30 October 2025
UNLOCK FREE ONLINE LEARNING WITH YOUR LIBRARY CARD
Did you know your Gold Coast City Council Library card gives you free access to LinkedIn Learning – one of the world’s leading online education platforms? With over 16,000 expert-led courses, you can upskill in areas like business, leadership, technology and software, as well as creative fields like photography, art, music, language and design. While many pay for LinkedIn Learning, library members get it at no cost. And that’s not all — your library card also gives you access to Mango Languages, a fun, interactive platform for learning over 70 languages!
Getting started is easy – check the attached guide for simple step-by-step instructions.
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST AT AIEC 2025 – KEY POLICY INSIGHTS
This October, Cherie Huang, Trade and Partnerships Manager, represented Experience Gold Coast at the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) in Canberra — where major policy updates and future directions for the sector were unveiled.
Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill announced that a new Ministerial Direction will replace Direction 111 in mid-November, reshaping visa processing for offshore Subclass 500 (Student) applications. During the National Strategy Townhall, Tim Watts confirmed that some students — particularly those on Southeast Asian government scholarships and Transnational Education programs — will continue receiving priority visa processing.
Further details from the Department of Education’s PRISMS session revealed three new NOSC exemptions for 2026 covering pathway students, transitioning Year 12 students, and provider closures.
The 2026 allocations also reflect higher engagement with Southeast Asia and investment in student housing — signalling a steady and well-managed growth phase for Australian international education.
GLOBAL DELEGATES EXPERIENCE EDUCATION ON THE GOLD COAST
Last week we were thrilled to welcome 21 international delegates from 11 countries — including school counsellors and education agents — who arrived to experience firsthand what education on the Gold Coast is all about. During the 2025 Education Famil, we showcased the very best of our city — from world-class universities and vocational providers to our vibrant lifestyle, innovation, and community spirit. This famil was an opportunity to demonstrate why the Gold Coast truly is Australia’s Lifestyle Capital for international students.
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION EXPO 2025
The inaugural Experience Gold Coast International Education Expo was a milestone moment — the city’s largest international education event to date. Held at HOTA last week as part of the EGC Familisation Tour 2025, the expo brought together over 120 delegates, including 21 international representatives from 11 countries, alongside local institutions, education agents, and industry professionals.
The event opened with a beautiful performance by St Hilda’s School’s Year 4–6 Vocal Ensemble. Delegates experienced the best of the Gold Coast — its world-class education, vibrant lifestyle, and creative energy.
EGC proudly showcased the city’s strengths across education, arts, and tourism, finishing with an exclusive guided tour of Ken Done: No Rules.
A heartfelt thank you to the 24 EGC industry partner exhibitors whose participation helped highlight the innovation, diversity, and spirit that make the Gold Coast the lifestyle capital of the world.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Experience Gold Coast congratulates our Education Industry Partner, Langports English Language College on being named the winner of the International Education and Training Export Award at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2025!This prestigious recognition celebrates Langports’ outstanding international success and commitment to quality education. Since its founding in 2004, Langports has delivered world-class English language programs at its Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses, welcoming students from over 70 countries and helping them thrive both academically and personally.
Langports will now represent Queensland as a national finalist in the Australian Export Awards, to be held at Parliament House in Canberra on 26 November.
SUNSET DINNER EDUCATION FAMIL 2025
Experience Gold Coast proudly hosted the 2025 Famil Tour Sunset Welcome Dinner at the iconic SkyPoint Observation Deck in Surfers Paradise, officially welcoming our international delegates from countries including Brazil, China, Japan, Panama, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the USA, South Korea, Taiwan, and the UAE.
The evening brought together a diverse audience of industry partners, Mayor’s Student Ambassadors, key stakeholders, and representatives from Austrade, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), and Study Queensland — all united in celebrating the strength of international education on the Gold Coast.
Against a stunning sunset backdrop, guests enjoyed meaningful conversations, global connections, and inspiring insights into student life and opportunity on the Coast.
STUDY AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES 2025 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SENTIMENT SURVEY
Study Australia has launched its annual International Student Sentiment Survey. The national research project captures the voices of international students aged 16+ to provide insights into international students’ wellbeing, satisfaction, needs, and access to support.
The survey will be open for 6 weeks until 21 November. Eligible entrants will go in the draw to win one of 10 AU$100 gift cards. T&Cs apply and can be found at the end of the survey. Entrance into the draw is optional.
GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB EVENTS: WHATS ON
STUDY QUEENLAND VISITS OUR GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
The Gold Coast Student Hub recently welcomed Ben Bawden from Study Queensland for a visit to see our newly renovated space and hear about the innovative events and workshops we’ve been delivering to support our student community.
Ben praised the Hub’s ongoing efforts in creating a welcoming environment and providing meaningful opportunities for students to connect, learn, and thrive.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with Study Queensland as we strengthen the Gold Coast’s position as a premier destination for international education and student experience.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that computer-assisted processing has been used in Australia’s visa system, including student visas, for over 20 years — automation supports efficiency, but all visa refusals are still made by human officers. READ MORE
- The Australian Government has reintroduced its education reform legislation aimed at strengthening integrity in the international education sector. The bill removes proposed student caps but introduces new powers to ban commission payments to education agents for onshore student transfers, reinforcing transparency and fairness across the system. READ MORE
VIEW THE 16 OCT 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.