New South Wales boasts a world-class education system spanning public, Catholic, and independent schools, as well as renowned tertiary institutions.
**Universities:** The state is home to several highly ranked universities. * *The University of Sydney:* Australia's oldest university, known for its sandstone architecture and prestigious research programs. * *UNSW Sydney (University of New South Wales):* A powerhouse in engineering, technology, and business. * *Macquarie University:* Known for business, linguistics, and its integration with the nearby technology park. * *University of Technology Sydney (UTS):* A leader in modern, industry-focused education and design. * *University of Newcastle & University of Wollongong:* Premier regional universities with strong research outputs.
**Vocational Education:** TAFE NSW is the largest vocational education and training provider in Australia, offering courses in trades, hospitality, business, and technology across hundreds of campuses.
**Schools:** Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 17. The public system includes elite selective high schools (e.g., James Ruse Agricultural High School), which frequently top state academic rankings. The State Library of New South Wales in Sydney acts as the premier public reference and research library.