26 February 2026
WHY EXHIBIT AT THE GOLD COAST CAREERS FESTIVAL?
The Gold Coast Careers Festival isn’t just another event — it’s where future decisions are made.
Across two high-energy days, employers and educators gain direct access to thousands of high school students, parents, teachers, and career changers who are actively exploring their next step. This is a rare opportunity to position your organisation at the exact moment when choices about study, training, and careers are being shaped.
As an exhibitor, you’re not waiting for leads, you’re meeting them in person.
You’ll have the chance to create meaningful connections that digital marketing alone can't replicate. Whether you’re focused on student recruitment, talent pipelines, or brand visibility, the festival places your brand directly in front of a highly engaged audience.
Key Benefits of Exhibiting:
- Connect with motivated attendees who are actively seeking education and career pathways
- Engage in real discussions that accelerate decision-making and build confidence in your offerings
- Increase awareness and visibility among students, families, educators, and the wider community
- Showcase your courses, programs, technologies, and career outcomes
- Drive interest and attendance for open days, information sessions, scholarships, and events
The Gold Coast Careers Festival is more than visibility — it’s influence, connection, and pipeline growth.
Position your organisation where futures begin.
AUSTRALIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW OPEN
Applications for the 2027 Australia Awards Scholarships are now open, offering a life-changing opportunity for students from eligible developing countries to undertake fully-funded undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia. This highly prestigious and competitive program supports future leaders who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing to their home countries.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowances, Overseas Student Health Cover, living expenses, and access to academic or language support where required. Recipients also join a powerful global alumni network and gain a world-class Australian education designed to build long-term impact and development outcomes. Importantly for the Gold Coast, our three universities - Bond University, Griffith University, and Southern Cross University - are participating institutions, providing scholars with exceptional study environments and industry-connected learning experiences.
Australia Awards scholars are required to return home for at least two years after completing their studies, ensuring skills and knowledge directly benefit their communities. Applications close 30 April 2026.
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST AT AACTA CAREERS EXPO
The Experience Gold Coast Education team attended the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Careers Expo at HOTA, Home of the Arts, engaging with students and aspiring creatives from across the region. The event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the Experience Gold Coast App and highlight our social media channels as essential tools for staying connected with the latest updates, initiatives, opportunities, and events across the Gold Coast.
ADVOCATING FOR THE GOLD COAST AT THE IEAA NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
Experience Gold Coast’s Executive Director of Education, Matt Boyd, attended the IEAA 2026 National Symposium, themed “Partnerships for the Future.” The event brought together national leaders and policymakers to discuss collaboration, sector challenges, and emerging priorities in Australian international education.
Attendance supports Experience Gold Coast’s advocacy efforts by strengthening connections with key stakeholders and contributing to conversations shaping policy, partnerships, and the student journey. Engagement in forums like IEAA ensures the Gold Coast remains represented in national discussions and aligned with developments influencing the future of international education.
QUEENSLAND EXPORTER CONFERENCE 2026
The Queensland Exporter Conference 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for Queensland businesses looking to expand into global markets. Designed for both new and experienced exporters, the conference brings together industry leaders, trade experts, and Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioners to share practical insights and market intelligence. Attendees will gain access to sector-focused sessions, emerging export trends, and strategies to strengthen international growth.
The program also features one-on-one discussions with Trade Commissioners and advisors, helping businesses explore new commercial opportunities. With a strong emphasis on capability building, connections, and real-world export knowledge, the event supports businesses at every stage of their export journey. Register now to secure your place.
CALL FOR SPEAKERS – THE PIE LIVE GOLD COAST 2026
The PIE Live Asia Pacific 2026 is returning to the Gold Coast for its fourth year, taking place on 28–29 July 2026 at HOTA (Home of the Arts). The event will once again bring together leaders and innovators from across global education to explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector.
Speaker applications are now open, with organisers calling for professionals, educators, and changemakers who can share fresh perspectives, practical insights, and engaging ideas. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations and connect with a highly engaged international audience.
Proposals can be submitted by creating an account via the application link.
Submission deadline: Friday, 6 March 2026.
MEET HUDA – OUR NEW STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB!
Huda brings a wealth of experience, compassion and creativity to her role. Born in Syria, she understands firsthand the journey of navigating new cultures and communities. She is also fluent in Farsi, helping us better support students from diverse backgrounds. Outside of the Hub, Huda works as an actor and is deeply passionate about youth leadership and advocacy, particularly supporting young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Her commitment to empowering students and creating inclusive spaces is at the heart of everything she does.
Students can book a FREE 40-minute appointment with Huda for personalised support with:
- Accommodation guidance
- Career support and goal setting
- Referrals and connection to community services
- General wellbeing and settling into life on the Gold Coast
If you’re looking for friendly, confidential support or just don’t know where to start, Huda is here to help.
Book your free appointment today and come say hello.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
AFTERNOON CLASSES ARE BACK AT INFORUM
From 16 February, Inforum is introducing a new afternoon class session, giving students greater flexibility to fit their studies around work and lifestyle commitments. This option is ideal for students who work early mornings or prefer a four-day study week. Classes run Monday to Thursday from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm, totalling 20 hours per week, and students can join the Friday workshop at no extra cost. Available courses include General English (Pre-Intermediate) and IELTS Preparation (Foundation).
GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB WELCOMES PERUVIAN AMBASSADOR 
Experience Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Student Hub were honoured to welcome the Ambassador of Peru, Vitaliano Gallardo, during his recent visit to the Gold Coast.
The Ambassador was welcomed by Matt Boyd, Director of Education at Experience Gold Coast; Cherie Huang, Trades and Partnership Manager; Paula Lopes, International Education Coordinator – LATAM Representative; and four Peruvian students, who shared their inspiring success stories.
Discussions focused on international education trends on the Gold Coast and the growing Peruvian student community. A key highlight of the meeting was the Ambassador’s strong emphasis on student success stories. He proudly shared that supporting and celebrating the achievements of Peruvian students abroad is a priority for the Peruvian Government, as their success creates a positive impact across both Peru and Australia.
The Ambassador also enjoyed visiting the Hub during Lunar New Year celebrations and seeing firsthand the Student Experience Team's exceptional work supporting our international student community.
It was a meaningful and successful visit that further strengthened the relationship between Peru and the Gold Coast, positioning the Gold Coast as a leading international education destination.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- Austrade is hosting a webinar on 25 February exploring opportunities for Australia–India collaboration in sport education and sports nutrition, highlighting the rapid growth of India’s sports economy. The session will share insights into market potential, partnership models, and how Australian expertise in sports education and governance can contribute to sustainable development and wellbeing outcomes. Read more.
- Applications are now open for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education, celebrating Queensland’s most inspiring students, educators, schools, and partnerships across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With a total prize pool of $140,000 and eight award categories, the program recognises innovation, dedication, and outstanding contributions to STEM learning and teaching. Open to Year 12 students, teachers, support staff, schools, and education partners, the awards highlight the vital role STEM plays in Queensland’s future workforce and industries. Winners will each receive $5,000, with the ceremony to be held in Brisbane in August 2026. Applications close 30 March. Apply here.
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.