CISaustralia specialises in the design, development, and implementation of Customised Group Programs. The January in Florence program allows you to earn credit towards your degree during your summer break while taking in the delectable cuisine, soaking up the vibrant culture and admiring the impressive history of Florence, Italy.
Spend 2 or 3 weeks studying in the heart of Florence, a city renowned for its rich history, world-class art and vibrant culture. Choose from a range of courses with a local Italian focus, including business, art, culture and architecture, or develop your language skills through Italian courses offered at multiple levels. Hosted by Florence University of the Arts, this immersive program combines academic credit with unforgettable cultural experiences, giving you the opportunity to live like a local while exploring Renaissance landmarks, museums, cafés and the unique charm of Tuscany.
Watch an information session about CISAustralia Summer programs here.
Fields of study
- Art
- Architecture
- Banking
- Communication
- Corporate Finance
- Economics
- Event Planning Production
- Fashion
- Food and Nutrition
- Gallery and Exhibition Curating
- International Marketing
- Italian Culture
- Italian Language
- Management
- Photography
- Real Estate Management
- Retail Management
- Writing
More information regarding specific courses available can be found on the CISaustralia website. You must choose courses offered within the Session you are participating in.
Applicants are advised to submit 2-3 courses on their application for credit form for faculty assessment credit in case of course cancellation.
Credit Equivalent
3 credits = 2 UQ Units. Maximum of 2 UQ Units upon successful completion of experience (pending UQ faculty approval).
Visa Information
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact CISaustralia for visa and immigration information.
Eligibility and application
All applicants must meet the short-term experience eligibility criteria and any additional eligibility criteria set by CISaustralia. Students are required to have a minimum UQ GPA of 4.5 for this program.
CIS Australia programs are highly competitive and fill up fast so be sure to get your application in as early as possible.
If you are intending to undertake your experience for-credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to Global Experiences team at least 4 weeks before applying to the host to allow sufficient time for Faculty to complete the credit assessment. Please note that it is your responsibility to meet the host application deadline.
Costs
The program fee is AUD $6,999 - 7,999 . The application fee is AUD $99. Fees will vary depending on the course and accommodation selected. More information about program fees is available on the CISaustralia website.
Program fees include:
- CISaustralia support services before, during and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial advice
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Pre-departure guide and session
- Airport pick-up (on specified program arrival date within designated arrival times)
- Apartment accommodation* (shared room**)
- Partial meal plan units***
- Tuition fees
- FUA application fee, student service fee, library fee
- Free use of the gym and gym classes
- FUA Educational Field Trip (EFT) is included with some courses, but not all
- Farewell Aperitivo with your Site Director
- 1 x local cultural excursion
- Program risk matrix and COVID-19 risk assessment
- Risk Management and Emergency Response Plan
- CISaustralia 24/7 on-site support – Site Director
- Florence University of the Arts transcript
- CISaustralia Certificate of Participation (available on request)
Please note: Some courses may have an additional ‘materials fee’ payable on arrival. Specific course material fees are usually between €70 – €140.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the program fee. More information about accommodation options is available on the host program website.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application to Global Experiences, you are considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
OS-HELP Loan
You may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2026
Host: 12 November 2026
Program Dates
Session A
Start: 04 January 2027
End: 16 January 2027
Session B
Start: 25 January 2027
End: 12 February 2027
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Study abroad
Location: Florence, Italy (In-person)
Credit: For-credit and Not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate*
*Postgraduates may participate in this program not-for-credit only
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.
Application Deadlines
OS-HELP loan applications open on 5 January each year.
OS-HELP loan applications can’t be accepted:
- any earlier than 6 months before the official start date of your overseas study
- any later than 3 months before the official end date of your overseas study.
*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.
Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.