7 May 2026
THE PIE LIVE IS BACK ON THE GOLD COAST
The PIE Live leads and challenges the conversations you won’t find anywhere else - bringing together a global community shaping the future of international education.
This year’s event will welcome 375+ delegates from 19 countries, featuring 60+ expert speakers and 30+ innovative sponsors and exhibitors sharing insights, trends, and practical strategies across the sector.
From higher education institutions and English language providers to VET, agents, government representatives, and policy makers — this is where the international education ecosystem connects.
Backed by The PIE’s global news, analysis, and intelligence, the event delivers curated content designed for professionals at every stage of their career — helping you stay informed, competitive, and future-focused.
Why attend?
- Hear from global thought leaders and APAC experts
- Explore key challenges and shared solutions shaping the sector
- Connect with international partners and colleagues
- Gain direct insights from student voices
- Expand your global network
Experience Gold Coast members: please contact Gus Cominese for discounted tickets. (gus.cominese@experiencegoldcoast.com)
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST – NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK AT STUDENT HUB
Every student reaches a moment where they stop and ask: “What’s next?”
From 11–15 May at the Gold Coast Student Hub, Careers Week is designed as a journey to help students move from uncertainty to clarity, and from ideas to action.
This is where students begin to understand their visa and career pathways and where they can find the confidence to explore new directions.
Where they connect with industry, opportunities, and real-world insights. And where many take their first meaningful step into the workforce. For our partners, this is an opportunity to go beyond the classroom.
By promoting Careers Week, you’re not just sharing an initiative - you’re opening doors. When students hear about these opportunities through you, they engage more, show up with purpose and take action.
Together, we can build confidence, connections, and real pathways for students across the Gold Coast.
GOLD COAST CAREERS FESTIVAL 2026
What if you could explore your future — all in one place?
On Wednesday 20 May (9am–7pm) and Thursday 21 May (9am–4pm), the Gold Coast Careers Festival brings together students, graduates, and career changers ready to take their next step.
As the region’s largest careers event, it connects you with leading educators like Griffith University, Bond University, Southern Cross University and TAFE Queensland, alongside employers and industry experts.
Discover diverse careers, get real advice, and try hands-on experiences that build confidence.
Stay for the Sunset Speaker Series on Wednesday and hear from industry voices, gain practical insights, and connect after hours.
CAREERS OUTREACH PROGRAM UPDATE
The Careers Outreach Program has operated in its current format for almost 8 years and is now undergoing a refresh. From 1 July 2026, delivery will transition from a face-to-face model to an online approach to expand reach and impact. The updated model includes classroom-ready resources, “Career Pulse” webinars, and enhanced engagement through the Careers Alliance and National Careers Week. Complementary in-person workshops at the Student Hub have also been introduced, beginning with resume skills and continuing on a monthly basis. EGC sincerely appreciates the support of all our Education Partners and remain committed to delivering strong outcomes for you. If you have questions about the updated Careers Outreach model or how your organisation can best engage with the new offerings, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Industry Partnerships team.
UNLOCK A GLOBAL EXPERIENCE IN WUHAN THIS JULY
Gold Coast university students are being offered a unique opportunity to take their studies beyond the classroom and into the heart of China.
In partnership with the Gold Coast's Sister City, Wuhan, the City of Gold Coast is proud to support student participation in the 2026 Wuhan International Sister Cities Summer University, running from 4–31 July 2026.
This immersive program brings together students from across the globe for a month of Chinese language learning, cultural exchange and on-the-ground experiences in one of China’s most dynamic cities. It’s an opportunity to build global connections, deepen cultural understanding and gain valuable international perspective.
Participants will benefit from a fully supported experience, with accommodation, meals and local transport provided by the host city, allowing students to focus entirely on learning and exploration.
We encourage you to share this opportunity with students in your networks who may be interested in language, international studies or cultural exchange.
Applications close Friday 15 May 2026, so early submission of Expressions of Interest is strongly recommended.
This is a standout opportunity for a Gold Coast student to represent our city internationally while gaining an unforgettable educational experience.
BIG WEEK IN BEIJING FOR EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST - EDUCATION
Our Executive Director, Education, Matt Boyd, and Trade and Partnerships Manager, Cherie Huang, represented the region at the China International Education Exhibition Tour, one of China’s leading education events.
