IFSA January in Costa Rica
IFSA specialises in the design, development, and implementation of Customised Group Programs. 听is paradise for eco-minded students. This program takes you into the field to see why ecological recovery matters鈥攁nd what鈥檚 standing in the way, with stunning national parks, live volcanoes, and 500,000+ species of plants and animals.
Through hands-on field experiences and cultural immersion, students will discover the environmental challenges and successes that have shaped Costa Rica's global reputation for sustainability. Program highlights include visits to Iraz煤 Volcano, a sustainable cacao farm, and a native tree reforestation project, providing a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom while experiencing the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Costa Rica.
Fields of study
- Ecology
- Sustainability
For more detailed information regarding the course available, visit the听host university's .听
Credit equivalent
3 US credits = 2 UQ units. Maximum of 2听UQ Units following successful听completion of experience (pending UQ faculty approval).听
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.
Please review the听听for visa and immigration information.
Eligibility and application
All applicants must meet the UQ short-term experience criteria and .
If you intend to undertake your experience for credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to the 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. 听
Costs听
The participation mode of this experience is听Study Abroad. The program fee is AUD $6,700 (approximately) and includes tuition, excursions and accommodation.
More information regarding program fees can also be found on the听听Students pay approximately AUD $750 for program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
IFSA offers a variety of听scholarship opportunities听for students from Australian partner universities, helping to support life-changing international study experiences. Available scholarships include:
- First in Family Scholarship
- Needs-Based Scholarship
- Marketing Correspondent Scholarship
Scholarship values, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines are available on the听听webpage.听
For the January 2027 intake, IFSA is offering a听Bring a Friend Grant听worth USD $500 per student for eligible students. This is a great opportunity to share your overseas experience while receiving additional financial support.听Visit the IFSA website for full details, eligibility requirements, and the听.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the program fee. Students will stay with a local host family in Heredia (single room option) and experience Costa Rican culture through daily life, meaningful connections, and authentic cultural immersion. Enjoy a comfortable homestay with three meals a day included while building intercultural skills and making friendships that can last a lifetime.
More information regarding accommodation can be found on the听.听
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an听experience, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the鈥�Short-Term Experiences Funding鈥痯age for details.听
OS-HELP Loan
You may also be eligible to submit an application for an听听if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2026
Host: 1 November 2026
Program Dates
Start: 2 January 2027
End: 17 January 2027
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Study Abroad鈥�
Location: Heredia (In-person)
Credit: For-credit or Not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate*
*Postgraduates can attend the program as 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听听if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.听
Application Deadlines
OS-HELP loan applications open on 5 January each year.
OS-HELP loan applications can鈥檛 be accepted:
- any earlier than 6 months听before the official start date of your overseas study
- any later than听3 months听before the official end date of your overseas study.
*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit the听听for more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.
Refer to the funding page for more information on听听and听.听
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and听attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.鈥