Service NSW and Study NSW welcome international students to our state and want your time here to be safe and memorable.
This guide gives you information for studying, living and working in NSW as a student.
Study NSW
Study NSW is a government agency that supports international students in NSW. They provide a wide range of free programs to help you live, study and work while here.
Language and interpreter services
Living in NSW
- Accommodation for international students in NSW
- Open a Rental Bonds Online account (tenants) if you are planning to rent property
- Lodge a general consumer complaint for help with goods and services issues
- Life in NSW
- The Multicultural Youth Linker Program is free for young people from refugee, migrant and similar backgrounds who would like support with navigating and accessing government and non-government services.
Identity cards and documents
- Apply for a NSW Photo Card (a photo identity card)
- Apply for a NSW licence as a temporary overseas visitor (if you have a current overseas driver licence you can apply for a 12 month visitor licence)
- Transfer an overseas driver licence (if you have a current overseas driver licence and plan to live in NSW for longer than a year)
- Get a NSW driver licence (if you do not have a current overseas driver licence)
- Find a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Safety and emergency help
- Staying safe in NSW
- Report an incident to Crime Stoppers
- Report identity theft, scams or cybercrime
- Help for victims of crimes
- Beach and water safety.
Health and wellbeing
- Find NSW public hospital parking, services and directions
- Check wait times for NSW hospital emergency departments
- Counselling and support services
- Ask Izzy – find support services online.
Working while you study
You may be able to work while you're studying. Make sure you know what your rights are.
- Working while studying in NSW
- Apply for an Individual Tax File Number
- Check award rates, pay and wages
- Use the simple income tax calculator
- Use the pay calculator
- Use the leave calculator.
Some jobs or volunteer roles may need checks or specific training before you can work.
- Apply for an RSA or RCG competency card
- Apply for a National Police Check
- Apply for a Working with Children Check
- Apply for a general construction induction card.
Transport and travel
Public transport and cycling
- Get an Opal card for cheaper travel on public trains, buses, light rail and ferries
- Use the Cycleway Finder map to find bicycle travel routes
- Getting around NSW.
Driving a car
If you move to NSW you can use an existing overseas licence for up to 3 months. After that you must apply for a NSW driver licence. If you do not have a current driver licence you'll need to apply for one.
- Apply for a NSW licence as a temporary overseas visitor (if you have a current overseas driver licence you can apply for a 12 month visitor licence)
- Transfer an overseas driver licence (if you have a current overseas driver licence and will live in NSW longer than 1 year)
- Getting a NSW driver licence
- Learn the NSW road rules.
If you're planning to buy a car while you live here, visit:
- Buying a vehicle
- Order a vehicle history report
- Check a vehicle registration
- Open an E-Toll Account (you will need an account to travel on toll roads).