More than 800 international students have received a warm welcome at a reception hosted by the City of Sydney.
Sydney's leading tertiary education institutions also welcomed students including the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and TAFE NSW, along with the event's key funding partner, Study NSW.
Community groups, health and safety representatives, and student support services provided information and guidance including the Centre for Volunteering, Surf Life Saving NSW, Transport NSW, the National Student Ombudsman and the NSW Police Force.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Sydney's selection of world-class education and research institutions, leading knowledge-based economy and high quality of life make the city one of the most popular in the world for students.
"Sydney is one of the world's most exciting education destinations," the Lord Mayor said.
"Our city leads the way in Australian international education with about 40% of all education providers in NSW – more than 550 universities, vocational and educational training providers and English-language intensive courses – located here.
"International students are not just part of our educational institutions, they're part of our community. Their cultural heritage, language and traditions enrich Sydney for us all."
Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said the state government, through Study NSW, supports international students and helps ensure they have a memorable stay in Sydney.
"Studying in a foreign city is both exciting and challenging, which is why Study NSW has a number of initiatives in place to ensure international students are supported during their time studying in Australia and make lifelong connections," Ms McPhee said.
"We have expanded our international student volunteer and industry experience programs to provide more students with valuable work experience, while our NSW Jobs Connect initiative – in partnership with SEEK – connects international students with quality employers across NSW.
"Sydney is truly unmatched as an international study destination and we're determined to ensure students feel welcome and empowered to make the most of their time studying abroad."
Australia has the fourth-highest share of international students globally, with the industry generating $51 billion for the economy in 2024.
More than 328,000 international students chose to study in NSW last year, with Sydney's universities and education institutions big drawcards for students from all over the world, particularly China, India and south-east Asia.
As part of the reception, 21 students were also acknowledged for their participation in the City of Sydney's international student leadership and ambassador (ISLA) program.
The program aims to increase the positive experience of all international students, by offering free training, learning and volunteering opportunities, and the chance to boost their leadership skills and experience.
During the program, students are mentored and supported by the City of Sydney as they develop and run projects to meet the needs of the international student community, including leadership conferences and employment forums.
"I chose to study in Sydney because it is home to several world-renowned universities that offer high-quality education and diverse academic programs," Olivia said.
"I was also drawn to Sydney's multicultural environment, which made transitioning to a new country more welcoming and inclusive."
Raghav Motani, a Masters of Marketing graduate from the University of Technology Sydney, came from India to study in Sydney.
"Through my experience with the ISLA program, I discovered what I truly enjoyed beyond my studies," Raghav said.
"Making the most of your international student experience is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, engaging with different communities and managing your time effectively.
"When I first arrived in Australia, I was quite introverted and found it challenging to start conversations. I began volunteering with various organisations and joined the program. These experiences helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills and actively engage in my academic and social life.
"My advice to international students is to take every opportunity available – whether on campus, in your institution or within the broader community."
The ambassador program is open to all international students living and studying in Sydney. Entries for students interested in being part of the 2025 program are now open.
