15 May 2025
NAMASTE FROM THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
This week marked a first for the Gold Coast Hub — our very own yoga class!
As the day came to a close, a group of students came together to stretch, slow down, and simply breathe, leaving the day’s hustle behind. They were guided through a gentle flow and deeply grounding savasana that left everyone feeling lighter.
Afterwards, a chilled juice was waiting — just the thing to sip, chat, and ease back into the evening.
It was a beautiful mix of well-being, connection, and Gold Coast calm—and it’s only the beginning. We’re excited to welcome even more students to future sessions. Check the Gold Coast Student Hub Events & Workshops Calendar for upcoming activities and experiences you won’t want to miss.
AFTER DARK – HAPPENING TONIGHT!
After Dark is here — an exciting new addition to the Gold Coast Careers Festival, happening tonight, Thursday 15 May, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
This free evening event is tailored for adults considering a career change, returning to study, or looking to grow their professional network. With a relaxed atmosphere, expert advice, and valuable connections, it’s the perfect opportunity to take your next step.
What’s in store?
- Interactive stage sessions on employability, networking & CV health
- One-on-one career advice with takeaway planning tools
- FREE professional headshots to refresh your LinkedIn
- Live entertainment, appetisers, and a bar
- Special guest speaker: Nicka35
- Exciting prizes, including: Two $3,000 Harbour Town shopping sprees with a personal stylist, A one-hour career coaching session, and more giveaways throughout the night!
Where: 296 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara
When: Tonight – 15th May, 5:30 pm–8:00 pm
Free entry and parking. Don’t miss this one-night-only chance to unlock your next career move.
CAREERS ALLIANCE HEADS TO WORLDSKILLS – JOIN US IN BRISBANE!
The next Careers Alliance event is on Thursday, June 13, and we’re heading to Brisbane to attend the National WorldSkills Championships.
Recognised as Australia’s largest vocational education and skills excellence competition, this national event brings together the top regional talent, including many rising stars from the Gold Coast, to compete, connect, and showcase their skills on the big stage. Winners from the national event will go on to represent Australia at the WorldSkills Global Championships.
This is more than just a competition — it’s an inspiring professional development opportunity for those passionate about VET, skills training, and industry collaboration. The event also provides a fantastic platform for networking and engaging with leaders across education and industry.
A placeholder has been sent, and invitations are coming shortly!
GOLD COAST NEW STUDENT GRANTS – APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN
Applications are still open for the Gold Coast New Student Grants, an initiative designed to support international students as they begin their studies and settle into life on the Gold Coast.
This grant can be used to assist with essential costs such as textbooks, technology, or other study-related expenses, providing meaningful support during the early stages of the student journey.
Who is eligible?
To apply, students must:
- Be new international students commencing study between 1 May - 30 November 2025
- Hold a valid Student Visa (subclass 500) or have successfully lodged a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
- Be accepted to study for at least 24 academic weeks at an Experience Gold Coast Education Member Institution
We encourage educational institutions, agents, and students to share and act on this opportunity while funding is still available.
At Experience Gold Coast, we are proud to welcome new students and are committed to helping them feel connected, supported, and ready to thrive in their new academic and community environment.
STUDENT SUPPORT MADE SIMPLE AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
The Gold Coast Student Hub offers free 45-minute support sessions to help international and domestic students succeed both personally and professionally. Whether you're updating your resume, searching for a job, seeking tenancy advice, or hoping to make new social connections, the Hub is here to support you every step of the way.
Sessions are available in person or by phone, and students can book as many appointments as needed. Support is practical, friendly, and designed to empower you to reach your goals.
Appointments run every Monday and Wednesday, with extra sessions added throughout the month. Be sure to check the Gold Coast Student Hub calendar via the Experience Gold Coast website for the latest schedule.
One success story includes Ismeidre, an architect from Brazil who, with the Hub’s help, refined her CV and stayed focused on her goals. She is now working as a project manager here in Australia—proof of what’s possible with the right support.
The Hub also hosts fortnightly English Language Conversation Classes, giving students a relaxed space to practise English, learn about local culture, and meet new people.
To book a session or register for a class, visit the Gold Coast Student Hub page on the Experience Gold Coast website.
KICKSTART GRADUATE PROGRAM – SESSION 2: THINKING BIG
Our Kickstart graduate development program is off to a strong start, with Session 2 focused on broadening horizons and understanding the bigger picture.
This session explored the economic drivers shaping the Gold Coast, helping participants connect their professional roles to the wider growth of the region. It was an opportunity to reflect on how, as emerging professionals, we can not only build meaningful careers but also actively contribute to the future of our city.
A special thank you to the City of Gold Coast for hosting us in the Council Chambers—a powerful setting to discuss civic and economic impact. We were also thrilled to welcome Peter McGuinness from Invest Gold Coast, whose insights and energy gave participants a clearer view of the region’s growth opportunities and potential.
As the program continues, we look forward to more engaging sessions that challenge, inspire, and prepare our graduates for long-term success here on the Gold Coast.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build skills, confidence, and professional connections.
CAREER SUPPORT FOR GRIFFITH’S GROWING POST-GRAD COMMUNITY
With the world of work evolving faster than ever, career education is no longer a one-time step—it’s a lifelong journey. At Experience Gold Coast, we’re committed to supporting students at every stage, including the growing number of post-graduate students pursuing advanced qualifications.
Last week, we had the opportunity to deliver a tailored career development session for Griffith University post-grads, in partnership with the Griffith Student Guild. This session focused on strategies relevant to highly educated professionals looking to advance or pivot in their careers.
As more students return to study to upskill or specialise, we’re proud to provide support that reflects the changing nature of higher education and employment pathways.
We look forward to continuing our work with Griffith and other partners to ensure all students—whether starting out or advancing—are equipped for success in a dynamic job market.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS AT KAPLAN CAREERS WEEK
We were proud to support Kaplan Business School during their recent Careers Week, delivering a series of practical workshops designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s job market.
Our team ran interactive sessions on LinkedIn optimisation, job search strategies, and resume-building skills, connecting with a diverse and motivated group of students from around the world. Their enthusiasm and engagement made it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
As a new member of the Experience Gold Coast education network, we’re committed to working closely with institutions like Kaplan to deliver meaningful, career-focused support that helps students take their next step with confidence.
We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to support international and domestic students as they prepare for exciting futures on the Gold Coast and beyond.
VIEW THE 1 MAY 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.