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Spotlight on New South Wales
This month we start our new series on Australia’s states and territories. First up is New South Wales (NSW), the country’s most populated state and home to Sydney. NSW combines a strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and a wide range of lifestyle choices from busy cities to relaxed regional areas.
About NSW
NSW has over 8 million people, making it Australia’s largest state by population. Sydney is the capital and also the country’s biggest city, well known as a global business hub. NSW is a major contributor to Australia’s economy, with strengths in construction, finance, healthcare, education, ICT, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Migration Pathways
NSW is one of the most important states in the Skilled Migration Program. In the 2024–25 year it was allocated:
- 3,000 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- 2,000 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Subclass 190 is an invitation-only pathway. You need a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the NSW Skills List, and to meet residency requirements (either living in NSW for six months or offshore for six months).
Subclass 491 is aimed at regional areas. It has three pathways: direct application if you live or study in regional NSW, or invitation-only for offshore applicants. Regional NSW postcodes include areas such as 2259, 2264–2308, 2500–2526, 2528–2535, and many more.
If you’re unsure whether your town or suburb qualifies as regional, you can use a postcode checker like this one: postcode tool.
Regional NSW
Living in regional NSW can be very different from Sydney. Places like Newcastle, Wollongong, Orange, and Dubbo have more affordable housing, growing job markets, and a strong community feel. Many migrants find that regional areas offer a better balance of cost of living and lifestyle, while still having access to schools, healthcare, and transport.
Sydney
Sydney is the heart of NSW and attracts many skilled migrants. It offers the widest range of jobs, excellent education, and a lively cultural scene. On the other hand, housing in Sydney is expensive, and competition for rentals is high. This is one of the reasons why the regional pathway (subclass 491) is a strong option for many people.
Cost of Living
When planning your move, it’s important to understand living costs.
The Study Australia cost-of-living calculator gives you official estimates for common expenses like rent, transport, and groceries. This is a good baseline for budgeting.
For more detailed comparisons, you can use Numbeo’s cost-of-living tool. It lets you compare Sydney with other cities or regional towns such as Newcastle, Orange, or Dubbo, to see how much prices can vary.
Our advice: check both. Use Study Australia for a reliable overview, and Numbeo to see how costs change between different locations.
Jobs and Industries
NSW has strong demand for skilled workers across a number of industries. Current priority sectors include:
- Construction and infrastructure
- Renewable energy
- Healthcare, aged care, and childcare
- Digital and cyber security
- Education (teachers)
- Agriculture and manufacturing
The NSW Government also provides support for job seekers. You can find resources here:
- Employment NSW – job search and training support
- Get job-ready – help with resumes, interviews, and skills
What You Can Do Now
- Make sure your skills assessment, English test, and documents are up to date
- Research both Sydney and regional areas to see which suits your lifestyle and career
- Start looking at job boards and industry needs so you’re ready when invitations open
Next month we’ll introduce Victoria, with a closer look at Melbourne, regional Victoria, and migration opportunities there. So stay tuned!
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