About New South Wales (NSW)

From the iconic state capital of Sydney to beautiful regional areas such as Newcastle and Wollongong, NSW delivers an exceptional international student experience, with high employability, and a quality lifestyle. 

A map showing the major cities and town centres in New South Wales and the state's location in Australia.

Map of study locations in New South Wales


A snapshot of NSW


Quality education

12 universities including six universities in the QS Top 200 World University Rankings 


Leading student city

Sydney is ranked in the Top 10 globally for the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 


Economic powerhouse

NSW is the financial hub of Australia, with an economy expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2030.

Chat to a New South Wales student ambassador

Group of students walking together on Bondi Beach.

Bondi Beach, Sydney. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

Diverse study options  

The capital city of New South Wales, Sydney, is home to quality education providers including top ranked universities, public and private vocational colleges and schools, and English language providers. 

The city is a major innovation hub which starts in the classrooms and lecture theatres of Sydney’s world-class universities. The diversity of Sydney’s education sector has produced leaders in every field from medicine and science to arts and humanities. 

Whatever your preferred field of study, you’ll find it in NSW’s diverse portfolio of education providers.  

Key industries  

NSW is a major economic centre in Australia. Its $600 billion economy is larger than that of both Malaysia and Singapore. 

More than 200 of Australia’s top 500 companies are based in NSW, and 64 per cent of Australia’s tech start-ups are based in Sydney. This dynamic business environment offers ample work experience and employment opportunities for international students.

NSW is the home of education innovation, with 40% of Australia’s education technology (EdTech) companies based in the state.  

Other key industries include:  

  • financial and insurance services 
  • scientific and technical services 
  • information media, and  
  • telecommunications industries.  

Multicultural  

When you study in NSW, you’ll join more than 200,000 international students from more than 160 different countries around the world. NSW offers countless opportunities to learn, work and explore. 

NSW is proudly multicultural with 30% of NSW residents born overseas and more than 275 languages spoken. 

Friends enjoying coffee at the Cake Boi store in Hamilton, Newcastle.

Cake Boi, Hamilton, Newcastle. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

About Sydney

Sydney is widely recognised as one of the world’s great cities and it is consistently ranked in the top 10 internationally for quality of living.

Sydney Harbour at night.

Sydney Harbour at night. 


A snapshot of Sydney


Major education providers

Macquarie University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, TAFE NSW and Western Sydney University 


Population

Over 5.2 million 


Sydney Opera House

One of the most iconic and well-known buildings in the world 

Sydney offers some of the best education opportunities in the world so it’s no surprise Sydney is also ranked one of the world’s top ten student cities. 

Whether you're exploring the dazzling Sydney Harbour, the pristine beaches of Bondi and Manly, or venturing out into Greater Sydney there are endless adventures to be had.  

An Asian student working on her laptop in The University of Sydney Great Hall Quadrangle .

The University of Sydney                       

There is always plenty to do and see in Sydney with it’s vibrant city life and arts and culture scene. There’s rooftop bars, restaurants with stunning views, designer shops, busy cafes and many free events to attend.  

Sydney also hosts the world’s largest short film festival and the spectacular Vivid Sydney festival

       


NSW information and support

Study NSW is a dedicated team within the New South Wales Government responsible for supporting and enhancing the experience of international students across the state.  

More study locations in New South Wales