The Gold Coast Education and Training Network (GCETN) trading as StudyGoldCoast was established following the 1995 Opportunities in Education Conference and the report, Education in Paradise, which identified education and training as contributing millions annually to the regional economy.

Today, StudyGoldCoast is the peak industry body for the education and training industry on the Gold Coast. The member-based organisation is led by a committee of industry representatives and consists of member-institutions from School, ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students), Vocational Education and Training and University industry sectors in the region. Liaising closely with the Government on local, state and federal levels, and Gold Coast Tourism the organisation's mission is to support, promote and grow the region's industry in a global environment.