4 September 2025
SHOWCASING THE GOLD COAST AT SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY'S OPEN DAY
Our Education Team was delighted to take part in Southern Cross University’s Open Day, where we showcased the Gold Coast as a world-class study destination and connected with over 50 international agents. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the lifestyle, opportunities, and unique advantages of studying on the Gold Coast. A big thank you to Southern Cross University for the kind invitation—we truly valued the chance to participate and are proud to help promote the Gold Coast as a premier destination for students.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT ON THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards are your chance to shine and showcase the impact your organisation is making in one of the city’s most important sectors. The Education, Training and Employment Award recognises businesses that have achieved growth and success through excellence in delivering education, training, and employment opportunities.
Education is a cornerstone of the Gold Coast economy, from early childhood through to higher education, and plays a vital role in shaping a skilled workforce for the future. Now more than ever, our city depends on innovative providers who deliver world-class programs, create meaningful employment pathways, and nurture the next generation of leaders.
If your business is driving talent, innovation, and opportunity, we encourage you to enter and be recognised as a leader in shaping the Gold Coast’s future.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR ENGAGING SCIENCE GRANTS
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has opened applications for the Engaging Science Grants, closing at 4pm on 22 September 2025. These competitive grants are designed to support teachers, scientists, organisations, citizen science groups, and community groups to deliver STEM-based events, projects, and educational activities—with STEM including the social sciences.
This round focuses on the theme of nature-based tourism, supporting Queensland’s vision to become Australia’s leading ecotourism and nature-based tourism destination as outlined in Destination 2045 – Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future. Successful projects will integrate science participation or STEM education with tourism, offering opportunities to preserve biodiversity, explore cultural ecological knowledge with First Nations peoples, understand visitor behaviour, and create meaningful scientific engagement with nature.
Grants of up to $25,000 (excluding GST) are available, funding initiatives for up to 12 months. The number of successful applicants will depend on the quality and volume of submissions received.
ELANORA HIGH SCHOOL JOBS ROADSHOW
The recent Jobs Roadshow at Elanora High School highlighted the value of collaboration with the Queensland Government and Workforce Australia, creating opportunities to connect with students of all ages and career stages. Exhibitors were required to host interactive displays, which led to strong student participation and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
SHARK TANK ROYALTY LEADS CLINIC FOR KICKSTART GRADUATE PROGRAM
Kickstart session number seven was held on Friday in the beautiful new function room at North Burleigh Surf Club, with Ryan Tuckwood, CEO and founder of SWISH Sales Coaching, as our presenter. Ryan is a dynamic speaker, well-known from Shark Tank, who specialises in ethical sales, negotiation, and building genuine connections. This year’s session was a combined event with our Kickstart participants and the Mayor’s Student Ambassadors, creating a fantastic mix of energy, curiosity, and engagement in the room. Following Ryan’s presentation, participants took part in a hands-on negotiation activity where they were challenged to “sell” a jacket using different strategies and creative approaches. This session is always a highlight of the program, and once again it delivered valuable insights, plenty of interaction, and lots of fun.
200 STUDENT JOBS UP-FOR-GRABS AT RECRUITMENT EVENT
Spread the word - we have over 200 jobs available for students at our September Recruitment Event! Top employers include The Star, JW Marriott, Paradise Resort, NRMA, Seaworld, Accor and Novotel. Students will also have the opportunity to practice at the preparation event held one week prior on September 8th. Details and how to register on the website:
DON'T MISS OUT ON FINAL SPOTS FOR CAREER ALLIANCE SESSION
There are still a few spots available for our next Career Alliance Session, which will focus on pathways into professional careers. Employers will share insights on opportunities, future trends, and the skills most in demand.
By the end of the session, attendees will
• Gain a clearer understanding of roles and opportunities across the sector
• Feel more confident guiding students on how to prepare for and pursue these careers
• Explore ways schools can partner with industry to create meaningful student experiences
INTERVIEW SKILLS AT KAPLAN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Our Careers Outreach team has been out and about, working with students to sharpen their interview skills. While online resources are useful, nothing compares to the value of live coaching and real-time feedback. Thank You Kaplan for another Great Session with your postgraduate students.
CLOTHES SWAP PARTY SUCCESS AT GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
Our recent Clothes Swap Party was a fantastic success! Students who attended stayed for hours, chatting, laughing, sharing fashion advice, and helping each other piece together new looks. The energy in the room was vibrant, and everyone walked away with a refreshed wardrobe and big smiles. The best part? Not only was this event a fun and sustainable way to shop, helping reduce waste and care for our environment but it was also completely free for students.
In today’s cost-of-living climate, this made a real difference for many who left with quality clothing without spending a cent. Events like this show how community, creativity, and sustainability can come together to support our students in meaningful ways.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS INFO DAY AT GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
Join us at the Hub for our upcoming Community Connections Info Day on the 30 Sep, 12pm - 4pm at the Gold Coast Student Hub. This event is all about giving students easy access to a range of free community services and programs—all in one place. We’ll have six amazing providers on site, covering:
• Mental health
• Medical support
• Housing
• Gambling help
• Volunteering opportunities
It’s the perfect chance to connect with local services, ask questions, and discover support available to you—at no cost. Plus, by attending and engaging with the providers, students can go into the draw to win a prize! To be eligible, students must register via a ticket on our website and collect stamps on their bingo card as they visit each stall.
THE HUB HEADS OUT TO SEA
We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our Gold Coast Student Hub whale watching excursion. After a day of torrential rain, the sun came out just in time for 16 excited students to set off on the water. The whales didn’t disappoint - humpbacks came as close as 100 metres from the boat, giving everyone an unforgettable up-close experience. It was truly an amazing day out for all who joined. Keep an eye on our What’s On calendar for details about our next discounted Gold Coast Student Hub excursion.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- The PIE spoke with Australia’s assistant minister for international education, Julian Hill, on how the government is addressing key sector concerns, from visa fee hikes to student transfer integrity measures - read more.
- The Department of Home Affairs has completed its review and confirmed a new list of approved English language tests for Australian visa applications - read more.
- As the Gold Coast prepares to host the Women’s Asian Cup next March 2026, the newly opened volunteer applications offer fantastic opportunities for students to get involved - read more.
VIEW THE 21 AUG 2025 EDUCATION UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.