In Beijing, EGC hosted a sold-out networking event connecting partners across education and tourism, while also attending the Griffith University alumni event.
With strong institutional visits and new connections formed, the Gold Coast continues to build momentum as a leading global study destination.
EGC would also like to congratulate Trade and Investment Queensland for leading the largest delegation and receiving an Honorary Award.
STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS IN VIETNAM: A GROWING EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Experience Gold Coast was proud to participate in the Study Queensland Education Showcase across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City last month, strengthening connections with one of our fastest-growing international education markets.
Vietnam continues to emerge as a key partner for Queensland, with strong growth in student enrolments and increasing alignment across education, skills, and workforce priorities.
Experience Gold Coast’s Executive Director of Education, Matt Boyd, moderated a cross-sector panel, bringing together diverse perspectives and reinforcing the value of practical, outcomes-focused collaboration.
The Gold Coast’s offering - combining high-quality education with strong industry connections and abundant lifestyle opportunities - continues to resonate strongly with students and partners alike.
We thank Phuong Hoang and Trade and Investment Queensland for delivering impactful events that continue to strengthen these important relationships.
EVOLVING STUDENT SUPPORT AT THE HUB
Previously, student support at the Gold Coast Student Hub was available five days a fortnight, which often meant students needed to wait longer than expected to access support with things like accommodation, employment, or settling into life on the Gold Coast.
We recognised the need for a more consistent and accessible service. As a result, student support is now available three days every week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. This change means fewer barriers, shorter wait times, and more regular opportunities for students to connect with support when they need it.
Book your free 45-minute appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable Student Support Officer Huda today.
WE'RE BRINGING THE INDIE PROJECT TO THE HUB!
The Gold Coast Student Hub is excited to offer the Indie Project, an engaging, music-based wellbeing program designed to help students build confidence, connect with peers, and express themselves creatively.
We’re currently inviting expressions of interest for an 8-week program running across June–July, tailored for students who identify as neurodivergent, living with a chronic illness, or experiencing mental health challenges (no formal diagnosis required).
Students can register their interest by completing the EOI form, with expressions of interest open until 15 May or until the program reaches capacity.
With limited places available and the potential to expand based on demand, we’d love your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and networks.
FRUIT, FRIENDS AND FRESH AIR - THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB VISITS TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD
The Gold Coast Student Hub recently took 23 students on a vibrant day out to Tropical Fruit World, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of the region’s most distinctive local attractions.
Students took part in the farm tour, where they explored the working plantation and discovered a wide variety of exotic tropical fruits, learned how they are grown and harvested, and got an up-close look at sustainable farming practices in action.
The experience also included tastings along the way, giving students the chance to try fruits they may have never encountered before. After the tour, the group came together for a relaxed lunch at the farm-to-table café, enjoying fresh, locally sourced food in a scenic outdoor setting surrounded by orchards. With return bus transfers included, the excursion made this beautiful Gold Coast–neighbouring destination accessible and stress-free, giving students the chance to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy a memorable shared experience outside the classroom.
Students can see all over our excursions and amazing events by viewing our What's On calendar on our website.
BUILDING GLOBAL SKILLS THROUGH LOCAL COLLABORATION AT THE STUDENT HUB
Experience Gold Coast’s Education stream was proud to support Griffith University in delivering the Australia Awards Regional Short Course on Transforming TVET Policy for Inclusive and Future-Ready Skills Systems.
As part of the program, 25 participants from across South Asia and Mongolia visited the Study Gold Coast Student Hub, where they engaged in a practical workshop on teaching employability skills and explored resources they can adapt within their own contexts.
This collaboration highlights the strength of local partnerships in supporting global capability building through the Australia Awards initiative.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- AIECA has launched as a new national body bringing together education consultants to raise standards, improve accountability, and strengthen their role in international education. The initiative comes at a time of increased government scrutiny, with a strong focus on ethical practices, professional development, and clearer regulation. Assistant Minister Julian Hill emphasised the importance of consultants in guiding students, while also highlighting the need to address integrity issues, including stricter visa assessments and deeper financial checks. As the sector shifts toward quality over volume, AIECA aims to position consultants as more professional, transparent, and actively involved in shaping the future of international education in Australia. Read more here.