Sydney is Australia’s largest and most iconic city, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a thriving urban lifestyle. As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is renowned for its stunning beaches, world-class attractions, and vibrant atmosphere. From the famous Opera House to the beautiful Harbour Bridge, Sydney offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, all while maintaining a dynamic, cosmopolitan feel.
| QUICK FACTS
- Language: Primarily English
- Currency: The Australian dollar (AUD)
- Population of Sydney: Estimated at over 5 million
- Average maximum temperature in Summer: 25°C
- Average maximum temperature in Winter: 16°C
- Summer months: December – February
- Winter months: June – August
- Climate: Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers.
Time zone: Sydney operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) during winter and Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) during summer
| ACCOMMODATION
AIIHE provides guidance to help students find suitable and affordable accommodation options in Sydney. Students can choose from:
- Private rental and shared accommodation
- Homestay arrangements with Australian families, offering both accommodation and meals. This can be a great option if you’re still looking for longer-term housing.
Sharing rental accommodation is a popular choice to reduce costs. For more accommodation tips and advice, visit Insider Guides – Accommodation Options.
| COST OF SCHOOLING
For students applying with school-aged children, the required minimum funds for a student visa include AUD 8,000 per year for each child’s schooling. This amount is the minimum required by the visa application, but you should research specific schooling costs as they can vary depending on the school and state.
If you are a sponsored student or hold an Australian government scholarship, you may not need to provide evidence of schooling costs, especially if you’ve enrolled your child in a government school with waived fees
| COST OF LIVING
Living costs in Sydney can be higher compared to other cities in Australia, especially in terms of accommodation and daily expenses. It’s essential to budget accordingly based on your accommodation type and lifestyle. Use online calculators to get a better idea of your estimated living costs or you can find more information on cost of living here.
| CLOTHING
Sydney’s climate is generally mild, but you should still prepare for both summer and winter conditions. Pack lightweight clothing for the warmer months, such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses, along with warmer layers like jackets, cardigans, and jumpers for the cooler winter months.
| TRANSPORT
Sydney has an excellent public transport network, including buses, trains, ferries, and the light rail system, making it easy to travel around the city. You can plan your route, check schedules, and calculate travel times using Transport for NSW. Public transport is well-connected and convenient, ensuring you can explore Sydney’s many neighborhoods with ease.