3 April 2025
GOLD COAST SHINES AT CHINA AND GREATER BAY AREA TRADE MISSION
Last month, Experience Gold Coast (EGC) led a successful education trade mission to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, alongside Education Queensland International (EQI) and six Gold Coast institutions.
In partnership with Study Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland and Austrade, we showcased the Gold Coast’s unique appeal as a study destination and strengthened ties across the Greater Bay Area.
Key highlights:
- engaged 200+ education agents, promoting the Gold Coast’s advantages
- visited top universities and high schools to advance research and student mobility
- met with Guangdong and Shenzhen Education Bureaus to deepen partnerships
- reinforced government ties and our sister city relationship in Chengdu
- strong reception for EGC’s Gold Coast New Student Grants Campaign.
This mission laid the foundation for future collaborations, driving sustainable growth in international education and our visitor economy. EGC continues to build on this momentum, attracting global talent and strengthening long-term partnerships.
JOIN US AT ICEF ANZA 2025 ON THE GOLD COAST
The countdown is on! The ICEF ANZA Conference is coming to the Gold Coast from 9-11 April 2025 at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Don’t miss your chance to connect with international education agents and industry leaders.
Have you registered? Secure your spot now before it’s too late!
EXCLUSIVE FOR EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST MEMBERS!
Experience Gold Coast Members can access a special offer! Members are eligible for a 10% discount (reducing fee to $450 per person) for opening day Seminar Programme and the Poolside Welcome Reception on Wednesday, 9 April 2025:
- Seminar Programme: 2 - 7pm
- Poolside Welcome Reception: 7 - 9pm
Email Rod Hearps or Myriam Marchand directly to claim your member discount and register your attendance.
Be part of one of the year’s biggest international education events. We can’t wait to welcome you!
MEET THE NEW FACES AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB!
We’re thrilled to introduce our fresh new team, ready to make your Student Hub experience better than ever!
Leading the charge is Crystal, our Student Experience and Wellbeing Manager, joined by Chelsea, our Student Engagement Coordinator, along with Andrea, our Student Hub Assistant.
Drop by to meet the team, check out the Hub’s refreshed look, and discover the exciting events we’ve lined up.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
SHOWCASING THE GOLD COAST AT GRIFFITH O-WEEK
As part of our ongoing collaboration with Griffith University, our Student Experience and Wellbeing team recently welcomed 70+ students to the Gold Coast Student Hub as a key stop on the Griffith Mates Daily Twilight Tours.
Students explored the space and participated in the HOTA Sky Ribbons Project, connecting them with the local community.
We also had the privilege of presenting to 260+ students at Griffith College Orientation Day, highlighting the Student Hub’s services, support, and events designed to help them thrive in their university journey.
BUSY SCHOOL'S 'NO LIMITS' CAREERS EXPO
The BUSY School know how to deliver a dynamic careers fair! Their February No Limits Careers Expo at the Coolangatta campus showcased a diverse range of career pathways, with a strong focus on apprenticeships, traineeships, and VET opportunities.
Students engaged in interactive demonstrations, explored industry insights, and had the chance to ask exhibitors for advice about choosing the right career path.
With more ways than ever to enter the workforce, events like these play a vital role in raising awareness of the many opportunities and support available.
GOLD COAST SECONDARY PRINCIPALS' ALLIANCE - STUDENT LEADERS CELEBRATION
Last month, Southern Cross University hosted the Gold Coast Secondary Principals’ Alliance (GCSPA) Student Leaders Celebration, honouring the 2025 student leaders from Gold Coast state high schools. It was an inspiring night filled with pride, talent, and celebration of our region’s future leaders.
Highlights included an unforgettable pep talk from former NRL legend, Ben Hannant, a stunning performance by 14-year-old local musician Noah Robertson, and a flawless set by the Varsity College Chamber Strings.
A truly incredible evening showcasing the next generation of leaders and the remarkable talent within our community.
EGC WELCOMES SCU’S BIGGEST EVER COHORT!
A little delay turned into a big opportunity! The EGC Student Experience team had an incredible time at the Southern Cross University (SCU) Expo during Orientation Week, welcoming the largest-ever Term 1 cohort - including a surge in international students!
The energy was electric as we connected with new students and introduced the Gold Coast Student Hub, our free space designed to support, empower, and connect.
To all new SCU students - welcome! This is just the beginning of an amazing journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
JAPANESE EDUCATORS VISIT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
Last month, 15 educators from 13 Japanese schools visited the Gold Coast Student Hub during their study tour of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. They explored the city’s education offerings and lifestyle, with Inforum English Language School and Langports Language College showcasing their programs.
The group showed strong interest in study tours, reinforcing Japan’s valued partnership with the Gold Coast. As this relationship grows, we look forward to welcoming more Japanese students and strengthening our educational connections in the future.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN STUDY QUEENSLAND’S TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN
Queensland’s International Education, Training (IET), Research, and Innovation sectors will proudly showcase their strengths at World Expo 2025 Osaka from 17 - 28 July. As a Gold Partner of the Australia Pavilion, Queensland will highlight clean energy, biotech, education, Indigenous culture, and more aligned with the theme Chasing the Sun.
Expressions of interest are now open for the IET Business Mission and the Research and Innovation Business Mission. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen ties with Japan and showcase Queensland’s excellence on a global stage. EOIs close on Monday, 7 April 2025.
REGISTER NOW: AUSTRADE’S 2025 TRANSNATIONAL EDUCATION SERIES
Austrade’s 2025 Transnational Education (TNE) Series provides education and training providers with expert insights to strengthen global engagement across Higher Education, VET, EdTech, and schools. This series features online briefings, market insights, and specialised reports.
Upcoming sessions:
10 April – TNE in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
REGISTER NOW
Gain insights into policy, market trends, and delivery models. More sessions to come!
GO GLOBAL PROGRAM
Ready to take your Queensland business international? Trade and Investment Queensland's (TIQ) Go Global Export Program is your launchpad to worldwide markets. Receive up to $25,000 in matched funding to establish new export channels and capture global opportunities.
This comprehensive program delivers expert mentoring, tailored market entry strategies, and vital connections to international distributors and clients.
Whether you're new to exporting or seeking to expand existing channels, the Go Global Export Program provides the tools you need to succeed internationally.
Visit TIQ's website today to transform your business into a global enterprise. Applications close Tuesday 8 April 2025.
VIEW THE 27 FEBRUARY 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.