Maximise your experience by studying in this thriving destination
Stretching from Wollongong to Eden, the South Coast brings the best of Australia into one stunning place. Wollongong and the South Coast offer an environment rich in wildlife and cultural diversity, alongside exceptional work and study opportunities and a slower pace of life.
Let yourself be surprised
You don’t need a big city to earn a world-class education. Less than 90 minutes drive from Sydney is Wollongong, the heart of the South Coast. Wollongong offers a safe, relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
It is also home to the University of Wollongong (UoW),External Link ranked among the world’s top 200 universities. UoW’s cutting-edge Innovation Campus is a major driver of jobs creation and investment in the region. This opens high-value work opportunities for students.
Between study and work, there is plenty to enjoy on the South Coast. Take on a new adventure with water sports, hiking, cycling and whale watching, or visit some of the famous food and wine producers and delight in delicious rock oysters straight from the water.
Industries
Agriculture, food processing, mining and resources, renewable energy
Distance
Wollongong is a 1.5 hour drive south from Sydney
200,000
residents in Wollongong council area
400km
The NSW South Coast stretches along 400km of coastline
Top 5
Employers rate University of Wollongong graduates among the best in Australia in Employer Satisfaction Surveys
3rd
Largest city in NSW
Studying
The University of Wollongong (UoW) is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world. With more than 300 degrees and students from more than 160 nationalities, it’s a truly international university. Established in 1975, the university has grown into an innovation hub with campuses in nearby Bega, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.
UoW supports advances in medical research and partners with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District for research and training, helping train the next generation of health professionals. The university also supports entrepreneurs with its unique business accelerator program, iAccelerate.
TAFE Illawarra and South Coast TAFE NSW provides vocational education and training across all its South Coast campusesExternal Link . Its Wollongong campusExternal Link is just minutes from the city centre and next to UoW. This means TAFE NSW graduates can easily transfer to UoW programs.
Working
There are more and more opportunities to work in Wollongong’s traditional and emerging industries.The city’s population is forecast to grow by over 25% in the next 20 years.
UoW Careers Central External Link connects students with potential employers and helps students gain the required skills to find meaningful work.
Discover current opportunities with University of Wollongong's career job boardExternal Link .
Living
The cost of living in Wollongong and the South Coast is generally more affordable than in Australia’s capital cities. You can choose from living on-campus, renting private accommodation or staying with a local family. UoW’s average weekly cost of living in WollongongExternal Link is a good guide to understanding the cost of living in the city.
North Wollongong train station is a 15-minute walk or free shuttle bus ride from the UoW, connecting students to the city, beach, and more. Wollongong station offers train services to Sydney and Canberra, as well as regional destinations. Shellharbour AirportExternal Link offers direct flights to Melbourne and Brisbane.
Local community organisations, councils and educational institutions offer a range of support services to welcome international students and other new arrivals. Refer to:
- Illawarra Friends of International Students (IFIS)External Link , a non-profit community organisation funded by the University of Wollongong to help you settle into life in Wollongong. Find fun, make friends and connect with the local community.
- Wollongong City CouncilExternal Link has information about living, working and playing in Wollongong.
Playing
Wollongong offers a year-round summer holiday vibe. Enjoy the golden beaches, go whale-watching , explore the national parks, or relax in a cafe looking onto the waves. The streets stay alive at night when the young population file into the pubs and clubs. Don’t forget to check the Instagram-famous Sea Cliff Bridge.
Beachside experiencesExternal Link
Budget day trips near WollongongExternal Link
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