9 April 2026
WELCOMING THE 2026 MAYOR’S STUDENT AMBASSADOR COHORT
EGC had the pleasure of welcoming the 2026 cohort of the Mayor’s Student Ambassador Program at a Civic Ceremony in the City of Gold Coast Council Chambers, where students were officially appointed by Gold Coast Mayor and witnessed by an audience of several valued partners and city leaders.
This year’s program saw a record number of applicants - a 30% increase on last year - highlighting the growing passion students have for the program and for the Gold Coast as a global study destination.
The 2026 cohort brings together 20 outstanding students from 14 countries, including Canada, Brazil, Zimbabwe and South Korea. Hand-selected for their leadership and passion for the city, these ambassadors will represent the Gold Coast student experience - sharing their stories with global communities while gaining unique, behind-the-scenes opportunities across the city.
The Gold Coast’s international education sector continues to go from strength to strength, with around 34,000 international students from more than 130 countries choosing to study here - contributing over $1 billion annually to the local economy and supporting around 6,000 jobs.
Programs like the Mayor’s Student Ambassador Program play an important role in strengthening the Gold Coast’s reputation as a globally connected study destination and truly world-class place to live, learn and work.
DISCOVERING PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY AT KICKSTART SESSION 2
At the second session of the Kickstart Graduate Program, held at the Council Chambers in the HOTA Precinct, participants gathered to explore what it truly means to be great at what you do. Led by our Careers and Employability team and Peter McGuinness from Invest Gold Coast, the session focused on discovering professional identity and building confidence in one’s unique strengths. Through engaging discussions and practical insights, graduates reflected on their values, skills, and career aspirations.
INSIDE THE CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE INSTITUTE
The Currumbin Wildlife Institute is set to become a transformative force in Australian conservation, expanding the impact of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and strengthening its research and training capabilities. This new facility will play a critical role in helping protect native species from extinction, ensuring that vital knowledge and innovation continue to grow.
Designed as both a working institute and an immersive experience, the space will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing visitors at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to witness veterinarians and researchers in action. This unique connection between science and the public creates a powerful Queensland experience—where education, conservation, and community come together.
At the heart of the Institute’s mission is the preservation of iconic species, including the endangered Koala. Through advanced research, hands-on training, and collaboration, the Institute aims to drive meaningful outcomes for wildlife across Australia.
More than just a facility, it represents a future where people, science, and nature work side by side to protect what matters most.
UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRENDS ON THE GOLD COAST
In 2025, the Gold Coast’s international education sector recorded 16,416 student commencements, a 26% decline compared to 2024, while total enrolments decreased by 10% to 33,636 students. These results reflect a changing operating environment shaped by policy settings, market conditions, and sector-specific trends.
The largest declines were recorded in ELICOS and VET with commencements falling by 37% and 30% respectively. These outcomes are consistent with tighter visa regulations and a broader national focus on managing migration pathways. Given the Gold Coast’s strong concentration in VET, the local impact has been more pronounced than in some other regions.
Higher Education was comparatively stable, with enrolments increasing by 7% to 10,007 students. Schools remained stable overall, while Non-Award programs recorded moderate declines.
These results highlight an important reality: while enrolments may appear stable in some areas, future performance depends heavily on rebuilding commencements. Without this pipeline, even strong sectors may face declines ahead.
As the Gold Coast adapts, the focus now turns to strategic attraction, diversification of markets, and strengthening partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive global environment.
KOKO MATRIX LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – GOLD COAST INNOVATION HUB
The KOKO Matrix 10-Week Leadership Program at the Gold Coast Innovation Hub is a practical, hands-on experience designed for business owners and leaders ready to strengthen performance, improve team alignment, and drive sustainable growth.
Delivered in-person every Thursday morning and led by Kate Osborne, the program focuses on implementing the 8 Core Principles of collaborative leadership across key business areas including finance, marketing, sales, operations, and culture. Participants will develop real systems, refine their strategy, and complete a full strategic plan to guide their next phase of growth.
The program is priced at $1,997 (inc GST), with flexible instalments available ($800, $700, $700), making it accessible while delivering immediate value to your organisation.
With limited places available and applications closing on 16 April 2026, we encourage interested partners to register early.
Register your interest today and invest in stronger leadership, clearer direction, and better business outcomes.
ADVANCING AGENT QUALITY IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
In 2025, the International Education Association of Australia partnered with Edified to deliver a landmark study on the role and regulation of education agents. Recognising agents as a critical link in attracting quality international students, the research highlights the need for stronger quality assurance in an increasingly competitive global market.
While Australia has strong student protection frameworks, gaps remain in the oversight of commercial agents. To address this, three progressive models were proposed. Model 1, “Signal,” introduces a national register and code of ethics. Model 2, “Standardise,” adds mandatory training and shared responsibilities. Model 3, “Strengthen,” delivers enhanced oversight, compliance monitoring, and transparency.
Together, these models aim to strengthen trust, improve standards, and future-proof Australia’s international education system.
OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT TO STUDY QUEENSLAND’S GLOBAL TEAM
Study Queensland invites education partners to present to its global network of Business Development Managers (BDMs) a valuable opportunity to showcase your latest updates and strengthen how your institution is represented across international markets.
These sessions are designed to enhance collaboration and equip BDMs with the insights needed to promote Queensland’s world-class education offering.
To express your interest, email studyqueensland@tiq.qld.gov.au with your organisation details and a short overview of your presentation.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- Continuity and Change: The Year Ahead for International Education in Australia — In a recent commentary for The PIE, Julian Hill highlights the need for Australia’s international education sector to balance stability with reform. As global competition intensifies and policy settings evolve, maintaining trust and consistency will be critical, while also adapting to new challenges. This approach aims to protect the integrity and quality of the system and ensure long-term sustainability, with the sector’s ability to navigate both continuity and change ultimately shaping its success as a leading global study destination.