About the Program
The Pacific Program is a 12 week long Georgia Tech faculty-led study abroad program that takes place during the spring semester. The program spends the first 6 weeks in New Zealand and the remaining 6 weeks in various parts of Australia. This once in a lifetime adventure allows students to experience unique cultures, visit incredible landscapes, and experience amazing ecosystems while earning 12 class credits.
About the Program
The Pacific Program is a 3 month Georgia Tech faculty led study abroad program which is only offered during the spring semester. The program travels through countries in Oceania with the first 6 weeks spent in New Zealand and with the next 6 weeks in Australia This once in a lifetime experience gives students the opportunity to travel and see the different cultures, as well as the different parts of each country and what they have to offer.
See the highlights of the 2024 Pacific Program at www.instagram.com/pacificprogram/
Dunedin, New Zealand
Study the first six weeks of the Pacific Program in Dunedin, New Zealand. Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island, serving as your basecamp for exploration of the diverse and vibrant Canterbury and West Coast regions.
Live in one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity.
Explore New Zealand on long weekends. Almost one-third of New Zealand is set aside for conservation, making this verdant nation the perfect place to connect with nature, go on hikes, and see natural wonders like you've never seen before.
Sydney, Australia
Study in one of the most remarkable cities in the southern hemisphere. Sydney is the center of culture and living in Australia.
Live in one of the most visited cities in the world. Sydney boasts some of the most important landmarks in Australia.
Explore nearby beaches, museums, sports venues, and cultural events. And don't forget the Sydney Opera House!
Cairns and Port Douglas, Australia
Study in the tropics of Queensland, a strong cultural center to learn about Australian and Aboriginal history. Visit surrounding destinations, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Live in the ultimate tropical cities with your classmates right in the middle of the city. Surrounded by travel options, you will have the city at your fingertips.
Explore the tropical north, see popular beaches, visit the Great Barrier Reef, venture into tropical adventure! 
Townsville and Magnetic Island, Australia
Study on the incredible Magnetic Island, which is home to every type of Australian wildlife.
Live within walking distance to the ocean and great conservation areas.
Explore the biological and cultural treasures that can only be found on tropical islands!
Dates
Spring 2026 Pacific Program Dates
Administrative Deadlines
| Date | Item | |
| June 1, 2025 | Application opens | |
| June 30, 2025 | Application closes | |
| July 15, 2025 | Unofficial acceptance decisions | |
| Variable | 1st OIE Scholarship Deadline (Apply here) | |
| Sep 30, 2025 | First Program Charge Deadline | |
| TBD | Study Abroad Fair | |
| TBD | Spring 2026 Phase I Registration Begins | |
| TBD-Fall 2025 | In Person Student Meeting | |
| Nov 11, 2025 | Second Program Charge Deadline | |
| January 5, 2025 | Pacific Program Begins! |
Travel Dates
| Date | Item |
| TBD | Arrive in Dunedin, New Zealand |
| TBD | Transit from Dunedin, New Zealand to Townsville, Australia |
| TBD | Transit from Townsville to Magnetic Island, Australia |
| TBD | Transit from Magnetic Island to Port Douglas/Cairns, Australia |
| TBD | Transit from Cairns for Sydney, Australia |
| TBD | Depart Sydney |
Courses
Students must take 12-15 credits on the Pacific Program. Students may only take 14 or 15 credits if one of their chosen classes is BIOS 4471, which will be taught over all 12 weeks of the Pacific Program; BIOS 4471 can therefore count as 1 credit of effort in NZ and 2 credits of effort in AUS* (1/3 of the class will be taught in NZ and 2/3 in AUS). See example schedules provided below. Note that this is a tentative list of courses and is subject to change and approval.
2026 New Zealand courses (credits): Pick 1.33 - 3 classes*, 4 - 8 credits of effort*
| Course Number | Title |
| CHEM 2312 (3) | Organic Chemistry II |
| BIOS 4471 (3)* | Behavioral Biology* |
| PHIL 3127 (3) | Science, Technology, and Human Values |
| PHYS 2212 (4) | Principles of Physics II |
| PUBP 3350 (3) | Energy Policy |
| EAS 2600 (4) | Earth Processes |
| BIOS 4699 (1) | Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences |
2026 Australia courses (credits): Pick 1.67 - 3 classes*, 4 - 7 credits of effort*
| Course Number | Title |
| BIOS 3450 (3) | Cell & Molecular Biology |
| BIOS 4471 (3)* | Behavioral Biology* |
| APPH 1040 (2) | Scientific Foundations of Health |
| INTA 3131 (3) | Pacific Security Issues |
| CS 2701/COE 2701/MGMT 4803 (3) | Startup Lab |
Examples of course combinations
12 credits:
NZ-2312, 3127. AUS-3450, 3131
NZ-3127, 4699, 2312. AUS-1040, 3450
NZ-2312, 4471*. AUS-3131, 3450, 4471*
NZ-2600, 2312. AUS-1040, 3131
13 credits:
NZ-2312, 2212. AUS-3131, 3450
NZ-4471*, 2600. AUS-4471*, 3131, 3450
NZ-4471*, 2600, 3350. AUS-4471*, 3450
14 credits:
NZ-2312, 3127, 4471*. AUS-1040, 3450, 4471*
NZ-3127, 3350, 4471*. AUS-1040, 2701, 4471*
15 credits:
NZ-2600, 3350, 4471*. AUS-1040, 3450, 4471*