Sydney international student guide
This guide will help you discover lots about how to settle into your temporary hometown.
International students: studying and working in Sydney
How we can help international students settle into their temporary new home and how they can access support.
Susana Ng
Senior Community Programs Officer
International students contact officer
Welcome to Sydney
The City of Sydney welcomes international students as part of Sydney's global talent hub. You can find out more in our international education action plan.
Sydney has always attracted people from many cultures and there are now over 178,000 international students studying in the our local area.
International students enhance Sydney's vibrancy and liveability through contributing to our city's cultural diversity. The international student community also plays an important role to grow and strengthen Sydney's global connections – today and in the future.
A great number of international students live in the local area because of its proximity to universities, TAFEs, colleges and other educational providers.
If you need help contacting the City during your time in Sydney, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service.
Lord Mayor's reception
Every year, Lord Mayor Clover Moore officially welcomes more than 1,000 international students to Sydney. The yearly reception marks the start of the students' journey and the beginning of life-long connections with Sydney.
Sydney is Australia's global knowledge centre and business hub, alive with opportunity and possibilities offering world class education and pioneering research institutions, and a wonderful array of cultural activities and professional experiences.
Keep left
In Australia, we walk, ride and drive on the left-hand side.
If you're walking you should stay on the footpath. It's best to cross the road at a designated crossing so motorists and bike riders can clearly see you.
If you're riding a bike you must wear a helmet and use a cycleway. If a cycleway is not available then you should ride on the road.
Find out more about local road rules in Sydney.
