Sydney is famous for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, its harbour and opera house, and its multi-cultural population. It is not just the sun, sea, and culture that draws many people to this metropolis. The largest city in Australia is also home to some of the best universities and colleges in the country. International students who pursue higher education choose to live and study in Sydney. There are world-class universities, vocational colleges, and research institutions which all add to the vibrancy of this harbour city.

Sydney is home to five million residents, and according to some sources, over 35,000 international students live in the city. Cultural diversity contributes to Sydney’s vibrancy and makes it an important city in international trade. For example, at SELC Vocational College, students from over 35 countries learn English, study business management, and enrol in childcare diploma courses.

Some facts about living and studying in Sydney:

According to the Australian Government, Sydney is one of the most popular destinations in Australia for higher education international students.
Over 1.3 million residents don’t speak English as their mother tongue.
Sydney has some of the most iconic landmarks in the country—the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
There are restaurants and cafes suited to all tastes and budget—from high-class restaurants to low-cost street food vendors.
Sydney is the perfect city for surfing, swimming, and other water sports.

Reasons to Live and Study in Sydney

What are the top seven reasons why many international students choose Sydney to further their education? Read on to find out.

1. Sydney has a beautiful harbour

The name Sydney is almost synonymous with the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, Sidney harbour is one of the most beautiful you will come across. In total, there are more than 240 kilometres (150 miles) of harbour shoreline. There are also numerous harbour islands and pristine beaches all adding to the unique feel of the city.

2. Sydney’s weather

The weather and subtropical climate are one of the attractions why students decide to live and study in Sydney. Although summer in Sydney can get hot, the city enjoys average temperatures of 13°C (55°F) in winter (July) and 23°C (73°F) in summer (January). Of course, temperatures can peak above 40°C (104°F) in summer, but laid-back Sydneysiders take it in their stride.

When it comes to the weather in Sydney, you can always be sure that there is plenty of sunshine during every month of the year.

3. The culture in Sydney is vibrant and exciting

Studying and living in Sydney means you get to enjoy the vibrant cultural scene in the city. Sydney is a diverse, multicultural city, which means that new and exciting experiences are easy to come by. Local residents and tourists can enjoy the Sydney Festival, Vivid Sydney light displays, and numerous arts and cultural festivals that take place throughout the year.

4. Sydney is a relaxed, chilled-out city to study in

When it comes to describing large, multicultural cities, words like ‘busy’, ‘hustle and bustle’, or ‘a city that never sleeps’ are often used.

However, in Sydney, the culture is more laid-back and relaxed. If you are studying higher education in Sydney, you’ll perfect quiet spots through the city to study. For example, you can chill out in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Chinese Garden of Friendship, or Central Park. The SELC Australia campus is only a 20-minute walk from the sprawling Centennial Park and 10 minutes from Waverly Park.

5. Sydney’s eateries serve cuisine from all around the world

Eating out in Sydney for students is truly a global feast. Sydneysiders and international students can enjoy Asian, European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisine. For example, a trip into Chinatown or Circular Quay (the most popular places for students) allows you to enjoy food from all over the world.

6. Mountains are on Sydney’s doorstep

Living and studying in Sydney isn’t all about the sun, sea, and surfing. This harbour city is near stunning mountains where you can enjoy day trips or weekends away if you need a break from your studies. You can head to the spectacular Blue Mountains for bushwalks, the Minnamurra rainforest to experience the tropics, or visit the national parks on the South Coast. And, don’t forget the vineyards in Hunter Valley.

7. Amazing employment opportunities

Being the largest city in Australia and also a leader in financial, banking, business, and property services, there are plenty of job opportunities for graduates. Sydney is home to some of the top international banks and communication providers.

Many universities and vocational colleges, such as SELC, run career pathway programmes. These programmes put students into contact with the top employers in the city. Also, many international students in vocational courses get first-hand experience in the business sector—giving them a clear advantage over many university courses.

Things You Can Only Do in Sydney

With being such a unique city, it is no surprise that there are many activities that you can only do in Sydney. Here are the top attractions for students, tourists, and residents of Sydney:

Take in a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House—voted one of the top 10 best opera houses in the world.
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge and see the beautiful city from 134 meters (44 feet) above sea level.
Surf at Bondi Beach. Although you can surf anywhere in Australia, nothing sounds as great as telling your friends that you surfed at Bondi beach.
Take a walk along the six-kilometre (3.7-mile) boardwalk from Bondi Beach to Coogee. Along the route, you can see stunning cliffs and impressive coastal scenery.

Check out this article for more attractions that international students in Sydney can enjoy.

Studying in Sydney

SELC Australia Career College is a leading vocational college in New South Wales.

International students come here to learn English where they can prepare for academic learning. Also, SELC offers a wide range of business-based vocational courses. Students from overseas can enrol in courses such as:

Please contact SELC today to find out how you can enhance your career prospects by living and studying in Sydney.

7 Top Reasons to Live and Study in Sydney