18 September 2025
GOLD COAST NEW STUDENT GRANTS PHASE TWO ALLOCATIONS EXHAUSTED
We’re pleased to share that the Gold Coast New Student Grants Phase Two Campaign has now successfully concluded, with all available $1,000 grants fully allocated to 100 new international students.
The initiative highlighted the Gold Coast’s ongoing commitment to being a welcoming and supportive destination for international students, even during challenging times. The response to the campaign, which ran from 6 to 21 August 2025, was outstanding, with all 100 grants allocated in less than two weeks. Applications were received from students representing 33 countries, with the top source countries being Spain, India, South Korea, Brazil, Canada and China.
This achievement would not have been possible without the strong support of our member institutions, agents, and industry partners, who helped promote the campaign and share the Gold Coast story globally. Thank you for your collaboration and dedication to keeping the Gold Coast top of mind as a world-class study destination where students feel welcomed and supported.
STUDENT GRANT UNLOCKS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMBODIAN STUDENT RITHY OU
From Cambodia to the Gold Coast – Studying Business Analytics at Kaplan Business School Rithy Ou, originally from Cambodia and Japan, is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Analytics (Extension) at Kaplan Business School. He chose the Gold Coast for its supportive environment, quality education, and more affordable transportation options.
“The Gold Coast is a bright and happy place,” says Rithy. “Everything is within reach, and the multicultural vibe makes it feel like home.” Receiving a student grant has made a big difference, helping Rithy settle into life on the Gold Coast and focus on his studies without the immediate pressure of finding work.
EGC TAKES STUDENT ROADSHOW TO NEW HEIGHTS
Experience Gold Coast recently completed a highly successful Interstate Roadshow across Sydney, Melbourne, and the very first time in Perth. With strong attendance and engagement from over 190 education agents, the roadshow played a vital role in strengthening relationships and raising awareness of the Gold Coast as a premier destination for international education.
The events provided a valuable platform to connect with key stakeholders, share insights, and showcase the unique advantages of studying on the Gold Coast. A heartfelt thank you to all our member representatives, education agents, and alumni who attended and contributed to the success of the events. Together, we strengthened partnerships, exchanged valuable knowledge, and amplified the message that the Gold Coast is where lifestyle meets learning.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING SNAPSHOT 2024
The 2024 figures from Study Queensland show international education continues to play a vital role in the Gold Coast economy, despite some shifts across sectors.
Key Highlights:
• Enrolments: 34,973 international students in 2024 – a slight 0.1% increase from 2023.
• Commencements: 20,380 new students started in 2024 – a 7% decrease from last year.
• Top Source Markets: Brazil and India remain leading contributors, with growth from India, China, and the Philippines.
• Export Revenue: $1.41 billion in 2024, up 0.5% from 2023, with stronger student spending on goods and services.
• Contribution to Economy: $0.97 billion in value added, supporting 5,818 full-time equivalent jobs across the Gold Coast.
CELEBRATING INDONESIA AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
In August, the Hub came alive with colour, music, and flavour as we celebrated Indonesian Independence Day alongside many of our wonderful Indonesian students here on the Gold Coast. Students enjoyed a feast of authentic Indonesian dishes, before diving into a cultural experience like no other.
The afternoon kicked off with a traditional Rindik workshop, where students learned the rhythms of this beautiful Balinese bamboo instrument. We were treated to a series of stunning traditional dance performances, including the Lampung Dance, Balinese Cendrawasih Dance, and the energetic Bujang Ganong Dance. The highlight? Watching everyone get up and have a go at some of the moves themselves, plenty of smiles, laughter, and new dance steps were shared! To top it all off, we added a dash of playful competition with a traditional cracker-eating game, which had the whole room cheering and laughing. A big thank you to Kusuma Indonesia and the Indonesian Student Association at Griffith for helping us bring this incredible celebration to life.
STUDENT RECRUITMENT PRACTICE SESSION
Excitement is building for our September Recruitment Event, to be held at HOTA on September 16. In the lead up to the event we held an interactive workshop style session covering key employability skills such as crafting a winning resume, interview tips and networking for success. Students were also provided with a resume template and other resources to help with putting their best foot forward.
