway...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Ages: 13-15

Business Management

In-person

Hone advanced business skills in Sydney, a gateway...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Ages: 16-18

Afternoon: Excursions, Projects, and Sydney Discovery

If you’re in Academic Insights, afternoons are for exploring Sydney. You’ll visit landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Botanical Gardens. Some days take you through The Rocks, Chinatown, or out by ferry to Manly and Taronga Zoo. It is learning through the city itself. 

You also get cultural moments that stay with you. As Ana Maria wrote, “Immerse found a way to please those who are like me, yet also impress those who know nothing about musicals, and took us to the Theatre Royal to watch an outstanding musical called Come From Away.”

But if you’re in Career Insights, afternoons from 2:30 p.m. are about momentum. You’ll push team projects forward, refine presentations, and connect with professionals on visits across the city. It is practice, feedback, and confidence-building in real time. 

By 4:45 p.m., both groups wind down. You might relax in college gardens or grab a quick bite in Newtown or Glebe. The city glow sets the scene for the night ahead. 

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Evening: Socials, Guest Talks, and Cultural Events

Dinner, which takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., is your chance to relax after a full day of academic or project-based sessions. Shared in the college dining halls, it’s where you’ll catch up with friends, swap stories from the day, and unwind before the evening begins.

From 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., our summer school in Australia comes alive with energy and connection. You might join a Murder Mystery, Quiz Night, or Movie Night, or take part in a lively Scavenger Hunt or Games Night. 

Some evenings feature a Mentor Fireside Chat or a Guest Speaker sharing insights that inspire new ideas. Others are about celebration and culture, from the Australian/International Night to watching Darling Harbour Fireworks light up the city.

The evenings are where you truly get to enjoy the experience with your friends, laughing, sharing stories, and reflecting on everything you’ve achieved together. 

It’s during these moments that the sense of community shines brightest. As one participant reflected, “Sitting in that room watching the Talent Show, it daunted on us that this would be the last few moments we spent together as a large group.”

If you’re part of Career Insights, evenings follow a similarly creative rhythm. You might take part in Cake & Canvas, Talent Show, work together during a STEAM Challenge, or join an activity that connects your learning with Sydney’s culture. 

Every night offers something different, whether it’s reflection, creativity, or celebration, and always the chance to connect with friends from around the world.

Weekend Adventures and Excursions

Weekends at the Sydney summer school are all about exploration and shared experiences. After a week of academic sessions and socials, it’s time to see more of the city around you.

On Saturday, you might head to Luna Park, Sydney’s harbourside amusement park. With its bright lights, historic rides, and waterfront views, it’s a day of laughter and fun.

You can stroll the boardwalk, take photos beneath the park’s iconic entrance, and enjoy time with friends as the harbour glows in the afternoon light. 

As evening arrives, you’ll gather at Darling Harbour to watch the weekly fireworks display, where the night sky bursts into colour. 

As one participant described, “Promptly at 9 o’clock, the sight of burning purple magnesium and an arrangement of other chemicals lit up the sky and reflected its image perfectly within the water. The flame of dragons danced into the sky, as if they feared nothing.”

On Sunday, the pace slows with a trip to Bondi Beach. It’s a chance to relax by the sea, wander the coastal path, or join a group surfing lesson. 

As Eloise shared, “My favourite memory during the course was definitely when we went to Bondi Beach and we went surfing.” It is the perfect reset before the evening.

These excursions are a highlight of the programme, moments that blend adventure, culture, and friendship. Many participants describe weekends as when Sydney feels like home, filled with sunshine, laughter, and memories that last long after the summer ends.

FAQs

Do I need previous experience to join the Sydney summer school?

No experience is needed. The programme welcomes all curious learners, offering supportive guidance whether you’re exploring a subject for the first time or deepening existing interests.

What kind of supervision and support will I have?

Participants are fully supported by mentors, tutors, and programme staff who live on-site, ensuring a safe, structured, and friendly environment throughout the stay.

Can I explore Sydney on my own during free time?

Yes, within set boundaries. You’ll have supervised free time to explore local cafés, shops, and landmarks nearby with friends and mentor approval.

How do Academic Insights and Career Insights differ?

Academic Insights focuses on university-style teaching and subject exploration. Career Insights connects learning to real-world industries through teamwork, project sessions, and professional engagement opportunities.

Conclusion

A typical day at the Sydney summer school is more than a schedule; it’s an experience that blends learning, exploration, and friendship. 

From morning discussions on campus to surfing at Bondi and watching fireworks over Darling Harbour, every moment builds confidence and curiosity.

You’ll leave inspired by your tutors, enriched by the city, and connected to a global community that shares your drive to learn. 

Discover what makes Sydney unforgettable by exploring our Sydney summer school programmes and begin your own journey of discovery today.