29 January 2026
NEW DATA RELEASED ON GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LANDSCAPE
After reaching record highs in 2024, Gold Coast international enrolments and commencements have eased in 2025, broadly mirroring national trends influenced by tighter visa settings and changing market conditions.
As at year-to-date October 2025, the region recorded 32,155 enrolments, down 8% year on year, but still 10% above pre-COVID levels (29,277 in 2019). Total international commencements reached 14,943, representing a 25% decline compared with the same period last year. While enrolments remain comfortably above the pre-pandemic peak, the sharper decline in commencements represents the key pressure point, signalling potential softening in the future enrolment pipeline.
Performance continues to vary by sector. VET and ELICOS remain the most impacted, declining 29% and 39% respectively compared with 2024, reflecting their heightened sensitivity to visa and compliance settings. In contrast, Higher Education continues to show resilience, now 6% below last year and broadly aligned with pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, the data points to a period of consolidation rather than recovery, with gradual stabilisation expected as policy settings are embedded.
WELCOME TO THE EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST EDUCATION PARTNER NETWORK – ACADEMIQUE
Experience Gold Coast is proud to welcome Academique as an Education Industry Partner, with a strong focus on trade-based education.
Academique is a private vocational provider on the Gold Coast delivering nationally recognised training, particularly in Trades such as Carpentry and Painting & Decorating, alongside programs in Business, Leadership & Management, Aged Care and General English.
The college is known for its practical, hands-on training model, experienced industry trainers, and flexible study schedules that allow international students to balance study with part-time work. With smaller class sizes and strong student support, Academique equips learners with real-world skills aligned to industry needs.
Academique offers international students a supportive, multicultural learning environment and clear pathways into the construction and trades workforce on the Gold Coast
CALL FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS (JUNE–JULY 2026)
The CISM University Counselling Office, in collaboration with one of our valued education agents, is currently collating details from partner institutions regarding summer programs taking place between June and July 2026. Students in Grades 9–11 are eager to explore engaging academic, enrichment, or experiential opportunities during this period.
The programs are aimed at high school students in Grades 9–11 who are keen to explore academic, enrichment and experiential learning options through fly-in, in-person or virtual formats.
Institutions are invited to share details including program name, dates, fees and registration links. This information will be shared directly with students and parents to support informed decision-making.
COLLABORATE WITH GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB AND ENGAGE WITH LOCAL STUDENTS
We are currently seeking industry partners to collaborate with the Gold Coast Student Hub and showcase opportunities, experiences and initiatives across our student social media channels.
If you are interested in contributing content, activating student-focused initiatives, or partnering on Student Hub events and experiences, please contact our Student Engagement Coordinator, Chelsea (chelsea.plumb@experiencegoldcoast.com), to discuss collaboration opportunities and organise Student Hub initiatives and social media activations.
We look forward to working with our education industry partners who are passionate about enhancing the international student experience on the Gold Coast.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- International education hit the national spotlight this month, with IEAA CEO Phil Honeywood appearing on The Issue on 7 News to push back against growing criticism of international students. He challenged links between students and broader migration pressures, highlighted the sector’s major economic and social contribution, and warned that policy instability risks undermining Australia’s global competitiveness. The interview signals a more confident, public-facing advocacy stance from the sector. Read more.
- Australia’s higher education sector has entered 2026 with international student commencements broadly stable, despite two years of significant policy change. Read more.
- The Australian Government has provided a fact sheet to clarify the onshore transfer commission ban. Read more.
- Student Visa Risk Assessment Levels are used by the Australian Government to help decide how carefully a student visa application needs to be assessed. These levels look at things like a student’s nationality, chosen course and education provider, as well as past visa history. Read more.
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.