30 July 2026
GOLD COAST WELCOMES THE WORLD FOR THE PIE LIVE ASIA PACIFIC
This week, the Gold Coast was once again at the center of the international education conversation, welcoming more than 375 delegates for The PIE Live Asia Pacific at HOTA, Home of the Arts.
EGC CEO John Warn welcomed delegates with opening remarks, setting the scene for two days of candid discussion, new connections and collaboration across the international education sector.
Against a backdrop of significant policy headwinds, conversations tackled some of the sector’s most pressing issues, from the future of transnational education (TNE) and the growing role of AI in international education, to changing student mobility patterns and the challenges facing Australia’s ELICOS and VET sectors in a particularly tough operating environment.
A highlight was hearing directly from Assistant Minister for International Education and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Julian Hill MP, who joined The PIE CEO Amy Baker for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of international education in Australia, including social license, diversification and sector integrity.
The broader program kicked off with The PIE High, bringing the international K-12 community together ahead of the main conference.
EGC was proud to once again support The PIE Live and welcome the global education community to our city.
A special shout-out to the team at HOTA for their wonderful hospitality and for providing such a fantastic setting for three days of conversations, connections and ideas.
Events like these showcase the strength of the Gold Coast’s education sector while reinforcing our city as a destination where global connections are made and important conversations happen.
GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY GOLD COAST OPEN DAY 2026
Join Griffith University for Open Day on Sunday 9 August, 9am – 2pm AEST, on the Gold Coast.
Explore study options through information sessions, campus tours and interactive experiences across a wide range of study areas. Meet students and academics, discover facilities and get a feel for university life.
Whether you’re starting to explore or ready to apply, Open Day is your opportunity to ask questions, compare pathways and plan your next step.
Register now and start shaping your future.
KICKSTART GRADUATE PROGRAM SESSION 6: BEHIND THE SCENES AT GOLD COAST AIRPORT
Kickstarter Session 6 gave participants an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Gold Coast Airport, hosted by Antonie Baradel and the Queensland Airports team. The group explored how one of Australia's fastest-growing airports operates, learning about its innovative design, accessibility initiatives, and vital contribution to the regional economy.
Antonie also delivered an insightful presentation on airline economics, breaking down how ticket prices are influenced by operating costs, customer behaviour, and route strategy. Participants discovered how data, technology, and travel patterns shape airline decisions and why airfare pricing is far more complex than supply and demand alone.
A big thank you to Antonie, Tanya, and the entire Gold Coast Airport team for an engaging and informative session that inspired our future leaders and showcased the importance of aviation to the Gold Coast.
WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
We invite our Education Industry Partners to share the Gold Coast Student Hub's August events calendar with your students. The monthly program is designed to support student wellbeing, encourage social connections, and help students build practical life skills while studying on the Gold Coast.
This month's activities include English Language Conversations, an Australian Tax Workshop, a Wellbeing Paint & Picnic, Games & Pizza, a Gold Coast Show Social Lunch, and a Whale Watching Cruise.
By promoting these activities, you're helping students connect with the local community, enhance their study experience, and make the most of their time on the Gold Coast.
Please share the attached What's On – August guide through your student communications and encourage registrations.
TURN YOUR STARTUP IDEA INTO MOMENTUM AT COHORT INNOVATION SPACE
Applications are now open for the Pre-Accelerator Program at Cohort Innovation Space, designed to help aspiring founders turn promising ideas into real momentum. Over eight weeks, participants will join one workshop every fortnight and learn directly from experienced founders and technology experts. Sessions will cover customer discovery and validation, building a minimum viable product, marketing, and creating a compelling pitch.
Selected participants will also receive one-on-one mentoring, personalised feedback, and practical guidance to strengthen their venture. The program concludes with a Pitch Night, where founders can present their startup to investors and industry experts, gain valuable exposure, and receive actionable feedback.
Only 10 startups will be accepted, making this a valuable opportunity for anyone ready to test an idea, refine a business model, or take an existing venture to the next stage.
Applications close at 5:00 pm on 1 August. Apply now through the Pre-Accelerator Application Form and take your next step with confidence.
VISA PATHWAYS FOR INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES
International students nearing graduation are encouraged to attend this free online webinar hosted by the Department of Home Affairs. The session will provide valuable information on visa options available after completing studies in Australia, helping graduates better understand their pathways to work and remain in the country.
Topics include the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), employer-sponsored visas, General Skilled Migration, and recent migrant worker reforms.
Tuesday, 4 August 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (AEST)
Online
Participants will receive the event access link after registering. This is an excellent opportunity for international students to hear directly from the Department of Home Affairs and plan their next steps with confidence.
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH CREATIVITY
Gold Coast secondary schools are invited to take part in Wavemakers GC, a free creative arts project that inspires young people to explore climate action, sustainability, and resilience. Open to students in Years 8–10, the program encourages schools to develop creative responses through performance, film, visual arts, digital media, and more.
Supported by Shock Therapy Arts and the City of Gold Coast, participating schools will receive creative resources, expert mentoring, and the opportunity to showcase their work at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre in 2027.
Expressions of Interest are now open and close on 18 September 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to empower students to create meaningful change through the arts.
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST WELCOMES - SBTA/SELA
For over 40 years, SBTA & SELA have been delivering quality international education in Australia, welcoming students from around the world since 1985. With established campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, and their vibrant Gold Coast campus in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they offer English language programs and industry-focused vocational qualifications designed to prepare students for global career opportunities. Proudly contributing to the Gold Coast’s multicultural community, they combine practical learning, dedicated student support, and strong industry connections to help students achieve their goals.
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST WELCOMES – KUBE COLLEGE
Kube College is a Gold Coast based education provider (RTO) located in Surfers Paradise, offering practical training for international and domestic students. The college delivers nationally recognised qualifications, short courses and professional development programs focused on leadership, business, technology and artificial intelligence. Kube College connects students, professionals and businesses through industry relevant learning, events and community engagement, helping learners build practical skills for study, work and career growth in Australia.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- New QS Insight: How do international students really perceive study destinations? Discover the latest analysis on changing student perceptions, how they can shift faster than policy, and what education providers and marketers can do to stay competitive. Read more.
VIEW THE 16 JULY 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.