CAREERS ALLIANCE NETWORK TALK AI RESUMES AND FUTURE OF EMPLOYMENT
Our third Career Alliance Network event of the year focused on pathways into professional careers, bringing together an outstanding panel of speakers who shared insights on career opportunities, emerging trends, and strategies to prepare students for diverse futures across technology, consulting, finance, banking, law, and government.
Following the panel, participants joined roundtable discussions that allowed for deeper conversation and closer connections with our speakers. The session concluded with an engaging activity on resumes, where members were challenged to identify whether a resume was AI-generated or human-written. This sparked lively discussion and provided valuable industry perspectives on the role of AI in recruitment. It was a highly valuable and interactive session for all attendees. A special thank you to PwC, Redemont, the Australian Computer Society, Westpac Engineering Hub, and the Department of Justice for their support.
GRADUATE ACADEMY OPPORTUNITY WITH REGION’S LARGEST EMPLOYER
The City of Gold Coast is recognised as one of the largest employers in the region, with over 5,000 staff committed to delivering a thriving and connected community. Known for being a high-performing and customer-focused organisation, it provides graduates with genuine opportunities to grow, develop, and progress in their careers.
Through its Graduate Academy, the City offers pathways in five key streams: Engineering (all disciplines), Planning, Digital and Data, Business and Management, and Environment and Sustainability. Graduates are given the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the city while receiving mentoring, tailored training, and valuable work rotations to broaden their skills.
The program also fosters collaboration with industry leaders and peers in a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment. With a focus on innovation and future growth, graduates are empowered to share their ideas and talent, supported in gaining professional accreditation, and encouraged to maintain a healthy work/life balance through flexible and hybrid work options.
PARTNER ANNOUCEMENT
INFORUM EDUCATION WINS ST STAR ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL AWARD FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Congratulations to Inforum Education on winning the ST Star English Language School, Southern Hemisphere award at the 2025 ST Star Awards – for the third year in a row! This outstanding achievement is a true testament to Inforum’s continued dedication to excellence in English language education for international students on the Gold Coast.
With a diverse range of programs, including General English, Cambridge Preparation (FCE & CAE), IELTS Preparation, High School Preparation, and Young Learners, Inforum provides students with world-class learning opportunities delivered by passionate and experienced teachers.
Their supportive and dynamic learning environment equips students with essential language skills and enriches their overall international study experience. This well-deserved recognition further cements Inforum’s reputation as a leading ELICOS provider and highlights the Gold Coast as a premier destination for quality education.
Well done to the entire Inforum team on this incredible milestone!
ENTREPRENEUR EDUCATION JOINS EGC TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Experience Gold Coast is delighted to welcome Entrepreneur Education as an official partner, joining our growing network of partners dedicated to positioning the Gold Coast as a world-class study destination.
With campus in the heart of the Gold Coast, Entrepreneur Education is a leading vocational training provider offering nationally recognised courses across Design, Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Photography and Trades. Known for its innovative approach, hands-on learning, and strong focus on the student experience, Entrepreneur Education plays an important role in equipping learners with the practical skills needed to succeed in their careers.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- The Queensland Government, through Study Queensland within Trade and Investment Queensland, is inviting written feedback until 19 September 2025 to help shape a new International Education and Training Strategy that responds to sector changes and maximises opportunities in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. READ MORE
- The Australian government announced that the permanent migration program will stay capped at 185,000 places for 2025–26, maintaining last year’s level with a continued focus on skilled migration and ensuring stability while balancing economic growth with housing and infrastructure demands. READ MORE
- Global Student Flows: Australia and New Zealand Report: International student recruitment across Australia and New Zealand is projected to stagnate, with minimal growth expected until at least 2030. To remain competitive, institutions must differentiate themselves with compelling value propositions, rebuild trust and reputation among academics and employers, and adapt curricula to better address emerging skills gaps. READ MORE
- Experience Gold Coast invites our industry to register for our Content Hub, where requests are reviewed within 24–48 hours for access to a rich library of photos, videos, and logos that showcase the city’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery to the world. READ MORE
VIEW THE 04 SEP 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.