Gold Coast named Australia’s top regional study location; boosting more than 22,000 international enrolments

In a major coup for the city’s education and training sector, the International Educational Association of Australia (IEAA) has recently named the Gold Coast as the top regional student location in Australia.

Study Gold Coast CEO Shannon Willoughby says the peak industry body has had some big wins this year, many of which helped to further position the city’s education and training sector as one of the Gold Coast’s fundamental economic pillars.

“According to the IEAA, international education is Australia’s third largest export behind iron ore and coal, and worth an estimated $28 billion.

Study Gold Coast is dedicated to educating our community about the value of the sector and promoting its economic value in order to expand the city’s talent pool, attract more employers and grow the local economy,” she said.

“In addition, Australia is the third most popular international education destination in the world, and it’s our belief that the Gold Coast is the country’s favourite classroom.

As such we’re dedicated to promoting and uniting the industry and helping grow student numbers for the region.”

Ms Willoughby says in the past 12 months the city’s education and training sector has gone from strength-to-strength, with Study Gold Coast gaining further support from local and state government.

“The International Education and Training Unit of Trade Investment Queensland supported five Study Gold Coast initiatives in 2017, adding strength to the fact we’re already the highest funded study cluster in the country with huge support from City of Gold Coast for our 2016-2020 strategy.

This year we also launched Australia’s largest city-wide employability program.

This is aimed at showcasing career opportunities, developing stronger connections between our student community and industry, and boosting the local economy through the development of a thriving education and training sector.

We also opened the Gold Coast’s first Student Hub in August, and in a few short months more than 1600 students from 56 countries and across 30 different education and training institutions have visited.”

Located in the Gold Coast’s CBD and well-connected by public transport, the Student Hub is a free space that offers all students opportunities to connect, learn and engage through workshops, networking and social events.

“The Gold Coast is already very well regarded for delivering an outstanding student experience and support, and the hub only strengthens our ability to ensure students have the best possible experience during their time studying on the Gold Coast.

It’s an exciting time to be a student on the Gold Coast, and we believe the city’s education and training sector has a bright future because we’re committed to putting success, quality, community and outcomes first,” Ms Willoughby said.