The coastal city Gold Coast is nested in Queensland states of Australia, approximately 41 miles to the south east of the capital city Brisbane.
The Gold Coast is Brisbane's second largest city, spanning over 57 square kilometers of coastline, with its unique natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and multicultural community; highly desired by international students as an attractive study abroad destination.
Gold Coast has an estimated population of 560,000 residents.
Living in Gold Coast as a student
Gold Coast, located just an hour drive from the capital city Brisbane.
Gold Coast has two international airports, the city is positioned close to the Asia-Pacific border, and is an ideal destination for higher studies, research and employment opportunities.
The city is an attractive study-abroad destination for students because of its diverse array of entertainment and recreation activities.
Climate
The Gold Coast is famous for its year-round sunshine and warm weather. However, tropical cyclones are observed during the months of January - March with February as its wettest month
During summer the average temperature is a pleasant 21 - 28.4°C.
In autumn, days are sunny but are followed by cooler nights with average temperatures between 18 - 25.7°C
Winter in the Gold Coast is usually sunny and dry with average temperatures between 12.5 - 21.5°C.
In spring, sunny days are followed by mild tropical evenings and average temperatures range from 16.9 - 25.4°C.
Culture
The global city of Brisbane portrays a true Australian lifestyle with relaxed beach lifestyle, with its warm sandy beaches, waterways, national parks and mountain ranges.
The city is known for their sports, music, art, entertainment, nightlife and diverse range of local and international festivals. It is often referred to as the “Surfing Mecca”.
Gold Coast is also known for its eclectic range of cuisine from all corners of the globe, the fantastic shopping and the range of entertainment options.
Education
The city has two globally ranked universities i.e. Griffith University and Bond University, it is Australia's first and largest private University, both of the universities deliver world-class education and excellent research and development infrastructure.
The city is also home to TAFE Queensland, which has five campuses located throughout the city and is ranked as the “Best, largest training provider of vocational education and training”.
Popular courses followed by International students in Gold Coast include arts, business, education, engineering, environment, health, hospitality, IT, Law, Tourism, Music, Science, Hotel Management and the creative arts.
Gold Coast was ranked 1st in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, under “Best Student Cities by the beach” in 2016.
Students choose to study in Gold Coast due to the city's inexpensive tuition fees compared to other Australian cities.
Gold Coast was voted as the most popular coastal student city in the world and has a reputation for research-based excellence in 2017.
Rated on factors like political stability, safety, environment, social and economic stability, Gold Coast is on par with Brisbane as one of the most attractive places to live, work and study.
The city's education and training sector contributes over $1.7 billion to the local economy.
Internship
There are ample of internship options available for students studying in Gold Coast. The internships give students an opportunity for hands-on experience in their relevant field and can really boost their employability.
The duration of internship ranges from 20 days - 12 weeks and many more.
Popular commercial Sectors
The cultural landscape of the Gold Coast continues to progress and plays an important role in driving the city's economic growth.
Major commercial sectors in Gold Coast are Agriculture, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction and Wholesale & retail Trade.
Work opportunities
According to the recent update Australian government, after completion of course post study work permits have been increased by one year in Gold Coast for international students pursuing Bachelor's and Master's Degree.
The city's students' hub offers free employment and career advice for students and individuals seeking employment.
International students in Gold Coast pursuing a course for more than 3 months are allowed to work for up to 40 hours per week, while studying.
Common employers of part-time casual work include the hospitality industry, for positions like chefs, cooks, catering assistants, kitchen hands, or waiters, Jobs in retail outlets, Food service centers, call centers, dog-walking, baby-sitting and more.
Major Attraction
Gold Coast is itself a famous tourist destination, known for its year-round sunshine, famous surfing spots, spectacular beaches, numerous theme parks and world-heritage rainforests
