Sydney reaffirmed its status as an international hub for higher learning with a formal reception last week for more than 1000 commencing international students, hosted by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

UTS along with the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and the Council celebrated the contribution international students make to the city's rich life and diversity with a cocktail reception at Town Hall.

Sydney city and its inner suburbs are home to more than 30,000 international students each year.

"It is important to formally acknowledge the social, cultural and economic contribution that international students make to our city," said Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP.

"Given Sydney's status as a progressive international city and a preferred destination for international students seeking higher and postgraduate education, I am very pleased to be hosting this welcome," Ms Moore said.

"International students represent a significant proportion of the population now living in Sydney and the inner suburbs. Their participation in higher education, the local workforce, cultural events and their potential to become new Australian residents must be celebrated as a vital component of multicultural Sydney."

Reflecting on the importance of UTS's close educational and research links with business and industry in the city, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne said global workplace competition would increasingly focus on a youthful, talented, well educated and internationally mobile workforce.

"Sydney is fortunate indeed to attract such a large number of energetic and adventurous young people to undertake a substantial part of their education and through this further link Australia with the rest of the world," Professor Milbourne said.

Reflecting on the importance of UTS's close educational and research links with business and industry in the city, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne said global workplace competition would increasingly focus on a youthful, talented, well educated and internationally mobile workforce.

"Sydney is fortunate indeed to attract such a large number of energetic and adventurous young people to undertake a substantial part of their education and through this further link Australia with the rest of the world," Professor Milbourne said.