21 May 2026
GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SHOWS RESILIENCE IN EARLY 2026 RESULTS
The latest January 2026 international education data for the Gold Coast highlights a resilient start to the year, with total student commencements remaining relatively stable at just 1% below January 2025 levels. Higher Education delivered particularly strong momentum, recording a 19% increase in commencements year-on-year, demonstrating continued confidence in the Gold Coast as a leading study destination. Non-Award commencements also grew by 11%, reflecting ongoing interest in flexible and pathway-focused study options. While the VET and ELICOS sectors continue adjusting to broader migration and visa policy changes impacting the national market, the overall results reinforce the Gold Coast’s strong education foundations, diverse student offering, and ongoing appeal to international students.
OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE WITH STUDY QUEENSLAND’S GLOBAL NETWORK
Study Queensland is inviting education providers and industry partners to engage with its international network through two valuable opportunities designed to strengthen Queensland’s global education presence. Providers can express interest in presenting at the monthly Business Development Manager (BDM) meetings - a chance to connect directly with Study Queensland’s global team, share institutional updates, showcase programs and initiatives, and support the promotion of Queensland’s world-class education offerings across key international markets.
In addition, the Study Queensland WeChat Mini Program offers Queensland-based education, training, and research providers a platform to promote events and activities directly to audiences in China, making it an ideal channel to advertise recruitment events and engagement activities for prospective international students.
Organisations interested in presenting at the BDM meetings can contact Study Queensland at studyqueensland@tiq.qld.gov.au , while providers wishing to share China-based events via the WeChat Mini Program can contact Makia Ma at makia.ma@tiq.qld.gov.au.
QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES INAUGURAL WESTMINSTER PRIZE FOR FUTURE STUDENT LEADERS
The Queensland Government has launched the inaugural Westminster Prize, offering eight high-achieving Year 9 students and two teachers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the foundations of parliamentary democracy through educational visits to London, Canberra and Brisbane. Open to students across Queensland state, non-state and home-school settings, the program aims to strengthen understanding of civics, citizenship and democratic participation. Alongside international and interstate experiences, successful students will also complete a local civics project addressing a community issue.
Applications open on 18 May and close on 31 July.
STRENGTHENING CULTURAL CAPABILITY ACROSS THE GOLD COAST
As one of the Gold Coast’s leading multicultural organisations, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC) is delivering a practical Cultural Awareness Training workshop designed for tourism, education, community, and industry professionals.
This engaging two-hour session will help teams build confidence when working with culturally diverse communities, students, visitors, and clients. Participants will gain practical tools to improve communication, strengthen inclusion, and create more culturally responsive workplaces and services.
With over 40 years supporting multicultural communities across the Gold Coast, MCCGC brings real-world expertise and community insight to every session.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
MCCGC Southport Office
$140 per person
Limited places available – register now.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2026 AUSTRALIAN EXPORT AWARDS
Applications are now open for the 2026 Australian Export Awards, providing Australian exporters with an opportunity to gain national recognition, strengthen global visibility, and unlock valuable business growth opportunities. Businesses across a range of industries can apply through their respective state or territory award programs, including the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards. Applications opened on 14 April 2026 and close on 12 June 2026. To support applicants, the Australian Export Awards team is also hosting online workshops covering the new application process, refreshed award categories, judging criteria, and practical tips for creating a standout submission. The program highlights and celebrates Australian businesses successfully driving international trade and export excellence.
FROM STUDENTS TO BARISTAS: GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB BREWS NEW SKILLS
Students became baristas for the day as the Gold Coast Student Hub visited The Gold Coast Coffee School for an Intro to Barista course packed with hands-on learning, coffee-making skills, and plenty of fun. From perfecting espresso shots to steaming milk and creating café-style coffees, students gained practical hospitality experience and walked away with new confidence, certificates, and skills ready for the Gold Coast café scene.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- 2026 Federal Budget continues Australia’s focus on tighter migration controls, stronger visa integrity measures, reduced Net Overseas Migration targets, and increased regulatory oversight across the international education sector. The article also highlights ongoing pressure on student visa approvals, subdued international student growth, and concerns around the lack of direct measures supporting long-term sustainability and diversification for the sector. Read more here.
- A major new initiative announced by Microsoft and the Australian Government could significantly reshape career guidance for secondary students across Australia. Through a partnership with Anyway (formerly Year13), AI-powered career coaching tools will be introduced into schools, providing personalised career and study pathway advice to students at key decision-making stages. While the initiative forms part of Microsoft’s broader $25 billion investment into AI infrastructure, security and workforce skills, it also raises important questions for the education sector around the future role of human career counsellors, the influence of AI on student choices, and how institutions position themselves in an increasingly AI-driven environment where Artificial Intelligence Optimisation (AIO) may become as important as traditional digital marketing and recruitment strategies. Read more here.
- Talent-Ed is a free Study Queensland initiative designed to help international students build the skills, mindset, and practical experiences needed to enhance long-term employability and career success. Structured around three key pillars — Education, Engagement, and Experience — the program supports students in becoming work-ready, expanding professional networks, and gaining valuable local industry exposure while studying in Queensland. Read more here.
VIEW THE 7 MAY 2026 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.