Nearly 1,000 pupils joined a celebration of cultural diversity and academic excellence at an official welcome.
The international student welcome brings together young people from around the world beginning their academic journeys in Sydney.
In inner Sydney alone, there are more than 244,000 international students enrolled in 550 educational establishments this year, including universities, vocational and educational training providers, schools and English-language intensive colleges.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, hosted the event.
"Sydney is one of the most popular destinations for international students in the world. That's because it has globally ranked universities, a multicultural lifestyle, a strong job market and high quality of life," the Lord Mayor said.
"And I'm proud to say this welcome event has won the NSW International Education Industry Excellence Award because of the help and support it provides students to set them up for success."
Rushi Vyas, a former international student and CEO of What's On! Campus! – a tech-enabled platform supporting international students across Australia with housing, employment and community life – said coming to Sydney had made him more resourceful and resilient.
"If it weren't for all the support and resources from Sydney, I don't think an international student like me could have ever imagined building a business this big, this fast! I had never been to Australia before. It's almost like this sandbox of safe space where you can test your ideas and build it into something substantial," he said.
As well as guest speakers and alumni, 30 community organisations take part in the welcome, from health and safety services to leading tertiary education providers. It offers students a valuable opportunity to build connections, establish support networks that will be essential during their time in Sydney, and learn from and hear about experiences of former students.
Entrepreneurship was also on the agenda, with Jahin Tanvir, one of Australia's youngest national social enterprise CEOs, sharing his journey with students.
Jahin Tanvir started his first business while studying at university in Sydney.
He encouraged students to see entrepreneurial skills as an investment in their future, whatever path they choose.
"Having entrepreneurial skills that are transferable allows you to stay future-proof and employable in the long term," he said.
A highlight of the event is the recognition of students from our international student and leadership ambassador program. Representing diverse cultures and regions, these ambassadors are part of a year-long effort designed to develop leadership with free training, work-integrated learning and volunteering.
The program empowers students to lead projects that benefit international student communities across the city.
The 2025 ambassadors contributed more than 4,000 volunteer hours to developing programs, organising career panels, city tours, social networking events and community activities to support students and strengthen social bonds
Our 2026 program is now open for students ready to grow their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their community.
