7 August 2025
GOLD COAST NEW STUDENT GRANTS - PHASE 2 NOW OPEN!
Following the success of the round one Gold Coast New Student Grants, we are pleased to announce the launch of a second round of grants. Round Two officially opens on 6 August 2025, with an additional 100 x $1,000 grants now available for new international students commencing their studies on the Gold Coast.
All 250 round one grants were fully allocated ahead of schedule, showing strong demand for support
Eligibility Criteria
The first 100 international students who meet the following criteria and complete verification will be eligible:
• Hold a valid Student Visa (subclass 500), or have a successfully lodged a student visa application with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), to study at an Experience Gold Coast Education Member Institution for at least 24 academic weeks.
• Be a new student with a course commencement date between 11 August 2025 – 31 March 2026.
• Submit all required documents as per the Gold Coast New Student Grants’ conditions (view full terms and conditions here).
Whether it’s for textbooks, accommodation, or everyday expenses, this grant can ease the cost pressure of starting a journey in a new country. It’s our commitment to welcoming new international students. With a vibrant culture, facilities and excellent educational institutions, the Gold Coast is an ideal destination for all students.
TOKYO STUDENTS DROP BY THE STUDENT HUB
Experience Gold Coast had the pleasure of hosting 38 students and staff from Tokyo Metropolitan Showa High School at the Gold Coast Student Hub. Their visit included an engaging destination presentation and a fun, interactive quiz that kept everyone involved from start to finish.
The students’ energy and curiosity highlighted the growing global interest in the Gold Coast as a premier study destination. Experiences like this play a key role in our mission to promote the Gold Coast as a vibrant, inclusive city for international learners - and the lifestyle capital of the world.
CAREER OUTREACH IN FULL SWING
Alongside our ongoing career outreach initiatives, Term 3 brings an exciting boost with set-planning sessions and in-house career festivals - events we’re always thrilled to support!
These festivals offer valuable opportunities to engage with students through meaningful one-on-one conversations. They also allow us to connect with parents and carers, who play a valuable role in shaping career decisions and outcomes. Recent highlights include the vibrant career festivals at Varsity College and Upper Coomera, as well as the inspiring combined Future Festival hosted by TSS and St Hilda’s.
READY TO LAND A JOB? STUDENT JOBS RECRUITMENT EVENT COMING SOON
With more than 60 job opportunities already confirmed, there's no better time to kick off registrations for the Gold Coast’s biggest student recruitment event of the year!
Taking place on Tuesday, 16 September, this speed-dating style event connects students directly with local employers and explore real job openings.
Stay tuned as we begin engaging students across campuses this week!
INCREDIBLE STUDENT DEALS AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
Missed our sold-out Whale Watching Excursion? Don’t worry - bookings are now open for our next student special: the Intro to Barista Workshop!
Back by popular demand and run in partnership with the Gold Coast Coffee School, this hands-on session is perfect for anyone looking to build practical hospitality skills. For just $29, you’ll learn the difference between common Aussie coffee styles, practice milk steaming, and even give latte art a go.
Whether you’re keen to boost your resume or just love good coffee, this is a must-do student experience.
Keep an eye out for more upcoming Hub excursions and unbeatable student deals.
MCNAB TRADES PLACEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The McNab pathways program will be running again in the September school holidays. This program is suitable for year 11 and 12 students interested in careers in construction, development and property management. The program is structured for 3 pathways - university, trades and trainees. More information on the McNab Building Pathways site.
CLOTHES SWAP PARTY - SUSTAINABLE STYLE, STUDENT BUDGET
We know student life often means making every dollar count - but that shouldn’t get in the way of feeling good in what you wear. To help our student community out, the Gold Coast Student Hub is hosting a Clothes Swap Party. It’s a fun, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a cent.
When: August 14th, 1–3pm
Where: Gold Coast Student Hub
How it works: Students can donate 5 to 15 quality clothing items or accessories (things you’d normally give away) to the Hub on 8, 11 or 12 August. We’ll sort and display everything, and for each item you donate, you’ll receive a token to ‘spend’ at the Clothes Swap Party on 14 August.
We’ll have a live DJ, yummy treats, and plenty of feel-good fashion fun. Students can register for a FREE ticket through the Gold Coast Student Hub page on the Experience Gold Coast website by visiting the What’s On calendar. It’s free, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s all about community.
THE PIE LIVE APAC 2025
On the 29-30 Of July, the Gold Coast has played host to more than 350 global education leaders from 15+ countries for a dynamic event exploring the future of international education.
Set against the cultural backdrop of HOTA, Home of the Arts, this year’s program featured:
- 95+ speakers
- 378 delegates
- 200+ organisations
- Workshops, panels & keynotes
- Countless connections and inspiring conversations
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SETS 2026 CAP AT 295,000 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PLACES
The Federal Government has set a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places for 2026—25,000 more than in 2025.
All current education providers will retain at least their existing allocations. While the cap marks growth, it remains 8% below the post-COVID peak. Public universities may gain additional places by enhancing their engagement with Southeast Asia aligning with Australia’s Invested: Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and expanding secure student accommodation for domestic and international students. Ministerial Direction 111 will be updated, with priority visa processing continuing for Pacific, Timor-Leste, and scholarship students.
From 2026, students progressing from secondary schools, TAFE, or pathways provider into public universities will be exempt from the cap. From 2027, pending legislation, the newly proposed Australian Tertiary Education Commission is expected to take the lead in managing growth across the higher education sector. In the international VET sector, future expansion will remain guided by visa processing policies and ongoing integrity reforms.
VIEW THE 24 JULY 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.