Picnic with Opera house in the background

Why study in NSW

NSW is Australia's premier state

New South Wales (NSW) is a world class and iconic education destination. It presents a thriving economy, a range of globally influential education providers, a world class city, regional hubs and UNESCO world heritage landmarks. NSW is Australia’s travel and tourism gateway to the world. Welcoming over 220,000 students from over 190 countries during 2023, the visitor economy also thrives on hosting the family, friends and business partners of these students. 

With an economy surging toward $1 trillion by 2030, NSW is the financial centre of Australia, with current triple A credit ratings from Moody’s and Fitch. If a country, the $700b economy would rank NSW as the 21st largest GDP globally. It attracts global leaders, international events in the arts, sports and sciences, and hosts the national headquarters of some of the world’s most successful businesses including Google, Atlassian and Microsoft.   

Home to 11 globally ranked universities, world class vocational education and English language sectors and a thriving schools program, the NSW education cluster is recognised for delivering world class graduate outcomes and employability, impact against the Sustainable Development Goals and its flourishing start-up ecosystem. 

The six study regions (Sydney, Western Sydney, Newcastle and Hunter, Wollongong and South Coast, North Coast and Country NSW) are home to a population of more than 8.1 million. NSW’s diversity is reflected through the 215 languages spoken and the freely practiced 148 religions, with the state home to some of the largest diaspora communities in Australia.  

NSW’s capital of Sydney is ranked the 4th most liveable global city and also sits in the top 7 global student cities, offering an exceptional blend of lifestyle, educational offerings and access to a thriving culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Importantly, ranked number 1 in Australia, it’s a safe city. Outside of Sydney, other major centres are connected by air and rail across Australia, enabling students and visitors to blend education with travel and exploration. 

With a range of other Australian world class education institutions choosing to have a physical presence and deliver programs within NSW, the state is a thriving ecosystem, woven into industry and across all levels of government, with an outward link to NSW trade and investment around the globe.

39%

of all international students in Australia study in NSW

#7

NSW’s capital of Sydney is ranked in the top 7 global student cities

93%

of international students are satisfied with their experience studying in NSW

Sydney

is the safest city in Australia and is ranked 4th globally

600

multinational companies based in NSW, which account for almost half of Australia’s entire economic growth

275

languages are spoken in NSW

Explore study destinations

Regional NSW student picking an orange from tree

Regional NSW

Gain internationally recognised and in-demand qualifications while enjoying the benefits of country life.

Happy students under harbour bridge

Sydney

Experience a world-class education in Australia's most popular study destination.

Picnic at Western Sydney parklands

Western Sydney

Enhance your education in one of Australia’s most exciting fastest growing regions.

Happy people walking in Newcastle

Newcastle and Hunter

Experience world-class education in NSW's second largest city.

People meeting a Koala

North Coast

Experience the best of regional education and communities in Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Lismore.

Group walking past Wollongong Diggies cafe

Wollongong and South Coast

Maximise your study experience and enjoy an idyllic coastal lifestyle in NSW’s second largest city.

Australia’s largest economy

NSW boasts Australia’s largest economy, contributing over 30% to the nation’s GDP. Some of Sydney’s key industries include:

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

Australia’s biggest city

With a population of over 5 million, Sydney is Australia’s biggest city. This means you can always expect a lively atmosphere with lots to see and do.

Thriving regions

Regional NSW is Australia’s largest and most diverse regional economy. It’s home to a third of the state’s population, and produces one-fifth of NSW’s gross state product.

Byron Bay selfie in front of lighthouse

NSW is the right choice for international students 

With an economy expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2030, NSW is the financial centre of Australia. This is why it attracts global leaders and hosts the national headquarters of some of the world’s most successful businesses including Google, Atlassian and Microsoft. But there’s so much more to NSW.

Places to study in NSW

We are home to 12 universities, including 2 ranked in the world’s top 20. Our study destinations – Sydney, the North Coast, Wollongong and South Coast, Newcastle and Hunter Region and Country NSW – offer exceptional education opportunities across diverse landscapes. We offer some of the best places to study in Australia.

Unique experiences in NSW

NSW’s sparkling capital of Sydney is home to the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, alongside exceptional shopping districts, a bustling nightlife and a rich arts and culture scene.

Step outside Sydney and you’ll find the rest of NSW is equally exciting. Check out the stunning views in the Blue Mountains or go for a glittering coastal walk in Byron Bay. There’s so much to see and do.

 NSW also offers a truly warm and welcoming multicultural environment for international students, including diverse cultural experiences.

Student in front of Harbour bridge

Easily accessible

Sydney is home to an efficient public transport system. From buses to trains to ferries, there are so many ways to get around. Each year, the ferries alone carry roughly 14 million passengers.

A diverse climate

NSW offers a subtropical climate all year, including 4 distinct seasons and temperatures ranging from lows of under 10˚C in the winter and over 30˚C in the summer.

Multicultural community

NSW is one of the world’s most culturally diverse states. Our population includes:

  • more than 2 million people born overseas
  • people from more than 300 cultures
  • people who speak more than 280 languages
  • people who practice 148 religions.
People walking near the beach at Wollongong

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